Top Alaska Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 13

Experience the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis on this viewing tour from Fairbanks. Head to a couple of spots in the Fairbanks area in search of the colorful lights dancing in the sky (not guaranteed). Listen to your guide as they explain how the phenomenon occurs and enjoy a photography service so you don't have to waste time fiddling around with your equipment.

For 50 years, NOVA has been running Lions Head trips, offering nonstop thrills on this powerhouse glacial river. Featuring crashing waves and Class III & IV boulder gardens, the adventure creates a consistent rush of excitement! With a variety of rapids to conquer, this unforgettable experience is perfect for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned adventurers seeking an action-packed ride. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and guided by expert instructors to ensure a safe, exciting experience. The Lions Head section of the Matanuska River is not only NOVA's original river trip, it’s where our journey as a company began in 1975. Over the decades, we’ve perfected this iconic trip, which remains our most popular whitewater rafting adventure. With stunning mountain views, rugged landscapes, and several miles of thrilling Class III & IV rapids, this half-day trip is a local treasure in the Mat-Su Valley, offering an exhilarating taste of Alaska’s wilderness.

Alaska Nature Immersion offers Forest Therapy in the beauty of the Alaskan Wilderness. This practice, inspired by Japanese Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing), provides you with a transformative experience to promote healing and wellness through immersion in the forest, fostering a deeper connection to nature. We aim to facilitate moments of mindfulness, gratitude and rejuvenation, allowing you to tap into the restorative power of the natural world. The tour takes place in the sanctuary of Haines, Alaska, where mountains rise high from the coastal fjords, the oceans teem with wildlife and rivers flow from glacial waters. Your Forest Therapy Guide is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. You will be fully immersed in the healing energy of the forest by connecting deeply with your senses. Forest Therapy is more than a simple walk in the woods; it's a journey of self-discovery, a meditation in motion and communion with nature.

Experience the top attractions of Anchorage through the eyes of a local on this private guided tour. Soak up spectacular views of Anchorage from Earthquake Park and watch pilots expertly land their floatplanes on Lake Hood. At Beluga Point, watch for whales and eagles. Check out Potter’s Marsh and a wildlife refuge, and enjoy more panoramas from Flattop Mountain.

Explore interior Alaska and head out in search of the northern lights with this small group tour from Fairbanks. Your guide takes you to a remote location you couldn’t find on your own, and then settles in to view the lights. Get your cameras ready for some incredible shots. While you wait, you can relax in a comfortable, warm lodge.

Explore the natural beauty of the Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley and city of Anchorage on a customized full-day private tour with an informative guide. You can ride a tram to the top of Mt Alyeska, explore the town of Girdwood, and gaze at the Portage Glacier on an optional cruise on Portage Lake. You'll also have the chance to view Alaska's majestic wildlife at scenic viewpoints.

Experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights with expert photographer and guide, Riley, in Fairbanks, Alaska. This intimate aurora tour is designed for adventurers and photographers of all skill levels, focusing on lesser-known viewing locations to ensure a peaceful experience. You'll learn about the science behind auroras and receive professional tips to create stunning photographs. Enjoy 6-8 hours of aurora chasing, with transportation to and from remote spots away from city light pollution. With a maximum of two guests per night, you’ll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout this unforgettable night under the aurora. - Small group size for personalized instruction (max 2 guests) - 6-8 hour tour duration, with pick-up and drop-off in Fairbanks - Aurora portraits included - Photography tips suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros - Photo gear rental options available for those needing equipment

Glide through breathtaking Alaskan waterways, taking in stunning mountainous landscapes and diverse wildlife on this guided canoe safari. Enjoy a leisurely pace while you learn about the region’s history and unique ecosystem, and spot bald eagles, spawning salmon, and bears along the way. This canoeing excursion is ideal for couples and families who want to experience the Alaskan wilderness in an active way.

Enjoy a unique perspective on Alaskan nature on this day trip. Venture deep into the Alaskan wilderness to a protected wildlife site, which has the world's highest concentration of brown bears. This guided day trip to Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area includes a floatplane flight over Tongass National Forest and kayaking (available June 20 to July 20). The Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area issues a limited number of visitation permits, which need to be purchased separately from your tour operator.

