One of the major reasons the town of Samaná is on the tourism map is because it is one of the best places in the world to observe dozens of humpback whales in their natural environment. This awe-inspiring activity will take you near Cayo Levantado on the turquoise waters of the Bahía de Samaná, where the giant, white-finned humpbacks practice their mating rituals. Every year, thousands of these huge mammals come from the faraway waters of Greenland and Iceland to the Bahía de Samaná.

This mangrove-blanketed area with its marine caverns is what put Río San Juan on the tourism map to begin with, but since the huge media push of Playa Grande, it has fallen from its previous glory and suffers from lack of upkeep. However, tours are still given and can be quite a relaxing excursion.

An exciting way to see the Everglades is by air, and Ten Thousand Island Aero Tours (650 E. C. Airpark Rd., Everglades City, 239/695-3296) offers flights ranging 20–90 minutes; you’ll cruise in an Alaskan floatplane over the saw grass and swamps at an altitude low enough to see a good bit of wildlife. It’s not up close and personal, but it’s quite exhilarating.

Portland Walking Tours

Portland Walking Tours (503/774-4522, www.portlandwalkingtours.com) offers a variety of tours related to art, architecture, history, and food of the downtown area. Most depart from the visitors center at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Down by the river is the Cascade Locks Marine Park (Exit 44 off I-84 East). Look for it on your left going east on Wa-Na-Pa Street; just follow the signs.

Thanks to a revival of interest in Lewis and Clark’s journey, Columbia River cruises are more popular than ever. Most of these small cruise ships carry 150–180 people and offer weeklong trips mostly out of Portland. These are rather pricey packages but offer a highly scenic and relaxing alternative to a lengthy road trip.

The well-appointed ships boast gourmet meals and ideal sightlines on the shipping locks and dam facilities. Add expert commentary by qualified interpreters and you have a trip to remember.

The most popular way to take in the mighty Rogue is on a jet-boat ride from Gold Beach. Two different companies run this trip, and they both provide comparable service and prices. It’s an exciting and interesting look at the varied flora and fauna along the estuary as well as the changing moods of the river.

You don’t have to risk life and limb in a fancy inner tube to see the Rogue: Several local companies offer jet-boat tours. On a jet boat, powerful engines suck in hundreds of gallons of water per minute and shoot it out the back of the boat through a narrow nozzle, generating the necessary thrust for propulsion.

With no propeller to hit rocks and other obstacles, these 20-ton machines can carry 40 or more passengers in water only six inches deep. This makes the jet boat an ideal way to enjoy the beauty of the Rogue while keeping your feet dry. Also, many outfitters charter drift boats to visit secret fishing holes for anglers to try their luck landing supper.

There are over 100 miles of hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park, yet only one leads down to the lake itself. This is because the 1.1-mile-long Cleetwood Trail is the only part of the caldera’s steep avalanche-prone slope that is safe enough for passage. The trail drops 700 feet in elevation and is recommended only for those in good physical condition. There is no other way to get to Cleetwood Cove dock, located at the end of the trail, where the Crater Lake boat tours (541/830-8700) begin.

Enjoy the glory of Big Muddy with a guided Missouri River tour from Drew’s Guide Service (573/881-6160, $125–350 one–two people, cost increases for larger groups), which welcomes guests into 17-foot handmade, motorized lorry boats.

Choose from a variety of cruises like sunset or sunrise viewings, all-day and all-night fishing expeditions, and bird-watching or sightseeing tours. Drew is also happy to create customized tours for small groups depending on your interests. Meals are discussed at the time of tour bookings.

For the ultimate souvenir, talk to Drew about Missouri Boatworks, his custom boat-building business. Crafted out of wood, the boats are available in a variety of styles, from dinghies to race boats.