Alaska shore excursions encompass soft adventure, cultural exploration, and scenic wildlife tours. The top Alaska cruise excursions integrate these elements to provide a well-rounded experience that fulfills your bucket-list expectations. For instance, consider flightseeing over Misty Fjords in Skagway, a journey on the White Pass Railway, a visit to the Sitka Raptor Center, or an exciting Alaska glacier helicopter tour.
In Alaska, a diverse range of cruisers, and, as a result, cruise and excursion providers offer a diverse selection of activities. Whether you prefer active itineraries such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, or you're interested in history, Indigenous culture, or pure entertainment, there's something to suit every taste on an Alaskan cruise.
Discover your favorite Alaska shore excursions at some of Alaska's most frequented ports below.
Sitka Excursions
Salmon and Halibut Fishing: Catch and Ship
When it comes to fishing in Sitka, you're in for a fantastic full-day, small-group experience. Participants embark on a sailing expedition in search of king, silver, or chum salmon, as well as halibut, both well-known catches in these waters. An experienced captain will navigate to prime fishing spots, employing various techniques, weather permitting, for both salmon and halibut fishing. Do note that small boats on the open sea may amplify swells and wind chop.
For the fishing adventure, you’ll need to obtain a one-day fishing license, available from the boat's captain, as mandated by Alaska law. If you're fishing in May and June and targeting king salmon, an additional payment for a king salmon stamp is required. If a participant manages to catch a fish, there is an option to have it professionally packaged and shipped to their home for an extra fee. It's important to note that catches cannot be brought back onboard the cruise ship.
Sitka Raptor Center and Indigenous Tales
When you visit Sitka, Alaska, you have the opportunity to explore the Sitka Raptor Center, a facility dedicated to observing birds of prey, such as bald eagles, up close. Sitka stands out among Alaskan towns due to its rich Russian and Tlingit heritage. This tour seamlessly combines a visit to the raptor center with the exploration of Sitka's cultural aspects.
In Sitka, you can explore St. Michael's, the first Russian Orthodox cathedral in America, and stroll through the wooded grounds of Sitka National Historical Park, the site of the 1804 Battle of Alaska between the Russians and native Tlingits. Today, the park is home to a collection of totem poles. Castle Hill, where the U.S. first raised its flag after the Alaska Purchase in 1867, is another popular attraction, and you can also experience Tlingit stories and songs in a traditional clan-style setting.
Wild Arts Artist Walk: Hot Italian Glass
A guide will lead you through this charming city, where you'll visit various art galleries and artisan studios. Witness artisans at work, from wood-carving to ceramics, jewelry-making, and glass-blowing. You'll even get a chance to try your hand at Venetian glass-blowing. At the tour's end, enjoy free time to peruse a gallery and shop for souvenirs. This excursion is perfect for those seeking a brief but enriching experience, leaving ample time for personal exploration in Sitka.
Skagway Excursions
Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Experience
Your journey commences with a 35- to 40-minute bus ride to the remains of the nearby ghost town of Dyea, once a formidable rival to Skagway during the gold rush era and now part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. It currently serves as a dog musher's camp site. Following this, you'll board a versatile all-terrain vehicle known as a Unimog, which will transport you along a rugged mountain road to the location where the mushers maintain their dogs.
Here, you'll be allocated a specialized wheeled sled, ideal for summertime (as there's no snow this season). Take your seat and prepare for an exhilarating ride, as a team of eager huskies whisks you along a mile of winding paths through the refreshing mountain air. Your designated musher will introduce you to the dog team, provide insights into the world of sled-dog racing, and capture memorable photos of your adventure.
After your sled ride, you'll have the delightful opportunity to interact with sled dog puppies. This presents an excellent and more cost-effective alternative for those who are unable to partake in the glacier dog-sledding flightseeing excursion in Juneau.
White Pass Railway
If you're considering Skagway shore excursions, the White Pass Scenic Railway is a top choice, especially on clear days. This historic narrow gauge railway was built into remarkably rugged and beautiful terrain over a century ago. It retraces the Trail of '98, once trodden by gold prospectors in search of Yukon gold. Unlike those early pioneers who braved wet, muddy conditions and frigid temperatures on foot, you'll enjoy the comfort of vintage rail cars. The journey ascends the 2,865-foot White Pass summit, crossing tunnels and soaring trestles, passing through remote valleys, and offering scenic views like Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch, a nod to the miners' struggles.
For a more active White Pass experience, the White Pass Train & Bike Tour is a good choice. You'll ride the train up to the Pass, disembark at Fraser (in British Columbia, Canada, so don't forget your passports), and take a 15-minute van ride to the White Pass summit. From there, embark on a 15-mile guided summit-to-sea bike tour down the Klondike Highway back to Skagway, with stops at waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints along the way.
