The ultimate Alaska experience begins as soon as you board our Alaskan-built expedition vessel in Sitka. While you settle into the comfortable cabin, your knowledgeable captain and crew will provide a safety briefing and orientation. Once underway, feel free to move about the vessel, including the spacious outside viewing deck. An onboard naturalist will provide narration regarding the remarkable ecosystem of the area and point out places of interest and wildlife throughout the voyage. Sea otters, whales, harbor seals, brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds are all commonly seen in the tour area. Your captain has the local knowledge and experience to deliver the best possible viewing experience on any given day throughout the season. At Fin Island Lodge, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious Alaska feast! Alaskan crab, wild salmon, prime rib, homemade side dishes, and dessert are all-inclusive with the tour. In addition, coffee, tea, cocoa, lemonade, and water are complimentary. Soft drinks are available for purchase. A breakfast twist on our signature Fin Island feast is featured for guests arriving before 10 a.m. Vegan and gluten free options are available, regardless of tour time. After the meal, you may beachcomb, explore the beautiful grounds of the exclusive island, or relax next to the cozy beach fire. When the adventure concludes, your vessel will await to provide the short cruise back to Sitka. Please note : Dress in layers, wear a waterproof jacket (if you would like to go outside), good walking shoes, and bring your camera, warm hat, and gloves.

Discover Alaska's abundant natural beauty and wildlife during this award-winning cruise through Sitka Sound, one of the world's most beautiful coastal environments. Search for local marine life on this half-day, scenic excursion. Depart the pier in your waterjet-driven tour vessel which has been specially designed to navigate Southeast Alaska's narrow island passages and bays, permitting spectacular wildlife viewing at close range. The vessel features a warm and comfortable cabin with indoor seating, large windows, a snack bar and restrooms. Or you may opt to visit the upper observation deck for unparalleled photo opportunities, and to experience the surroundings. Be on the lookout for sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of wildlife species during this jet-boat excursion. Observe and photograph sea otters as you learn about their recovery following near extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the 1800s. Your onboard naturalist guide will offer commentary about this remarkable ecosystem throughout the tour. Your captain will vary the route to find the best wildlife viewing opportunities and guarantees you will see an otter, a whale, or a bear on the sea portion of your excursion. If not, you will receive $100 cash refund at the end of the voyage. Please note : Dress in layers, waterproof jacket (if guests would like to go outside), camera, warm hat, gloves.

This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center . The Bald Eagle Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, a presentation with one of the Center's educational birds will take place. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop. Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park , where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska," was fought. The park hosts totem-lined trails, cultural exhibits and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. Walk the nature trail, view cultural exhibits and video presentations, or talk with local native artists about their cultural art form. The final stop will be visiting the Fortress of the Bears , which will allow you to get within 25 feet of Alaska's brown and black bears in a naturalized setting. You will enjoy observing the bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing and bring a light rain jacket, ID,you're your camera. The order of sites visited may be reversed.

No additional details available for this excursion.

Explore Hoonah - an authentic village that is many things to its inhabitants. It is a lively fishing community, an old logging town, and the world's largest Tlingit village. Your guide will describe how this coastal community came to be when the rapid glacial advance of the Little Ice Age forced the clans from their ancestral home in Glacier Bay. Learn about the feats of local fishermen, what it means to 'drive' on the Alaska Marine Highway, and how the people rebuilt when the village was destroyed by fire during World War II. Check out a pair of Tlingit totems and learn how to read them. And of course keep your eyes peeled for the animal representatives of the two Tlingit moieties keeping watch over the town - ravens and eagles. Immerse yourself in the local Tlingit culture at the Native Theater. An interactive performance showcases the rich heritage of a people shaped by wild lands and mysterious seas. Performing and dancing in their colorful regalia, the Huna Tlingit will proudly share their history with you through interpretive song, dance and storytelling. This will be your opportunity to absorb the rich history and local culture and join in a traditional celebration. Please note : Photographing and videotaping the performances are prohibited; however, the performers are available for photos directly after the show.

Delight in Icy Strait Point's natural splendors as you embark on a guided walking tour of the lush Spasski River Valley in search of bears and other wildlife . Your guide will provide information about the area's ecology and Hoonah village's fascinating Tlingit population en route to the Spasski River. You will explore the rugged bush country on foot, walking along the "trail of the bears," while keeping an eye out for Alaskan Coastal brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and soaring bald eagles. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring your camera and binoculars. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Taller than the Empire State Building and over a mile long, get ready for an exhilarating journey along the mountaintop ZipRider cable, as you soar above Icy Strait Point. You will enjoy a relaxing scenic ride through Hoonah village , home to the indigenous Tlingit people, en route to the mountain's peak where you will experience a 1330-foot harnessed vertical drop as you fly over the top of the lush green rainforest at speeds of more than 60 miles per hour before landing softly near the beach. Please note : Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Participants cannot be taller than 6'5" (2 meters) and cannot weight more than 275 pounds (125 kilograms).

