Alaska cruises offer some of the most breathtaking excursions on Earth, blending raw wilderness, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re kayaking beside glaciers or spotting humpback whales, choosing the right excursions can transform your trip from memorable to life-changing.
Key Takeaways
- Glacier adventures are a must: Don’t miss helicopter tours or guided hikes on massive ice formations like Mendenhall or Hubbard Glacier.
- Wildlife viewing is unparalleled: Bear-watching in Ketchikan, whale-watching in Juneau, and puffin spotting in Sitka offer incredible photo opportunities.
- Native culture enriches the journey: Visit Tlingit villages and learn traditional crafts, dances, and stories that connect you to Alaska’s indigenous roots.
- Adventure activities suit every thrill level: From dog sledding on glaciers to ziplining through temperate rainforests, there’s something for everyone.
- Small-group and local tours offer better value: Skip crowded ship-sponsored tours for personalized experiences with local guides who know the land.
- Book early and research independently: Popular excursions fill fast, and third-party operators often provide better prices and flexibility.
- Pack smart for variable weather: Layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear are essential for comfort and safety on any excursion.
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Why Alaskan Cruise Excursions Are Unmissable
Alaska isn’t just a destination—it’s a sensory overload of towering glaciers, misty fjords, and wildlife that roams free. While the cruise itself offers stunning ocean views and onboard luxury, the real magic happens when you step ashore. That’s where Alaskan cruise excursions come in. These guided adventures let you dive deep into the Last Frontier’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, turning a scenic voyage into an immersive experience.
Imagine standing on a glacier, feeling the crunch of ancient ice under your boots. Or watching a humpback whale breach just 50 feet from your kayak. These aren’t scenes from a documentary—they’re real moments you can live during a well-chosen excursion. The best Alaskan cruise excursions go beyond sightseeing. They connect you with the land, its people, and its rhythms in ways no photo op can capture.
But with so many options—some offered by cruise lines, others by independent operators—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you book a helicopter tour or a dog sledding adventure? Is a whale-watching cruise worth the cost? And how do you avoid the tourist traps? This guide will walk you through the top Alaskan cruise excursions, helping you pick the ones that match your interests, budget, and sense of adventure.
Top Glacier Excursions in Alaska
Visual guide about What Are the Best Alaskan Cruise Excursions
Image source: justsimplywander.com
Glaciers are Alaska’s crown jewels, and no cruise is complete without getting up close to one. These rivers of ice move slowly but leave a lasting impression. Whether you view them from a boat, soar above them in a helicopter, or walk on their surface, glacier excursions offer some of the most awe-inspiring moments of any Alaskan journey.
Helicopter Glacier Tours
One of the most popular—and unforgettable—excursions is a helicopter ride to a glacier. Companies like Mountain Air Helicopter Tours in Juneau or Alaska Glacier Tours in Girdwood offer flights that land directly on the ice. You’ll soar over snow-capped peaks, deep crevasses, and turquoise meltwater pools before touching down on a glacier like the Mendenhall or the massive Hubbard Glacier.
Once on the ice, you’ll gear up in crampons and helmets for a guided walk. Your guide will explain how glaciers form, how they’re changing due to climate, and point out features like moulins (vertical shafts in the ice) and seracs (towering ice formations). It’s a surreal experience—like walking on another planet. Most tours last 2–3 hours and include round-trip flights, gear, and a short hike.
Tip: Book this early. These tours are in high demand and often sell out months in advance. Also, check weather conditions—flights are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled.
Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing
For a more hands-on adventure, consider a guided glacier hike. In places like Matanuska Glacier near Anchorage or Exit Glacier near Seward, you can trek across the ice with expert guides. These excursions are perfect for active travelers who want to explore crevasses, ice caves, and blue ice formations up close.
Some tours even offer ice climbing lessons. With an ice axe and crampons, you’ll learn basic techniques to scale small ice walls. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. Most companies provide all the gear, so you just need warm layers and sturdy boots.
One standout is the Matanuska Glacier Ice Hike, a full-day trip that includes a scenic drive, a 2–3 hour hike, and lunch. It’s a great option if your cruise stops in Whittier or Seward. Just remember: glacier hiking requires a moderate fitness level and good balance.
Glacier Kayaking and Boat Tours
If you prefer to stay dry, a boat or kayak tour offers a different perspective. In Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, companies like Major Marine Tours offer small-boat cruises that glide right up to tidewater glaciers. You’ll watch chunks of ice calve into the ocean, creating thunderous splashes and icebergs that float like jewels.
