What Are the Best Excursions on Alaska Cruises

Alaska cruises offer some of the most unforgettable excursions on Earth, blending jaw-dropping scenery with thrilling adventures. Whether you’re kayaking beside glaciers, spotting whales in pristine waters, or learning from Indigenous guides, these experiences turn a cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

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Dreaming of snow-capped peaks, icy blue glaciers, and untamed wildlife? An Alaska cruise delivers all that and more—especially when you step off the ship and into the wild. But with so many options, how do you choose the best excursions on Alaska cruises? The answer lies in matching your interests, fitness level, and sense of adventure to the incredible experiences Alaska has to offer.

Unlike typical beach vacations, Alaska cruises are all about immersion. You’re not just passing through stunning landscapes—you’re invited to explore them up close. From the moment your ship docks in ports like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, or Seward, a world of adventure awaits. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, history buff, or photography enthusiast, Alaska’s excursions are designed to leave you in awe.

The best part? These experiences aren’t just scenic—they’re transformative. Imagine standing on a glacier that’s thousands of years old, hearing the thunderous crack as a chunk of ice breaks off and crashes into the sea. Or paddling a kayak through calm waters, with a pod of orcas gliding silently beside you. These moments stay with you long after the cruise ends.

Key Takeaways

• Glacier tours are a must: Walk on ancient ice or take a boat tour to witness towering glaciers calving into the sea.
• Wildlife viewing is unparalleled: Spot humpback whales, sea otters, bears, and bald eagles in their natural habitats.
• Adventure activities add excitement: Try dog sledding on a glacier, ziplining through forests, or kayaking in fjords.
• Cultural excursions deepen your experience: Learn about Alaska Native heritage through storytelling, art, and village visits.
• Scenic train rides offer unique perspectives: Ride the Alaska Railroad through mountains, rivers, and remote wilderness.
• Plan ahead for popular tours: Book excursions early, especially for limited-capacity adventures like flightseeing or heli-hikes.
• Choose excursions that match your pace: From relaxed wildlife cruises to strenuous hikes, there’s something for every traveler.

Top Glacier Excursions: Walk on Ice and Witness Nature’s Power

Glaciers are the crown jewels of Alaska, and no cruise is complete without seeing one up close. These massive rivers of ice shape the landscape, carve fjords, and provide a window into Earth’s ancient past. Fortunately, several excursions let you experience glaciers in unforgettable ways.

Mendenhall Glacier Kayak Tour (Juneau)

One of the most popular excursions in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier kayak tour. This adventure begins with a short boat ride to the edge of the glacier’s lagoon, where you’ll paddle through calm, glassy waters surrounded by towering ice walls. As you glide closer, you’ll hear the glacier “sing”—a series of pops and cracks as the ice shifts and melts.

Guides share fascinating facts about the glacier’s history and the science behind glacial movement. You’ll learn how climate change is affecting these icy giants and why preserving them matters. The tour often includes a stop at Nugget Falls, a powerful waterfall cascading down a cliff beside the glacier. It’s a perfect photo op and a refreshing spray on a warm day.

For those who prefer dry feet, a guided walk along the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center trails offers stunning views without the paddle. But if you’re up for a little adventure, the kayak tour is worth every splash.

Helicopter Glacier Walk (Various Locations)

For the ultimate glacier experience, nothing beats a helicopter glacier walk. These tours take you high above the coastline, offering panoramic views of snowfields, mountain ranges, and turquoise lakes. Once you land on the glacier, you’ll don crampons and follow a guide across the ice.

Popular departure points include Juneau, Skagway, and Seward. In Juneau, companies like Alaska Helicopter Tours offer flights to the Norris Glacier, where you can walk on ice that’s over 10,000 years old. The silence is profound—broken only by the wind and the occasional groan of shifting ice.

These tours are ideal for travelers who want a unique perspective and don’t mind a bit of altitude. They’re also great for photographers, as the aerial views are simply breathtaking. Just be sure to dress warmly—even in summer, glacier temperatures hover near freezing.

Glacier Bay National Park Cruise (Inside Passage)

If your cruise sails through the Inside Passage, you’ll likely pass through Glacier Bay National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you won’t disembark here, many ships offer enhanced naturalist programs and deck-side commentary as you glide past massive glaciers like Margerie and Lamplugh.

Some cruise lines partner with park rangers who come aboard to share insights about the ecosystem, wildlife, and glacial dynamics. It’s a relaxing yet educational way to experience Alaska’s icy wonders without leaving the ship. Binoculars are a must, as you might spot seals lounging on icebergs or eagles perched on rocky outcrops.

