Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding -PRIVATE
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Alaska, USA
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Don’t settle for seeing the Knik Glacier Pools from the ground or the air, instead pick an excursion that gives you both aerial views and a mountaintop landing. You can enjoy the views and wildlife spotting opportunities from the helicopter, with no wings to get in the way. When you land, don your drysuit and paddleboard through the crystal-clear glacial waters of the lake for stunning views of the snow-covered wilderness.
- See the best of the Alaskan wildnerness on a helicopter tour that includes a landing
- Choose from several flight times to suit your schedule
- Get away from the tourists that swarm more accessible locations
- A private helicopter means a more personalized experience
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Experienced Guides
- Dry Suit
- Personal Flotation Device
- Paddle board/ Paddle
- Micro-Spikes
- Lunch
- Transportation to the departure location is NOT included. Please call directly to book.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Alaska Glacier Lodge29979 E Knik River Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Alaska Glacier Lodge
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 299 lbs
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Transfers from Anchorage are NOT included. To book please call direct
- Comfort surcharge applied for anyone 250lbs and over. This allows us to block out an additional seat for safety and comfort
- NOT PERMITTED: DRONES-SMOKING ITEMS (VAPES/LIGHTERS/E-CIG)-FIREARMS - please leave items in the vehicle or we do have lockers to store them
- CHECK IN IS 1 HOUR PRIOR TO DEPARTURE - failure to check in on time may result in a shortened or cancelled tour with no refund
- PROPER OUTERWEAR IS REQUIRED - Warm layers, hat, thin gloves, waterproof outer wear and comfortable walking shoes required. (hats and gloves available to buy on site)
- 13+ Only
- Tour books up months out. Contact direct for waitlist options.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Maddie_J
We booked the private helicopter & paddle boarding tour based off of all the amazing reviews, and we have to be another to add to the mix! If you’re debating taking this tour, this is your sign to book it and not look back. This was our first time in Alaska and this was the best thing we’ve ever done in our lives. We had very little knowledge of what a glacier was although we did know that we would be landing on one & paddle boarding in it haha— but it was such a blast. First, the main base facility was clean and nice and there was lovely, professional staff to guide and direct us. The helicopter ride was easy and quick with incredible views. Once we landed, our guides, Tom and Matty, made us feel so comfortable and safe right away. They gave us options of what activities we could do during our time on the glacier and let us decide how to spend our time there. Exploring the glacier was truly so much fun. If you do this tour, do as much as you can! We swam, paddle-boarded, jumped in, floated on our boards down a stream, hiked to explore different glacier features… Tom & Matty were incredible guides who really elevated our experience. They were the best! We enjoyed our time with them so much in the glacier that we didn’t want to leave! Tom got amazing photos that he airdropped to us before we got back on the helicopter to head back. He got so many incredible shots. Thank you Tom, Matty & Alaska Helicopter Tours for an excursion of a lifetime! We’ll never forget this!!
Reviews
4.8
based on 50 reviews
Xinning_Z, Sep 2025
Best experience ever! I highly recommend booking this trip if your budget allows—and book as early as possible, since that gives you flexibility to reschedule if the weather doesn’t permit flying.
I’ve been to Alaska three times, taken three glacier trips, and this was by far the best. Alaska is at its most breathtaking when you’re in the sky. You really feel how small you are when surrounded by such splendid nature. The entire experience is great—they had very kind people to accompany you every step of the way. Tom was with us, making sure the suit fit well, until he handed us to the pilot. The flight was super smooth too. Trevor showed us beautiful scenery during the flight, and I didn’t feel motion sickness at all.
Our guides, Maty and Galen, were the best I’ve ever had. Not only did they take us to incredible spots and share their knowledge about the glacier, but they were also having fun. They were excited about the glacier and about us having fun, just as we were.
You’re encouraged to explore the glacier safely, almost like becoming a child again—bringing your courage and curiosity with you. See nature, feel nature, and live in nature.
It was my friend’s first time on a glacier. She also didn’t know how to swim, and yet she felt perfectly safe, even as we explored different routes both with and without water. We got tons of photos taken and laughters throughout the trip.
I would love to book again if I'm coming to Alaska again!
Guan_W, Sep 2025
It was absolutely the best experience i had with glacier and helicopter (bucket list checked)
We went for hikes and paddleboard and even jumping into glacier water like a cannonball
Arun_M, Sep 2025
Booked months in advance for this trip. We drove 2 hours in the morning to be there on time and they cancelled it due to weather. No communication. Didn't really try to accommodate us at the later time or the next day. I understand the cancellation due to weather but it really wasted time, energy and money of our vacation time due to lack of their communication.
Tori_H, Aug 2025
Absolutely the best day. Alaska Helicopter tours were very professional and had all the details figured out. Best turkey sandwich lunch on a paddleboard and the views. 😍😍😍
ruby_l, Aug 2025
Absolutely incredible from start to finish! The helicopter ride offered jaw-dropping glacier views, and paddle boarding on that turquoise water felt magical and completely private. Smooth, safe, and perfectly organized — an unforgettable, must-do experience!
