Top Alaska Wildlife Encounters in 2026

Set out in search of the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis during your time in Alaska on this nighttime excursion. Depart from Fairbanks after dark and venture deep into the forest in search of locations with little to no light pollution. If you find the colorful, dancing lights, your guide captures photos of your group so you can cherish the moments forever. Hotel pickup from downtown Fairbanks is included for convenience.

Take in the coastal wilderness of southeastern Alaska from the water with this RIB adventure. Don a waterproof suit, goggles, and gloves and skirt the shoreline to marvel at the pristine coves, natural waterfalls, and the only fjord in North America. Stop to snap photos and spot wildlife plus savor the silence when the captain cuts the motor.

Reindeer are a truly remarkable part of Alaska's history. During this experience travelers can learn more about these gentle creatures through quality time by being able to feed them, pet them, and enjoy being immersed within the small herd while being surrounded within the boreal forest, a unique experience.

Step into the enchanting world of reindeer in Alaska with our Private 45-minute Reindeer Tour. First, join us in the classroom where we deep dive into the history of reindeer in Alaska, the difference between reindeer and caribou, and the unique Arctic adaptations of these incredible animals. Next, we'll venture outside to meet the herd and go for a stroll through the black spruce forest. Perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts, this 45-minute tour allows for plenty of photo opportunities and personal interaction. - Authentic and Educational Experience - Guided by Professional, Local, Experienced Herders - Meet and Interact with Reindeer - Walk with the Reindeer Through the Black Spruce Forest - Lots of Photo Opportunities

No need to bundle up in the snow to experience dog sledding—on this private tour, you’ll zip through the Alaskan forest on a two-person dog sled, exploring private trails the pups use for their Iditarod training. Afterward, interact with the champion dogs, ask questions, enjoy a complimentary snack, take in the view of Denali, and learn all about this timeless Alaskan tradition. (It’s the official Alaska state sport!)

We work exclusively with local, passionate mushers who view their dog teams as their family, and you will have the chance to understand this incredible sport on your hourlong ride through the snowy forest. You will ride on a genuine dogsled, either seated or standing, as the team of 8 dogs swings through the forest with you and your guide at a comfortable but thrilling pace. You will also have the chance to see the dog kennels, and a replica of a dog-sled race checkpoint, where the competitive mushers stop for fuel and rest on their long winter races. On your reindeer tour, our experienced reindeer handlers will introduce you to the herd of reindeer at Borealis Basecamp, and you can feed, meet, and take pictures with these incredible animals.

Thank you for your interest in Juneau Lighthouse Tours, Alaska’s Only Lighthouse and Whale Watching Adventure! Not only will you get to experience the best whale watching in Juneau, you get the chance to explore Sentinel Island. It is one of the first lighthouses activated in Southeast Alaska. Climb up the lighthouse tower, inspect the beacon, and take a look across Lynn Canal. Conveniently, it is located in the middle of the best whale watching spots! Sit back and enjoy the ride and allow our amazing crew to take you an an unforgettable experience. Our business model has been centered on maintaining a high level of customer service. No trip is complete without the complementary stop at Brotherhood Bridge lookout for a spectacular view of the Mendenhall Glacier! Complimentary locally made Alaskan fudge, granola bars, caribou sausage sticks, coffee/tea, and bottled water are included on this tour. All vessels come equipped with two bathrooms, heated cabins, and binoculars.

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.

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.

