| Port: | Juneau, Alaska |
| Duration: | 6.25 hours (approximate) |
| Provided: | Salmon bake lunch, beverages & snacks; souvenir route guide, binoculars |
Experience
three of Alaska’s top attractions on this ultimate combination
tour − whale watching, a wilderness island salmon bake and the
mighty Mendenhall Glacier!
Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a warm, comfortable, waterjet-powered catamaran, and set out to explore the island-studded waters of Stephen's Passage. This area is world-renowned as a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales.
Once whales have been sighted, your skilled captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities. Don’t forget your camera, and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck; the whales are often close enough to hear them breathe! An 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.
Next,
step ashore at Orca Point Lodge on beautiful Colt Island to enjoy a feast
that includes grilled wild Alaska salmon, chicken, corn on the cob, rice
pilaf, cole slaw, fresh-hot rolls and desserts. The lodge offers peaceful
seclusion with modern comforts in a remote wilderness setting. Be sure
to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll along the beach before
reboarding your catamaran for the return cruise to Auke Bay.
A
scenic drive to the mighty Mendenhall Glacier completes your “Best
of Juneau” experience. The newly-remodeled Visitor Center provides
stunning views, photographic opportunities and an interactive learning
experience. You’ll meet Forest Service interpreters who are eager
to share facts and answer questions related to the natural forces that
formed this great river of ice.
Note: This tour is accessible, but not recommended for wheelchairs due to the number of stops requiring embarkation and disembarkation of transportation equipment and uneven terrain. The operators of this tour guarantee you will see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund ($50 refund per child) as you disembark the sightseeing vessel.