Observe: Some corporations on this record could have restricted operations as a consequence of COVID-19. Test with operators about availability earlier than you guide.
From its well-known glaciers and northern lights to its considerable wildlife and majestic nationwide parks, Alaska affords a lot to see. However navigating its huge panorama is usually a problem with out the savvy steering of a neighborhood. After consulting traveler opinion and skilled enter, U.S. Information compiled among the greatest Alaska excursions to contemplate when planning your bucket record journey. Whether or not you need to attempt your hand at canine sledding, fly over Denali or observe bears of their pure habitat, there is a tour for you.
Phillips Cruises – 26 Glacier Cruise
Cruise by Prince William Sound and see greater than 26 named glaciers aboard an expensive catamaran as you take pleasure in narration from the boat’s captain on this tour. With three decks and room for greater than 300 folks, the catamaran affords each outside and indoor viewing choices with giant panoramic home windows. Cruisers additionally take pleasure in a scorching meal, in addition to espresso, tea and water – all complimentary. (Alcoholic drinks can be found for buy.) Reviewers extremely advocate this tour, citing the crew’s information and attentiveness to security, in addition to the scrumptious meals, lovely surroundings and wildlife. Ticket costs begin at $159 for adults and $80 for teenagers ages 2 to 11. Infants youthful than 2 experience without spending a dime. Excursions depart at 12:45 p.m. Might by October and final 5 ½ hours. Cruises depart from Whittier, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. The corporate additionally affords a Glacier Quest Cruise.
Ketchikan Kayak Firm – Kayak Eco-Tour
On this small-group kayak tour with simply six kayakers, you may paddle by Clover Cross in Ketchikan, looking for wildlife like humpback whales, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and extra. The four-hour tour consists of about 2 1/2 hours on the water. Upon returning to the marina, you may take pleasure in smoked salmon and different snacks. Tourgoers say it is a nice journey for households to find out about nature and that they see plenty of superb animals and sea life. Ticket costs begin at $139 per individual; the tour is simply open to individuals 6 and older. Tour runs every day Might by August at 9 a.m., midday and three p.m. Journeys depart from Ketchikan Kayak Firm’s workplace in downtown Ketchikan, a metropolis on Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska. This firm additionally runs an e-bike tour.
Alpine Air Alaska – Glacier Touchdown Tour
Spend 60 minutes in a helicopter seeing among the most lovely sights in Alaska on Alpine Air Alaska’s Glacier Touchdown Tour. Restricted to 6 passengers, the tour takes you over a number of glaciers with the prospect to spend about 20 minutes exploring one on foot. The corporate additionally has a free shuttle service with pickup and drop-off from Girdwood-area lodging. (Girdwood is about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage.) Reviewers describe it because the expertise of a lifetime and say the surroundings is jaw-dropping. Tickets begin at $399 per individual, although infants who should not but strolling can sit on an grownup’s lap without spending a dime. Flights depart every day, year-round at a number of occasions a day. Alpine Air Alaska affords quite a lot of flights of differing lengths, in addition to a dog-sledding tour, a tour of Prince William Sound and extra.
Rust’s Flying Service – Uncover Denali Nationwide Park
Fly from Anchorage with an Alaska bush pilot to see Denali from the skies earlier than touchdown for a 15- to 20-minute photo-op. On the three-hour flight, you may fly over Alaskan wilderness – retaining an eye fixed out for wildlife – to see glaciers, ice falls and lakes. The corporate additionally affords a free shuttle to Anchorage-area motels throughout the summer time months. Tourgoers describe this flight as superb and extremely advocate it, calling it a “should do.” Tickets begin at $445 per individual, not together with transportation charges. Excursions depart most days at both 10 a.m., 11 a.m., midday or 1:30 p.m. This tour additionally has an choice to land on a glacier; charges begin at $525 per individual. Rust’s Flying Service additionally affords excursions of Prince William Sound, Anchorage and an Alaska Glacier and Wildlife Tour.
Lazy Otter Charters – Better of Prince William Sound
Hop aboard this boat, restricted to simply six passengers, to discover the attractive surroundings of Prince William Sound. Due to the small group dimension, the crew can tailor the tour to passenger pursuits, together with glaciers, wildlife or whales. You even have the chance to cease on a seashore to discover, in addition to take pleasure in an Alaskan-style lunch. Tourgoers extremely advocate this tour, noting the information of the employees and the superb panorama. Tickets price about $260 per individual, and excursions sometimes depart at 9 a.m. every day Might by September. The entire expertise lasts eight to 9 hours. You might also have the choice to experience the corporate’s bigger catamaran, which may accommodate as much as 30 passengers. Lazy Otter Charters runs a number of different customized excursions, in addition to kayaking adventures within the Prince William Sound.