After 10 years of high adventure tours from Seattle to Juneau we are now offering a tour of the Juneau waters from a new perspective, a JETSKI! This exclusive tour is perfect for travelers with a sense of adventure who love the challenge of learning a new skill, all while taking in stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier, Auke Bay, Admiralty Island and the surrounding areas. This adventure provides fantastic opportunities to see whales, porpoise, seals, eagles, and more! Your professionally trained guide will give you knowledge of the local people and wildlife that once and currently inhabit this breathtaking area of SE Alaska. Nothing compares to the feeling of being on the same level of some of the most incredible ocean mammals when they come up to say hello! Not your typical nose to tail, single file, slow rides.. we cater each adventure based on each group and which wonders are put in front of us while on this grand adventure. Come & see for yourself! (4 Hours w transportation)

Embark on a captivating journey along the Turnagain Arm scenic drive, where opportunities to spot Dall sheep and Beluga whales abound. Capture stunning photographs as you immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska's landscape. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to encounter and learn about remarkable Alaskan wildlife. Continue to Portage Glacier Lake for additional scenic views and potential surprise stops for lunch. Conclude your adventure with a delightful wine tasting experience back in Anchorage before returning to your hotel. - Scenic drive featuring potential wildlife sightings along Turnagain Arm - Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for a close encounter with local wildlife - Photo opportunities at Portage Glacier Lake and surprise stops along the route - Tour duration is approximately 5-6 hours, with longer options for wildlife sightings

We start off the tour with a nice trip over the whale watching grounds on a 12 mile run to the crabbing location. From there we put your names on the crab pot buoys, bait the pots and toss them over. Huge Dungeness crab, rock crab, and even Puget Sound king/Box crab, starfish and other oddities are hauled up in our crab traps. We can spend some time doing a bit of fishing or whale watching in the middle of the tour. You are able to ship your catch home or eat it back at the dock. Approx 4 hours

Discover the natural beauty of Chugach State Park on a day hike led by your own private guide. Your hike can range from four to 13 miles, with an elevation gain of 500 to 3,000 feet — how long and how far you’d like to soak up incredible mountain scenery and spot wildlife like eagles and moose is up to you. Pick up fascinating facts about the local geology and park history along the way. Lunch and hotel transport from Anchorage are included.

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 vibrant Inside Passage is one of the best places for spotting humpback whales in Alaska, and on this two-part adventure you not only travel up the passage on a small boat but also have the opportunity to kayak alongside the massive creatures. While most whale watching tours only include spotting whales from a distance, this intimate tour allows adventurous travelers to experience the whales up close.

Your day begins with a trip briefing and safety orientation led by your experienced wilderness guide, followed by a captivating 30-minute floatplane flight to Chichagof Island. Touch down at the remote and lesser-known wilderness location of Waterfall Creek, a hidden gem that offers unparalleled brown bear viewing during the peak of the salmon run, from late July to August. The primary viewing location is just a short stroll along the rocky shoreline. Brown bears may make an appearance at any moment while you're ashore. Your knowledgeable guide will direct you to the best vantage points for optimal viewing and photography. After several hours of absorbing the beauty of brown bear viewing, embark on a hike back to your awaiting floatplane, ready to transport you back to Juneau. This is an authentic Alaskan wilderness adventure! While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, the abundant bear population in the Waterfall Creek area rarely disappoints.

You select any start-time between: 6:00am - 3:00pm 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 5 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."

Go kayaking with humpback whales during this small-group paddling adventure from Juneau. Climb aboard a boat and travel up the Inside Passage to reach rich feeding grounds for humpback whales. Admire views of glaciers, forest, and snow-capped mountains during the journey then set out in kayaks in search of whales and other wildlife.

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."

A serene journey awaits on the Lazy River Kayak Float, where nature and adventure intertwine. Glide down the tranquil Knik River, surrounded by the towering Chugach Mountains, and keep an eye out for moose, eagles, and salmon in their natural habitat. This easy-going experience is perfect for beginners and families, with the option for young children to ride for free. As you paddle, enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. The glacier-fed waters promise a refreshing adventure that connects you to Alaska’s stunning wilderness.

Get a kick out of the Fairbanks Ice Museum and then revitalize your mind and body at Chena Hot Springs on this day trip from Fairbanks. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum filled with displays of ice sculptures, and then warm up at Chena Hot Springs. Surrounded by beautiful Alaskan scenery, immerse yourself in thermal pools of water that soothe sore muscles and aching backs. Enjoy several hours of free time at the rustic lodge resort. Hotel transport included.