Experience up-close views of the stunning Dawes Glacier while exploring Endicott Arm in comfort aboard a high-speed expedition vessel. The adventure begins as soon as your board our custom-built expedition vessel directly from your cruise ship. The vessel will travers the rugged glacier carved arm studded with towering cliffs and waterfalls while learning about the Fords Terror Wilderness and its unique ecosystem. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced captain guides you past shimmering icebergs. The singular maneuverability of this vessel will allow you to get as close as possible to the ever-changing face of the Dawes Glacier. From the topside observation decks, you will be able to enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. While exploring the length of this ice-carved fjord you will cruise beneath cliffs that rise high above the jade-colored waters. There will be stops along the way to view and photograph wildlife when present. Species you might see include, harbor seals, bald eagles, mountain goats and the occasional bear.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau, highlighting the city’s landmarks and rich cultural past as you head towards the Mendenhall Valley. Your first stop is the historic Brotherhood Bridge, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley and, weather permitting, the Mendenhall Glacier off in the distance. This bridge holds significant cultural and historical importance, symbolizing the bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native communities and overcoming racial tensions. Adorned with ten bronze medallions featuring the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) crest, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. in honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary, the bridge depicts the two great Tlingit moieties—Eagle and Raven—emphasizing the ANB’s foundational role in their shared heritage. Afterward your drive takes you to Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. There you will learn the value of ocean ranching to Juneau's commercial and sport fishing industries and the hatchery's role in keeping the area salmon population at sustainable levels.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau, highlighting the city’s landmarks and rich cultural past as you head towards the Mendenhall Valley. Your first stop is the historic Brotherhood Bridge, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley and, weather permitting, the Mendenhall Glacier off in the distance. This bridge holds significant cultural and historical importance, symbolizing the bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native communities and overcoming racial tensions. Adorned with ten bronze medallions featuring the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) crest, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. in honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary, the bridge depicts the two great Tlingit moieties—Eagle and Raven—emphasizing the ANB’s foundational role in their shared heritage. Next you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate. From the Gardens, it's a short drive back to your ship along Juneau's waterfront.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This tour combines the splendor of visiting Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area with a comfortable trip into the rainforest at Glacier Gardens. Your journey begins with a visit to Alaska's most accessible glacier, the Mendenhall. There you will be able to view the glacier and explore the outlying trails and viewpoints during your 75-minute stay. Next, you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways, and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate. Finally, you'll visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and learn about the facility's positive impact on Alaska's prized fishing industry through the implementation of ocean ranching.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.
• Enjoy alpine view of surrounding mountains from the platform at magnificent Glacier Gardens.
• Visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable adventure into Alaska’s stunning wilderness with a family-owned, Tlingit operated company. For over 50 years, we’ve proudly shared Southeast Alaska with guests from around the world. Cruise into the pristine waters off Juneau, an ideal area to spot humpback whales voraciously feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south. After settling into a spacious catamaran that has been specially designed with large windows for wildlife viewing, you will cruise into the island-studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will describe the habits of the wildlife you may encounter, including humpback whales, the main attraction in these waters. Chances are, you will see these majestic creatures breaching the water’s surface and waving their flukes up and down as they dive for food. You may even spot the whales bubble-net feeding, a curious technique in which they force small fish upwards by blowing bubbles beneath them, which makes for easy feeding. Other frequently seen wildlife includes orcas, Stellar sea lions, Dall’s porpoise and bald eagles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch humpback whales gorging on food at the water’s surface.
• Look for other marine creatures including orcas and harbor seals.
• Scan the shoreline for bears and Sitka blacktail deer.
• Listen to an onboard naturalist describe the animals’ behaviors.
• Explore with the locals. For over 50 years this tour operator has proudly shared Southeast Alaska with guests from all over.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles.

OVERVIEW

Sample a remarkable variety of seafood at iconic downtown destinations and learn about the sustainable practices that protect Alaska’s fishing grounds. Fittingly, you will begin at a memorial dedicated to the commercial fishermen and women who lost their lives at sea. A short walk will bring you to Taku Smokeries for a tasting of smoked king salmon, the largest of the Pacific salmon. More succulent seafood awaits you at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, where you will enjoy king crab bisque and a crab cake. At nearby Taste Alaska! you will snack on smoked salmon dip, smoked salmon caviar and kelp salsa with chips. There is simply no end to the ways that the local seafood can be prepared as you will discover at Deckhand Dave’s, where you will be served tacos made with rockfish, a mild slightly sweet-tasting species. You will also sample halibut ceviche and a blueberry mojito at the Crystal Saloon.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a generous sampling of Alaskan seafood at places that the locals love.
• Sample smoked salmon by itself, in a dip and even as caviar.
• Taste a king crab cake and a bisque made with king crab.
• Dine on other innovative seafood dishes, including halibut ceviche and rockfish tacos.
• Hear about Alaska’s strict sustainable fishing practices while walking between restaurants.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise to the Channel Islands State Marine Park and then ease into a tandem kayak to observe the abundant wildlife, whose star attractions are humpback whales. To reach the uninhabited islands within the marine park, you will cruise through Lynn Canal in a small boat that will offer panoramic views of the snow-capped Coastal and Chugach Mountain Ranges. Although the natural beauty will be undeniably breathtaking, few sights can compare to watching massive humpback whales feeding on krill and small fish to fatten up for their migration south. Observing the spectacle in an open kayak from a close but safe distance will make the experience even more special. These waters are among the richest feeding grounds in Alaska, so the chance of spotting whales, orcas, porpoises and Stellar sea lions is excellent. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles overhead and Sitka black-tail deer along the shore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the incredibly scenic Lynn Canal to the Channel Islands State Marine Park.
• Paddle a tandem kayak around the uninhabited islands within the marine park.
• Look for humpback whales, porpoises, Stellar sea lions and harbor seals.
• Scan the sky for majestic bald eagles and other avian species.
• Hear fascinating facts about the wildlife and the history of the area