The Treadwell mine collapse of 1917 ended an era of gold and industry in Alaska. Today, the preserved ruins of this massive site sit quietly among the trees. While the forest has grown in around it, the foundations, machinery, and stories still remain. This guided walking tour takes you through the original streets of Treadwell, past towering ruins, old mine shafts, and up to the edge of the 1917 cave-in. Along the way, carefully placed immersive media scenes help bring key moments of history to life right where they happened. The tour spans 2–3 miles of scenic walking trails, showcasing a century-old industrial footprint that few visitors ever see. Along the way, your guide shares stories of the people who both built and lost this remarkable place.

Join us for an easygoing nature walk with breathtaking views, right in the heart of Alaska's Chugach State Park, at the Eagle River Nature Center. Experience the real Alaska without the strenuous work to get there.

Take a 3-hour shore excursion to explore Alaska’s Rainforest Sanctuary. See numerous native animals such as black bears, bald eagles, seals, and a number of marine birds in their native habitats. Learn about the area’s ecosystem from your informative guide as you walk along the trails of the sanctuary. Enjoy light refreshments and a fresh smoked salmon snack during your tour.

Learn about the native cultures of Alaska during your time in Ketchikan on this private shore excursion. This tour is completely flexible and can be tailored to your group's interests. Some options include visiting totem parks, a salmon hatchery, beaches, waterfalls, or going on a hike. While you explore, your guide teaches you about Native American culture and traditions.

Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or both in a small-group setting of 3-6 people. Invite the whole family and experience the action regardless of skill level. The captain will provide all required equipment for fishing and guide you through the marine waters to where you'll start catching fish on a 4- or 6-hour tour.

You select any start-time between: 6:00am - 4:00pm and you pick your our return time as well. We can fish until you don't want to fish anymore and then return to town or tour around the beautiful Sitka Sound for amazing views and marine life. Private charter includes first 4 hours. Outer Coast Charters is located out of Sitka on the western side of Baranof Island, in beautiful Southeast Alaska. We are owned and operated by year-round resident, adventure outfitter, and fishing fanatic Captain Christopher Paul Jones. He states, "There's no place I'd rather be or explore than Southeast Alaska. Here we have the bounty of the Pacific Ocean at our doorstep with over 17,000 miles of coastline encompassing the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rain forest in the world. Our mission is to provide our guests with the rarest of Maritime and Coastal Adventures, while providing an element of added safety as we explore one of the most beautiful places on the edges of the earth."

Your experience will start with a scenic coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The only drive to bear viewing areas in Southeast Alaska…. This experience is curated strictly for seeing black bears in their natural habitat. When you arrive at the sanctuary, naturalist guides will join you, bringing the rich forest to life as you walk along an improved trail. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. And soon you’ll be watching for wild bears in search of spawning salmon and ample berries. These are safe, protected raised boardwalks, exclusively for bear tours only. Your guide will lead you along another boardwalk system perched over the grassy wetlands alongside Herring Creek. You’ll have the chance to observe a rich run of spawning salmon and the bears and seals that come to fish for them, along with bald eagles and other birds that wait for scraps in the tidal estuary nearby.

Take the wheel and explore Denali on your own terms with a self-drive Jeep rental built for freedom and flexibility. With no guides or fixed schedules, you can stop for wildlife, photos, hikes, and scenic views whenever you choose. This is the only Jeep rental in Denali that allows independent access to the legendary Denali Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. Explore landscapes visitors rarely see. Our local team provides maps, route recommendations, and insider tips. Popular routes include the Denali Highway, Stampede Trail, and roads near Denali National Park. Private vehicles are allowed to drive up to Mile 12 on the Denali Park Road, providing access to the park entrance and scenic viewpoints. Highlights: • Drive the Denali Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic roads • Explore Denali at your own pace • Stop anytime for wildlife viewing, hiking, or photos • Receive local tips, maps, and route recommendations • No guide required — enjoy a true self-drive Alaska adventure

We make it easy to see it all in one day! Relax on the coach as the driver guide narrates while you enjoy the beauty of Turnagain Arm. In Whittier, the Glacier Quest Cruise cruises from the quaint seaside town to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more! You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain. Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving. Return to Anchorage by coach.

