Craft Your Own Adventure: Discovering Alaska with Dinogo
Created in collaboration with Conde Nast Traveler
There's a compelling reason why Alaska is a top destination for adventurers worldwide. With its vast rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the chance to witness stunning natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, Alaska promises to be an unforgettable experience. While you can explore The Last Frontier solo, the best way to truly embrace this extraordinary journey is by embarking on one of Dinogo's award-winning cruises.
Dinogo's ships are not only equipped with every comfort you could desire during your Alaskan adventure—offering a variety of exquisite dining choices, Broadway-quality entertainment, numerous indoor and outdoor pools and waterslides, and indulgent spa services—but cruising to Alaska also means you only need to unpack once. Plus, you’ll get to visit multiple essential ports that would be hard to see in just one trip. In essence, cruising is the ultimate way to experience Alaska's breathtaking wilderness.
Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk at Mendenhall GlacierAre you yearning to glide past stunning glaciers shimmering in the afternoon sun or perhaps gaze upon towering, snow-capped mountains? If you're an animal enthusiast, you might be eager to witness a variety of wildlife up close, like a 35-ton humpback whale swimming gracefully through the ocean or a giant brown bear catching sockeye salmon in a rushing river.
While you'll have numerous chances to view these wonders from the deck of the ship, one of the highlights of your Alaskan cruise is experiencing the sights and sounds firsthand during one of Dinogo's exhilarating shore excursions. At every port of call, Dinogo collaborates with knowledgeable local guides and top-notch tour operators to immerse you in the Alaskan wilderness safely and engagingly. There are countless incredible Alaska excursions to choose from, but here are a few that you simply can't miss.
Paddle Through the Siginaka Islands
If you're eager to witness Alaska's renowned wildlife, this excursion is perfect for you. It begins in the quaint island town of Sitka, often considered Alaska's first city, with a history that spans over 10,000 years. Sitka boasts stunning views of mountains and coastlines, teeming with diverse wildlife that you'll encounter as you explore a private island in Sitka Sound.
Your adventure kicks off the moment you board your catamaran, a vessel specially designed to navigate areas inaccessible to standard boats. Relax and take in the scenic cruise toward the pristine Siginaka Islands, where you can expect breathtaking views and glimpses of wildlife along the way—just a sneak peek of the wonders ahead.
Soon, you'll embark on a kayaking exploration of the island with an expert guide by your side. The tranquil waters of the Sound will envelop you, creating a deep connection with nature as you glide through narrow channels. Your guide will highlight the abundance of marine life visible in the shallows, including sea urchins, crabs, sea stars, and jellyfish.
Above the crystal-clear waters, keep an eye out for more wildlife, such as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and porpoises, which may be floating, surfacing for air, or basking on rocky shores. Don’t forget to look up for a chance to spot bald eagles. In addition to wildlife, your guide will share insights about the indigenous Tlingit culture, the area's original inhabitants, who have been harvesting the ocean's resources using ancestral knowledge since the last Ice Age.
Alaska Whale Watching ExperienceWhale Watching Adventures in Juneau
You can't visit Alaska without embarking on a renowned whale-watching tour, and once you witness these magnificent creatures up close, you'll see why it's a must-do. The highlight of the whale watching and wildlife quest in Juneau is the guarantee of a whale sighting—if you don't see one, you'll receive a $100 refund upon disembarking. With sightings reported on every tour over the past decade, the chances are incredibly high that you won't need that refund.
Your adventure begins with a brief bus ride to the picturesque Auka Bay, where you'll board a luxurious jet-powered catamaran designed for optimal wildlife viewing. Enjoy the comfort of the spacious main cabin, which features large windows for stunning views of the scenery outside. As your captain navigates the waters of Stephens Passage, a naturalist will share insights about the wildlife you might see, including humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, deer, and bald eagles.
Guided Walk at Mendenhall GlacierMendenhall Glacier Helicopter and Guided Walk
Located just outside Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is a breathtaking sight best experienced from above on a helicopter tour. Ascend over Alaska's Alpine ridges and lush rainforests to fully appreciate the vastness of this stunning landscape as your pilot shares captivating stories about the pristine areas beneath you. Approaching the icefield, you'll be awed by the vibrant blue crevasses and peaks that create this surreal environment.
As you climb higher, you'll see the Mendenhall Towers, soaring over 7,000 feet, alongside stunning icefalls that feed the Mendenhall Glacier. You'll have ample time to take in the breathtaking views of icefalls, hanging glaciers, and towering spires before gently landing on a flowing river of ice. Your journey continues on foot as you explore the 3,000-year-old glacier with your knowledgeable guide, ensuring unforgettable memories.
Observation Lounge at Dinogo BlissWhere will your next cruise take you? Share with us in the comments!
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