Whale Watching & Alaska Salmon Bake

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Humpback and orca whales are actively feeding in southeast Alaska waters so chances are you'll see whales breach, play and maybe bubble net feed. You will also savor wild Alaska salmon amidst amazing scenery. This easy, full-day tour combines a thrilling whale-watching cruise with a relaxing Alaska Salmon Bake for the best of picturesque Juneau!

Board your transfer at the pier and set off for Auke Bay, a charming waterfront borough 12 miles to the north of downtown Juneau. Soak up the sights as your knowledgeable guide entertains you with expert commentary on the region's history, culture and outdoor lifestyle.

Juneau's story has been a colorful one ever since two erstwhile prospectors, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, discovered gold back in 1880 and put Juneau on the map. Despite its relative inaccessibility, it's been the Alaska state capital since 1959.

Auke Bay, with its pristine marine habitat and dazzling mountain and glacier views, is the ideal place to commence your wildlife cruise. Join your captain and onboard naturalist aboard a state-of-the-art 48-passenger vessel custom built for whale watching in Juneau waters, complete with a hydrophone system for listening to whales communicate underwater. Remember to keep your camera handy as you slip your mooring and the famous Mendenhall Glacier comes into view (on clear days).

Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, so get ready to join in the collective chorus of "Oohs!" and "Aahs!" These waters are so rich, whale sightings are guaranteed! In fact, if a whale is not spotted you'll receive a $100 refund ($50 for children).

Binoculars are available for your use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to snap a photo. Or, settle into your warm and comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows. In addition to Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, bald eagles and a variety of sea birds, your naturalist will make sure to scan the shore and point out any bear or blacktail deer sightings and to describe many other aspects of the area's intriguing flora and fauna.

Immediately following your cruise you'll board a motor coach en route to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. In a historic gold rush setting complete with authentic mining artifacts, you'll arrive to the aroma of wild Alaska salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The all-you-can-eat buffet also includes parmesan chicken, au gratin potatoes, baked beans with reindeer sausage, wild-rice pilaf, and other sides, salads and beverages and blueberry cake for dessert!

After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and stroll through the rainforest to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall and entrance to the historic Wagner Mine. Meet Tlingit master carver, Doug Chilton, as he and his son sculpt two 10-foot, red cedar totems and authentic silver jewelry.

A convenient shuttle service departs for the pier every 15 to 20 minutes, so you can return to your ship at your leisure. The day's activities will leave you refreshed, relaxed and bubbling over with action-packed tales of frontier adventure.

Special Notes:

Dress warmly in rainproof jacket and comfortable shoes. Tour order may vary.

Provided: Binoculars

Meal: Wild Alaska salmon, parmesan chicken, au gratin potatoes, baked beans with reindeer sausage, rice pilaf, salads, cornbread, blueberry cake, coffee, tea. lemonade. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children ages 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian.