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The nutrient-rich waters of the Inside Passage near Ketchikan offer some of the best whale and wildlife habitat in all of Alaska. Our custom-designed, luxuriously-comfortable catamarans provide the perfect stable platform for viewing, photography and learning about the area’s wildlife. The high cruising speed and exceptional maneuverability of our vessels ensure you'll spend more time at the best sights. If you have a limited amount of time in Ketchikan, but you still want to see it all! ... we have designed a variety of combination tours that allow you to experience other premier attractions, such as the mighty Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska-Style Salmon Bake, before or after your wildlife cruise.
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This eco-exploration includes a guided nature hike, bald eagles, Alaskan reindeer, a Native totem carver and a historic sawmill at an exclusive reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove. This pristine natural environment is home to bald eagles, black bear, seals and a variety of birds and other species attracted by the major salmon runs in the abundant marine estuary. A naturalist will guide you along an improved trail through the heart of the dense forest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce and Alaska cedar, stopping at strategically located viewing areas. At a protected, open estuary, you'll follow Eagle Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands. Major runs of salmon return to spawn here. Watch and listen to the symphony of bird activity in this spectacular setting. Seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity. At the conclusion of the half-mile trail walk you will have an opportunity to feed reindeer, visit the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, see bald eagles up-close at the Bald Eagle Center and observe a master Native totem pole carver at work. Snacks and beverages are provided and shopping opportunities await in the general store.
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Your paddle in the Tongass National Forest begins with a ride to Clover Pass at the north end of Ketchikan. You will be introduced to your tandem kayak and receive a safety briefing from your guide. Gain confidence as you paddle out to Eagle Islands. The protected waters provide the opportunity to experience the tranquil, luch, green setting of the Tongass National Forest. You will learn about the natural and cultural history of the area while keeping a keen eye out for bald eagles and their nests, seals, jumping salmon and when the tide conditions are right, sea stars.
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Begin your Duck adventure with a "splash" as this unique, amphibian vehicle will take you through the rustic streets and actually into the scenic harbor for a fun-filled adventure showcasing all the best that Ketchikan has to offer. See picturesque Whale Park, the salmon ladder, then stop at Creek Street to learn of Ketchikan's colorful past and salty beginnings. Next, drive into Ketchikan's bustling harbor for up-close views of local canneries, seaplane docks and Ketchikan's waterfront community aboard a Coast Guard-certified and inspected amphibian that doubles as both a boat and a bus.
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Begin your journey with a scenic drive along the Tongass Narrows to Totem Bight State Park, home to one of the world's largest stand of totems. Stroll the Totem Bight trail under a canopy of majestic hemlock and cedar trees. At the end of the trail, you will find a large collection of totem poles. Through lively stories you will learn about the culture and lifestyle practiced by the Northwest Coastal Natives and have a chance to enter an authentic Native clan house. After a brief stop at the quaint Alaska Totem Trading Store, an entertaining city tour shows you the industries that made Ketchikan the "Salmon Capital of the World." Returning to the pier, catch a glimpse of Ketchikan's colorful past as you drive past the Creek Street historic red-light district.
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Board an authentic Alaska seaplane and take off from Ketchikan's bustling waterfront on a scenic flight over the Tongass National Forest. You are en route to the nation's second-largest wilderness area, encompassing more than two million acres and, to fully appreciate the vastness of the Misty Fjords National Monument, you must see it from the air. Since its first identification by Captain George Vancouver in 1793, Misty Fjords has been called a scenic wonder not to be missed. You will see majestic fjords, waterfalls and lakes, and perhaps wildlife such as bears, mountain goats, deer, wolves and eagles. Individual headsets allow you to enjoy the lively narrative and inspirational music as you take in the dramatic beauty of a land slowly crafted by the hands of nature. See sheer granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, crystalline lakes and low-hanging mists on your flight from Tongass Narrows over Revillagigedo Island to Misty Fjords. At the entrance of spectacular Rudyerd Bay, your introduction to the monument, watch for New Eddystone Rock--a striking remnant of early geological activity. Enjoy a brief lake landing in Misty Fjords, giving you the opportunity to experience the silence, serenity, and monumental beauty that surrounds you. Each guest is guaranteed a window seat.
