Top Alaska Float Trips

Immerse yourself in some Alaska's most dramatic natural scenery—and enjoy a personalized, relaxing way to sightsee—on this small-group, river-float shore excursion. Following pickup from your Skagway port, head to the Dyea Valley, and board your inflatable raft. During this peaceful river float, your guide points out any wildlife, including possible bald eagles and even bears. Learn about Skagway’s history as you snap photos of the one-of-a-kind sights.

Step off your cruise ship and into a river raft on this 3.5-hour shore excursion along Mendenhall Glacier. An experienced guide rows your raft, allowing you to soak up the gorgeous mountain scenery as you float along for six miles around the foot of the glacier. Wind through stretches of Class II and III whitewater rapids and wrap up the outing with a delicious riverside snack. Families, beginners and the more experienced all will enjoy this Mendenhall Glacier float trip. Port transport from Juneau included.

Don’t leave Alaska without witnessing its most incredible creatures: whales, otters, and more. On this 16-person tour—smaller than most local offerings—you’ll grab a seat in the heated cab or out on the deck, following your captain’s search for wildlife. Beyond the wild Alaskan scenery, you might spot humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, porpoises, and more.

Don’t settle for seeing the Knik Glacier Pools from the ground or the air, instead pick a private excursion that gives you both aerial views and a mountaintop landing. Enjoy views and wildlife spotting from the helicopter, with no wings to get in the way. When you land, don your drysuit and paddleboard through crystal-clear glacial waters for stunning views of the snow-covered wilderness. Trail snacks are included.

Maximize your chances of seeing wildlife around Ketchikan by heading out onto the waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest. This small-group tour takes you searching for wildlife including humpbacks, orca, sea lions, seals and eagles aboard a quiet and unobtrusive Zodiac expedition craft with a naturalist as your guide. Feel like an explorer and adventurer as you navigate narrow channels, rocky coastlines, forested islands and black sandy beaches.

Experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes without planning a complex route from Anchorage on your own. This group tour combines glacier views, mountain scenery, wildlife encounters, and historic stops into one well-rounded day through Chugach National Forest and beyond. Along the way, your guide shares local insight and photography tips to help you get more out of the experience and your photos.

Visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on a half-day wildlife tour that includes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River. From Haines, hear informative commentary during a scenic drive that takes you past Fort Seward, along the National Scenic Byway, and into the Chilkat Valley. Stop in the heart of the preserve to board stable rafts for a float on the calm waters of the river, keeping an eye out for eagles, bear, moose, and wolves. End your cruise with a riverside lunch before your return to Haines.

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and try your luck spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and birds. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

Busy travelers with only one day to spare can see the best of the Alaskan wilderness on a tour that combines a scenic train ride, river float, glacial lake paddle, and a visit to a wildlife conservation center. From taking photos with icebergs to seeing bears at the wildlife center, the mix of activities fulfills visitors’ Alaskan adventure dreams.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron.

Enjoy a quintessential Alaskan experience and feel the adrenaline pumping on this thrilling Ketchikan Zodiac adventure, led by a seasoned wildlife guide. You’ll travel by road to Beaver Falls on the shores of dazzling George Inlet, hike through the rainforest to your Zodiac, bundle up in waterproofs, take the wheel, and follow your guide. After spotting Alaska’s rich wildlife, return to base for snacks and a hot drink.

Chase the elusive Aurora Borealis on this guided Northern Lights adventure in Fairbanks, Alaska. Travel to prime viewing locations away from city lights, ensuring an optimal experience under the stunning night sky. Enjoy hot beverages and cozy gear while waiting for the magical display to unfold. Ideal for photographers seeking to capture the spectacle or anyone eager to witness this natural wonder in person. - Duration: 5 hours, with hotel pickup at 10 PM - Limited to a maximum of 8 participants for an immersive experience - Includes professional aurora guide, transportation, and photography assistance - Stay warm with hot drinks, snacks, and blankets while awaiting the auroras

Auke Bay, with its harbor of whale watching vessels, lies about a half-hour’s ride from Juneau. This whale watching trip saves you the trouble of getting to the harbor and back with a round-trip shuttle directly from your cruise ship dock or a designated meeting point.

Explore the breathtaking Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on this 5-hour rafting adventure, guided by experts who know the best spots for wildlife viewing. Glide through glacially braided rivers, where you may encounter bald eagles, salmon, and even bears, all while enjoying a mix of swift currents and tranquil floats. This trip is ideal for families and friends (ages 4 and up), ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of Alaska's wilderness. The tour includes door-to-door shuttle service, waterproof boots, rain gear, lifejackets, and a hearty snack, making it a convenient and enriching outing. - 5-hour guided rafting tour in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve - Small groups for personalized wildlife viewing experiences - All necessary gear included, ensuring comfort and safety - Perfect for families and friends (ages 4 and up)

Upon arrival in Haines, you’ll board a motorcoach for a relaxing 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You’ll see historic Haines and Fort William H. Seward on this narrated drive from expert naturalists. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley on this excursion. At the preserve, experienced raft guides await to begin your rafting adventure (not whitewater). You’ll float silently down the river aboard 18′ inflatable rafts – the best way to observe eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also frequent guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. Your tour will float past the Native village of Klukwan where the Tlingit people have lived for centuries on the bounty of this beautiful wilderness. **Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**