USA · ALASKA TOURS

The 15 Best Alaska Tours & Excursions

73 tours  ·  from $25

Alaska runs a short season and a long list. These 15 cover the whale boats out of Juneau, the glacier days, the bear rivers and the Denali road, priced and clear about which ones the weather cancels.

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching - Auke Bay and the two-hour search for whales
Alaska Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Juneau, Wildlife

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

1.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,379 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177Our pick

Cruise from Juneau to Auke Bay for about two hours of whale watching aboard a boat with heated cabins, outdoor decks, snacks, and bottled water. Naturalists such as Kacie, Genevieve, Ashley, and Nate explain whale behavior and local wildlife. Round-trip pickup from the cruise terminal keeps this shore excursion simple.

“What’s a whale watching adventure after the whales migrate out of the area? It’s a little boat ride out. It’s a little boat ride back. Fortunately for us, it was a beautiful day. And the crew was delightful.”

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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - From the glacier to Juneau’s whale waters
Alaska Tours, Glacier Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Juneau, Wildlife

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

2.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,236 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $249

Travel from Juneau’s cruise terminal to Mendenhall Glacier for about 45 minutes, then board a warm, wildlife-viewing boat with large windows and an outdoor deck. Guides such as Captain Michelle, Nate, Taylor, and Leon add local insight. A whale sighting is guaranteed, but close views depend on nature and sea conditions.

“Worth it! Greg took us to the glacier first where we had about 45 minutes to explore. Not enough time to get to Nugget falls but you could view it from the areas we were at. Seeing the glacier in person, it was easy to forget this was only part of the tour. Up next, the whale watch. The boat was very nice, clean, comfortable and easy to maneuver on. And they gave us snacks! We were taken out into the ocean to look for whales. Ashley was very informative and knew a lot about what we were seeing with a lot of stories about each of them individually. We…”

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Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage - The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Alaska Tours, Anchorage Tours, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Anchorage, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

3.Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,004 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199

Spend about six hours touring Alaska’s coast, forests, glaciers, and wildlife sites from Anchorage. You’ll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, stop at Beluga Point and Bird Point, learn local history, and receive practical phone photography tips. Guides such as Holly, Hunter, Patrick, Aaron, and Philip lead the route. A Portage Glacier cruise is optional in summer.

“Tour guide, Patrick, professional photographer but super helpful & easy with all on trip. He did a quick photo tips talk & had us practice. He kept everyone on schedule & made sure we all had a good time despite some fairly continuous rain. Patrick had a very informative commentary. He got us into a parks theater presentation which was pretty cool when the glacier viewing boat portion was cancelled due to high winds & rain. The animal conservation center was quite interesting & most Alaskan animals were easy to see & photograph.”

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Anchorage Trolley Tour - Downtown Anchorage, the Captain Cook Monument, and the old townsite
Alaska Tours, Anchorage Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Trolley Tours

Anchorage Trolley Tour

4.Anchorage Trolley Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,607 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $25Best value

Ride an open-style trolley through Anchorage for about an hour with a local guide such as Cyrus, Jarrett, or Jason. See the Captain Cook Monument, historic railroad depot, Earthquake Park, Lake Hood, Lake Spenard, wildlife, and the world’s largest floatplane base. The tour returns to 546 W 4th Ave and includes a coupon book.

“We were the last on the trolley, so sat in the very back seat, but still had great views out the window. Nothing blocked. Cyrus was a hoot, and the information he shared about Anchorage was fascinating! Highly recommend if coming into town. It’s an enjoyable way to spend an hour.”

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Ketchikan Duck Tour - From the cruise pier into Alaska’s First City
Alaska Tours, Ketchikan Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ketchikan Duck Tour

5.Ketchikan Duck Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,600 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Ride an amphibious vehicle through Ketchikan and into its protected harbor on this 90-minute tour. Guides such as Emma, Reed, Vesna, and Angela combine local stories, geology, humor, and wildlife spotting. You may see bald eagles or sea otters, while the covered vehicle keeps you mostly dry in rainy weather.

“Reed was an exceptional tour guide with Captain Bill. Reed was so funny and informative. Everyone left with good memories!”

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Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise - The long run toward Kenai Fjords National Park
Alaska Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Glacier Tours, National Parks, Seward & Kenai Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

6.Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,756 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $265

Sail about 100 miles from Seward through Resurrection Bay and into Kenai Fjords National Park. Captain Lara and the naturalist team guide you toward Holgate or Aialik Glacier, Chiswell Islands, and Cape Resurrection, with binoculars, reserved heated seating, lunch, and wildlife spotting along the way.

“Amazing experience, very knowledgeable captain and crew. Had an excellent time! Definitely recommend to see wildlife and a glacier in Seward.”

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Alaska Snowmobile Adventure Tour - The Chena Lakes Recreation Area by snowmobile
Alaska Tours, Fairbanks Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Alaska Snowmobile Adventure Tour

7.Alaska Snowmobile Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,703 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $112

Meet at Alaska Wild Lights in North Pole for a 90-minute snowmobile outing, including one full hour of riding in the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. Guides such as Kathy, Gavin, Maple, and Isarel lead small groups across trails, frozen lakes, and rivers. Drivers need to be 18 or older with a valid license. Hot drinks and snacks follow the ride.

