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, taking an Alaska shore excursion is worth it. Excursions allow you to enjoy local experiences, stunning landscapes, and potential wildlife encounters. There are different types of shore excursions, from canoeing to ice adventure tours, so there's sure to be something that fits your travel style.

How much an Alaska shore excursion costs depends on the type and duration of the excursion. City tours, ATV adventures, and pub crawls are in the US$75–125 range. Expect to pay more for dog sled rides, glacier gazing, Bigfoot wilderness adventures, and fishing expeditions.

Alaska shore excursions have a wide range of durations. You can book full-day experiences such as hiking the Exit Glacier or cruising the Yukon River; half-day tours that offer ziplining and canopy robes in Ketchikan; and guided walking tours that last just one hour.

On Alaska shore excursions, you can visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Seward and discover their unique blend of local culture, natural landscapes, and historical sites. Each town has its own unique charm, offering everything from cozy local shops and scenic vistas to intriguing tales of the past.

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.

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

• Port Transfers

• Day Cruises

• Kayaking Tours

• Helicopter Tours

• Whale Watching

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

• City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing

• White Pass Deluxe Tour from Skagway

It’s all about the timing for Alaska shore excursions. While the odds of something going awry are slim—tour companies know how to deal with cruise ship timings—be sure to book an excursion that actually fits your schedule and doesn’t leave you feeling actively stressed. If you get anxious about time, which is common, opt for a city tour that makes the travel logistics simple.

The best Alaska shore excursions pack a lot into a small amount of time, so be prepared with good walking shoes, water, and snacks, and come as caffeinated as you need to be. If you’re worried about keeping up with your group or losing a family member, here’s a hack: Wear a bright color or bold pattern, so you’ll be easy to keep track of.

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.