BACKCOUNTRY JEEP AND CANOE SAFARI
Take control in this approximately four-hour excursion, which lets you experience Alaska by self-driving a Jeep and paddling a canoe across a remote lake. You’ll also embark on a guided nature walk to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna.
Excursion details
Navigate two very different forms of transport during this excursion of around four hours: a Jeep Wrangler and a traditional-style Alaskan long canoe. Start with a drive of around 20 minutes, which transfers you to a nearby base camp venue to pick up your Jeep.
You’ll be given a short safety talk and orientation, and will sign waiver forms, before starting up your sturdy Jeep Wrangler and heading out to follow your guide in the lead car. Then enjoy the ride of approximately 80 minutes, as you navigate your Jeep – built to handle off-road conditions – across rugged terrain and former logging roads, passing stretches of green forest along the way. As you drive, your guide will supply insights about the region’s history via two-way radio.
Your destination is Harriet Hunt Lake (set amongst the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world), where you’ll park your vehicle and get ready for the next part of the excursion: a canoe trip. Spend a short time getting kitted up and then launch gently into the water.
The next section of the excursion lasts about 80 minutes. You and fellow guests will paddle the canoe across the lake, soaking up the peaceful setting and Alaskan scenery, before disembarking at the other side and refuelling with a snack. Then your guide will lead a nature walk through old-growth forest, pointing out plant species and potentially any local wildlife that might be visible, although please note that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Following the nature walk, you’ll paddle back across the lake, marking the final part of the 80-minute section.
Climb out of your canoe for a transfer of around 20 minutes back to the base camp, before a return drive to the port, also lasting approximately 20 minutes.
Important Information:This is a self-driving tour. The tour order may vary. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate. Child seats for children aged 5-8 can be provided upon request and are subject to availability. Please inquire with the Shore Excursions Desk at least 48 hours prior to the call date.
It is recommended that guests are dressed in warm layers. Rain gear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. Each jeep can take up to four (4) guests. However, if your party is smaller than 4, you may be required to share the vehicle with other guests. If you wish to have your own jeep, you will be required to pay for its full capacity of 4 guests. Please inquire with the shore excursions desk onboard should this be the case so that the remaining spaces can be charged to your onboard stateroom account.
This tour is not available for guests in their third trimester of pregnancy. Guests with back/neck issues should use caution as this tour travels over rough terrain. Guests must be at least 25 years old to drive, and are required to show a valid driver’s license, must provide the name of their insurance company, and sign a waiver