Time your go to for early winter for peak northern lights viewing.Getty Photographs
Alaska Wildlife Information – Arctic Circle & Northern Lights Tour
Alongside this 14-hour tour, you may cross the Arctic Circle, soak up Alaskan surroundings and wildlife, and probably see the northern lights as you make your technique to and from Fairbanks aboard a 10-passenger van. The tour affords pickup and drop-off from Fairbanks or North Pole lodging and features a bag lunch and a “Cross the Circle” certificates. Reviewers describe this tour as superb and reward their tour guides, describing them as educated and enjoyable. Tickets begin at $225 per individual and depart most days (besides Sundays) at 2 p.m., returning about 4 a.m. August by mid-April. The corporate affords quite a lot of northern lights excursions, in addition to ice fishing excursions, snowmobile excursions and extra.
Rod’s Alaskan Information Service – Fairbanks Snowmobile Tour
Discover Fairbanks’ wilderness by way of snowmobile on this guided small-group journey. Preserve an eye fixed out for wildlife like moose, caribou, lynx and extra, which you’ll greatest spot within the morning hours. Reviewers say that the snowmobiling is plenty of enjoyable and that guides are informative and nice. Ticket costs for one-hour excursions begin at $139 for single riders or $189 for double riders; you too can go for a two-hour tour (tickets begin at $259). You have to be at the very least 5 years previous to experience and at the very least 14 years previous to drive. Costs embody heated helmets, gloves, gaiters, jackets and boots. Excursions run November by mid-April at a number of occasions by the morning and afternoon. This firm additionally affords guided ice fishing excursions and canine sled excursions.
1st Alaska Excursions – 1-Hour Canine Sledding
On this tour, you may see the Alaskan wilderness by canine sled, driving with a musher who competed within the Iditarod. Tourgoers describe the expertise as unbelievable, and extremely reward the guides, who guarantee individuals really feel secure. Reviewers additionally observe that they’ve time to play and work together with the huskies. Non-compulsory round-trip transportation from Fairbanks lodging is obtainable for a charge. Tickets for excursions with out transportation begin at $125; excursions with transportation price roughly $160. Each excursions embody a blanket. Excursions run a number of occasions a day December by early April, although particular occasions differ relying on the month and season. Quick on time? You may also guide a 30-minute tour.
SkyFire in Focus Excursions – Aurora Images and Viewing Tour
Discover ways to {photograph} the otherworldly aurora borealis on this tour outdoors of Fairbanks. No images expertise is required and spectators (individuals who simply need to view the northern lights with no real interest in images) are welcome to hitch. Reviewers say the tour information is superb and very useful. Tourgoers additionally report capturing nice pictures. Tickets begin at $249 per individual, however those that should not photographing could also be eligible for decrease charges. You’re inspired to carry your individual digital camera gear, as few units can be found to lease. Sizzling drinks and round-trip transportation out of your Fairbanks resort are included. Excursions run from 9 or 10 p.m. to three a.m. on various days from late September by mid-April. The corporate additionally affords a Denali Freeway images tour, in addition to an Arctic Circle day tour.
Main Marine Excursions – 6 Hour Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Cruise
On Main Marine Excursions’ hottest cruise, vacationers spend six hours in Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, visiting an energetic tidewater glacier, whale watching, and recognizing wildlife like seals, puffins and sea lions. A sandwich lunch is included on the narrated cruise, together with round-trip transportation from Anchorage by practice or coach bus. Tourgoers report recognizing plenty of wildlife and describe the captain and crew as insightful and useful. Tickets price roughly $170 for ages 12 and older, $85 for ages 2 to 11 and are free for kids youthful than 2. Excursions depart at 11:30 a.m. every day Might by mid-September. Main Marine Excursions additionally affords a grey whale watching cruise, in addition to a shorter cruise of Kenai Fjords.
Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park has all kinds of rock formations.Getty Photographs/EyeEm
Kenai Fjords Excursions – Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Tour
Cruise by Alaskan waterways and glaciers in Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, recognizing wildlife as you go, on this six-hour tour with lunch included. Passengers describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime expertise and reward the affordable charges and boat facilities. It is a in style journey, so the corporate recommends securing your spot properly upfront. Tickets price roughly $170 for individuals 12 and older and $85 for kids 2 to 11. Excursions, which depart from Seward, function Might by early October every day at 8 or 11:30 a.m., relying on the season. The corporate additionally affords a northwestern fjord tour and Resurrection Bay tour, amongst others.