Skagway Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
Step aboard a specially designed enclosed expedition boat for a 60- to 70-minute journey through scenic fjords and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife and breathtaking vistas. Upon reaching Glacier Point, an isolated beach, embark on a brief drive and hike. Following this, hop onto a 31-foot canoe for a paddle to the front of the Davidson Glacier. This is an excellent choice for those seeking an up-close glacier experience without the expense of a helicopter tour. Enjoy fantastic panoramas along the way.
Ketchikan Excursions
Saxman Native Village
To truly immerse yourself in the culture and history of Alaska, the two-and-a-half-hour tour introduces you to an Indigenous village located just a short distance from Ketchikan. Here, the Tlingits extend a warm welcome and share a glimpse of their rich culture. The experience kicks off with a tribal ceremonial greeting and a brief video presentation. Following that, you'll step into the Beaver Clan House for a captivating performance of songs, dances, and storytelling.
Next on the agenda is a visit to the Saxman Totem Park, boasting one of the world's largest collections of authentic totem poles. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the stories and symbolism behind these remarkable poles. The Village Carving Center is where these poles are skillfully crafted, with expert artisans passing down their knowledge to apprentices. You'll also have the opportunity to peruse and purchase Indigenous art and souvenirs.
Ketchikan’s Misty Fjords Flightseeing by Floatplane
When visiting Ketchikan, a must-see is the Misty Fjords National Monument, and the flightseeing tour offers a unique bird's-eye perspective from a seaplane. This unspoiled park covers nearly 2.3 million acres and showcases sheer granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, glistening fjords, and dense forests. During the tour, narrated flight is accompanied by inspirational music, providing you with a memorable experience. The pristine beauty of Misty Fjords is complemented by the possibility of wildlife sightings, including eagles, bears, mountain goats, deer, and wolves, making it a truly exceptional journey.
Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure
Snorkeling in Alaska is a unique experience. Your journey begins with a brief visit to a dive shop, where guides will equip you with full-body wetsuits designed to keep you comfortable in the cooler waters (although temperatures can reach as high as 65 degrees during the summer).
Once properly attired, you'll head to the shallow tide pools of Mountain Point, snorkeling alongside the guides. Together, you'll explore kelp forests, encounter schools of fish, and observe sea stars and sea cucumbers. Feel free to ask any questions along the way. After approximately an hour in the water, we'll return to the dive shop, where you can enjoy a hot beverage to wrap up a fantastic day.
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour: The "Deadliest Catch" Tour
If you're a fan of the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" or simply intrigued by the world of fishermen, then Ketchikan's Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour is a must-do shore excursion. On this tour, you'll embark on the Aleutian Ballad, a fishing vessel featured in the show's second season.
While navigating the calm and protected waters of the Inside Passage (as opposed to the more perilous Bering Sea), you'll gain insight into the daily life of commercial fishermen. Watch as they pull in their latest catches, which may include Alaskan king crab, halibut, octopus, shrimp, and more. It's an engaging experience for those curious about the fishing industry.
Icy Strait Point Excursions
Cooking in Alaska's Wildest Kitchen
If you have a passion for cooking, join us for an engaging 1.5-hour experience where you'll dive into the world of Alaskan seafood, local fishing, and cooking techniques. Led by a local fisherwoman and wilderness chef, you'll witness a hands-on demonstration of fish fileting. Afterward, you'll step outside to learn how to grill the day's fresh catch over a substantial wood grill. While you cook and absorb valuable insights, enjoy tasting salmon and halibut dishes alongside local vegetables. This culinary adventure not only equips you with new cooking knowledge but also provides ample time for further exploration in Icy Strait Point.
ZipRider Zipline Adventure
Prepare for an exciting adventure at the Icy Strait Point zipline, boasting a remarkable 5,330-foot length and an impressive 1,330-foot vertical drop. The journey kicks off with an informative bus tour through the Indigenous Tlingit village of Hoonah and up a mountainside. Upon reaching the launch point, you'll be securely harnessed for a thrilling descent down the mountainside in a seat attached to a robust cable. (With six cables running side by side, multiple participants can simultaneously enjoy the ride.)
For those brave enough to keep their eyes open, the views are simply breathtaking as you zoom down the mountain at speeds of approximately 60 miles per hour. While screaming is optional, it may add a dash of extra fun to the experience. At certain segments of the ride, you'll find yourself 300 feet above the forest floor, with possible vistas of Port Frederick, Icy Strait, and your cruise ship.
The ride is over in just 90 seconds, gently brought to a stop using brakes on the beach. For an added layer of adventure, some tours combine the Icy Strait Point zipline experience with an exhilarating ATV ride.
Whittier Excursions
Embark on a five-hour high-speed catamaran adventure departing from Whittier and venturing into the pristine wilderness of Prince William Sound. This excursion promises the sighting of 26 distinct glaciers along the way, as well as diverse wildlife encounters, including bears, mountain goats, sea otters, seals, porpoises, sea lions, and whales. Keep your gaze skyward for the majestic presence of eagles and a visit to a bustling bird rookery. A park ranger provides informative narration throughout the journey, and a hot meal is included.
