The best shore excursions in Alaska are the ones that get you beyond the cruise port and into the scenery the state is famous for. Think whale watching in Juneau, the White Pass railway in Skagway, Misty Fjords from Ketchikan, glacier landings, wildlife tours and dog sledding experiences.
If you only book a few excursions, these are the ones most worth considering:
The rest of this guide breaks down the best Alaska cruise excursions by port, so you can plan your time properly and avoid spending the whole trip wandering between souvenir shops and coffee queues.
If you enjoy planning trips around proper experiences rather than just ticking off the obvious sights, you may also like these ideas on ways to add more adventure to your travels.
A little note: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep Sim’s Life ticking along nicely.
| Best for | Alaska shore excursion to book |
|---|---|
| First-time Alaska cruisers | Whale watching in Juneau |
| Big scenery | White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway |
| Once-in-a-lifetime splurge | Helicopter glacier landing |
| Wildlife lovers | Whale watching in Juneau or Icy Strait Point |
| Active travellers | Mendenhall Glacier canoe and ice trek |
| Families | Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show or White Pass railway |
| Bucket-list views | Misty Fjords seaplane tour from Ketchikan |
Browse Alaska shore excursions and tours 👉
Why Book Shore Excursions in Alaska?
Alaska cruise ports are lovely, but the best scenery is usually outside the town centre.
When several ships dock on the same day, the main streets can get busy very quickly. There is nothing wrong with picking up a souvenir, but if you have travelled all that way, you will probably want more than fridge magnets and a rushed coffee.
A good shore excursion helps you see the Alaska people actually dream about: glaciers, fjords, whales, forest trails, eagles, bears, waterfalls and wide open landscapes that make you feel very small in the best possible way.
It is the difference between a nice cruise and a memorable Alaska cruise you keep talking about long after you get home.
Best Shore Excursions in Alaska by Port
Each Alaska cruise port has a different feel. Some are best for wildlife, some are better for glaciers and others are ideal for history or scenery. Here is what to book in the main ports.
Ketchikan Shore Excursions
Ketchikan is often one of the first stops on an Alaska cruise. It sits beside Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States and is a brilliant port for rainforest, fjords and cultural tours.
Misty Fjords seaplane or boat tour
Misty Fjords is one of the most dramatic excursions from Ketchikan. Expect steep cliffs, waterfalls, forested mountains and quiet water that feels a world away from the busy cruise port.
A seaplane tour gives you the biggest views in the shortest time, while a boat tour is usually better if you prefer something slower and more budget-friendly.
Rainforest ziplining
If you want something more active, Ketchikan is a great place for ziplining. The rainforest setting makes it feel completely different from a beach resort zipline and the views through the trees are fantastic.
Bear viewing tours
Bear viewing tours are popular from Ketchikan, especially later in the season when salmon are running. These tours can be pricey, but for wildlife lovers, they are often a real highlight.
Saxman Native Village and totem pole tours
For a more cultural excursion, Saxman Native Village is a good option. It gives you a chance to learn more about Alaska Native history, carving traditions and totem poles without needing a physically demanding tour.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
This is a fun one for families or anyone who wants something lively but easy. It is close to the cruise port, entertaining, and does not take up your whole day.
Juneau Shore Excursions
Juneau is one of the best ports for glaciers and whale watching. If you are only going to splurge on one or two Alaska shore excursions, Juneau is a strong place to do it.
Whale watching in Juneau
Whale watching is one of the best shore excursions in Alaska and Juneau is one of the most reliable places to book it during cruise season.
Humpback whales are commonly seen in Alaska waters from spring through early autumn, with May to September being a key viewing period. You should never treat wildlife as guaranteed, because whales are not exactly working to your itinerary, but Juneau has a very strong reputation for sightings.
Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching combo
This is one of the most popular Juneau excursions because it combines two major Alaska experiences in one day.
You get time on the water looking for whales, then a visit to Mendenhall Glacier for those classic glacier views. It is a good choice if you want a big-impact excursion without booking a helicopter tour.
Helicopter glacier landing
A helicopter glacier landing is a serious splurge, but it is also one of the most memorable ways to experience Alaska’s landscape.