Chaoying_L, Jul 2025
This Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding tour was hands down one of the most stunning and unique experiences I’ve ever had! The views were absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. We spent the majority of our time paddle boarding through incredible supraglacial melt ponds and exploring icy tunnels — the flexible schedule allowed us to really immerse ourselves in the landscape.
The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and always made sure we were safe. I even discovered a new tunnel during the tour, and they helped assess its safety before guiding us through. When the water got too shallow for paddle boarding, they were quick to assist and ensure everyone was comfortable.
And yes — we even got to swim in the glacier! An absolutely surreal and once-in-a-lifetime moment. If you're looking for a truly epic outdoor adventure, this is it. 100% recommend!
Zoey_X, Jul 2025
This was the highlight of my entire Alaska trip! Huge thanks to our awesome pilot Sam, we saw a black bear 🐻 running uphill and a moose 🫎 drinking by a creek during the flight 🐾.
Even bigger thanks to our guides Szymon and Taval, they made everything fun and unforgettable. We went paddle boarding, jumped into glacier water, and even climbed ice! 🧊💦
I’ll remember this day for the rest of my life and recommend it to everyone I know. Can’t wait to come back someday! 💙✨
Zheng_J, Jul 2025
This is an immersive and awe-inspiring experience. Our guide Maty is super fun and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
aria_h, Jul 2025
The place we visited that day wasn't as beautiful as we had expected. It was surrounded by black rocks and the water wasn't as clear and blue as the pictures we had seen. The paddle experience was good, but it was quite different from what I had imagined. I give three stars to the two hardworking guides. But I was still very disappointed.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're sorry to hear the location didn’t match your expectations, though we’re glad to hear you enjoyed the paddle experience and appreciated the hard work of our guides — we’ll be sure to pass that along to them.
It sounds like you may have visited one of the larger melt pools up in Gannett Valley. These areas are incredibly unique, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and glacial rock. However, because of the surrounding terrain and the nature of these larger melt pools, the water doesn’t always have the deep, clear blue color you might see in photos of the smaller, more concentrated pools located directly on top of the glacier.
We hope you’ll consider visiting us again — every trip can look quite different depending on the weather and conditions, and we’d love the chance to show you another side of this incredible landscape.
Maddie_J, Jul 2025
We booked the private helicopter & paddle boarding tour based off of all the amazing reviews, and we have to be another to add to the mix! If you’re debating taking this tour, this is your sign to book it and not look back. This was our first time in Alaska and this was the best thing we’ve ever done in our lives. We had very little knowledge of what a glacier was although we did know that we would be landing on one & paddle boarding in it haha— but it was such a blast. First, the main base facility was clean and nice and there was lovely, professional staff to guide and direct us. The helicopter ride was easy and quick with incredible views. Once we landed, our guides, Tom and Matty, made us feel so comfortable and safe right away. They gave us options of what activities we could do during our time on the glacier and let us decide how to spend our time there. Exploring the glacier was truly so much fun. If you do this tour, do as much as you can! We swam, paddle-boarded, jumped in, floated on our boards down a stream, hiked to explore different glacier features… Tom & Matty were incredible guides who really elevated our experience. They were the best! We enjoyed our time with them so much in the glacier that we didn’t want to leave! Tom got amazing photos that he airdropped to us before we got back on the helicopter to head back. He got so many incredible shots. Thank you Tom, Matty & Alaska Helicopter Tours for an excursion of a lifetime! We’ll never forget this!!
Yi_Z, Jul 2025
We did the helicopter and glacier paddleboarding tour and it exceeded all our expectations. The entire experience felt like a dream, from the scenic flight to floating in the icy water.
What really made our trip special, though, were our guides, Maty and Tavel. They were exceptional. Their passion for the outdoors and their knowledge of the glacier was evident. They led us to the most beautiful parts of the glacial lake, we even saw several waterfalls inside the glacier. They also helped us take amazing photos, and made sure we had the time of our lives. Thank you, Maty and Tavel, for giving us the best adventure! We can't recommend this tour enough.
Zhilin_L, Jul 2025
Dan and Micaiah are our tour guide and they are super friendly, showing us a lot of cool places like the water fall, ice holes, and cracks on the cliff. They are very professional and most importantly at true enthusiasts of the glacier. Our pilot Sam is also very professional and kind. He showed us a fresh iceberg that just got turned upside down with the stunning blue color. He also spotted us two black bears playing on the green. Every penny spent on this tour was worth it. It’s a once in a life time experience that you shouldn’t miss!
Olga_P, Jul 2025
Great experience, very friendly pilots and incredible views!
Definitely recommend it to anyone who loves adventure and nature
Lauren_T, Jun 2025
This was a truly unforgettable and special experience. This was hands-down the highlight of our trip. We took a scenic helicopter ride to/from Knik Glacier, saw some wildlife, and then hiked parts of the glacier, and swam and paddle boarded in the water. Don’t forget to bring and fill up your hydration pack/water bottles with some glacier water before you leave!! What a treat.