While Whittier, situated approximately 65 miles southeast of Anchorage, is frequently used as an embarkation/debarkation point, the glacier-rich surroundings merit exploration. Please note that if you're booking this tour through your cruise line, it's exclusively available to passengers on back-to-back voyages that both commence and conclude in Whittier or for those concluding their cruise in Whittier, followed by either a late-night flight or an overnight stay in Anchorage. For added convenience, passengers can select an excursion version that incorporates post-tour motor coach transfers to Anchorage hotels and the airport.
Haines Excursions
Wilderness River Adventure
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Wilderness River Adventure in Haines is a must-do shore excursion. The journey commences with an informative bus ride along the Haines Scenic Byway. You'll then transition to a flat-bottom boat, which will carry you along the glacially sculpted Chilkat River through a remote segment of the renowned Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. During the guided boat excursion, your goal is to spot numerous bald eagles, including their nests in the trees, and if you're fortunate, catch glimpses of bears, moose, and other wildlife. A satisfying lunch is provided in a heated pavilion, and the staff ensures your comfort by tending to a crackling campfire to ward off the chill and create a cozy atmosphere for relaxation.
Seward Excursions
Enjoy a full-day excursion that seamlessly combines a scenic cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park with a captivating visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center. At the SeaLife Center, you'll have the opportunity for up-close encounters with seals, walruses, sea otters, and a variety of seabirds. Following your visit, embark on a 5-hour sailing adventure led by a park ranger, traversing Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. This journey offers the chance to witness the grandeur of Bear Glacier and the majestic wildlife, including whales and bald eagles. As a delightful bonus, relish an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring salmon and prime rib for lunch.
Seward, much like Whittier, primarily serves as an embarkation and debarkation port. Consequently, this excursion is accessible to guests participating in back-to-back cruises to/from Seward if purchased through the cruise line. It is also available to those concluding their voyage in Seward, provided they have a late-night flight departing from nearby Anchorage or are planning an overnight stay in the city. For travelers susceptible to motion sickness, it's advisable to take precautions, as Resurrection Bay waters can sometimes be slightly choppy.
Juneau Excursions
Helicopter Flightseeing and Extended Glacier Trek
Here's an exciting combo tour in Juneau, featuring both a thrilling helicopter tour and a glacier trek. Your adventure kicks off with a captivating helicopter flightseeing experience, offering a unique perspective of the local landscape from above. The real excitement begins as you're guided through the process of ascending and rappelling down glaciers using specialized equipment. The best part? No prior experience is required, as knowledgeable guides will provide instruction on the use of the provided mountain gear, including boots, an ice ax, and crampons. While it's not a walk in the park, the experience is truly out of this world.
Rainforest Canopy and Zipline Adventure
Embark on an exciting adventure with Juneau zipline experience that will have you soaring above the lush treetops of Douglas Island. To reach this captivating destination, you'll embark on a high-speed channel crossing from Juneau aboard an expedition craft, adding an adventurous touch to your journey. As you glide through the treetops, take a moment to admire the rainforest's rich flora and fauna and catch glimpses of a bygone gold mining operation.
This real adventure begins with a 4x4 ascent up the mountain, where you'll be equipped with a harness, gloves, and a helmet. Expert guides will provide the necessary instructions as you prepare to descend the mountain via a zip line that connects tree-top platforms. The sensation is akin to flying, offering a degree of control over your speed and the ability to steer yourself toward the platforms. It's important to note that once you're above the trees, there's no turning back, and after an exhilarating glide, you'll have the opportunity to rappel down a rope to solid ground.
Alaska Helicopter Tour: Four Glaciers and Dogsled Adventure
In Juneau, there are shore excursions that cater to various levels of excitement, and the Glacier Helicopter Tour combo is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind adventure. It begins with a thrilling helicopter ride over magnificent glaciers, concluding with a landing on an actual glacier. But that's not all; you can also experience the exhilaration of being part of the Iditarod by taking a ride on an authentic dogsled.
This shore excursion provides a captivating aerial view of the expansive Juneau Icefield, where you'll get up close to the advancing Taku Glacier. Along the way, you may have the chance to admire the cascading Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, the floating Dead Branch Glacier, or the river-like East Twin Glacier before touching down on Norris Glacier, home to a mushing camp. During your helicopter journey, keep an eye out for wildlife such as bears, moose, mountain goats, and more.
Upon landing, your guide will lead you on a dogsled ride across the snow-covered glacier while sharing fascinating insights into the legendary 1,000-mile Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome.
Conclusion
Alaska's shore excursions offer a diverse array of experiences that capture the essence of this breathtaking region. From the awe-inspiring glaciers to the mesmerizing wildlife encounters and adrenaline-pumping adventures, whether you're soaring above glaciers, exploring ancient rainforests, or getting up close with humpback whales, these excursions create lasting memories. And when it comes to planning your next cruise to Alaska, look no further than Cruisebound, the easiest platform to book cruises online.