Top Alaska Bird Watching in 2026

Get away from the crowds and experience Alaska’s grandest marine life from an intimate, 20-person vessel. Less disruptive to wildlife, you’ll get a front-row seat to the 49th State’s most beloved creatures—including whales, sea lions, eagles, and more. You’ll also get to scope out ice-blue glaciers, rocky shorelines, and hidden inlets from the comfort of the heated cabin or right from the catamaran's bow.

Spend a day immersed in Alaska’s stunning nature during this kayak trip on Chilkoot Lake. Depart the town of Haines with your private guide and enjoy a leisurely few hours of kayaking on the uncrowded lake. While you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as salmon, bald eagles, and even brown bears.

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.

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.

This physically demanding tour is built for fit travelers who want to go deeper into the mountains. You’ll hike 4–6 miles with 1,500–1,800 feet of elevation gain on unimproved trails and off-trail routes while exploring forested river areas, brushy sub-alpine tundra, and beautiful alpine tundra with glacial features. The tour is still fully narrated and interpretive, but with more time on the ground to experience the full range of ecosystems and scenery. Note: We often operate just outside Denali National Park on public and remote lands, allowing access to a wider variety of terrain. You will be dropped off at the train depot in time for the 12:30 pm departure.

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

Escape Skagway with a visit to Chilkoot Lake State Park in Haines. Board a high-speed catamaran in Skagway and fly through the water to Haines, admiring steep fjord walls and unnamed waterfalls along the way. Meet your naturalist guide at the park entrance, and discover a lake rimmed by snowy mountains, a river bursting with salmon, Tlingit cultural sites, and wildlife including bald eagles, brown bears, and harbor seals.

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.

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.

Sail the waters of Resurrection Bay in search of Californian gray whales on a half-day cruise from Seward. These huge mammals arrive here every March through May on their annual migration northward into Alaska’s waters. Watch for these incredible beasts and other whale species, as well as other wildlife, and view the luminous blue glaciers crowning the surrounding mountains.

What makes this tour unique is the combination of a private premium whale watching trip and a fully customizable Juneau sightseeing experience in one day. Instead of joining a crowded bus or large tour boat, your group gets a more personal land-and-sea adventure led by local guides. The whale watching portion is aboard a comfortable private boat with indoor and outdoor seating, great visibility, and room to enjoy the experience in any weather. We take you as close to the whales as legally allowed while keeping the trip safe, respectful, and uncrowded. The sightseeing portion is built around your group’s interests, abilities, timing, and the day’s conditions. You may choose glacier viewing, light hiking, scenic beaches, local history, the Shrine of St. Therese, DIPAC Salmon Hatchery, Eagle Beach, Treadwell Mine ruins, or other local favorites. It is Juneau with a local, your way, with a return-to-ship guarantee for cruise guests.

Alaska’s landscapes are ones to be remembered and this photography tour helps you capture its beauty. Meet up with your guide, who is a professional photographer, and learn how to capture panoramic views, reflective ponds, and local wildlife at top locations. No matter what type of camera gear you have—even camera phones are welcome—your guide provides one-on-one attention to help you capture the best photos. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Alaska's dramatic glaciers are best experienced up close, and this full-day tour takes you right to them. Heading out from Juneau on a purpose-built expedition vessel, explore the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area from a vantage point on the water—a perspective many travelers miss. Snap photos of pristine scenery and experience the area's natural wonders from the comfort of the boat during this 8.5-hour adventure.