You fly over icefields and mountains before landing on a glacier, where you can step out onto the ice. It is not cheap and weather can affect flights, but if your budget allows, this is a proper bucket-list excursion.
Dog sledding on a glacier
Some helicopter tours include dog sledding on the glacier. It is expensive, but it combines flightseeing, glacier views and huskies in one excursion.
If you are travelling with teens or older kids, this is the kind of thing they will probably remember more than anything else from the cruise.
Mendenhall Glacier canoe and ice trek
For a more active option, look at canoe and ice trek tours around Mendenhall Glacier. These are better suited to confident, outdoorsy travellers, as they can involve paddling, walking on uneven ground and wearing specialist gear.
Skagway Shore Excursions
Skagway is the port for gold rush history, mountain scenery and one of Alaska’s most famous railway journeys.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is one of the classic Alaska cruise excursions. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, the railway climbs from Skagway into the mountains, passing gorges, waterfalls and huge views along the way.
This is a good excursion for almost everyone because it is scenic, historic and not physically demanding. If you are travelling with family members who do not want hiking or boat trips, this is a very safe bet.
Yukon Territory tours
Some tours combine the White Pass route with a longer coach trip into the Yukon. These can be full-day excursions, so check the timings carefully, but they are ideal if you want big landscapes and plenty of photo stops.
Dog sledding and musher camps
Summer dog sledding tours usually use wheeled carts rather than snow, but they are still a fun way to learn about sled dogs and Alaska’s mushing culture. These are especially good for families.
Guided hikes and suspension bridge tours
If you want something more active, Skagway also has guided hikes and tours that head towards the Yukon border. Some include suspension bridges, forest trails and gorge views.
Sitka Shore Excursions
Sitka is usually quieter than Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, which can make it feel like a welcome breather on a busy itinerary.
Small-group whale watching
Sitka is a good option for wildlife tours, especially if you prefer smaller groups. You may see whales, sea otters, seals, eagles and other coastal wildlife.
Alaska Raptor Center
The Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds of prey, including bald eagles. It is a good choice if you want a gentler excursion with a strong wildlife and conservation angle.
Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka National Historical Park is ideal if you want an easy walk with cultural interest. The park has forest trails, coastal views and totem poles, making it a good low-pressure excursion.
Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions
Icy Strait Point is a popular stop for wildlife and adventure activities. It often feels less hectic than the larger ports, which is part of the appeal.
ZipRider
The Icy Strait Point ZipRider is one of the biggest adrenaline options on an Alaska cruise. It is long, fast and very much not for anyone who dislikes heights.
Whale watching
Icy Strait Point is another strong whale watching port, with fewer boats than some of the busier locations. If you are not whale watching in Juneau, this is a good alternative.
Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking is a lovely option if you want something active but peaceful. The protected waters around Icy Strait Point can be great for spotting wildlife from a quieter viewpoint.
Cultural tours
There are also cultural experiences and performances available here, which are a good choice if you want something slower-paced or more local.
Haines Shore Excursions
Haines does not appear on every Alaska cruise itinerary, but it is a brilliant port for outdoor adventures.
Chilkat River jet boating
Jet boating on the Chilkat River is a good option for wildlife and scenery. Eagles are often a big draw here, especially later in the season.
Glacier hiking and wilderness walks
Haines is well suited to travellers who like proper outdoor days. Guided wilderness walks and glacier hiking trips are good options if you want fewer crowds and more nature.
Dog sledding tours
Dog sledding tours are also available from Haines, often with more time to meet the dogs and learn about the sport.
Best Splurge Excursion in Alaska
If your budget allows, flightseeing is the big Alaska splurge.
Seeing glaciers, mountains and remote landscapes from above gives you a completely different sense of scale. Alaska is vast and some of its most impressive scenery is hard to appreciate from ground level alone.
The best splurge options include:
- Helicopter glacier landing from Juneau or Skagway
- Glacier dog sledding by helicopter
- Floatplane tours over Misty Fjords from Ketchikan
- Floatplane tours from Juneau, including lodge or wilderness experiences
If the budget is tighter, do not panic. A whale watching trip, glacier boat tour or the White Pass railway can still deliver a huge Alaska experience for less money.
