The 23 Best Alaska Tours | Travel

Observe: Some corporations on this checklist might have restricted operations on account of COVID-19. Verify with operators about availability earlier than you e book.

From its well-known glaciers and northern lights to its ample wildlife and majestic nationwide parks, Alaska presents a lot to see. However navigating its huge panorama could be a problem with out the savvy steering of a neighborhood. After consulting traveler opinion and professional enter, U.S. Information compiled a number of the greatest Alaska excursions to think about when planning your bucket checklist journey. Whether or not you wish to strive 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 via 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 presents each outside and indoor viewing choices with massive 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 suggest 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 youths ages 2 to 11. Infants youthful than 2 experience without cost. Tours depart at 12:45 p.m. Might via October and final 5 ½ hours. Cruises depart from Whittier, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. The firm additionally presents a Glacier Quest Cruise.

Ketchikan Kayak Firm – Kayak Eco-Tour

On this small-group kayak tour with simply six kayakers, you may paddle via Clover Move in Ketchikan, trying to find 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 study nature and that they see numerous wonderful animals and sea life. Ticket costs begin at $139 per particular person; the tour is just open to individuals 6 and older. Tour runs day by day Might via 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 a number of 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 possibility to spend about 20 minutes exploring one on foot. The firm 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 particular person, although infants who usually are not but strolling can sit on an grownup’s lap without cost. Flights depart day by day, year-round at a number of instances a day. Alpine Air Alaska presents a wide range 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 – conserving an eye fixed out for wildlife – to see glaciers, ice falls and lakes. The firm additionally presents a free shuttle to Anchorage-area accommodations in the course of the summer time months. Tourgoers describe this flight as wonderful and extremely suggest it, calling it a “should do.” Tickets begin at $445 per particular person, not together with transportation charges. Tours 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 particular person. Rust’s Flying Service additionally presents excursions of Prince William Sound, Anchorage and an Alaska Glacier and Wildlife Tour.

Lazy Otter Charters – Best of Prince William Sound

Hop aboard this boat, restricted to only six passengers, to discover the attractive surroundings of Prince William Sound. Because of 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 suggest this tour, noting the information of the workers and the wonderful panorama. Tickets price about $260 per particular person, and excursions usually depart at 9 a.m. day by day Might via 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.

Alaska Wildlife Information – Arctic Circle & Northern Lights Tour

Alongside this 14-hour tour, you may cross the Arctic Circle, absorb Alaskan surroundings and wildlife, and presumably see the northern lights as you make your approach to and from Fairbanks aboard a 10-passenger van. The tour presents 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 wonderful and reward their tour guides, describing them as educated and enjoyable. Tickets begin at $225 per particular person and depart most days (besides Sundays) at 2 p.m., returning about 4 a.m. August via mid-April. The firm presents a wide range 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. Hold 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 numerous 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 may as well go for a two-hour tour (tickets begin at $259). You should be at the very least 5 years outdated to experience and at the very least 14 years outdated to drive. Costs embrace heated helmets, gloves, gaiters, jackets and boots. Tours run November via mid-April at a number of instances via the morning and afternoon. This firm additionally presents guided ice fishing excursions and canine sled excursions.

1st Alaska Tours – 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 improbable, and extremely reward the guides, who guarantee individuals really feel protected. Reviewers additionally observe that they’ve time to play and work together with the huskies. Non-obligatory round-trip transportation from Fairbanks lodging is on the market for a price. Tickets for excursions with out transportation begin at $125; excursions with transportation price roughly $160. Each excursions embrace a blanket. Tours run a number of instances a day December via early April, although particular instances fluctuate relying on the month and season. Brief on time? You may also e book a 30-minute tour.

SkyFire in Focus Tours – Aurora Pictures and Viewing Tour

Discover ways to {photograph} the otherworldly aurora borealis on this tour exterior of Fairbanks. No pictures expertise is required and spectators (individuals who simply wish to view the northern lights with no real interest in pictures) are welcome to hitch. Reviewers say the tour information is great and very useful. Tourgoers additionally report capturing nice pictures. Tickets begin at $249 per particular person, however those that usually are not photographing could also be eligible for decrease charges. You’re inspired to deliver your individual digicam gear, as few units can be found to hire. Sizzling drinks and round-trip transportation out of your Fairbanks lodge are included. Tours run from 9 or 10 p.m. to three a.m. on various days from late September via mid-April. The firm additionally presents a Denali Freeway pictures tour, in addition to an Arctic Circle day tour.

Main Marine Tours – 6 Hour Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Cruise

On Main Marine Tours’ 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 numerous 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. Tours depart at 11:30 a.m. day by day Might via mid-September. Main Marine Tours additionally presents a grey whale watching cruise, in addition to a shorter cruise of Kenai Fjords.

Kenai Fjords Tours – Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Tour

Cruise via 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 common journey, so the corporate recommends securing your spot nicely upfront. Tickets price roughly $170 for individuals 12 and older and $85 for kids 2 to 11. Tours, which depart from Seward, function Might via early October day by day at 8 or 11:30 a.m., relying on the season. The firm additionally presents a northwestern fjord tour and Resurrection Bay tour, amongst others.

Juneau Tours – 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 massive home windows and open decks. Reviewers say they recognize being in a small boat, love seeing the whales and provides the workers 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. Tours run a number of days per week from Might via September at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. The firm 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 might wish to think about this eight-hour tour with Above & Past Alaska, which passes via Tongass Nationwide Forest to the Mendenhall Glacier. The firm 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 recognize the period of time they get to spend on the glacier. Tickets price roughly $240 per particular person; individuals should be at the very least 10 years outdated. Tours depart on numerous days of the week from Might via mid-September at 7:30 a.m. This firm additionally presents a Glacier Paddle Canoe and Trek tour, in addition to animal-themed excursions.

