What Are the Best Excursions on an Alaskan Cruise

Alaska cruises offer some of the most breathtaking excursions on Earth, blending adventure, wildlife, and natural wonder. Whether you’re kayaking beside glaciers or spotting humpback whales, these experiences turn a scenic voyage into an unforgettable journey.

Key Takeaways

• Glacier excursions are a must: Walk on ancient ice or take a boat tour to witness massive glaciers calving into the sea.
• Wildlife viewing is unparalleled: Spot bears, whales, eagles, and sea otters in their natural habitats during guided tours.
• Adventure activities thrill all ages: Try dog sledding, ziplining, or kayaking for an adrenaline boost in stunning settings.
• Cultural tours enrich your journey: Learn about Alaska Native heritage through village visits and storytelling experiences.
• Scenic train rides offer unique perspectives: Ride historic railways through mountain passes and lush forests for panoramic views.
• Plan excursions in advance: Popular tours sell out quickly, so book early through your cruise line or trusted operators.
• Pack for variable weather: Layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes are essential for comfort and safety.

Why Alaska Cruise Excursions Are Unlike Any Other

There’s something magical about Alaska that goes beyond postcard-perfect scenery. It’s a place where raw nature takes center stage—where glaciers groan and crack, where whales breach in icy waters, and where the air smells like pine and freedom. An Alaskan cruise is more than a vacation; it’s a front-row seat to one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. But the real magic happens when you step off the ship and into the wild.

That’s where excursions come in. These guided adventures transform your cruise from a scenic float into a hands-on exploration of Alaska’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife. Whether you’re hiking on a glacier, paddling through fjords, or learning about Indigenous cultures, each excursion offers a deeper connection to this rugged, beautiful state. And with so many options—ranging from gentle nature walks to high-octane adventures—there’s something for every traveler, no matter your age or activity level.

Top Glacier Excursions You Can’t Miss

Glaciers are Alaska’s crown jewels, and no cruise is complete without seeing them up close. These massive rivers of ice, some thousands of years old, carve through mountains and calve into the sea with thunderous splashes. The best way to experience them? Through a guided excursion that gets you right next to the action.

Helicopter Glacier Walks and Dog Sledding

One of the most unforgettable ways to see a glacier is by helicopter. Companies like Alaska Glacier Tours and Mountain Air Service offer flights that land directly on the ice. Once you step out, you’re standing on a frozen landscape that feels otherworldly—blue crevasses, towering seracs, and the crunch of ice underfoot. Many tours include a short hike across the glacier, where guides explain the science behind glacial movement and climate change.

But the real showstopper? Dog sledding. Yes, you can actually mush across a glacier behind a team of energetic huskies. These dogs are born for the job—bred for endurance and speed—and their joy is contagious. Most tours include a visit to a kennel where you can meet the dogs, learn about mushing traditions, and even take a short ride. It’s a thrilling blend of adventure and cultural insight, and it’s available in ports like Juneau and Skagway.

Boat Tours to Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm

If you prefer to stay dry, a boat tour is the next best thing. Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is accessible only by water or air. Cruise ships often anchor nearby, and passengers can take small boats or kayaks to get within feet of massive tidewater glaciers. The silence is broken only by the sound of ice cracking and falling into the water—a natural symphony that’s both peaceful and powerful.

Tracy Arm Fjord is another hotspot for glacier viewing. This narrow, winding inlet is flanked by 3,000-foot cliffs and home to the Sawyer Glaciers. Boat tours here often include wildlife sightings—bears fishing for salmon, seals lounging on ice floes, and eagles soaring above. Some operators even offer kayaking excursions, letting you paddle silently through icy waters for an intimate encounter with the ice.

Tips for Glacier Excursions

– Dress in layers: Temperatures on glaciers can be 20–30 degrees colder than on the ship.
– Wear waterproof boots: Ice and snow melt quickly, and wet feet ruin the fun.
– Bring a camera with extra batteries: Cold drains power fast.
– Book early: Helicopter tours fill up months in advance, especially in peak season (June–August).

Wildlife Viewing: Spotting Alaska’s Iconic Animals

Alaska is a wildlife lover’s paradise. From the deck of your ship, you might spot a humpback whale breaching or a sea otter floating on its back. But the real magic happens on shore, where guided excursions take you deep into habitats where animals roam free.

Whale Watching in Juneau and Icy Strait Point

Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is one of the best places in the world to see whales. Humpbacks, orcas, and even rare blue whales migrate through these waters each summer. Excursions typically involve a 2–3 hour boat ride into Stephens Passage or Auke Bay, where naturalists point out blowholes, tail slaps, and feeding behaviors.