Shimiao_L, Jun 2025
It was soooo AMAZING. My parents and I drank real glacier water, and took many life pictures. It was like traveling to another planet! The tour guides were also very nice and helpful.
Hongdi_Z, Sep 2024
Awesome lifetime experience, great tour guide helped us took a bunch of photos. Highly recommended to everyone
Tr_N, Aug 2024
Great tour guide team. The young man did the great jobs & support with photos during the time I am on the kayak. The elder brother has the great experience on the glacier! Absolutely love it
Cynthia_D, Jul 2024
It's an absolute blast. Joining this tour is the best decisions we have ever made. The whole experice, including transportation from anchorage, the one night stay we had, the tour, and the shuttle back, is flawless.
We got picked up right in front of our hotel on time, and got dropped off RIGHT OUTSIDE our cabin which is on the 3rd floor. We briefly stopped at a view point close to the lodge, the view there is awesome.
We got a call from the tour one day in advance, going over the carry-on instructions and what to wear.
Our tour guides Micaiah and Kinley are incrediblely kind, responsible and knowledgeable. We barely need to do anything ourselves. They showed up with all the well-organized equipments, helped us buckle up the complicated helicopter seat belt, carried our camera bag, toke photos for us and said yes for all of our requests. I could not show you how caring they are unless you experienced it yourself.
When we get off the helicopter, they got off first and helped us put on the spikes, our shoes did not touch the glacier a sec without the spikes. When we saw the beautiful lake but forgot our camera, they ran back and brought the camera to us; When my mom showed concern to the paddling experince because it was her first time, one of the tour guide got on the paddleboard as she requested and paddled with her and the other one took photos for us on the ground; When I accidentally fell into the water while paddling, they reacted incrediblely fast and instructed me to get back on my paddle board; When my mom is getting used to walking on the glacier, they held my mom's hand and told her where is safe to place her foot... There was not a single sec we felt left out within the glaciers. We felt so safe and so card that we kept regreting that we did not tip them as generously as they deserved because of a time crunch.
Everything is so smooth here, we did not have to worry about a thing. Highly recommend to stay-over for one night, because the cabins are tidy and comfortable with spatacular views.
We will come back again during winter if we have time.
Allison_A, Jul 2024
This experience was phenomenal! The pilot Cody was super skilled and informational. Our guides Heather and Leda were so fun and personable. The gear and equipment was top of the line! The views were breathtaking. It was worth every penny and we would all do it again. If you are contemplating this trip…..stop and just book it!! An experience of a lifetime!!
Julie_B, Sep 2022
This was the absolute best excursion I have ever done. If you’re thinking about booking it, do it, NOW! We flew in a helicopter out to a glacier. Our guides Tom and Corey kept us safe and informed. We jumped into the glacial pool then got on the stand up paddle boards. This was like nothing I have ever experienced. The water and ice are amazing! We hiked around the glacier and then went back to the boards. We hung out and had some snacks while waiting on the helicopter to pick us up. We could not have asked for better guides. Tom and Corey are so down to earth and personable. There wasn’t a question that they couldn’t answer. This excursion is worth every penny! I would absolutely recommend it and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Sean_D, Aug 2022
From start to finish Tom and Kate immerse you with their love for exploration. The trip begins with a warm welcome at a beautiful lodge a quick debriefing on what to expect, then it’s time to load the helicopter. Yes helicopters fly you out to a glacier land and leave you out to explore this pretty much untouched spot in time where Tom and Kate share their knowledge of glacial safety and guide you! On your very own glacier adventure. You truly do have this entire area to yourself. You get to paddle board, swim, float, and explore the ancient sheet of flowing ice.
I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for an off the beaten path adventure with two of the most incredible people (Tom & Kate) who truly have an absolute love for Alaska and adventures.
I can’t thank them enough for such an incredible experience.
This is a must do and a great value for what the trip entails
Lisa_K, Jul 2022
Surreal and amazing experience being able to paddle board on the glaziers with Super VIP treatments. Chad, Steven and Cameron took care of us and treated us like VIPs. We are beginners paddle boarders but Steven and Cameron patiently go through steps by steps with us and took care of us throughout the whole trip. Chad our pilot went out his way to show us some amazing moulin. Will recommend everyone to try this once in a lifetime experience. Truly remarkable and memorable
Jordan_T, Jul 2022
Fantastic adventure, I highly recommend it to anyone. Our guides where great and seems like everyone gets a personal experience.
Bob_G, Jul 2022
Awesome helicopter ride to a remote glacial pond. We were able to paddle through a canyon of ice and it not what we expected. Exceeded expectations.
Rae_R, Jul 2022
This trip is fantastic, the guides are incredibly nice, jumping into a lake on a glacier was thrilling, pristine views the entire time during paddle boarding and from the helicopter, and just an overall awesome experience paddling through the glacier and exploring. Unbelievably blue water (also tastes amazing). The drive to and from the meeting point also had lots of moose!!
From $1,415.91
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding -PRIVATE
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