Top Alaska Shore Excursions

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

• Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
• Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour
• Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise
• Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

Yes, Alaska shore excursions are well worth it. Guided tours give you uniquely Alaskan experiences, complete with stunning landscapes and potential sightings of bears, whales, and other wildlife. Hundreds of shore excursions on offer range from kayaking and ziplining to whale-watching and glacier-hiking, so you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and budget.

Prices for Alaska shore excursions vary widely based on duration and inclusions. Walking tours of cities such as Juneau and Sitka start at US$50, while top-rated outdoor activities typically range from US$75–US$250. Nature hikes and other short activities fall on the more affordable end of the price range, while whale watching, sea kayaking, and other specialty excursions cost US$150 or more. Expect to pay a premium for private and luxury tours, such as helicopter trips.

Alaska shore excursions are available in a range of durations, so it’s easy to find a tour that suits your schedule. Flightseeing adventures and city walking tours often last 90 minutes or less, while glacier-hiking and national park tours run up to a full day. Half-day excursions hit the sweet spot, allowing you to cruise past whales and glaciers, zipline in the rainforest, or fish for salmon in 3–5 hours.

Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway are some of the most popular cities to visit on Alaska shore excursions. All towns offer a mix of natural landscapes and historical sites, but each has its own character. Visit Mendenhall Glacier on a quick trip from Juneau, admire Alaska Native totem poles in Ketchikan, or ride along the Gold Rush-era White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway.

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife on Alaska shore excursions. Look for Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, bears, and caribou, as well as bald eagles, brown bears, and humpback whales. Bear (pun intended) in mind that wildlife sightings can vary depending on the location and time of year.

That depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. Booking through your cruise line takes away the stress of returning to your ship on time, but you may find better prices and a wider variety of tour options through independent operators. Look for tours that include your preferred activities and a guaranteed-return-to-ship policy, then narrow down the search based on price, group size, and other factors.

Alaska shore excursion 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: 

• Seward Alaska Historical City Tour Adventure
• Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
• Juneau City Tour
• White Pass Deluxe Tour from Skagway
• Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

Alaska shore excursions are all about timing. Though most tour providers have plenty of experience dealing with cruise-ship schedules, you should pay close attention to the schedule so you don’t get left behind by your ship. For full-day tours, it’s safest to book experiences directly through your cruise line—or choose an independent tour with a guaranteed-return-to-ship policy. If you don’t have much time in port, choose a quick city tour that makes the logistics simple.

The most important things to pack are closed-toe hiking shoes and clothing for Alaska’s ever-changing weather, including removable layers and a waterproof rain jacket for frequent showers. Bring a hat and gloves if you’re going anywhere near a glacier, even in the summer, and don’t forget binoculars and your camera for wildlife sightings. A lightweight backpack is handy for carrying water, snacks, and other essentials while you’re off the ship.

The best month to go to Alaska on a cruise is July, though June or August are good too—you’ll get warm temperatures, long daylight hours, wildflowers, and great wildlife viewing. If budgeting is a priority, shoulder-season cruises in May and September can offer significant savings while still providing a good experience, though some excursions might be limited.

Yes, it’s usually pretty easy to cancel or modify Alaska shore excursions. Most tours allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, but read the fine print since policies vary by experience and provider. Check the weather policy too—many tours continue rain or shine, while others may be canceled due to rough weather.

While nature is unpredictable, many tours offer guaranteed wildlife sightings, especially in the warmer high season of June–August. For example, this Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching excursion guarantees humpback sightings by taking you to the glacial waters they frequent. Bear sightings are also common on wildlife-focused excursions, but they’re guaranteed on this Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems, which takes you to a conservation center that cares for brown and black bears.

Yes, some Alaska shore excursions have age, height, or weight restrictions. Ziplining and helicopter tours, for example, require you to fall into a certain height or weight range for safety reasons, while glacier hiking, canoeing, and other physical activities often have a minimum age limit. Read the details before booking, especially if you’re traveling with kids, or choose from plenty of sightseeing and wildlife tours that are open to all ages and activity levels.