One standout tour is the Juneau Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest, which uses hydrophones to listen to whale songs underwater. It’s a surreal experience—hearing the haunting melodies of these giants as they communicate across miles of ocean. Many tours also include sightings of sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles.

Icy Strait Point, near Hoonah, is another hotspot. This privately owned eco-tourism destination offers zipline canopy tours, bear viewing, and whale watching all in one. The Alaska Raptor Center and Hoonah Native Forest Partnership add educational depth, making it a great choice for families.

Bear Viewing in Ketchikan and Admiralty Island

For many travelers, seeing a brown bear in the wild is the ultimate Alaskan dream. Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” offers some of the best bear-watching opportunities. During summer, bears gather at streams to feast on spawning salmon.

One popular excursion is a floatplane ride to Neets Bay or Anan Creek. These remote locations are accessible only by air or boat, ensuring a pristine, undisturbed environment. From a safe viewing platform, you can watch bears fish, play, and even teach their cubs how to catch salmon. Guides provide insights into bear behavior and conservation efforts.

Admiralty Island, near Juneau, is home to one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world—over 1,600. Tours here often include a boat ride through the island’s rugged coastline, followed by a guided hike to bear viewing areas. It’s a more rugged experience, ideal for adventurous travelers.

Birdwatching and Sea Life Encounters

Alaska is a birdwatcher’s dream. Over 400 species nest here, including puffins, cormorants, and bald eagles. Excursions like the Ketchikan Puffin & Wildlife Cruise take you to seabird colonies on remote islands. You’ll see puffins diving for fish, eagles nesting on cliffs, and cormorants drying their wings on rocks.

Sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals are also common sightings. Kayaking tours in places like Kachemak Bay or Resurrection Bay offer quiet, up-close encounters. Paddling silently through kelp forests, you might spot otters cracking clams on their chests or seals popping their heads above water to check you out.

Adventure Excursions for Thrill-Seekers

If you’re looking for more than just sightseeing, Alaska delivers adrenaline-pumping adventures that will get your heart racing.

Ziplining Through the Rainforest

Imagine soaring over ancient trees, with views of snow-capped peaks and rushing rivers below. That’s what ziplining in Alaska feels like. Icy Strait Point boasts one of the longest zipline courses in North America—over 5,000 feet of cables that take you across canyons and over waterfalls.

The Great Alaska Zip Line tour includes seven ziplines, a suspension bridge, and a treetop walk. It’s not just about speed—it’s about immersion. As you fly through the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S., you’ll learn about local ecology and Tlingit culture from knowledgeable guides.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Glacier Bays

For a quieter but equally thrilling experience, try kayaking. Paddling through icy fjords with glaciers looming overhead is both peaceful and awe-inspiring. Tours in Kenai Fjords National Park or Glacier Bay often include stops at icebergs, where you can touch (but not taste!) thousand-year-old ice.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is also gaining popularity. It’s a great way to explore calm bays and get a workout while enjoying panoramic views. Many tours provide wetsuits and dry bags, so you stay warm and dry even if you take a dip.

Hiking and Glacier Trekking

Alaska’s trails range from easy boardwalks to challenging alpine hikes. In Denali National Park, you can take a bus tour deep into the park and then join a guided hike to see caribou, moose, and maybe even a grizzly bear (from a safe distance).

For something more extreme, try glacier trekking. Companies like Alaska Alpine Adventures offer guided hikes on the Matanuska Glacier, one of the few glaciers accessible by car. You’ll wear crampons and use ice axes to navigate crevasses and ice formations. It’s physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.

Cultural and Historical Excursions

Alaska’s beauty isn’t just natural—it’s cultural too. The state is home to diverse Indigenous communities with rich traditions that date back thousands of years. Excursions that focus on culture and history offer a deeper understanding of what makes Alaska unique.

Visiting Native Villages and Cultural Centers

In Ketchikan, the Totem Bight State Historical Park showcases restored totem poles and traditional clan houses. Guided tours explain the symbolism behind the carvings and the stories they tell. You can also visit the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which offers workshops on beadwork, weaving, and Tlingit language.

In Sitka, the Alaska Raptor Center and Russian Bishop’s House highlight the area’s Russian colonial past. Sitka was once the capital of Russian America, and the architecture and artifacts reflect that history. A walking tour of the town includes stops at historic churches, museums, and Native cultural sites.

