This tour will take you to star-shaped Fort Goryokaku , a Western style citadel built in the last years of the Edo period for the defense of Hakodate against the imperialist threat posed by Western power. First, you will visit Goryokaku Tower which is 351 feet high to see the star shape of the fort from the observatory.  You will  then have some time to stroll inside the fort. Next stop will be at Bay Area consisting of many historical red-brick warehouses. You will have some free time to enjoy shopping or relaxing at the café, or strolling along the bay. Then you will be transferred to Mount Hakodate to enjoy the ropeway ride (5 minutes) to the observatory located on the top of Mount Hakodate.  Mount Hakodate is a 1,096 feet high, wooded mountain at the southern end of the peninsula. You will have a panoramic view of the town surrounded on three sides by the sea, and the views of the fan-shaped city are beautiful.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, insect repellent and local currency.

Your motor coach will take you to Onuma Quasi-National Park, known for its picturesque island dotted lakes and majestic dormant volcano, Mount Komagatake. This park is at the foot of Mount Komagatake and includes Onuma, Konuma, Junsainuma, and other lakes. Onuma is the largest lake and is 15 miles (24 km) in circumference with a depth of 47 feet (13.6 meters). A volcanic mudflow from Mount Komagatake once caused a natural dam that blocked a stream and thus led to the formation of Onuma. There are 126 islets in the lake and 18 bridges connecting a select few so travelers and locals alike can enjoy walking on the trails, cycle using rented bicycles, pleasure cruise, go boating and canoeing. Mount Komagatake stands close to Onuma and is the main symbol of the park. It is an independent mountain with three peaks and three craters. One of the ‘tops' was blown away during a past eruption and is now rather steep. Mount Komagatake woke up in terms of volcanic activity in 1998 so mountain climbing is now prohibited. You will enjoy the scenery from the boat, and then have a true Japanese experience "Hot spring" or "Onsen" to relax your body! 

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, insect repellent and local currency. Do not to bring jewelry as the color may be changed by the hot spring water. Guests are required to be naked at the hot spring. Tattoos and swim suits are not acceptable.

This tour will take you to 351-foot- (107 meter-) high Fort Goryokaku Observatory where you can enjoy the view of the star-shaped and Western style citadel. It was built in the last years of the Edo period for the defense of Hakodate against the imperialist threat posed by the Western power. Then, you will be transferred to Mount Hakodate Observatory located on the top of Mount Hakodate, which is a 1,096-foot- (334-meter-) high, wooded mountain at the southern end of the peninsula. The panoramic view of the town surrounded on three sides by the sea, and the views of the fan-shaped city are beautiful and especially so at night.

Please note: This tour is wheelchair accessible. The order of sites visited may vary.

This is a 2-hour guided hike to the top of Bunker Hill. This is a moderate climb along an old WWII-era gravel road and is approx. 1 mile with a 400-foot rise. The route passes a prehistoric site as well as numerous WWII ruins, and has the potential for viewing marine life, birds and bald eagles. There are several beautiful vistas along the hike with a total of 360 degree views of the Dutch Harbor and Captains Bay area. On the top of the hill is a large concrete bunker which was used as a battery command station during WWII. There are also the remains on the top of four circular panama mounts for 155mm guns. The hike will be guided by a local with extensive knowledge of the fishing industry, local history and prehistory, flora and fauna. There will be rest stops on the way up that offer great photo opportunities. 

Please note: Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring raingear and binoculars if you have them. This hike is weather-dependent and may be canceled due to excessive wind, fog, or rain. It will not be canceled for light rain if there is good visibility. The hike will depart from a parking spot near the base of the hill. 

Enjoy and learn about Kodiak Wildlife and History from an experienced long-time charter captain and local tour guide. This tour will take you past Kodiak's harbors and fishing fleet through breathtaking scenery of the nearby islands in pursuit of sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, a multitude of seabirds including puffins, gulls, oyster catchers, guillemots and cormorants, and a chance at spotting whales. Your onboard biologist will provide you with a wealth of information about Kodiak's marine wildlife, answer your questions, and unravel the story of how the sea otter has shaped Kodiak's history and ecology.  Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.   

Please note: Wear weather appropriate clothing, including rain gear. Bring your camera and binoculars. This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy and is 100% non-refundable after that time.

Depart the pier for the short drive to the park. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you on a hike along well-maintained natural and gravel trails offering breathtaking views. A variety of seabirds inhabit the park’s coastline, and whale sightings are frequently reported in this area throughout the season.  The natural earth trails will lead you through forested areas, some with 10% to 20% inclines, as well as near ocean bluffs. Remnants of WWII bunkers are found throughout the park, and a stop at the Miller Point gun placements will provide sweeping ocean views. Your hike will conclude back at the main parking area, where you will re-board your bus for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves hiking between 1.5 and 2.3 miles, depending on the group’s size and abilities. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests need to dress in layers and have proper footwear for outdoor hiking. This tour has a 48-hour cancellation policy and is 100% non-refundable after that time.

Step into the rough-and-ready world of Alaska’s commercial fisheries during this 90-minute walking tour through one of the largest fishing ports in the United States. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the Kodiak Small Boat Harbor where you will see working commercial fishermen, boats and fishing gear. Along the way, you will hear life and death stories of Kodiak’s commercial fishing fleet and have the chance to meet real Alaskan fishermen as they return from the sea and prepare their gear and boats for another commercial fishing trip. Learn about the different kinds of fishing vessels in Alaska and view the crab pots, nets and hooks used to catch the crabs and fish off Alaska’s coast. Visit a fish processing plant where, if the boats are unloading, you will see the catch being sorted, weighed, cleaned and processed. Examine a fisherman’s cold water immersion survival suit, which helps fishermen survive the cold waters of Alaska. Observe the human activity on the docks and keep an eye out for bald eagles, harbor seals and Steller sea lions, which often frequent the harbor. You’ll also hear about the Great Alaskan Earthquake and Tsunami of 1964 that destroyed much of the town of Kodiak and its fishing fleet. 