Seavey’s Ididaride Sled Canine Tours – Wilderness Canine Sled Experience 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, enjoying with husky puppies and studying how this household trains its canines. Tourgoers extremely reward this tour, calling guides skilled and the puppies lovely. Additionally they level out there are numerous 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 cost. Tours run mid-Might via mid-September day by day at 9 and 11:45 a.m. and at 1:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. (although instances might fluctuate by month). The firm additionally presents a Glacier Heli-Mushing Tour and a day tour of Alaska.

Alaska Railroad – Coastal Basic

Touring what’s oft thought-about essentially the most lovely part of the Alaska Railroad, the Coastal Basic practice departs from Anchorage, making its approach to Seward, passing via 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 suggest the expertise, praising the beautiful surroundings and the tasty onboard meal. The practice runs late Might via 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.

Alaska Bear Adventures – Basic Day Journey

Do you know that 95% of brown bears in america stay 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 wonderful and completely price the fee. Additionally they extremely reward their guides. Ticket costs begin at $725 per particular person; there are a most of 10 folks per tour. Individuals should be at the very least 10 years outdated. Tours are supplied day by day from the tip of Might via early September usually 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 town whereas taking you by a number of the prime points of interest – just like the Alaska Railroad, Earthquake Park and Westchester Lagoon – and most scenic views. They will additionally enable you maintain an eye fixed out for moose. Riders say the tour is a good way to study in regards to the prime sights and the historical past of town. Tickets price roughly $20 for ages 12 and older, $10 for ages 3 to 11 and are free for kids youthful than 3. Tours run hourly from 9 a.m. to six p.m. from early Might via roughly the third week of September. This firm additionally presents a Nice Alaskan Earthquake and Trolley tour that runs from June to September.

Alaska Tales – Mendenhall Glacier Tours & Whale Watching

This 4 1/2-hour tour begins with a visit from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier, the place you may have 45 minutes to discover the world, presumably 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 wonderful, with loads of time to see the whole lot. Plus, individuals describe guides as glorious. Tickets price round $150 for ages 12 and older and $130 for ages 2 to 11; tickets are free for kids youthful than 2. Tours, which embrace complimentary snacks and drinks, run Might via September, with each a morning and afternoon tour day by day. When you’re brief on time, you may as well simply e book a whale watching tour.

K2 Aviation – The Denali Expertise

On this hourlong flight via Denali Nationwide Park, tourgoers fly previous the summit of Denali (relying on climate circumstances), see a number of glaciers, icefalls and different Alaskan surroundings. Take into accout: The airplane is small, with seating for 10 or fewer passengers. Reviewers extremely reward the workers at K2 Aviation and say the airplane experience is clean with lovely surroundings. The flight prices roughly $230 per particular person ages 13 and older, $180 for ages 3 to 12 and is free for kids youthful than 12. Tours run day by day Might via October at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., in addition to 1, 3, 5 and seven p.m. K2 Aviation additionally presents this flight with a touchdown on Denali, in addition to different routes via the park, together with the Denali Flyer and Denali Grand excursions.

Sunny Cove – Resurrection Bay Kayaking

This four-hour journey consists of 2 1/2 hours of paddling via the turquoise waters of Resurrection Bay, with a chance to see otters, harbor seals, eagles and salmon. To identify spawning salmon, e book a visit between mid-July and mid-September. Reviewers suggest this journey, assuring it is appropriate for novice kayakers. Additionally they describe the surroundings as improbable and say guides are clever. Tickets price roughly $100 per particular person. Individuals should be at the very least 8 years outdated. Tours run Might via mid-September at 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. day by day. Sunny Cove presents many kayaking excursions, which embrace 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 (average and troublesome) on this roughly three-hour tour. When you’re a first-timer, think about an oar raft, which means you’ll be able to sit, maintain on and benefit from the view whereas the information paddles. When you’d moderately be a extra energetic participant, select the paddle raft, which suggests you may must observe the information’s directions on when and how you can paddle. Tourgoers say that is certainly one of their favourite whitewater journeys and observe that the corporate emphasizes security. Additionally they say guides are enjoyable and adept at navigating the rapids. Tickets price roughly $100 per particular person and embrace pickup from choose Denali lodging. Individuals should be at the very least 12 years outdated. Tours run day by day from mid-Might via early September a number of instances a day. Denali Raft Adventures additionally operates daylong rafting excursions and journeys that mix rafting with all-terrain automobile rides.

Denali Backcountry Journey

Take a guided bus tour of Denali Nationwide Park on the Denali Backcountry Journey, a 13-hour journey to see a number of the park’s greatest surroundings and wildlife. The tour consists of lunch at Miner’s Day Lodge and a chance to strive gold panning, take a botany stroll or take pleasure in a historical past tour. Reviewers report it is a nice approach to go to lesser-seen areas of Denali Nationwide Park, reward their drivers and say the views are improbable. Ticket costs begin at $199 per particular person, not together with the $15 park price. Kids ages 2 to 11 can be a part of without cost, however as a result of it is a 13-hour journey, it might not be appropriate for all youngsters. Tours run day by day early June via mid-September and depart between 6 and 6:30 a.m. from space lodging. The mother or father firm, Pursuit, presents a wide range 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’ll get to look at 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 possibly can even buy crimson king crab on board. Tourgoers say this expertise is numerous 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 should be at the very least 5 years outdated to take part. Tours can be found most days Might via September at various instances within the morning and afternoon. Journeys depart from Ketchikan. The Aleutian Ballad is docked on the identical pier because the cruise ships, which means further transportation is not obligatory.