Explore the wilds of Chichagof Island on a 2.5-hour Jeep tour. Your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery while driving a 4-person Jeep Wrangler on roads less traveled. Your small group of explorers will drive along the back roads in search of wildlife and adventure. While traveling along the old logging roads you may encounter wildlife such as eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer and the coastal brown bear. Head up mountain trails to seek spectacular vistas of the surrounding area. Your friendly tour guide, in the lead Jeep, will educate you on the local history and culture. Jeeps have radio communication with guide vehicle making the tour interactive. You and your friends or family will be lead to destinations off the beaten path. Please note : Drivers must be at least 25 years old, are required to show a valid driver's license, and must sign a liability/insurance waiver. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian. Parties under three will share a Jeep. We will provide a car seat or booster seat for children upon request and subject to availability. Multiple stops will be made along the way to allow for guests to switch drivers.

No additional details available for this excursion.

Meet your naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour (14 guests maximum) to scenic and wildlife-rich Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Depending on the season, bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears can be seen here. As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting. Bald eagles nest here and are commonly seen perched in the trees above the river and soaring overhead. Beginning in August, brown bears amble down to the riverbanks to feed on salmon. Supplied with extra binoculars and a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, your guide explains how the animals fit into the Chilkoot's complex ecosystem. May, June, and July feature an explosion of wildflowers with bald eagles nesting along the lush river. Beginning in August, pink salmon-the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties-begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This is the best opportunity to see brown bear as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river. Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities. Please note: Dress in warm, dry layers and wear closed-toed shoes. This tour goes through prime wildlife habitat, however, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Haines is known for its wildlife and stunning natural surroundings. This small-group tour is for every type of photographer - from those who have a professional-level camera to those who primarily use their Smart Phone. Either way, you'll learn how to take better photos. Your professional photographer guide will select the best locations to find the most dramatic light and wildlife activity. Composition tips, camera settings and how to take advantage of available light are discussed, along with how to predict wildlife behavior. Bald eagles are commonly seen and, depending on the time of year, brown bears can sometimes be found feeding on salmon along the Chilkoot River. This tour will go through prime wildlife habitat, however, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The small-group nature of the tour will allow the guide to spend time with each participant, ensuring you will come away with ideas and goals for your future photography. Please note : This tour requires a minimal amount of walking; however, guests must be able to embark/disembark the vehicles via steps. It is not recommended for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring rain gear and your camera equipment. Observing bear and other wildlife is the goal but cannot be guaranteed.

No additional details available for this excursion.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the true Alaskan Wilderness as you travel about 25 miles of the Chilkat River System , exploring the different channels that this unique, braided river system offers. Watch for wildlife as they are frequently sighted during the river tour. The flat bottom river boats are designed specifically to traverse the narrow and sometimes shallow, channels, which is the only way to explore this road-less portion of the Bald Eagle Preserve. This tour is well known for moose and bear sightings , although not a guarantee, wildlife sightings are quite frequent. The tour will take off from private property, so all the amenities are available for you to feel comfortable and right at home while the friendly staff will prepare your meal . Sit around the crackling fire and enjoy the clean fresh air and beauty that surrounds you. You will come away with a greater appreciation of the wilderness and the people who call this "last frontier" their home. Your tour will begin at the pier where your ship is docked, with a 30-minute bus ride into the heart of the Bald Eagle Preserve on the Haines Scenic Byway. Where the road ends, your adventure begins. Please note : Wear comfortable hiking shoes and layered clothing appropriate for the weather. Bring your camera and/or binoculars. Life jackets will be provided. The boats are open air so ponchos and waterproof blankets will be provided.

Treat yourself to an exclusive rafting and scenic drive through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Begin with a riverside drive along the Haines Highway. The drive is incredibly scenic: glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, green riverside channels provide habitat for moose, bear and trumpeter swans. The highway was declared a National Scenic Byway in 2009. Arrive at the river in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, approximately 40 minutes away. Board your raft and enjoy a scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You will be immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river. Paddling is not required, as your expert guide will push the raft along, leaving your hands free for your binoculars or camera. Along the way, your guide will interpret the natural history of the area, and share some exciting stories from life in the Alaskan wilderness. You will learn to spot bald eagles and gain an appreciation for the challenges that bald eagles face to survive. Early in the summer, resident eagles are often seen coming and going from their nest to feed their young. As the summer continues and the river fills with salmon, more and more eagles arrive to feed. Please note : This tour goes through prime Bald Eagle habitat, however, eagle sightings are not guaranteed. This tour includes a copy of Where Eagles Gather: The Story of The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Haines, Alaska.

