Top Alaska Helicopter Tours

There are plenty of high-quality helicopter tours in Alaska. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Denali Experience Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna
• Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing - 60 mins - ANCHORAGE AREA
• Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk
• Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour - ANCHORAGE AREA
• Grand Knik Helicopter Tour - 2 hours 3 landings - ANCHORAGE AREA

Yes, most travelers think Alaska helicopter tours are worth it. Though the tour is an investment, flying over Alaska’s diverse and stunning wilderness and catching sight of its wildlife from above is a unique experience. It's a fantastic way to get a new perspective of Alaska's natural landscapes.

Alaska helicopter tours have a wide range of prices. Tours start at US$180 and can go up to US$1,400 for a VIP, private helicopter bear-viewing experience. Add-ons such as glacier landings, hikes led by knowledgeable guides, and dog-sledding can make helicopter tours more expensive.

If you choose a tour that includes dog sledding or traversing the glacier, you should plan to wear cold-weather gear. Most travelers wear layers and some bring a waterproof outer shell. Be sure to check out the individual tour as some companies will provide overshoes and raincoats as needed.

Alaska's wilderness provides a habitat for a wide range of animals. On Alaskan helicopter tours, you’ll have the chance to spot various wildlife, including bears, moose, mountain goats, Dall sheep, bald eagles, and marine life such as whales and seals.

How much you tip for an Alaska wildlife tour varies. However, a general guideline is to tip your tour guide around 10-20% of the tour cost, depending on the quality of the service provided. Few (if any) helicopter rides include gratuity, so it’s good to have cash on hand.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Alaska aside from helicopter tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Day Cruises

• Kayaking Tours

• Whale Watching

• Port Transfers

• Ziplining

Alaska helicopter tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Glacier and Mountain Viewing Intro Flight

• Bear Glacier Scenic Express Flight

• Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing - 60 mins - ANCHORAGE AREA

• Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing

• 30-Minute Flightseeing Tour from Girdwood

While nearly every Alaska helicopter is a fabulous experience, there’s one thing that can really kill the vibe: fog. Depending on when you’re visiting, research what the weather will be and if there’s likely to be fog or clouds at any point, such as in the morning when fog is more common. You may be better off with an afternoon tour, or a tour on a different day entirely.

Try to book an Alaska helicopter tour that fits fewer people; in smaller models, your odds of getting a window seat are better—or opt for a private tour, of course. Fortunately, there’s not a bad seat in most helicopters. You may want to mention if you suffer from motion sickness, as some tours might advise that you sit up front with the pilot.

Yes, children can ride in many Alaska helicopter tours. For most excursions, infants aged 2 and under will share a seat with an adult; kids over 3 years old typically will require their own seat. As long as your child is okay with heights and possibly choppy flying, they’ll probably find the experience totally thrilling and fun.