Have you ever envisioned living the life of a Research Scientist? Or looking for the thrill of encountering one of the earth’s largest creatures? Well, now’s your chance! Alaska’s waters hold one of the largest concentrations of humpback whales and along with your contribution to ongoing research during this exhilarating excursion you are guaranteed to see a whale! Not only is this a one-of-a-kind whale watching experience, but you’ll will have the opportunity to participate in various science activities aboard a custom designed vessel permitted to collect research data while on the open water. From the pier you’ll travel north to meet your vessel in Auke Bay. Meet your experienced captain and board your wildlife viewing vessel.  Have your camera handy as you cruise through the island-studded waters of Stephens Passage, a wonderland of snow-capped peaks and ice-blue glaciers. While you cruise, you’re sure to spot humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and porpoises. Once a whale is spotted, the Captain will slow down for exceptional viewing and photo opportunities. Given the right behavior and weather conditions, you may hear the haunting, moaning call of the humpback. Luckily, the vessel is equipped with a hydrophone when the opportunity arises, to listen to the underwater sounds of whales while an onboard naturalist explains the habits and habitats of the creatures you may encounter. When conditions permit during your cruise, you’ll explore the foundation of the food chain by drawing plankton samples, take a look at live sea animals in a touch tank and even use a GPS camera to aid in identifying specific whales while recording their varied behaviors.

Please note: There is a variable sloped ramp leading to the safari vessel dock which changes with the tide. Whale sightings are frequent. All guests must sign a waiver attesting to their physical and medical conditions to participate. Dress warmly in layers, as the tour operates in all weather conditions. Bottled water and a snack pack are included. Bring a camera with plenty of film or memory and batteries.  Participants are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's Capture Juneau Photo Contest.

Learn what it takes to be a musher in the great Alaskan dog sled races with a trip to a sled dog summer camp. As you arrive at the summer camp training site, you will be greeted by a professional dog musher and some of the state's most famous athletes- the Alaskan Huskies! After an educational tour of the camp, you'll visit a replica of an Iditarod checkpoint and go through the steps each musher performs, step-by-step, as if you’re traveling along the Iditarod trail. Next, climb aboard a comfortable wheeled sled and relax as your husky team whisks you along the 1.5-mile trail through the beautiful landscape. You'll return to camp for your chance to visit with the dogs and meet the next generation of great Alaskan athletes - sled dog puppies!

Please note: Dress in layers and bring a waterproof outer layer.  There will be a coffee/tea break with cookies.

Depart the pier in a media-equipped shuttle with your naturalist photography guide for a drive to some of Juneau's most photogenic locales.  En route, your guide will share handy tips and techniques to enhance your images, along with personal stories and insights about the area's cultural and natural history.  You will also view a slideshow depicting personal images and illustrated photography techniques. Upon arrival at the Mendenhall Glacier, you will take a guided walk along a gentle forested trail, take in splendid vistas and many visual opportunities, including wildflowers, beaver activity, cascading waterfalls and spawning salmon (when in season). You will picture breathtaking glacier panoramas and floating icebergs amidst a paradigm of snowcapped peaks. Next, explore the channels and islets of beautiful Stephen's Passage during 2-hour cruise aboard a custom built safari vessel. These are the only crafts of their kind in Southeast Alaska, custom built specifically for marine wildlife photography. Photo opportunities may include blue-hued glacial ice, forest-piercing rays of light, soaring eagles, humpback whales, sea lions, killer whales, black bears and more.  Your guide will provide you with photo assistance and quality interpretation throughout the excursion.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, approximately .75 miles on a newly surfaced trail. There is a variable sloped ramp leading to the safari vessel dock.  This tour is not suitable for those who utilize a wheelchair. Guests must be able to meet the physical requirements of the tour. Whale sightings are frequent. All guests must sign a waiver attesting to their physical and medical conditions to participate. Dress warmly in layers, as the tour operates in all weather conditions; rain gear, walking sticks, camera towels are provided. Bottled water and a snack pack are included. The tour sequence may vary. Bring a camera with plenty of film or memory and batteries. Children 12 years old and younger will receive a complimentary children’s one time use camera.  Participants are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's Capture Juneau Photo Contest. Guests will receive a frame-able postcard with instructions to access exclusive online photography tutorials, slideshows, historical images and a printable tip sheet. All content is free and downloadable to any device.  

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.
 
 

 

 

 

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.

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 in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness through Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm you will kayak in front of the South Sawyer Glacier or Dawes Glacier. Both are tidewater glaciers that are actively calving. You may see harbor seals hauled out on the ice floes or mountain goats high on the cliffs above.  The vertical granite cliffs rise as much as 4, 000 feet from the sea and have numerous waterfalls. John Muir referred to this area as “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.”

Please note: You can conveniently change in your suite. Dress according to the prevailing weather conditions; you will be provided with a life jacket. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and tour operation is weather dependent. The decision to go to Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm will be decided the day of the excursion by the Captain and Expedition Leader, it will be made based on the prevailing ice conditions, weather and other cruise ship traffic in the area. Both locations allow for similar sightseeing opportunities. Expedition Voyage Consultants may include geologists, marine biologists, botanists, and glaciologists. You will be paddling for about 2 hours.