Embark on a whale watching excursion that combines the luxury of a private yacht with the chance to see and learn about Alaska’s renown wildlife. Quite unlike the large-boat whale watching outings, which are filled with crowds and deliver information over a loudspeaker, this intimate experience is ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful and intimate encounter with Alaskan wildlife.

This is one of the only fully off-trail activities in Denali, and it's the ONLY survival focused activity offered in the Denali area. It is lead by an expert survivalist guide who has survived off the land for weeks on end. If "Into the Wild" is part of what brought you to Alaska, this is the best way to get an idea of what Chris McCandless's life was really like in the Denali backcountry. Eat the edible plants that he ate and learn the not-so-edible ones he ate that resulted in his demise. OH! And we donate 5% of our net profits to conservation in the areas we guide. That means you're helping Denali by taking this tour!

Venture deep into the Alaskan wilderness on this 4-hour boat journey up the legendary Stikine River to the breathtaking Shakes Lake and Glacier. Known as one of North America's last truly wild rivers, the Stikine winds through untouched landscapes of dense forest, steep-walled canyons, and glacial valleys. Your adventure begins in Wrangell, where you’ll board a custom high-speed boat designed for comfort and exploration. As you navigate the braided river channels, keep an eye out for moose, bald eagles, and even black bears along the shoreline. At Shakes Lake, drift among icebergs that have calved from the stunning face of Shakes Glacier—a pristine, remote sight few get to witness. This small-group trip blends scenery, wildlife, and glacial beauty into one unforgettable Alaskan experience.

The Seward Highway ranks among America’s most breathtaking drives. On this self-guided driving tour, you’ll go beyond landscapes that embody Alaska’s rugged character and natural beauty. You’ll follow a historic route that echoes the pioneering spirit of the Last Frontier, where each mile holds stories of those who carved a path through untamed wilderness. The tour begins at Potter Marsh on the outskirts of Anchorage and ends in downtown Seward, next to Resurrection Bay’s shoreline. Along the way, Jan and Stan, longtime Alaska residents, will bring the highway’s history to life, sharing fascinating tales of this historic route that connects Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. You’ll take in breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm while learning about its dramatic bore tides and the endangered beluga whales that navigate these silty waters. Along the Seward Highway, you’ll have the chance to spot dall sheep on the cliffs, the only place in Alaska where they’re regularly seen near sea level.

Join us this summer for an unforgettable day of Alaskan adventure! Start your journey with a visit to your Iditarod dog sled kennel, where you will meet a team of over-the-top friendly sled dogs. You will be amazed by their sheer power as they pull you through the scenic hills and woods they train on year-round. Get to know the whole pack, learn how we train these remarkable athletes, and enjoy plenty of playtime with the pups. The excitement doesn't stop there. After the mushing tour, we will enjoy lunch before switching gears for an epic ATV adventure up to Hatcher Pass. You will get to drive your own ATV through rugged, majestic mountain landscapes. The views from the top of the pass are absolutely breathtaking, offering Alaska on full display. Along the way, we will stop to capture stunning photos and maybe even enjoy some wild berry picking. It is the ultimate summer experience!

Experience 3 iconic Alaskan adventures—flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting—all in just 5 hours! This Packraft adventure begins with a scenic flight that will head towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet. After landing on the Norris Glacier fed lake, hike over the glacially carved terrain to a cove where your packraft awaits. From here, you will be outfitted in single person packrafts and introduced paddling techniques by your guides. Once you launch your packraft, your paddle to the glacier will take you past ice bergs to the Norris Glacier. As you approach the glacier, prepare to beach your boat right on the Norris Glacier. Trade out paddles for micro-spikes and explore the moonscape-like area of the glacier all by foot and get panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers. Look for crevasses, glacier pools, moulins, and other incredible ice features. Upon completion of your glacier hike, paddle back to shore. Your floatplane awaits to take you back to Juneau.