For more practical planning, these travel tips for booking your next luxury vacation are worth a read before you commit to the big-ticket experiences.
When Is the Best Time to Take an Alaska Cruise?
The main Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, and each part of the season has its own advantages.
May and early June are often quieter and can be cheaper, but temperatures are cooler.
Mid-June to mid-August is peak season, with warmer weather, long daylight hours and strong wildlife opportunities.
Late August and September can bring autumn colour, salmon runs and the chance of seeing the Northern Lights on some later sailings, but the weather can be wetter.
If wildlife and weather are your biggest priorities, July and August are often the most popular months to sail. If you want fewer crowds, May, early June or September may suit you better.
Should You Book Through the Cruise Line or Independently?
Both options can work, but there are pros and cons.
Booking through the cruise line is usually easier. You turn up at the meeting point, join the tour and get taken back to the ship. It can cost more, but it removes a lot of the planning stress.
Booking independently can be cheaper and may give you smaller group options. Just make sure you choose a reputable operator and check the return-to-ship policy before you book.
For most travellers, a mix works well. Book your must-do excursions early, especially whale watching, helicopter tours and the White Pass railway, then leave some flexibility for simpler port days.
What to Pack for Alaska Shore Excursions
Alaska weather can change quickly, so packing well makes a big difference.
Useful items include:
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm fleece or mid-layer
- Base layers
- Waterproof trousers for boat or glacier trips
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
- Binoculars
- Phone or camera with good zoom
- Dry bag for boat tours
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Small backpack
Even in summer, do not assume every day will be warm. Layers are your friend.
It is also worth understanding the importance of holiday insurance before you go, especially if you are booking active excursions, boat trips or flightseeing tours.
You may also want to plan how you will stay connected while travelling, as cruise ship Wi-Fi can be expensive and unreliable.
Alaska Shore Excursion Questions, Answered
What is the best Alaska cruise excursion overall?
For most first-time visitors, whale watching in Juneau is one of the best Alaska cruise excursions overall. It is scenic, memorable and suitable for a wide range of travellers. If you only book one paid excursion, this is a strong choice.
Are Alaska shore excursions worth the money?
Yes, if you choose carefully. The ports are interesting, but the best scenery and wildlife are usually outside the main town areas. Shore excursions are often how you see the glaciers, fjords, whales, forests and wildlife that make Alaska special.
How much do Alaska cruise excursions cost?
Prices vary a lot. Shorter walking tours and local attractions are usually the most affordable, while whale watching, full-day wilderness trips and helicopter excursions cost more. Flightseeing and glacier dog sledding are usually among the most expensive options.
Should I book Alaska shore excursions in advance?
Yes, especially for popular excursions such as Juneau whale watching, helicopter glacier landings and the White Pass railway. The best times and smaller-group tours can sell out well before the cruise.
What is the best Alaska shore excursion for families?
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway is a great family option because it is scenic, easy and suitable for different ages. In Ketchikan, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is another fun choice. Older children and teens may enjoy ziplining, kayaking or dog sledding tours.
Do you get seasick on Alaska whale watching tours?
Some people do, but many whale watching routes use more sheltered waters than open ocean trips. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual remedy before boarding and choose a larger boat if available.
What should you not miss on an Alaska cruise?
Try not to miss at least one wildlife excursion, one glacier experience and one scenic journey. A good combination would be Juneau whale watching, the White Pass railway in Skagway and either Misty Fjords from Ketchikan or a glacier tour.
Make Your Alaska Cruise Count
The best shore excursions in Alaska are the ones that match how you actually like to travel.
If you love wildlife, prioritise whale watching or bear viewing. If you want scenery without too much walking, book the White Pass railway or a Misty Fjords boat tour. If you want the big once-in-a-lifetime moment, look at helicopter glacier landings or flightseeing.
You do not need to book an expensive tour in every port. In fact, you will probably enjoy the trip more if you mix big excursions with slower days. Choose two or three experiences you really care about, pack proper layers and leave some breathing room in the itinerary.
That is usually how you get the best stories from a trip, not by doing absolutely everything, but by choosing the moments that feel worth remembering.