Journey through the past to the present on a personalized tour experience of Wrangell and its most popular attractions. Your Alaskan Native guide will share the diverse history of Wrangell starting with the first inhabitants, the Tlingit Nation, whose history spans approximately 10,000 years. Sit down as invited guests at Chief Shakes Tribal House to hear stories that have been with us; passed down generation to generation. Learn the story of Fort Wrangell, unearth ancient petroglyphs and explore Wrangell today (from the comfort of your shuttle). Bottled water and a souvenir petroglyph rubbing will be available for you. Three great sites will be visited: Chief Shakes Tribal House , the Wrangell Museum and Petroglyph Beach . Several historic sites are viewed from the shuttle as part of the driving portion of this tour. The tour will depart from and return to your pier. As the third oldest city in Alaska, ruled by four nations, under three flags, Wrangell's rich and diverse history is sure to captivate you! Please note : This is a walking and driving tour. Much time will be spent on your feet at Petroglyph Beach and the Wrangell Museum. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire. You will be transported by shuttle bus to each of the sites. All sites are handicap accessible, although not able to accommodate wheelchairs.

Join your captain and biologist guides on a magical discovery of wildlife in the protected waterways of the Inside Passage. Travel to nearby feeding grounds on a covered jet boat and find whales chasing after schools of small fish, otters frolicking playfully in the kelp beds, sea lions fighting over the best spot on a perch, seals basking on a rock or peeking at you from the water. Sometimes you may find Orca cruising the waterways in search of food or porpoises following the boat to play in the wake. Eagles fish to feed their young and seabirds look to take advantage of the leftovers from feeding mammals. This day is about animals. Where they go, you will go. The biologist guides will decide the best itinerary for the day based on the conditions and the behavior of the animals at the time of year. This 5- hour tour includes a sandwich and snack lunch, water and a brief stop on the beach. Please note: Your captain and guides strive to include as much wildlife as possible, however wildlife sightings of all species are not guaranteed. Weather, sea conditions and safety are important factors in where the captain chooses to go. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and shoes for boating.

The Stikine River is considered one of the last truly wild rivers in North America, running directly through the nearly 1/2 million acre Stikine LeConte' Wilderness area. Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of the world's largest temperate rainforest that is home to a variety of wildlife species and though elusive, you may have a chance of sighting. Add the excitement of an exhilarating jet-boat ride , gold rush history, world renowned scenery, and the most experienced energetic captains, and you have a great excursion. On the pier, you will meet captain and interpretive guide and embark on the custom-built, heated and covered, jet boat to begin your adventure. Traverse the ever changing river delta, meander through side sloughs and explore the banks of the river. Seek out views of distant mountain peaks, spy on spawning salmon and listen to thundering waterfalls. Your journey will culminate at Shakes Lake with its sparkling blue, crystal clear icebergs. If accessible, you will venture in farther for a view of Shakes Glacier and the ancient ice from which it was created. If conditions allow, come ashore at a wilderness location on the banks of the Stikine and experience the wilderness up close. Please note : The tour routing and sights may change due to weather, nature and water conditions. Due to the nature of boating in the wilderness on the Stikine River, which sometimes requires travel in shallow water, you may experience quick or sudden stops, starts and turns while underway. Guests should be in good physical health with a full range of motion to get into/out of the vessel and have no motion-related ailments or any other health issues. This tour is not wheelchair or handicapped accessible. This tour departs and returns from the Wrangell city dock, which is a short walking distance (300 ft) from the ship. At certain tidal conditions the access ramp to the vessels can be very steep. Facilities are basic in the wilderness location and consist primarily of USFS outhouses. Although wildlife is seen on many outings, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory - a natural adventure in bear viewing! Travel by covered, heated boats the 35 miles to Anan via Eastern Passage, a beautiful boat ride in protected waters between Wrangell Island and the mainland. Arriving at Anan you will offload at the trailhead and be greeted by US Forest Service personnel, who will provide a brief orientation. Beginning in July, pink salmon arrive at Anan creek to spawn. At this time, Anan creek is teaming with salmon which naturally attracts brown and black bears, bald eagles and harbor seals. Your guide will interpret local flora and fauna along the trail and watch for bears. Every day is different, we are in nature and things happen in a natural way. Along the trail there is the Lagoon Overlook Platform . This is an ideal spot to see bears foraging when in season. At the top of the trail, lies the Creek Overlook, a large platform that sits on a hill overlooking the falls of Anan creek. This is often where the bears fish for the spawning salmon as they fight upstream to the calmer pools of the spawning grounds. The walk in to the Observatory takes about 20 minutes and is about 3/4- mile long. Though the trail is improved and groomed in places, the upper portion still has narrow (2 ft. wide) boardwalk with several sets of narrow stairs (total of over 300 stairs) with bridges over waterways. There are only a few places that have handrails. Guests need to be in good physical conditions with no difficulties walking as several portions of the trail are natural and involve stepping over roots. Conditions change with weather and it can be slippery. You will have 2 hours to observe the wildlife before heading back. Please note : Dress for the weather of the day and sturdy, water resistant walking shoes are a must on this trip. Guests must be able to get into and out of the boats, which require large steps over side of dock and in the vessels. Total walking distance will be 1-1.5 miles. No food is allowed at Anan, not even gum unless the participant is a diabetic and requires food on hand. Conditions change with weather and it can be slippery. There is no dock at the trail head - you will disembark on rocky shoreline and tide level changes conditions. All of the guides are local Wrangell, Alaska residents with extensive wilderness experience.