Please note: This walking tour begins at the ship and ends at the Harbormaster Building in downtown Kodiak. You are encouraged to explore Kodiak from there, including visits to other museums and shopping. This tour is entirely on foot and involves about 1.5 miles of total walking distance over city streets and harbor floats. Some parts of the tour cross rough unpaved surfaces and accessing the harbor floats requires descending and ascending a ramp which can sometimes be steep if the tide is low. Participants must be able to walk for 90 minutes and be physically fit. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Minimum age is 10 years. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

Arrive at Tutka Bay Lodge, about 9 ocean miles from Homer, Alaska, after a 25-minute water taxi ride watching for water birds, sea otters, or even whales. The Lodge is located on an 11-acre property at the  entrance to a 7-mile fjord at the southern end of Kachemak Bay. Beautiful scenery includes coastlines, deep fjords, impressive mountains, quite forests, and unique tidal zones. Your cooking class will take place aboard the Widgeon II, a re-purposed crabbing boat which was once a World War II-era troop carrier. The cooking school offers rotating 3-course menus featuring local Alaska seafood, and locally grown, seasonal ingredients. You will have a hands-on cooking experience, with recipes and instruction provided. End your tour with another 25-minute water taxi ride back to Homer, while enjoying the spectacular Alaska scenery and watching for wildlife.

Please note:  Wear warm layered clothing and flat shoes. The Tutka Bay Cookbook is for sale and can be purchased after class (cash or credit card). Cancellations for refund must be made at least 7 days before the scheduled class date or are 100% non-refundable.

Enjoy a water taxi ride across Kachemak Bay while taking in the spectacular scenery and watching for local wildlife. Along the way, you'll see Gull Island, home to over 10,000 nesting birds, including puffins. Upon arriving in the quaint community of Halibut Cove, continue by boat through the unique region of artists while learning all about the area from your guide.

Please note: Bring lunch or a snack if you wish, a water bottle, sun hat, rain jacket, and pants sunglasses, sunscreen and your camera. It is suggested you wear layered clothes, fleece jacket, quick dry fleece pants, synthetic long underwear and warm socks. Cancellations for refund must be made at least 7 days before the scheduled class date or are 100% non-refundable.

Take a harbor tour of the amazing intertidal life right under your feet at Homer Harbor Docks! This tour is the most educational fun you can have on the Homer spit!  A trained naturalist will guide you through an incredible exploration of invertebrate life living on and around the Homer Harbor Docks.  Next, you will visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, the headquarters for Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.  In the visitor center, naturalists offer information and tips on wildlife viewing, refuge information and points of interest. Your self-guided tour of the Center features sculpted re-creations of wildlife and settings, interactive stations and a simulated journey through the nation's most far reaching wildlife refuge. The indoor exhibits feature a Bering Sea bird rookery, dramatic re-creations and Aleutian artifacts, and a field camp where you can delve into the fascinating work of biologists. Many of the programs are outdoor experiences. You will be guided down to the Beluga Slough, just a short stroll down a slope, to explore the beach. The trail passes through a little wooded area, where it's not unusual to sight moose and other wildlife. The Center will also guide hikes down through the wetlands to Bishop's Beach to watch for sea life like whales, otters, sea lions and more. There is also a theater which features award-winning movies such as "Journey of the Tiglax." The Tiglax is a boat that cares for wildlife in the nature preserves.  Your next stop will include The Pratt Museum, which is a regional natural history museum with exhibits exploring life around Kachemak Bay in South Central Alaska. Indoor exhibits include early homesteading, Native Alaskan traditions, local contemporary art, and an exploration of the marine and terrestrial life around Kachemak Bay. Outdoor exhibits feature a historic cabin, botanical gardens and a nature trail.

Please note: Wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes (no open toed sandals, flats or high heels). Bring layered clothing and a light rain poncho.

More than a simple transfer, this tour will offer a deeper insight into the local region. See the area with the assistance of the locals! Your narrated tour will start as soon as you get off the ship! Learn more about the local history, flora, and fauna as you travel north to Alaska's largest city, Anchorage. You will take a City Tour that includes both the history of Anchorage as well as life in this modern, American city. There will be time on your own for shopping and lunch in the downtown area. After lunch you will be transferred to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. You will be at your leisure to explore this world-class facility. The tour ends with an included transfer to the Anchorage Airport.

Please note: Bring layered clothing and a light rain poncho.  Wear close-toed, comfortable shoes. This tour is available for those who have flights at 5 p.m. or later and is wheelchair accessible.

More than a simple transfer, this tour will offer a deeper insight into the local region. See the area with the assistance of the locals! Your narrated tour will start as soon as you get off the ship! Learn more about the local history, flora, and fauna as you travel north to Alaska's largest city, Anchorage. You will take a City Tour that includes both the history of Anchorage as well as life in this modern, American city. There will be time on your own for shopping and lunch in the downtown area. After lunch you will be transferred to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. You will be at your leisure to explore this world-class facility. The tour ends with an included transfer to the Windstar Hotel.

Please note: Bring layered clothing and a light rain poncho.  Wear close-toed, comfortable shoes. This tour is wheelchair accessible.