Onshore Excursions

Enjoy live country music at its best with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, the world-famous venue which began as a radio show in 1925 and grew to become the country’s biggest stage. The evening show will feature up and coming country artists, as well as musical groups that have been Opry Members for years.

This tour has been carefully divided into three distinct sections to make sure you experience all that Paducah has to offer. First, tour the downtown as our local expert guide points out the areas’ many historical sites. Then, ride along the riverfront where you will witness more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting elements of Paducah’s past. End the tour at the National Quilt Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

Join Richard Garey as Mark Twain and stroll through the streets of Hannibal, the hometown that inspired Mark Twain’s famous literary novels. Learn about its history through the author’s own words and observations and then enjoy a special performance of “Mark Twain Himself” at the Planter’s Barn Theater.

Visit the winter encampment site of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. Take the opportunity to explore the visitor center and take a walk through a replica of the Fort that was built during their famous journey into the West.

Enjoy an exceptional perspective of the 308-foot Lower Falls from this well-known overlook on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. This breathtaking view is something that you truly have to see with your own eyes.

Learn about the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. The Observatory itself sits on a bluff near the crater, offering spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.

Discover America’s most notable military academy, considered by George Washington to be the most important military position in America. Its establishment as the United States Military Academy occurred in 1802 when Thomas Jefferson signed legislation to that effect. This guided exploration of the historic grounds of West Point includes Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, and other stunning areas of campus. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking vistas and magnificent views of the Hudson Valley.

Hop aboard the Rockin' Spartan for a private photography and sightseeing exploration by boat around the scenic Mid-coast Maine area captained by USCG Captain Dave Cleaveland, a longtime professional photographer in Maine. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to see eagles, osprey, seals and other wildlife, up to 10 lighthouses, several different rivers, working lobster boats, a Civil War fort, fishing villages, and Boothbay Harbor. Need a little help with your photography? Captain Dave will get you in the right spot for the best light for your photos and will help you with your photography skills.

Explore the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District in your very own private SUV. Witness the shacks that come into view as you weave through the dunes. View the picturesque Pilgrim Lake, while listening to your guide share the history and ecology of this beautiful location.

Enjoy an adventure with the playful and endearing bottle-nose dolphins. Your knowledgeable guide will share bottle-nose dolphin facts, including how the shallow waters around the island provide the perfect place for dolphins to find food.

Situated along the Potomac River, just a few miles from Washington, D.C., Mount Vernon is considered the most popular historic estate in the United States. Enjoy a guided tour of the mansion, depicted as it was in 1799, one year before Washington’s death. At the conclusion of the tour, you will have the opportunity for self-guided exploration, at which time you can explore Washington’s Tomb, the inspirational Salve Memorial, lush gardens, and other exhibits located on the estate.

Travel along the Colonial Parkway, which connects Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, to witness beautiful views of the York River and the Virginia countryside without the obstruction of commercial traffic or signage. Upon arrival in Colonial Williamsburg, enjoy a guided walking excursion through this 18th-century city followed by free time to explore at your leisure.

At the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Alaskan wildlife, even wild bears, up close. Travel by a covered, heated boat on a beautiful journey to Anan in the protected waters between Wrangell Island and the Mainland. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by U.S. Forest Service personnel, who will provide a brief orientation.

Explore the city of Ketchikan by land and sea. Begin your excursion visiting sites by motorcoach, including salmon spawning grounds and Ketchikan’s Old Red Light District. At the boat launch, plunge into the Tongass Narrows and cruise between neighboring islands, viewing the beautiful Deer Mountain and Ketchikan’s quaint waterfront community.

After boarding your raft, enjoy a rapid-free, scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home of the world's largest concentration of bald eagle. Paddling is not required, as your expert guide will push the raft along, explaining the natural history of the area, the Chilkat Indian heritage, and fun facts about bald eagle ecology.

Visit one of Victoria’s most famous attractions, Butchart Gardens. A National Historic Site of Canada, the gorgeous grounds feature millions of bedding plants in over 900 varieties. In addition to exploring the beautiful gardens, you will have time to walk around the city before boarding the return ferry.

Learn about Deception Pass and the surrounding area on this amazing jet boat adventure aboard the Island Whaler - an aluminum jet catamaran. Take a unique ride on a seated open-deck boat and enjoy a 360º unobstructed view of the National Historic Landmark, Deception Pass Bridge, the Old Prison Rock Quarry, Deception Island, and a bald eagle’s nest.

This Navy Destroyer was commissioned in 1959, sailing its entire career in the Pacific. The USS Turner Joy participated extensively in the Vietnam War and was one of the principal ships involved in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, an international confrontation that led to the United States engaging more directly in the Vietnam War.