Ketichan, Alaska –

Get close to the action, close enough to see water dripping from 700-pound crab pots as they land on deck. The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, a 3 ½-hour excursion, runs daily from May through September. It's truly a one-of-a-kind adventure.

You will watch as the crew works with many kinds of commercial fishing gear and educates their guests about this unique way of life. The live tank on deck allows visitors to view and photograph king and snow crab, octopus, prawns, and sharks, just to name a few, before they are released back into the ocean. You'll also see the magnificent creatures that travel through the area: eagles, whales, seals, and sea lions.

Visitors sail the calm protected waters of Southeast Alaska on the Aleutian Ballad, the same vessel seen on the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" program. The only genuine Bering Seas crab fishing vessel licensed to carry leisure passengers, it has been completely remodeled to be comfortable and safe. The trip is appropriate for ages 5 and up. (888-239-3816; www.56degreesnorth.com).