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. 

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. 

 

 

The Stikine River is considered one of the last truly wild rivers in North America, running directly through the nearly ½ 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.

Gain a unique understanding of Ketchikan and its Tlingit culture on this guided walking tour of Alaska’s “First City.” Your guide will be of Tlingit descent and will share personal knowledge of the many changes Ketchikan has experienced over the years. The significance of totem poles within Native culture will be explained as you encounter them on your journey.  You will walk up infamous Creek Street, the former red light district, and learn of its important economic roll in Ketchikan’s early history.  See the historic “Married Man’s Trail” and hear how it received its name. Discover the amazing journey salmon must endure as they head to their spawning ground when you visit a salmon ladder. Trees, shrubbery and flowers are plentiful along the route and your guide will share their importance to the Tlingit’s food gathering practices. Your guide will return you to the downtown shopping area near the cruise ship pier after this easy walk of approximately nine blocks. Questions are encouraged, as your hosts want you to leave Ketchikan with a better understanding of the community and its Native culture.

Please note: Dress according to the prevailing weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Photographers, nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike will thrill to this exploration of Vancouver’s picture postcard scenery. The excitement will begin as you board your air-conditioned coach at the pier and head north out of Vancouver and up along the famed Sea to Sky Highway. Sit back and relax as mile after scenic mile passes by your window. A dramatic landscape of old-growth forest, coastal mountains and ocean will greet you as you steadily climb from sea level to over 2,290 feet. Then, you’ll disembark and step inside the gondola cabin, which travels up to a viewpoint 2,903 feet above sea level. The 8-minute ride to the summit provides sweeping views of Howe Sound, the majestic coastal forest and surrounding mountains. You will have about 2-2.5 hours of free time to enjoy all outdoor adventures such as hiking and interpretive walks. Or if you’re feeling even more daring be sure to check out the “Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge,” at 328 feet long, the bridge offers amazing views. You can stroll over to the Summit Lodge and relax and soak up the views from the viewing deck, a sprawling 5,000-square-foot deck that offers breathtaking views of the famous Co-Pilot and Sky Pilot mountain peaks. Or, you can end your perfect day with an enjoyable self-serve dinner inside the lodge at your own expense. This tour will end at the airport.

Please note: Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget the camera - this outing will provide camera buffs with one jaw-dropping photo opportunity after another.

You will board your motor coach at port to see the exciting sights of Vancouver, a sophisticated, fun-loving city that celebrates the great outdoors, cherishes its history and diverse cultures, and was home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Vancouver boasts one of North America’s oldest and largest Chinatowns and your tour will take you through its colorful streets. Through the "Millennium Gate" you’ll find a world that is still steeped in tradition and Chinese culture. Asian architecture can be seen around every corner and the alleys teem with restaurants, import shops and exotic delights. Continue on to Vancouver’s Gastown District, a refreshing mix of old and new with cobbled streets, quaint courtyards and Victorian-style buildings. No tour of Vancouver would be complete without viewing world-famous Stanley Park. One of the largest urban parks in Canada, this spectacular spot in the heart of the city is actually a rainforest, teeming with wildlife, magnificent trees and fragrant blossoms.  Within the Park are West Coast Native Totem Poles, elaborately decorated with symbolic images and faces. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the legend and history of these magnificent works of art. From the Prospect Point Lookout, Stanley Park's highest point, you will see spectacular panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Burrard Inlet.  You will discover the popular English Bay Beach, the area’s premier waterfront destination on your way to the airport.

Please note: Have your camera ready, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bottled water.

You will board your motor coach at port to see the exciting sights of Vancouver, a sophisticated, fun-loving city that celebrates the great outdoors, cherishes its history and diverse cultures, and was home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Vancouver boasts one of North America’s oldest and largest Chinatowns and your tour will take you through its colorful streets. Through the "Millennium Gate" you’ll find a world that is still steeped in tradition and Chinese culture. Asian architecture can be seen around every corner and the alleys teem with restaurants, import shops and exotic delights. Continue on to Vancouver’s Gastown District, a refreshing mix of old and new with cobbled streets, quaint courtyards and Victorian-style buildings. No tour of Vancouver would be complete without viewing world-famous Stanley Park. One of the largest urban parks in Canada, this spectacular spot in the heart of the city is actually a rainforest, teeming with wildlife, magnificent trees and fragrant blossoms.  Within the Park are West Coast Native Totem Poles, elaborately decorated with symbolic images and faces. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the legend and history of these magnificent works of art. From the Prospect Point Lookout, Stanley Park's highest point, you will see spectacular panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Burrard Inlet.  You will discover the popular English Bay Beach, the area’s premier waterfront destination on your way to the Sheraton Wall Center.

Please note: Have your camera ready, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bottled water.