Juneau Excursions – Juneau Whale Watch Tour
Spend two hours within the water in quest of whales, each humpback and orca, in Auke Bay. The tour, which runs for a complete of three 1/2 hours, additionally consists of transportation from Juneau (on the Mount Roberts Tramway) to the harbor. Boats are restricted to both 24 or 49 folks and have heated cabins with giant home windows and open decks. Reviewers say they respect being in a small boat, love seeing the whales and provides the employees excessive reward. Tickets begin at $145 for ages 13 and older, $130 for ages 2 to 12 and are free for infants youthful than 2. Excursions run a number of days every week from Might by September at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. The corporate has many excursions, together with an Ales and Whales tour and a visit that mixes a tour of Juneau with a visit to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery.
Above & Past Alaska – Mendenhall Glacier Trek
Avid hikers could need to think about this eight-hour tour with Above & Past Alaska, which passes by Tongass Nationwide Forest to the Mendenhall Glacier. The corporate warns that it is a strenuous 8-mile hike with steep, uneven terrain. The tour consists of round-trip transportation from Juneau in addition to all gear, similar to trekking poles. Reviewers reward the tour and respect the period of time they get to spend on the glacier. Tickets price roughly $240 per individual; individuals have to be at the very least 10 years previous. Excursions depart on numerous days of the week from Might by mid-September at 7:30 a.m. This firm additionally affords a Glacier Paddle Canoe and Trek tour, in addition to animal-themed excursions.
Seavey’s Ididaride Sled Canine Excursions – Wilderness Canine Sled Journey and Tour
Discover the Seward wilderness by canine sled on this 1 1/2-hour tour throughout 2 miles of rainforest. Afterward, spend a while within the canine kennels, taking part in with husky puppies and studying how this household trains its canine. Tourgoers extremely reward this tour, calling guides skilled and the puppies lovable. In addition they level out there are a lot of nice photo-ops. Tickets begin at $74 for ages 13 and older and $37 for ages 2 to 12; kids youthful than 2 experience without spending a dime. Excursions run mid-Might by mid-September every day at 9 and 11:45 a.m. and at 1:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. (although occasions could differ by month). The corporate additionally affords a Glacier Heli-Mushing Tour and a day tour of Alaska.
Alaska Railroad – Coastal Basic
Touring what’s oft thought of essentially the most lovely part of the Alaska Railroad, the Coastal Basic practice departs from Anchorage, making its technique to Seward, passing by the wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula and alongside Resurrection Bay. With a seven-hour layover in Seward, passengers can spend the time exploring the bay or Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park. Reviewers extremely advocate the expertise, praising the attractive surroundings and the tasty onboard meal. The practice runs late Might by early September with fares beginning at $86 for adults and $43 for kids ages 2 to 11, relying on the route. Kids youthful than 2 journey free when sitting on an grownup’s lap. Alaska Railroad has 5 completely different trains, working routes between Seward and Fairbanks.
With the proper information and correct precautions, bear viewing in Alaska is a secure exercise.Getty Photographs
Alaska Bear Adventures – Basic Day Journey
Do you know that 95% of brown bears in america reside in Alaska? If getting near bears and observing them of their pure habitat is a dream, think about this tour with Alaska Bear Adventures. The Basic Day Journey departs from Homer Airport with a 45- to 90-minute flight over the Alaskan wilderness earlier than touchdown on the coast of Katmai and Lake Clark nationwide parks. You then hike to a viewing level and spend as much as three hours viewing the bears within the wild. Journeys last as long as six hours. Tour-takers say each the flight and the bear viewing is superb and completely price the associated fee. In addition they extremely reward their guides. Ticket costs begin at $725 per individual; there are a most of 10 folks per tour. Contributors have to be at the very least 10 years previous. Excursions are provided every day from the tip of Might by early September sometimes within the early morning and afternoon primarily based on tides. Alaska Bear Adventures runs different excursions, together with multiday excursions.
On this one-hour trolley tour of Anchorage, guides will share details about the town whereas taking you by among the high sights – just like the Alaska Railroad, Earthquake Park and Westchester Lagoon – and most scenic views. They will additionally show you how to preserve an eye fixed out for moose. Riders say the tour is an effective way to be taught concerning the high sights and the historical past of the town. Tickets price roughly $20 for ages 12 and older, $10 for ages 3 to 11 and are free for kids youthful than 3. Excursions run hourly from 9 a.m. to six p.m. from early Might by roughly the third week of September. This firm additionally affords a Nice Alaskan Earthquake and Trolley tour that runs from June to September.