HELPFUL HINTS

• Guests will be entering the temperate rainforest and ocean environment, dress accordingly Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the scenic waters of the Inside Passage to Sentinel Island, whose iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1902. Although you may spot harbor seals and Stellar sea lions along the shore and bald eagles soaring overhead, the star attractions are the humpback whales that spend their summers in the nutrient rich waters. You may witness these incredible creatures breach and splash their flukes as they dive and feed to prepare for their winter migration. Few sights are quite so mesmerizing as adult humpbacks that can grow to be 60 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons. Upon reaching Sentinel Island, you will follow the boardwalk to the unusual Art Deco-style lighthouse. Immerse yourself in its history, with the option to ascend the tower or explore the first floor and peruse the captivating black-and-white photos of the beacon and the “wickies” – an affectionate term for the lighthouse keepers – that once operated it.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the waters north of Juneau in search of humpback whales.
• Keep an eye out for other marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions and bald eagles.
• Explore Sentinel Island and the lighthouse that was built there more than a century ago.
• Stop at Brotherhood Bridge for a spectacular photo-opportunity of *Mendenhall Glacier in the distance.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a magical evening cruise with a family-owned, Tlingit-operated tour company, proudly sharing the wonders of the region for over 50 years.! Following a short ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board an Alaskan-built expedition vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin as you set out to explore Stephen’s Passage, a pristine marine wilderness surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Once whales have been sighted, your Captain will maneuver the vessel to provide you with exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities. Be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. Your onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. While enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Alaska’s long evening glow you’ll be treated to a variety of appetizers, desserts, and complimentary beverages. A no-host bar offers wine, beer, and soda for an additional charge.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the wonders of Mendenhall Glacier at its visitor center and cruise a purpose-built vessel through waters where humpback whales and other marine creatures are commonly spotted. The glacier is the only one in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, just one of the facts you will learn while browsing the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The glacier is 13 miles long and is part of the massive Juneau Icefield, a remnant of the last ice age. Time permitting, you can stroll the glacier-view path at the center or watch salmon in a nearby stream before driving on to Auke Bay. Here, you will embark a catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Humpback whales are the star attractions in these waters, but you may also spot orcas, sea lions and bald eagles. To enhance the experience, the vessel is outfitted with a hydrophone that may allow you to hear the sounds of the whales below. Throughout the cruise, your onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Mendenhall Glacier from its enlightening visitor center.
• Cruise a catamaran through waters where humpback whales are commonly seen.
• Watch for other marine animals and bald eagles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. Bring a rainproof jacket.

OVERVIEW

Paddle across the placid waters of Mendenhall Lake to Mendenhall Glacier, an ever-changing river of ice that is surprisingly close to Juneau. You will paddle across the water’s surface in a 12-person canoe that will present some of the most extraordinary scenery in Alaska as the Tongass National Forest surrounds the glacially fed lake. You can expect to pass an Arctic tern nesting ground and Nugget Falls, a roaring cascade that plunges nearly 400 feet before tumbling into Mendenhall Lake. Once you round a rocky peninsula, the glacier’s sheer face will come into view, a stunning sight especially if a large block of ice calves off with a thundering crack. The guides will describe some of its features, which include deep crevasses, vertical shafts known as moulins and seracs, which are towering columns of ice.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle past icebergs, waterfalls and arctic tern nesting cliffs.
• Step out of the canoe and hike over the rock terrain carved out by the glacier.
• Get an up close and intimate perspective of the glacier from the edge, all while learning about the recession of the glacier and the wilderness that surrounds it.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure by flying over the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane, paddling across a pristine lake and hiking over the surface of Norris Glacier. The flight will take you over a densely forested mountainous terrain towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to the enormous Juneau Icefield. The sights will be spectacularly scenic, as will be the landing in a glacially fed lake. You will then ease into a one-person packraft, a kayak-like inflatable vessel that is easy to navigate. The guide will demonstrate the best paddling techniques so you can confidently maneuver past the icebergs that you will encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sealions and other wildlife. Upon reaching the glacier, you will don micro-spikes to improve your footing for the hike across the icy landscape. This trifecta of flying, paddling and hiking is an experience you won’t soon forget.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the rugged Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane made for adventure.
• Land in a glacially fed lake and paddle across it in a kayak-like packcraft.
• Hike across the icy terrain of Norris Glacier, a part of the massive Juneau Icefield.
• Marvel at the majestic scenery and look for wildlife such as bald eagles and sealions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.