Wildlife Viewing: Spot Whales, Bears, and More

Alaska is a wildlife paradise, and its coastal waters and forests are home to some of the planet’s most iconic animals. Excursions focused on wildlife viewing are among the most rewarding—and often the most emotional—experiences on an Alaska cruise.

Whale Watching Tours (Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Seward)

Humpback whales are the stars of Alaska’s marine scene, and spotting one breaching or slapping its tail is a moment you’ll never forget. Juneau is one of the best places for whale watching, with tours departing from Auke Bay. Companies like Harv’s Seaplanes offer boat tours that venture into Stephens Passage, a prime feeding ground for humpbacks.

These tours often include sightings of orcas, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. Guides use hydrophones to listen for whale songs, adding an auditory layer to the experience. Some tours even offer the chance to see whales up close from a kayak—though safety protocols ensure you keep a respectful distance.

Icy Strait Point, near Hoonah, is another hotspot. Here, you can take a high-speed boat tour through narrow channels where whales are frequently spotted. The area is also known for its high concentration of brown bears, so keep your eyes peeled onshore too.

Bear Viewing Excursions (Ketchikan, Hyder, Anan Creek)

For bear enthusiasts, Alaska offers some of the best bear viewing in the world. One of the most popular destinations is Anan Creek in Wrangell, where black and brown bears gather in summer to feast on salmon.

The Anan Creek Bear Observatory tour involves a short flight from Ketchikan or Wrangell, followed by a guided hike to a viewing platform. From here, you can watch bears fish, play, and interact in their natural habitat. The experience is both thrilling and humbling—seeing these powerful animals in the wild is a reminder of nature’s raw beauty.

Another option is a bear viewing tour in Hyder, a tiny border town near Stewart, British Columbia. Here, you can take a boat up the Salmon River to watch bears fishing at the river’s mouth. These tours are less crowded than Anan Creek and offer a more intimate experience.

Sea Otter and Puffin Encounters (Ketchikan, Sitka)

While whales and bears get most of the attention, Alaska’s smaller marine mammals are equally captivating. Sea otters, with their playful antics and habit of floating on their backs, are a delight to watch. Puffins, with their colorful beaks and comical expressions, are a favorite among birdwatchers.

In Ketchikan, boat tours often include stops at sea otter habitats and puffin colonies. Guides point out other wildlife too, like Steller sea lions and harbor seals. These tours are typically family-friendly and great for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Adventure Excursions: Thrills in the Wild

If you’re the type who loves a rush, Alaska’s adventure excursions won’t disappoint. From dog sledding on glaciers to ziplining through old-growth forests, these activities combine adrenaline with awe-inspiring scenery.

Dog Sledding on a Glacier (Juneau, Skagway)

Dog sledding is an iconic Alaskan experience, and doing it on a glacier takes it to another level. Tours typically begin with a helicopter ride to a remote glacier, where you’ll meet a team of energetic sled dogs and their musher.

After a brief lesson on how to drive the sled, you’ll take the reins and glide across the snow, surrounded by endless white and blue ice. The dogs’ enthusiasm is contagious—they love to run, and their excitement is part of the fun.

Many tours include a visit to a dog camp, where you can meet the puppies and learn about the history of dog sledding in Alaska. It’s a great way to connect with local culture and support responsible tourism.

Ziplining and Canopy Tours (Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan)

For a bird’s-eye view of Alaska’s forests, try a zipline tour. Icy Strait Point boasts one of the longest ziplines in North America, stretching over 1,300 feet through towering spruce and hemlock trees. The tour includes multiple lines, suspension bridges, and educational stops about the local ecosystem.

In Ketchikan, canopy tours often combine ziplining with rainforest hikes and wildlife spotting. These excursions are perfect for families and active travelers who want to explore the forest from a new angle.

Kayaking in Fjords and Bays (Ketchikan, Seward, Juneau)

Kayaking is one of the most peaceful ways to experience Alaska’s coastline. Paddling through calm waters, you’ll get close to sea stacks, icebergs, and marine life—all while enjoying the serenity of the wilderness.

In Ketchikan, tours often explore the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. In Seward, kayak excursions venture into Kenai Fjords National Park, where you might see glaciers calving in the distance.

For beginners, guided tours provide instruction and safety gear. More experienced paddlers can opt for multi-day kayak expeditions, though these require advance planning.

Cultural and Historical Excursions: Connect with Alaska’s Heritage

Alaska’s history is rich and diverse, shaped by Indigenous cultures, gold rushes, and Russian influence. Cultural excursions offer a deeper understanding of the state’s past and present.