Kayaking near a glacier is even more intimate. Paddle through calm waters surrounded by towering cliffs and floating ice. Guides often stop near glaciers so you can hear the ice crack and pop—a sound you’ll never forget. These tours are quieter and more peaceful than motorized boats, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Wildlife Encounters You Can’t Miss
Alaska is a wildlife paradise, and its coastal waters and forests are home to some of the planet’s most iconic animals. From humpback whales to brown bears, wildlife excursions let you witness these creatures in their natural habitat—safely and responsibly.
Whale-Watching Tours
Whale-watching is a highlight of any Alaskan cruise, and Juneau is one of the best spots to do it. Humpback whales migrate here each summer to feed on krill and small fish. Companies like Harv and Marv’s Whale Adventures offer small-group tours that get you close—but not too close—to these gentle giants.
You’ll board a stable catamaran and head into Stephens Passage, a prime feeding ground. Naturalists on board explain whale behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts. Many tours also spot orcas, sea lions, and porpoises. The best part? You’ll often see whales breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping (popping their heads out of the water to look around).
Tip: Bring binoculars and a zoom lens. Even from a distance, the sight of a 40-ton whale leaping out of the water is breathtaking. Also, dress warmly—ocean breezes can be chilly even in summer.
Bear Viewing Adventures
For a truly wild experience, head to Ketchikan or Hyder for bear viewing. In Ketchikan, you can take a floatplane to remote areas like Neets Bay or Anan Creek, where black and brown bears gather to feast on salmon during spawning season.
At Anan Creek, a wildlife observatory lets you watch bears from a safe, elevated platform. You might see mothers with cubs, males fishing, or even bears wrestling. Guides share stories about bear behavior and the importance of salmon to the ecosystem.
In Hyder, a small border town near the Canadian line, you can join a guided bear walk along the Salmon River. This is one of the few places in Alaska where you can see bears on foot—always with a trained guide and strict safety protocols.
Birdwatching and Puffin Tours
Alaska’s coastal cliffs are nesting grounds for thousands of seabirds, including tufted puffins, murres, and cormorants. In Sitka, companies like Alaska Sea Adventures offer birding tours that visit remote islands and sea stacks.
You’ll see puffins with their colorful beaks, dive-bombing gulls, and massive colonies of seabirds covering entire cliffs. Some tours include a visit to St. Lazaria Island, a protected wildlife refuge accessible only by boat. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream—and a photographer’s goldmine.
Cultural and Historical Excursions
Alaska’s beauty isn’t just natural—it’s also deeply cultural. The state is home to Indigenous peoples like the Tlingit, Haida, and Athabascan, whose traditions, art, and stories have shaped the region for thousands of years. Cultural excursions offer a meaningful way to connect with Alaska’s heritage.
Native Village Visits and Cultural Centers
In Ketchikan, visit the Totem Bight State Historical Park or the Clan House at Saxman Totem Park. These sites feature restored totem poles, traditional longhouses, and performances by Native dancers in regalia. You’ll learn about clan systems, oral histories, and the significance of totems as family crests.
In Juneau, the Alaska State Museum and Walter Soboleff Building showcase Indigenous art, including carvings, weavings, and ceremonial objects. Some tours include a visit to a local artist’s studio, where you can watch a master carver at work and even try your hand at beadwork.
Gold Rush History Tours
Alaska’s history is also tied to the gold rush. In Skagway, step back in time with a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a narrow-gauge railway built during the Klondike Gold Rush. The scenic train ride climbs steep grades through mountain passes, offering stunning views and historical commentary.
You can also visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where park rangers in period costumes share stories of stampeders who braved harsh conditions in search of fortune. Don’t miss the chance to pan for gold yourself—many tours include a hands-on experience.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
If you crave adrenaline, Alaska delivers. From dog sledding on glaciers to ziplining through rainforests, adventure excursions let you experience the wild side of the Last Frontier.
Dog Sledding on Glaciers
Dog sledding is a quintessential Alaskan experience. In Juneau, companies like Alaska Glacier Dogsled Tours offer helicopter rides to a glacier, where you’ll meet a team of huskies and learn how to mush. You’ll ride in a sled pulled by energetic dogs across the snow, guided by a professional musher.