“We had SO much fun! Our guide Maple was informative, helpful, and all around good company! That atmosphere of the staff was super friendly and filled with lots of laughs! Definitely a 10/10”

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Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole - Five miles of snowy trail and voice commands
Alaska Tours, Dog Sledding, Fairbanks Tours, Tour Reviews

Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole

8.Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,394 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $105

At Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service in North Pole, you’ll meet an Alaskan Husky team, bundle up in provided winter gear, and ride about five miles of snowy trail with your private party. Your musher explains the dogs and gives voice commands while you glide through the woods. Guides may include Jimmy, Emily, Matt, Kristen, Lindsey, or Luther.

“Excellent experience!!!! Would recommend to any age. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable, bunny boots are a must.”

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Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour - Earthquake Park and the story beneath Anchorage
Alaska Tours, Anchorage Tours, City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Trolley Tours

Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour

9.Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,382 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Spend about 90 minutes touring Anchorage by air-conditioned red trolley with guides such as Prince, Ace, Ty, and Jared. You’ll visit Earthquake Park, Lake Hood, Lake Spenard, and Point Woronzof, stop for photos, watch floatplanes, and hear local stories. The tour suits first-time visitors without a car, though some stops are brief.

“Prince was a great Trolley host! We loved hearing about local Anchorage history, getting out and taking pictures of the views, and looking for moose!”

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Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour - Paddling across Mendenhall Lake
Alaska Tours, Glacier Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

10.Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,285 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $376

Paddle a large canoe across Mendenhall Lake with guides such as Jordan, Mason, Rod, or Meg, then hike rocky glacial terrain near Mendenhall Glacier. Expect about five hours in the Tongass National Forest, roughly five miles of paddling, changing weather, wildlife sightings, and no walking on the glacier itself.

“This was an awesome, unique activity and I’m so glad we did it! The guides were very professional and well organized.”

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Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour - The Aurora Ice Museum: unusual, cold, and not for everyone
Alaska Tours, Fairbanks Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

11.Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,278 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $250

Travel from Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs in a small group of up to 14. Tour the Aurora Ice Museum, soak in 106°F mineral water, and search for the aurora with guides such as Tyler, Savvy, Jessica, and Shannon. Dinner and drinks cost extra, and the lights are never guaranteed.

“Had a great time. Visited Chena Hot Springs. Our driver/tour guide Savvy was great. She was knowledgeable and made sure we had a good experience. Unfortunately it was raining and didn't get to see the Northern lights, but no fault to the tour. While at the hot spring it began to snow. Cool experience. Enjoyed the trip.”

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Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour - Learning to paddle before the glacier comes into view
Alaska Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Glacier Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

12.Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,269 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $250

Paddle a stable, motor-free canoe across Mendenhall Lake for about two hours and up to five miles, stopping near Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. A guide such as Luke, Mason, Issy, or Ben leads the way, teaches first-time paddlers, shares local stories, and supplies rain gear, boots, gloves, snacks, and hot drinks.

“Great trip - fun to see the glacier from a f Different perspective. Logan was a great guide. Highly recommend.”

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3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska - Auke Bay and the 2.25-hour cruise
Alaska Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Juneau

3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

13.3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,164 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $189

Join Juneau Whale Tours for a 3.5-hour wildlife trip with about 2.25 hours on the water. A 20-person catamaran, wraparound deck, heated cabin, and naturalist-led narration make whale viewing easy. Pickup is offered downtown, but AJ Dock passengers must arrange transport to the Goldbelt Tram.

“What a wonderful excursion! TJ and Andrew were awesome and we saw so many whales! Would definitely do this one again and highly recommend!”

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Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise - Sailing through Resurrection Bay
Alaska Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Seward & Kenai Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

14.Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,156 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $165

Spend four hours cruising 55 miles round-trip from Seward through Resurrection Bay toward Bear Glacier and Cape Resurrection. Captain-led narration, binoculars, coffee, tea, and water are included. Watch for orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, eagles, and mountain goats, with Captain Laura among the crew members praised on some departures.

“Amazing! One of the best parts of our Alaskan vacation! So much wildlife to see and we were also lucky enough to see a pod of Orca whales. Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone!”

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Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward - Reading the coast from a moving boat
Alaska Tours, Glacier Tours, National Parks, Seward & Kenai Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward

15.Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,036 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $223

Spend six hours cruising from Seward through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Your captain, possibly Mark, Mike, or Emma, explains the geology, wildlife, and changing route. Expect a warm cabin, open decks, lunch, seabird rookeries, and a close look at either Aialik or Holgate Glacier.

“Best part of our trip! We saw so many animals....mountain goat, whales, puffins, and more. The glaciers were also something to behold. Crew and captain were great.”

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New in Alaska Tours

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★ 5.0Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion (Ketchikan)From $124343 reviews
★ 5.0Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV TourFrom $255488 reviews
★ 5.0Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike EcotourFrom $161562 reviews
★ 5.0Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from KetchikanFrom $249747 reviews
★ 4.5Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Ultimate Whale Watch ComboFrom $199771 reviews
★ 5.0Alaska Whale Watching Cruise w/ 3 HOURS on the waterFrom $159801 reviews
★ 4.5Mendenhall Glacier Trolley TourFrom $79556 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Whale Watch and Tracy’s Crab Shack ComboFrom $274614 reviews
★ 5.0Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of WhalesFrom $249387 reviews
★ 5.0Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise – Near Icy Strait PointFrom $225336 reviews

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