THE BEST 10 Alaska Water Tours in 2026 (Prices from $55)

Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

Just an hour’s scenic drive from Anchorage along the breathtaking Seward Highway, Portage Glacier offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Board the M/V Ptarmigan, a custom-built sightseeing vessel designed for optimal glacier viewing, including a heated cabin with expansive windows and an open-air top deck. During the one-hour cruise, you’ll glide across the waters of Portage Lake, journeying past cascading waterfalls and steep mountain cliffs. Get up close to the towering wall of Portage Glacier, and with a bit of luck, witness the thrilling sight (and sound!) of calving ice. A U.S. Forest Service ranger provides expert narration, sharing fascinating insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife. This budget-friendly and family-friendly tour operates daily from mid-May to mid-September, with five departures to fit your schedule. This is the perfect stop to experience one of the state's most iconic glaciers.

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Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.8

(23)

from $59

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

Experience up-close views of glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this cruise. Enjoy 100 miles (round-trip) of jaw-dropping scenery as the captain and crew explain the surrounding geology and wildlife. Sail past the majestic Holgate Glacier and witness chunks of glaciers break off and crash into the water. Get your camera out near Chiswell Islands, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. In addition to the sights, enjoy a complimentary brunch or deli lunch.

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Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,935)

from $265

Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 4-hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay from Seward Harbor. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.

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Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(1,235)

from $166

Likely to Sell Out

Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Discover the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this full-day catamaran cruise. Enjoy jaw-dropping scenery as an experienced naturalist provides engaging commentary. In Aialik Bay, watch for the calving of tidewater glaciers, when chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. From the comfort of a heated cabin, spot Steller sea lions, orcas, humpbacks and puffins that call these waters home. Enjoy a complimentary deli lunch onboard.

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Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(674)

from $297

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and try your luck spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and birds. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

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Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(1,101)

from $267

Half-day Resurrection Bay & Wildlife Tour from Seward

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(141)

from $172

Lovely Portage Glacier from the mv Ptarmigan glacier cruise

Be awed by supersized glaciers and the hardy wildlife of the tundra on this full-day tour through the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Departing from Anchorage, drive along a scenic byway to the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet, framed by the dramatic Chugach and Kenai mountain ranges. Cruise on the lake that laps against the ancient blue ice of Portage Glacier, stop for lunch at a cozy lodge, and get an up-close look at Alaskan wildlife such as caribou, musk ox, and lynk at a conservation center.

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Glaciers and Wildlife: Super Scenic Day Tour from Anchorage

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(298)

from $235

Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour

Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do! This tour offers an additional hour at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. This gives you an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours to look at salmon, visit the Visitor's Center, and make the hike to Nugget Falls! Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales. We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!

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Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(112)

from $199

Likely to Sell Out

Whales and Lunch! Ketchikan's Premier Marine Mammal Viewing Tour

Explore the breathtaking waters of Ketchikan on this intimate whale watching tour. With a small group led by knowledgeable locals, enjoy personalized service as you search for humpback whales, orcas, seals, and more. This 3 to 3 and a half-hour adventure aboard a stable catamaran features heated indoor seating and panoramic views, ensuring comfort in any weather. Savor a complimentary locally sourced lunch of your choosing between five different options, while taking in the stunning Alaskan scenery. If no marine mammals are spotted, a $100 cash guarantee awaits you at the end of the tour. - Small-group tours led by local experts for an authentic experience - 3-3.5-hour duration on a high-speed vessel reaching prime wildlife hotspots - Complimentary lunch included - Marine mammal sighting guarantee with cash refund if no sightings occur - On time for cruise ship departure guarantee

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Whales and Lunch! Ketchikan's Premier Marine Mammal Viewing Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(40)

from $259

Your three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You will see a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village. The Binkley family invites you to experience a slice of Alaskan life!

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Riverboat Discovery Tour

3 hours

4.6

(1,351)

from $131

2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour

Explore the Alaskan wilderness by ATV from Denali. View Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife including moose. Ride either an automatic single or double ATV through rugged terrain, splashing through water (weather permitting) and traversing rocky creek beds at speeds of up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour. Hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels is included for convenience.

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2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(985)

from $146

Small Group Boat Tour of Sitka

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(87)

from $220

Explore the bays and islands of Alaska on a whale- and wildlife-watching excursion off the coast of Ketchikan. Locally owned and family-run, this company prides itself on knowing the best up-to-date whale watching locations in the area. This ensures the greatest chances of spotting whales on your outing (though sightings are not always guaranteed), as well as other wildlife like bald eagles, harbor seals, and a wide variety of seabirds.

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Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(914)

from $178

Likely to Sell Out

Alaska Wildlife Tour in Kachemak Bay

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(169)

from $143

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.

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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(6,805)

from $249

Likely to Sell Out

Experience Incredible Marine Wildlife Tour

2 hours 30 minutes

5.0

(67)

from $210

Likely to Sell Out

Kayak Tours

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(322)

from $180

Likely to Sell Out

While in Skagway port, Alaska, hop across the border to spend the day discovering the treasures of the Yukon, Canada. This comprehensive tour travels along the Klondike Highway by minibus, with impressive mountain scenery and possible wildlife sightings. Visit Wild Adventure Yukon to check out its interesting wildlife museum and a dogsled camp, and refuel with a hearty included lunch. Valid passports are required, with visas if necessary.

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Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(838)

from $173

3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

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.

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3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,368)

from $189

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Dinner Cruise from Seward

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(61)

from $228

Captain's Choice Kenai Fjords National Park Tour from Seward

NEW for 2025! Maximize your adventure aboard this flexible seven-hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Explore the day’s most spectacular sights as your captain selects their route based on current conditions, wildlife reports and expert insights. More time on the water and more freedom means more opportunities for costal Alaska magic, from breaching whale sightings to moments spent marveling at calving tidewater glaciers.

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Captain's Choice Kenai Fjords National Park Tour from Seward

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(108)

from $271

Mendenhall Glacier Park and Ultimate Whale Watch Combo

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

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Mendenhall Glacier Park and Ultimate Whale Watch Combo

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(855)

from $199

Set out on a whale watching adventure—and leave all the logistics to someone else. After convenient transport to Auke Bay via bus from downtown Juneau, you’ll have an easy transfer to the boat. Spend several hours with a naturalist guide spotting humpback and killer whales as well as harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and black bears. Snacks, beverages, and binoculars are conveniently included.

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Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(302)

from $154

The M/V Klondike Express brings guests face-to-face with Harvard Glacier in College Fjord

For guests with their own transportation, this 5.25-hour cruise brings you face-to-face with dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife, surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Prince William Sound. The cruise route covers 120 miles in Western Prince William Sound while being surrounded by the Chugach National Forest. Your friendly and attentive crew will strive to make this cruise a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation. Our industry-exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee assures every guest will cruise in comfort while enjoying your cruise. All cruises are operated on first-class high-speed catamarans that provide an extremely stable cruise and can smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and ice flows to reach the face of massive glaciers.

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Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(34)

from $278

Top Alaska Water Tours

100+ results

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