John Muir hiked here while using Wrangell as headquarters for his Stikine delta explorations. Participants are assured of wonderful views and a true immersive forest experience with an elevation gain of about 400 feet . This hike will present good views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes and a chance to learn about rainforest ecology. This intimate interpretive tour will be led by two of our experienced onboard Expedition Staff. Please note : This excursion will depart directly from the ship and will be led by two Expedition Staff. No equipment is required. Guests will need to wear their own suitable footwear and dress according to the prevailing weather conditions. Expedition Voyage Consultants may include geologists, marine biologists, botanists, and glaciologists. The departure time for this tour is subject to change due to the nature of the excursion. Destination Services will notify you about your tour departure time. The walk is mostly on boardwalk which does not have handrails, can become slippery when wet and has approximately 300 steps to the summit of Mount Dewey. This tour is not recommended for those with walking or mobility issues.

Discover the highlights of this truly Alaskan town and see its colorful history and native culture come to life while visiting the Wrangell Museum and Petroglyph Beach with Kiks Adi Totem Park view and Alaskan Native interpretation. Departing the pier, meander to downtown Wrangell to view Kiks Adi Totem Park. Then, learn about fishing and the Stikine River and its significant influence on the development of Wrangell. Pass through the town and see its historic churches, while on the way, catch a glimpse of a traditional Tlingit Tribal House and Wrangell's oldest harbor. Visit Wrangell's famous anthropological sight, Petroglyph Beach and see ancient rock carvings dating from 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, before the settlement by the Tlingit tribes. Enjoy a petroglyph rubbing demonstration before heading to the Wrangell Museum. The local museum houses a rich assortment of over 5,000 historic photos, native artifacts, a collection of Tlingit petroglyphs, and fishing, mining and logging displays. Please note : The order of sites may vary. Walking is required to and from the sites, especially Petroglyph Beach, a natural beach with rocks, gravel, sand and logs that can be slippery at low tide. There are several steps to Petroglyph Beach, not suitable for those in wheelchairs. Walkers or canes can do this tour, but you may choose also to stay on the bus where the walking is too much. You may wish to enjoy additional city highlights on their own before returning to the ship.

Windstar Signature Expeditions are operated by Windstar Cruises directly from the ship. Windstar has partnered with Expert Expedition Voyage Consultants who will operate the Zodiac boats while also providing insight, education and commentary on the stunning scenery of the Alaskan Wilderness. On your Zodiac expedition through Misty Fjords National Monument you will see 3,000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs with numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, wildlife like bald eagles, and perhaps brown and/or black bears and mountain goats. Throughout the forest you will find western hemlock, Sitka spruce and western red cedar. Please note : You can conveniently change in your suite. Dress according to the prevailing weather condition; you will be provided with a life jacket. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and tour operation is weather dependent. Expedition Voyage Consultants may include geologists, marine biologists, botanists, and glaciologists. - The departure times for the Signature Expedition tours are subject to change due to the nature of these excursions. Destination Services will notify you about your tour departure time. - Please inform the Destination Services team if you are travelling in a group of 4-6 people and booked on the same expedition as the zodiac boat tours can only accommodate 6 guests at a time.

Windstar Signature Expeditions are operated by Windstar Cruises directly from the ship. Windstar has partnered with Expert Expedition Voyage Consultants to provide insight, education and commentary on the stunning scenery of the Alaskan Wilderness. On your 2.5-hour kayak expedition through Misty Fjords National Monument you will see 3,000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs with numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, wildlife like bald eagles, and perhaps brown and/or black bears and mountain goats. Throughout the forest you will find western hemlock, Sitka spruce and western red cedar. Please note : You can conveniently change in your suite. Dress according to the prevailing weather condition; you will be provided with a life jacket. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and tour operation is weather dependent. Expedition Voyage Consultants may include geologists, marine biologists, botanists, and glaciologists. You will be paddling for about 2 hours. - The departure times for the Signature Expedition tours are subject to change due to the nature of these excursions. Destination Services will notify you about your tour departure time. - All kayaks used for the Signature Expedition tours are 2-person tandem kayaks.