Alaska Tales – Mendenhall Glacier Excursions & Whale Watching
This 4 1/2-hour tour begins with a visit from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier, the place you’ve 45 minutes to discover the world, probably taking a hike, visiting Mendenhall Lake or seeing a waterfall. Afterward, you may spend two hours whale watching with a naturalist who will clarify whale behaviors and reply questions. Reviewers say the tour is superb, with loads of time to see every little thing. Plus, individuals describe guides as wonderful. Tickets price round $150 for ages 12 and older and $130 for ages 2 to 11; tickets are free for kids youthful than 2. Excursions, which embody complimentary snacks and drinks, run Might by September, with each a morning and afternoon tour every day. For those who’re quick on time, you too can simply guide a whale watching tour.
K2 Aviation – The Denali Expertise
On this hourlong flight by Denali Nationwide Park, tourgoers fly previous the summit of Denali (relying on climate circumstances), see a number of glaciers, icefalls and different Alaskan surroundings. Be mindful: The airplane is small, with seating for 10 or fewer passengers. Reviewers extremely reward the employees at K2 Aviation and say the airplane experience is clean with lovely surroundings. The flight prices roughly $230 per individual ages 13 and older, $180 for ages 3 to 12 and is free for kids youthful than 12. Excursions run every day Might by October at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., in addition to 1, 3, 5 and seven p.m. K2 Aviation additionally affords this flight with a touchdown on Denali, in addition to different routes by the park, together with the Denali Flyer and Denali Grand excursions.
Resurrection Bay is thought for its lovely colours.Getty Photographs
Sunny Cove – Resurrection Bay Kayaking
This four-hour journey consists of 2 1/2 hours of paddling by the turquoise waters of Resurrection Bay, with a chance to see otters, harbor seals, eagles and salmon. To identify spawning salmon, guide a visit between mid-July and mid-September. Reviewers advocate this journey, assuring it is appropriate for novice kayakers. In addition they describe the surroundings as unbelievable and say guides are clever. Tickets price roughly $100 per individual. Contributors have to be at the very least 8 years previous. Excursions run Might by mid-September at 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. every day. Sunny Cove affords many kayaking excursions, which embody a Resurrection Bay Kayak and Craft Beer Tour and a Caines Head Kayak and Hike, amongst others.
Denali Raft Adventures – Canyon Whitewater Run
Raft down 11 miles of the Nenana River, tackling Class III and IV rapids (reasonable and troublesome) on this roughly three-hour tour. For those who’re a first-timer, think about an oar raft, that means you may sit, maintain on and benefit from the view whereas the information paddles. For those who’d relatively be a extra energetic participant, select the paddle raft, which implies you may should observe the information’s directions on when and the best way to paddle. Tourgoers say that is one in all their favourite whitewater journeys and observe that the corporate emphasizes security. In addition they say guides are enjoyable and adept at navigating the rapids. Tickets price roughly $100 per individual and embody pickup from choose Denali lodging. Contributors have to be at the very least 12 years previous. Excursions run every day from mid-Might by early September a number of occasions a day. Denali Raft Adventures additionally operates daylong rafting excursions and journeys that mix rafting with all-terrain car rides.
Denali Backcountry Journey
Take a guided bus tour of Denali Nationwide Park on the Denali Backcountry Journey, a 13-hour journey to see among the park’s greatest surroundings and wildlife. The tour consists of lunch at Miner’s Day Lodge and a chance to attempt gold panning, take a botany stroll or take pleasure in a historical past tour. Reviewers report it is a nice technique to go to lesser-seen areas of Denali Nationwide Park, reward their drivers and say the views are unbelievable. Ticket costs begin at $199 per individual, not together with the $15 park charge. Kids ages 2 to 11 can be part of without spending a dime, however as a result of it is a 13-hour journey, it will not be appropriate for all children. Excursions run every day early June by mid-September and depart between 6 and 6:30 a.m. from space lodging. The father or mother firm, Pursuit, affords quite a lot of experiences all through Alaska.
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour
Find out about crab fishing in Alaska from a crew who appeared on “Deadliest Catch” on this three-hour tour. Aboard the Aleutian Ballad, you’re going to get to observe the crew pull in crabs, get a glimpse of the ocean creatures that they launch again to the ocean and spot wildlife on close by land. You may even buy crimson king crab on board. Tourgoers say this expertise is plenty of enjoyable and definitely worth the value. Tickets price roughly $200 for ages 13 and older and $120 for ages 5 to 12 and consists of complimentary drinks. Vacationers have to be at the very least 5 years previous to take part. Excursions can be found most days Might by September at various occasions within the morning and afternoon. Journeys depart from Ketchikan. The Aleutian Ballad is docked on the identical pier because the cruise ships, that means further transportation is not vital.