Some tours let you drive the sled yourself, while others offer a passenger ride with a chance to interact with the dogs. It’s a unique blend of adventure and tradition—dog sledding has been a vital mode of transportation in Alaska for centuries.
Ziplining and Rainforest Adventures
In Ketchikan, the Alaska Canopy Adventures zipline course takes you through the temperate rainforest. Soar over streams, between towering spruce and hemlock trees, and over a waterfall. The course includes seven ziplines and several suspension bridges, with guides sharing facts about the ecosystem.
For a quieter experience, try a guided rainforest walk. In Tongass National Forest, you’ll see moss-covered trees, salmon streams, and maybe even a deer or two. Some tours include a visit to a Native fish camp, where you can learn about traditional salmon fishing.
Fishing Excursions
Alaska is famous for its salmon and halibut. Charter a fishing boat in Seward, Ketchikan, or Juneau for a half- or full-day trip. You’ll fish in protected bays or open ocean, with all gear and bait provided. Many tours include a shore lunch—grilled salmon cooked over an open fire.
Even if you’re not an experienced angler, these trips are fun and educational. Guides teach you how to cast, reel, and clean your catch. And yes, you can usually take your fish home (check regulations and shipping options).
Tips for Choosing the Best Excursions
With so many options, how do you pick the best Alaskan cruise excursions? Here are some practical tips to help you decide.
Book Early and Research Independently
Popular excursions—especially helicopter tours and dog sledding—sell out fast. Book as soon as your cruise itinerary is confirmed. While cruise lines offer convenient booking, third-party operators often provide better prices, smaller groups, and more personalized service.
Websites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Alaska Shore Excursions let you compare options, read reviews, and book directly. Look for companies with local guides, small group sizes, and strong safety records.
Match Excursions to Your Interests and Fitness Level
Not all excursions are created equal. If you love wildlife, prioritize whale-watching and bear tours. If you’re adventurous, go for glacier hikes or ziplining. If you prefer culture, focus on Native villages and museums.
Also, consider your physical ability. Glacier hikes and dog sledding require moderate fitness. Boat tours and cultural visits are more relaxed. Be honest about your limits—Alaska’s terrain can be challenging.
Pack Smart for Variable Weather
Alaska’s weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, temperatures can range from 40°F to 70°F, with rain, wind, and sun all possible in one day. Pack in layers: a base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sturdy, non-slip footwear.
Bring a dry bag for electronics and extra clothes. Many excursions provide rain gear, but it’s smart to have your own.
Support Local and Sustainable Tourism
Choose operators that respect the environment and support local communities. Look for certifications like Certified Sustainable Tour Operator or partnerships with Native organizations. Avoid tours that disturb wildlife or promote exploitative practices.
Conclusion
The best Alaskan cruise excursions aren’t just about checking off a bucket list—they’re about connecting with a place that feels timeless and wild. Whether you’re standing on a glacier, watching a whale breach, or learning a traditional dance, these moments stay with you long after the cruise ends.
Alaska rewards curiosity, respect, and a sense of adventure. By choosing excursions that align with your passions—and doing a little research ahead of time—you’ll create memories that are as vast and unforgettable as the landscape itself. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to explore the Last Frontier like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Alaskan cruise excursions?
The most popular excursions include helicopter glacier tours, whale-watching in Juneau, dog sledding on glaciers, and bear viewing in Ketchikan. These activities offer unique, up-close experiences with Alaska’s natural wonders.
Are Alaskan cruise excursions worth the cost?
Yes, especially when they provide access to remote areas, expert guides, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. While prices can be high, the value comes from the quality of the experience and the memories created.
Can I book excursions independently instead of through the cruise line?
Absolutely. Many travelers find better prices, smaller groups, and more authentic experiences by booking directly with local operators. Just ensure the timing aligns with your ship’s schedule.
What should I wear on an Alaskan cruise excursion?
Wear layers, including a waterproof jacket, warm mid-layer, and moisture-wicking base. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential, especially for glacier hikes or rainforest walks.
Are there family-friendly Alaskan cruise excursions?
Yes, many excursions are suitable for families, including whale-watching, cultural village visits, and scenic train rides. Check age and height requirements for activities like ziplining or dog sledding.
What time of year is best for Alaskan cruise excursions?
Summer (June to August) is ideal, with longer days, milder weather, and peak wildlife activity. May and September offer fewer crowds and lower prices, but some tours may have limited availability.