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Science at Sea Shore Excursions Explore the science of the Alaska through these amazing excursions

Steve Spangler Plans the Coolest Trips

John Scheerens, the Science at Sea Naturalist

John Scheerens  

We're excited to introduce you to our naturalist, John Scheerens, who will participate in every aspect of the Science at Sea experience and provide us with his amazing insights and knowledge of the region. John is considered the teacher of teachers in Alaska serving as the training consultant for most of the major tour companies throughout Alaska. John has been featured on ABC's 20/20 and his educational tours have received the highest praise among his peers. We cannot think of the better tour leader for our Science at Sea experience.
Learn more about John Scheerens

Shore Excursion Details

Due to the size of our group, we will enjoy private shore excursions at each of our ports of call. Our naturalist is working with each of the shore excursion companies to craft an educational experience that is unique to our group of science teachers.

DAY ONE - Travel day. Our private naturalist, John Schereens will offer lectures throughout the day in preparation for the upcoming excursions. Steve Spangler and his team will also offer several workshops.

DAY TWO - Day on Ship, Prince William Sound - Located off the coast of Anchorage, this amazing body of water hosts the largest concentration of glaciers in Alaska, including the College Fjord, a series of glaciers named after elite Ivy League schools. Keep one eye on the shoreline while you cruise, as you just may spot otters, seals, bears, eagles and deer.

Science at Sea - Glacier

College Fjord was discovered during an 1899 expedition funded by Ivy League colleges. As a result, all of the glaciers were named after the various schools in their honor. Located in the northwest corner of Prince William Sound, College Fjord is surrounded by over a dozen glaciers, the largest of which is called Harvard Glacier. As you sail along enjoying the serenity and natural beauty of this destination, listen for the splash of glaciers calving into the water below.

DAY THREE - Sitka Shore Excursion - You will have the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, brown bears, black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds.

On this excursion you will:

  • While cruising, you will also learn about the sea otter population recovery, following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early 1800's.
  • Learn the Sea Otter Express and her jet-driven sister ships are designed to navigate southeast Alaska's narrow island passages, allowing for spectacular wildlife viewing at close range.
  • Find your vessel features a warm and comfortable cabin with enclosed seating, large windows, a snack bar, and restrooms.
  • Be guaranteed you will see a sea otter, a whale, or a bear. If not, you will receive a $100 cash refund at the end of the voyage.
  • Upon return to Sitka, you will be dropped off downtown, minutes from the main shopping district and St. Michael's Cathedral. A ticket to the Cathedral is included in the price.
  Science at Sea - Bald Eagle

Note: Please dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the observation deck.

 

DAY FOUR - Juneau Shore Excursion - Nestled alongside Thunder Mountain is a stunning combination of hanging gardens, flowered pathways, and temperate rainforest.

On this beautiful excursion you will:

  • Arrive at Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, meet your tour guide who will escort you to an exquisite atrium full of beautiful hanging baskets in full bloom.
  • View forest, landscaped gardens, and a stream surround the atrium, and you will enjoy a guided tour in covered shuttles into the rain forest.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, Auke Bay, Stephen's Passage, Admiralty Island, and the Chilkat Mountain range from the viewpoint on Thunder Mountain.
  • Visit Mendenhall Glacier, a moving river of ice with rugged crevasses and a distinctive blue color, which appears deceptively close because of its immense size.
  • Stroll the walkways to the U.S. Forestry Service Visitors' Center and take in one of the glaciology exhibits, listen to an interpretive talk with a Forest Service Ranger, or marvel at the panoramic views of the glacier.
  • Have spotting scopes available for a close-up view of the glacier and to assist wildlife viewing.
  Science at Sea - Waterfalls

Note: Guests on this tour will not be able to walk on the glacier. You will be staying across the lake at the Glacier Visitors Center, which offers spectacular views of the glacier face.

DAY FIVE - Skagway Shore Excursion - Experience an unforgettable journey aboard the world-famous narrow gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

Science at Sea - White Pass Train

On this excursion you will:

  • Travel along the eastern side of the White Pass to the 2,885-foot summit, returning along the Klondike Highway via motorcoach.
  • Board an old-fashioned parlor car and retrace the original route beyond the summit of White Pass, while learning about the history of the gold-rush era.
  • Upon reaching Fraser, British Columbia, you will board a motorcoach for a journey down the west side of the White Pass Canyon.
  • After a snack of hot cider and cookies, have your photo taken with a huge Mackenzie River Husky or stop in the rustic Liarsville General Store for some of Skagway's most unique shopping.
  • On your return to Skagway, you may choose to stop in town for more shopping or return to the ship.

Note: This excursion enters Canada. A passport or birth certificate AND Government issued ID are required for all U.S. and Canadian citizens. All non-U.S./Canadian citizens must carry a valid passport.

DAY FIVE - Time on Ship, Cruise through Lynn Canal - Stretching nearly 100 miles through some of Alaska's most breathtaking scenery, Lynn Canal is the longest glacial fjord in North America. As you cruise through this regal landscape you'll be awed by hanging glaciers, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains.

Science at Sea - Canal

DAY SIX - Ketchikan Shore Excursion - Explore Misty Fjords while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska.

On this excursion you will:

  • Begin your adventure as soon as you leave Ketchikan's picturesque harbor, passing by colorful fishing boats and float planes, en route to a wilderness experience you will never forget.
  • Keep a sharp eye out for whales, porpoise and sea lions as the water jet-powered catamaran "flies" at sea level past rugged coastlines.
  • Cruise into into Behm Canal surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords, stop to view an active bald eagle's nest and a Tlingit pictograph.
  • Admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea.
  • Delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the monument.
  • Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs.
  • Feel the mist of glistening waterfalls and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces.
  • Cruise south from Rudyerd Bay to view a gathering of harbor seals.
  • Enjoy a selection of complementary snacks and beverages while watching for other species of wildlife that thrive here.
  • While en route to Ketchikan, have the opportunity to experience native culture and history presented by a Tlingit storyteller, watch a native artist at work, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation.
  Science at Sea - Seals

Note: Be sure to bring a warm, waterproof jacket to wear on the topside observation decks and remember to bring your camera!

DAY SEVEN - Day on Ship, Cruise through Inside Passage - Located right along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales as you cruise the passage to the historic Alaskan ports of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Debark in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Science at Sea - Whale

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our Program Coordinator at (800) 223-9080 or visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Science at Sea
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