Native Cultural Experiences (Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines)

In Ketchikan, the Totem Heritage Center and nearby totem parks showcase intricately carved totem poles that tell stories of clans, legends, and family histories. Many tours include a visit to a Native village, where you can watch traditional dancing, listen to storytelling, and shop for authentic crafts.

In Sitka, the Sheldon Jackson Museum houses one of the finest collections of Alaska Native artifacts in the world. Guided tours explain the significance of masks, regalia, and tools, offering insight into Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

Haines, known as the “Adventure Capital of Alaska,” also offers cultural tours that highlight the region’s Indigenous heritage and gold rush history.

Gold Rush History in Skagway

Skagway is a living museum of the Klondike Gold Rush. Walking tours take you through historic streets, past saloons, and into the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. You can even ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a narrow-gauge train that climbs steep mountainsides—just as prospectors did over a century ago.

Many tours include visits to the Moore House, where the infamous con man “Soapy” Smith was killed, and the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, known for its driftwood facade.

Russian Influence in Sitka

Sitka was once the capital of Russian America, and its history is reflected in its architecture and culture. The Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michael’s Cathedral are must-see landmarks. Guided tours explain how Russian fur traders interacted with Alaska Natives and how the region transitioned to American control in 1867.

Scenic Train Rides: Ride the Rails Through Wilderness

The Alaska Railroad is more than transportation—it’s an experience in itself. These scenic rides offer some of the most breathtaking views in the state, with comfortable seating, large windows, and knowledgeable guides.

Denali Star Train (Anchorage to Denali)

While not a cruise port, many travelers extend their Alaska trip with a train ride to Denali National Park. The Denali Star Train travels through mountains, rivers, and tundra, with dome cars offering panoramic views. Wildlife sightings are common, including moose, caribou, and Dall sheep.

Coastal Classic Train (Anchorage to Seward)

This route follows the coastline, passing through Kenai Fjords and alongside Resurrection Bay. The train stops at scenic viewpoints, and some tours include a boat cruise in Seward to see glaciers and marine wildlife.

Glacier Discovery Train (Anchorage to Whittier)

This short but stunning ride ends in Whittier, a cruise port known for its dramatic scenery. The train passes through tunnels, over bridges, and alongside glaciers—making it a great way to start or end your cruise.

Tips for Choosing the Best Excursions

With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some tips to help you pick the best excursions on Alaska cruises:

– **Book early:** Popular tours like helicopter glacier walks and bear viewing sell out quickly. Reserve them as soon as your cruise itinerary is confirmed.
– **Consider your fitness level:** Some excursions, like glacier hikes or kayaking, require moderate physical activity. Choose tours that match your abilities.
– **Check the weather:** Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. Opt for flexible tours or have a backup plan.
– **Support local operators:** Look for excursions run by Alaska-based companies or Indigenous-owned businesses to ensure your money supports the local economy.
– **Pack appropriately:** Dress in layers, wear waterproof gear, and bring binoculars and a camera.

Conclusion

The best excursions on Alaska cruises aren’t just about seeing the sights—they’re about feeling connected to a wild, untamed land. Whether you’re standing on a glacier, watching a whale breach, or learning from a Native elder, these experiences deepen your appreciation for Alaska’s natural and cultural wonders.

While the cruise ship offers comfort and luxury, it’s the time spent ashore that truly defines the journey. Each excursion adds a new layer to your understanding of this incredible state, creating memories that last a lifetime.

So as you plan your Alaska cruise, don’t just look at the ports—look at the adventures waiting beyond the docks. With the right excursions, your trip will be more than a vacation. It will be a story you’ll tell for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular excursions on Alaska cruises?

The most popular excursions include glacier tours, whale watching, dog sledding, and bear viewing. These activities offer close encounters with Alaska’s iconic landscapes and wildlife.

Are Alaska cruise excursions worth the cost?

Yes, most excursions are worth the investment. They provide unique, guided experiences that you can’t easily replicate on your own, especially in remote areas.

Can I book excursions independently or should I use the cruise line?

You can book independently, but cruise-line excursions often include transportation, guides, and insurance. Independent tours may be cheaper but require more planning.

What should I wear on Alaska cruise excursions?

Dress in layers, wear waterproof jackets and pants, and choose sturdy, non-slip footwear. Even in summer, temperatures can be cool, especially on water or near glaciers.

Are there family-friendly excursions on Alaska cruises?

Absolutely. Many tours, like wildlife cruises, ziplining, and cultural visits, are designed for all ages and offer fun, educational experiences for kids and adults.

When is the best time to book Alaska cruise excursions?

Book as early as possible—ideally when you book your cruise. Popular tours like helicopter glacier walks and bear viewing often sell out months in advance.