Gold Rush History in Skagway

Skagway is a living museum of the Klondike Gold Rush. In the late 1890s, over 100,000 prospectors passed through this tiny town on their way to the Yukon. Today, you can walk the same boardwalks and visit restored saloons, hotels, and shops.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a must-do. This narrow-gauge railroad climbs 2,865 feet in just 20 miles, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and valleys. It’s often called the “Gateway to the Klondike” and is a National Historic Landmark.

Many tours include a stop at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where rangers share stories of stampeders, sourdoughs, and the harsh realities of life in the gold fields.

Scenic Train Rides and Aerial Tours

Sometimes, the best way to see Alaska is from above or from the comfort of a historic train.

The Alaska Railroad: A Journey Through Wilderness

The Alaska Railroad connects many cruise ports and offers some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The Coastal Classic route from Anchorage to Seward winds along the Turnagain Arm, with views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. The Denali Star train takes you into the heart of Denali National Park, where you might spot moose or caribou from your window.

Trains are equipped with dome cars, outdoor viewing platforms, and onboard naturalists who point out landmarks and wildlife. It’s a relaxing way to travel, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Helicopter and Floatplane Tours

For a bird’s-eye view, nothing beats a helicopter or floatplane tour. These excursions take you over glaciers, mountains, and fjords, offering perspectives you can’t get from the ground.

In Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour flies you over the glacier and lands on a nearby ice field. You’ll see turquoise meltwater pools, deep crevasses, and the sheer scale of the ice.

In Seward, floatplane tours to Kenai Fjords National Park let you land on a glacier or a remote lake. Some tours include a short hike or a picnic on the ice. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines adventure, beauty, and solitude.

Tips for Choosing and Booking the Best Excursions

With so many options, it can be hard to decide which excursions to book. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Alaskan cruise.

Book Early

Popular tours—especially helicopter rides, dog sledding, and bear viewing—sell out months in advance. Cruise lines often offer pre-cruise booking, so check your itinerary as soon as you book your trip.

Consider Your Fitness Level

Some excursions are physically demanding. Glacier hikes, kayaking, and ziplining require moderate fitness. If you have mobility issues, look for accessible options like boat tours or train rides.

Check the Weather

Alaska’s weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, it can rain or snow. Choose excursions that operate in all conditions, and always pack layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.

Read Reviews

Look for tours with high ratings on sites like TripAdvisor or Viator. Pay attention to comments about guide knowledge, safety, and wildlife sightings.

Support Local Operators

Many excursions are run by local Alaskans, including Indigenous-owned businesses. Choosing these tours supports the local economy and offers more authentic experiences.

Be Flexible

Sometimes, weather or wildlife conditions force cancellations. Have a backup plan, and don’t stress if your dream tour gets rescheduled. Alaska has a way of surprising you with unexpected beauty.

Conclusion

An Alaskan cruise is more than a trip—it’s a journey into the wild heart of North America. The best excursions on an Alaskan cruise don’t just show you the scenery; they immerse you in it. Whether you’re standing on a glacier, watching a bear catch salmon, or ziplining over a rainforest, these experiences create memories that last a lifetime.

From the thunder of calving ice to the quiet paddle of a kayak, Alaska speaks in many voices. The key is to listen—and to step off the ship with curiosity and wonder. With the right excursions, your cruise becomes an adventure, a discovery, and a deep connection to one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore. Alaska is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular excursions on an Alaskan cruise?

The most popular excursions include glacier walks, whale watching, bear viewing, dog sledding, and scenic train rides. These tours offer a mix of adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty that define the Alaskan experience.

When is the best time to book Alaskan cruise excursions?

Book excursions as early as possible—ideally when you book your cruise. Popular tours like helicopter glacier landings and bear viewing sell out months in advance, especially during peak season (June to August).

Are Alaskan cruise excursions suitable for families?

Yes, many excursions are family-friendly. Options like boat tours, train rides, and cultural centers are great for kids, while ziplining and kayaking can be fun for older children and teens with proper supervision.

What should I wear on an Alaskan excursion?

Wear layers, including a waterproof jacket, warm base layers, and sturdy, non-slip shoes. Even in summer, temperatures can drop, and rain is common. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.

Can I see wildlife on every Alaskan cruise excursion?

While wildlife sightings are common, they’re never guaranteed. However, guided tours with experienced naturalists increase your chances of seeing whales, bears, eagles, and other animals in their natural habitats.

Are there eco-friendly excursion options in Alaska?

Yes, many operators focus on sustainability and conservation. Look for tours that support local communities, minimize environmental impact, and educate guests about Alaska’s ecosystems and Indigenous cultures.