Top Alaska Shore Excursions
Selecting the right shore excursions for your Alaska cruise among the dozens and dozens of options from every cruise line can be the difference between a good trip and a stellar one. With a little bit of research, you can ensure you make the most of your time in each Alaska port your cruise visits.
Following is our list of some of the best shore excursions to check out as you get ready for your trip to the 'Last Frontier'. Happy planning!
Icy Strait Point: Zip Line
Icy Strait Point - Photos by Canva
On ZipRider, owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corp., visitors will enjoy the magnificent views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait unfold as you reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and soar 5,330 feet from the treetops to the base near the beach below. Apres-zip, stop at the Landing Zone Bar & Grill for a much-deserved beer from Sitka-based Baranof Island Brewing Co.
Getting There: You'll learn about Hoonah's history and culture during the scenic bus tour through old logging roads up the mountains.
Other Notable Excursions: Whale watching, bear searches, and stream fishing are highlighted excursions in Ketchikan.
See All Icy Strait Point Excursions
Ketchikan: Adventure Park
Catch a shuttle from Ketchikan's cruise port to Knudson Cove, a private waterfront estate in the Tongass National Forest for a Canopy Zip Line and Rainforest Ropes Adventure. You will enjoy high-flying zip rides over the one-of-a-kind ocean platform located 50’ over the water and a 50’ climbing tower. Catch glimpses of bald eagles and the majestic scenery that surrounds you.
Getting There: It’s a straight shot up Tongass Highway, only about 25 minutes from the port in Ketchikan.
Other Notable Excursions: Visit the Misty Fjords by Seaplane, eagle watching, bear viewing, and canoe trips can be found in Ketchikan.
Juneau: Whale Watching
Enjoy whale watching and scenic glacier viewing in Juneau - Photos by Canva
During late spring and summer months, humpback and killer whales frequent the food-rich waters just outside Juneau. See these majestic animals in action with a whale watching expedition in Auke Bay. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as the comfortable boat sets out to see whales, sea lions, harbor seals, Dall's porpoise, along with various sea and shore birds.
Getting There: Scenic boat rides, narrated by local naturalists, typically last a little over two hours. To get to the boat, you will take a short 25-minute drive from the cruise terminal.
Other Notable Excursions: Explore the Mendenhall Glacier in a kayak, in a raft, or on foot.
Seward (Anchorage) - Fjord Cruise
Tour the Kenai Fjords National Park and see local wildlife on your next cruise visiting Seward - Photos by Canva
Guided cruises through Kenai Fjords National Park deliver unparalleled opportunities to spot whales and glaciers. This 6-hour cruise tour explores the wildlife and glaciers found in Kenai Fjords National Park with a full narration of the journey by a uniformed National Park Ranger.
Getting There: This tour includes a shuttle from the cruise pier to take you to the Harbor 360 Hotel to check in for your tour.
Less than a mile from the cruise terminal, look for the Kenai Fjords Tour dock. There's a complimentary shuttle between docks.
Other Notable Excursions: Explore more in Anchorage with a brews tour, Glacier Turnagain Arm Tour, or a wilderness dog sled adventure.
Haines: Chilkat Bald Eagle Raft Trip and Wildlife Viewing
Scenic views and wildlife abound in beautiful Haines - Photos by Canva
Enjoy a small-group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Board a raft and enjoy a scenic float down the Chilkat River, as you are immersed in the Alaskan wilderness. Your expert guide will push the raft along, as they interpret the natural history of the area.
Getting There: From the port, the trip begins with a 45-minute ferry ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Upon arrival in Haines, meet your expert guide and enjoy a riverside drive along the scenic Haines Highway.
Other Notable Excursions: Adventure lovers will enjoy kayaking and jet boat tours in Haines.
Whittier (Anchorage): Glacier Cruise
Explore glaciers near Whittier, Alaska - Photos by Canva
The 26 Glacier Cruise covers 140 miles of ocean — and yes, 26 glaciers — in five hours. You'll get to see many different types of glaciers; if you're lucky, you might even get to see a calving. (That’s when a giant piece of ice falls off.)
Getting There: The cruise departs from the Whittier cruise ship terminal, so you can walk over from the ship.
Other Notable Excursions: Enjoy a city tour of nearby Anchorage or opt for a train ride and iceberg hike.
See All Whittier (Anchorage) Excursions
Sitka: Sound Sea Otter and Wildlife Tour
Wildlife viewing is a highlighted activity in Sitka - Photos by Canva
Enjoy a tour on a 30' Sea Sport Pilot for a fantastic day seeing the wildlife of Sitka Sound. Your knowledgeable Captain will guide you through the majestic mountains, ancient volcanoes, towering caves, and miles of ocean teaming with migrating humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, rafts of sea otters, and perched bald eagles.
Getting There: Your journey starts at the harbor with the full tour running 2.5 hours.
Other Notable Excursions: Other featured excursions to check out in Sitka include kayaking in the harbor or a metal arts-making class.
Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Take a step back in time to Alaska’s gold rush era with a round-trip voyage on this historic train on the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The journey starts in Skagway and ascends switchbacks at steep grades of almost 4 percent to climb nearly 3,000 feet.
Getting There: The train station in Skagway is located a few blocks away from the Skagway cruise port.
Other Notable Excursions: Other activities to check out in Skagway include a dog sled experience, sea kayaking, an ocean rafting adventure, or a glacier safari.
Read Related:
Cruise to Alaska: A Beginners Guide
10 Things to Pack for Your First Alaska Cruise
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