Top Alaska Photography Tours

Create beautiful memories of Ketchikan with this small-group photography tour. Your guide will lead you to all of the best photo spots in the area, including historical, cultural and natural attractions, and provide helpful tips and instruction on composition, exposure and more for all types of camera, from a DSLR to a point and shoot or cell phone.

Don’t leave Alaska without witnessing its most incredible creatures: whales, otters, and more. On this 16-person tour—smaller than most local offerings—you’ll grab a seat in the heated cab or out on the deck, following your captain’s search for wildlife. Beyond the wild Alaskan scenery, you might spot humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, porpoises, and more.

Go on an aurora hunt from Fairbanks and hopefully see one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. Head out to a high-elevation lodge at Cleary Summit that’s ideally positioned for seeing the lights dance overhead. Stay warm inside with floor-to-ceiling windows for easy Northern Lights viewing, or step outside for a closer look. A guide helps spot the aurora and advises on photographing them while you enjoy cocoa, coffee, and snacks.

Join us for a photographic exploration of the stunning coastal and mountain landscapes as we explore the highlights of the Turnagain Arm. Your itinerary includes Turnagain Arm, Chugach National Forest, and Chugach State Park, with the opportunity to photograph mountain streams, waterfalls, coastal mudflats, glaciers, and both the Chugach and Kenai mountains. Depending on the season, wildlife opportunities may include bears, moose, Dall sheep, Bald eagles, and Beluga whale. Unlike other Turnagain Arm tours available in Anchorage, our tour does not go to well-known, crowded locations. Our objective is to take you off the beaten path to explore unique photo locations that provide great photo opportunities. Throughout the tour, you’ll be offered creative and technical support by your Alaska Photo Treks guide. It’s a great way to see the sights while honing your photography skills. Book it at the start of your Alaska trip and you’ll take home your best travel photos yet!

It’s not every day you get to hike along the base of a 26-mile-long active glacier! Join the original guiding company on Matanuska, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible natural wonders on foot with NOVA’s popular Glacier Tour! This unique adventure offers an up-close look at a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape. Our expert guides will lead you through the rugged terminal moraine, sharing their knowledge of the region’s formation, natural features, and the forces that have shaped it over thousands of years. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning ice formations, jagged seracs, deep crevasses, and flowing moulins. You’ll be outfitted with all the necessary gear and transported to the glacier’s terminus at the park. From there, you’ll hike across the moraine and into the breathtaking 'Ice Falls' area, where towering ice cascades over the rocky landscape—truly a memorable experience.

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.

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.

It’s not every day you get the chance to hike along the base of a 26-mile-long active glacier! Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska, founded over 35 years ago, and explore the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers on foot with NOVA’s new Family Glacier Tour—perfect for all ages! Our expert guides will tailor the experience to your abilities, ensuring that everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys a memorable and fun adventure on the Matanuska Glacier. This relaxed-paced tour offers the ideal way to share the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers with your whole family. You’ll be outfitted with the necessary gear and transported by vehicle to the glacier’s terminus at the edge of the park. From there, our guides will lead you through the rocky fields of the massive terminal moraine, all the way to the stunning 'Ice Falls.' Be sure to stop by the on-site coffee shop to warm up and unwind after your adventure.

Journey into the heart of Alaska's untamed wilderness when you book this small-group tour from Homer. Navigate the rivers and headwaters of Kachemak Bay on airboats where you can observe seals, eagles, and moose in pristine surroundings. This seasonal adventure takes you through the wilderness where you can enjoy majestic views of Kenai Mountain and its glaciers.

Discover the wildlife and native cultures of Ketchikan on this half-day nature excursion for your private party. Visit an old Native American village to learn about its culture and see the intricately carved totem poles. Learn about the edible plants of the region, see local wildlife such as salmon, whales, and eagles, and visit several of the area’s beautiful beaches.

Focus on Haines with this guided tour of the area, focusing on nature, photography, or both. This is a small group experience (max 4), so you’ll get lots of personal attention. Your guide can offer advice on how to get the best composition when framing your shots, and will also fill you in on the area’s rich cultural and natural history stories. This is about a half day tour that stops at several places along the way.

Capture the mesmerizing Northern Lights with expert photographer and guide Riley Bregar in Fairbanks, Alaska. This intimate aurora photography 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 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

Spend time photographing the spectacular landscape around Haines on a full-day photography tour from Skagway. Your professional photographer guide helps you to get great photo ops of Alaska's stunning landscape and wildlife like bald eagles, brown bears, humpback whales, moose, and other animals (depending on the season). Suitable for all levels of photography experience, this tour can be tailored to the participants' interests and the best wildlife viewing of the season.

Discover hidden, hard-to-reach features away from the crowds! Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska Glacier, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers on foot with NOVA’s Adventure Trek. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear, the Adventure Trek is personalized with a 1:4 guide-to-client ratio, ensuring a tailored experience based on the group’s physical abilities and preferences. This challenging adventure takes hikers beyond the popular ‘Ice Falls’ area, deep into the heart of the Matanuska Glacier!

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.

Try your luck spotting the northern lights inside a cozy countryside cabin, where you can wait for the lights to (hopefully) appear in the sky while saying warm and comfy. Located on a hilltop near Murphy Dome, the cabin has several windows offering 360° views of the night sky, giving you the best chance to see them. Your guide monitors the aurora and assists with photography and spotting.

This isn't your average aurora tour; it's a 12-hour, immersive "Arctic Odyssey." Go deep into remote Alaskan wilderness for unparalleled dark skies, unique landscapes, and stunning Northern Lights. Beyond just viewing, engage in active adventures like snowshoeing, campfires, and seasonal extras (ice singing, berry picking). Perfect for adventurous photographers seeking a true, intense Alaskan night experience.

Avoid the disappointment of returning from your Alaska vacation with sub-par photographs. This photo safari, led by a professional photographer, helps you to improve your photography by providing technical and creative tips and tricks as you explore Anchorage's wild surroundings under the summer sunset.

Experience the thrill of SIX MILE CREEK 2-CANYON! This exciting run features 3 hours of pool-drop style Class IV rapids through the lush terrain of Chugach National Forest. A truly world-class section of whitewater that happens to be half-day accessible and gives a one-of-a-kind Alaskan adventure in just a few hours. Join the original guiding company, with over 40 years of experience on Six Mile Creek, leading the way through this iconic stretch of whitewater. Outfitted with top-of-the-line gear and expert guides, we continue to set the standard for safety and professionalism in the industry. Photos are available after your adventure to relive the action! Let’s go!

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.

Discover the thrill of Backcountry Ice Climbing with NOVA’s expert guides! Whether you're a beginner or looking to try something new, our introductory ice climbing experience offers an accessible and exciting way to challenge yourself in the stunning surroundings of the Matanuska Glacier. No prior experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn! Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska Glacier, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear, and our expert guides will provide all the instruction you need to safely learn the fundamentals of ice climbing. Explore the glacier’s frozen landscape as you climb its ice walls, gaining new skills while taking in breathtaking views of this natural wonder. Let’s go—reach new heights and experience the thrill of ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier!

Set out on a nocturnal adventure in search of the elusive northern lights with this photography-focused tour departing from Anchorage. Get picked up at your hotel and go in search of the aurora borealis with a small group. Learn new photography skills and try your hand at capturing the dazzling light show of the northern lights with your camera.

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.