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Immerse yourself in Southeast Alaska's breathtaking underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point. You'll be toasty warm in a state-of-the-art 1/4-inch (7mm) wetsuit complete with hood, boots and gloves as you hover among Alaska's diverse and colorful marine life. Thanks to the Japanese Kiroshio current, long summer days and the lack of glaciers in this area, water temperatures reach a surprising 65 degrees in summer! Mountain Point is Southeast Alaska's premier snorkeling destination. The site has shallow tide pools teeming with marine life and steep underwater rock walls for free-diving, all just five miles from your ship. Change into your wetsuit in the comfort of heated dressing rooms. There is secure storage for your belongings and all equipment is provided for this truly unique adventure. Your guides are PADI professionals with Rescue Diver, Divemaster or SCUBA Instructor certifications. High quality equipment is used, complete with prescription masks, Scubapro Twin Jet fins and optional weightbelts for free-diving. Complete instruction, in-water supervision and entertaining in-water narrative make this award-winning excursion suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. During your one-hour guided marine life tour you will observe and handle a variety of multi-colored sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers and the giant sunflower star. Discover the myriad of fish and colorful invertebrates that inhabit these waters while snorkeling over the kelp forest. Back at the shop, enjoy a hot beverage before returning to your ship.
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Your adventure begins with a ride to the north end of Ketchikan. At the Outdoor Adventure Center, you will gear up for a quick and exhilarating motorized inflatable boat ride to the Tatoosh Islands. Upon arrival at this isolated and protected area, your guide will present an informative kayak demonstration and safety talk before launching from the beach in your double sea kayak. Keep an eye out for inter-tidal life, bald eagles, minks, river otters, seals and sea lions in the serene island environment of the Tongass National Forest.
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Enjoy a 25- to 30-minute guided bus tour along the Tongass Narrows on your way to the marina. Board a modern fishing boat, and head to the nearby salmon fishing grounds. Eagles, whales, seals, sea lions or other wildlife may be on the agenda as well! With only 4-6 guests per boat, you're off for a fine adventure fishing in the sheltered waters of Clover Passage. Rain gear is supplied, but not footwear. Wear deck- or rubber-soled shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing.
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This truly Alaskan experience features the pulling of Dungeness crab pots by boat from a wilderness estuary. It is topped off with a crab feast in a historic cannery building now converted to an elegant ocean-side lodge. Leave downtown Ketchikan and embark on a fully narrated drive that follows the scenic coastline past a cannery, an old sawmill, totem poles and waterfalls. Arrive at George Inlet Lodge and board a 36-foot enclosed catamaran. On your journey up the fjord, you will pass the old George Inlet Cannery and learn about the fish traps and "pirates" that plagued the area years ago. View a short-seam silver mine and the Mahoney Glacial Cirque, with snow capped mountains and 2,000-foot waterfalls. Below the cirque, the Mahoney River Valley is home to bears, eagles, and salmon that return to spawn annually. Orca whales, sea lions, and seals frequently visit the area in search of the abundant food supply. Cross the fjord to a remote crab estuary and witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rain forest in the world. This isolated cove is home to hundreds of Dungeness crab. Volunteers will assist in pulling up crab pots and gain knowledge from a hands-on opportunity to see the crab up close and learn about their anatomy and life cycle before the crab are set free. Important measurements and statistics are recorded for Fish & Game. Once the pots are reset, it's back to the warm and inviting George Inlet Lodge, where a delicious Dungeness crab meal awaits you. Relax amid the rustic charm and the Alaskan hospitality of the George Inlet Lodge while you learn about its origins as a working cannery. After a quick lesson in the art of crab cracking, you will enjoy the succulent delicacy of this Alaskan favorite. Your banquet will include a beverage, oriental salad, steamed baby red potatoes, one full Dungeness crab, and a slice of cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries.
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Join a trail guide for a hike through a natural, unspoiled old-growth coastal forest by way of a secluded beach. After hiking this gently sloped, historic trail, a light snack is provided as you take time to explore the natural beauty around you. A motorized inflatable boat provides an exhilarating cruise along the coast. Bring your camera and binoculars!
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Pricing & Information Request
Hot Deal: Up to $100 Onboard Credit on select sailings!*
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Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.
