When it comes to cruise destinations, some are effortlessly accessible — think Barcelona or Sydney, where strolling off the ship leads you straight to iconic attractions.
However, Alaska is different.
If you’re venturing on an Alaskan cruise, embracing the experience means signing up for tours at virtually every port of call. The essence of Alaska lies beyond the towns where ships dock, so opting for the finest shore excursions is essential to truly appreciate its unique wilderness.
The allure of Alaska is closely tied to its breathtaking natural wonders — awe-inspiring mountains, massive glaciers, beautiful fjords, and the wildlife that inspires wonder. The reality is that many of these stunning experiences await outside the urban areas of Alaska. Staying within the towns doesn’t do justice to what Alaska has to offer.
Selecting Top Alaska Shore Excursions
People often ask me for recommendations on Alaska’s ports of call. My passion is fueled not only by over twenty years of writing about cruising but also by co-authoring Frommer’s “Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call.” Through extensive research on numerous editions, I’ve explored many key cruise destinations, sampling various shore excursions in places like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Venturing beyond the towns has been a priority for me.
My advice to anyone cruising Alaska is simple: get out of the towns. Whether it’s a hike, a white-water rafting trip, a railway journey, or a fishing charter, immersing yourself in Alaska’s sprawling outdoor beauty is a must.
I also have a few crucial tips to enhance your shore excursion experience:
Get airborne. While a helicopter or floatplane tour may cost $250 or more per person, witnessing Alaska from above is unparalleled. One highlight is the Juneau Icefield, spanning roughly 1,500 square miles, accessible via a scenic flight with ice landings included in some tours.
Be whale-wise. Even if you’re indifferent to wildlife, the majestic humpback whales will captivate you. These gentle giants, reaching lengths of up to 52 feet, can be pursued on boat tours departing from Juneau and Icy Strait Point, guaranteed to leave you in awe.
Savor Misty Fjords National Monument. If you’re willing to splurge on an unforgettable experience, embark on a boat or floatplane tour to this stunning wilderness, featuring icy blue lakes and soaring mountains. Tours start at around $200 per person.
While many of Alaska’s scenic outings come with a price tag, consider your budget wisely; often, you should allocate a similar amount for excursions as you would for your cabin.
That said, you don’t need to break the bank at every stop. Juneau, for instance, offers an affordable outdoor experience with a trip to Mendenhall Glacier, just 12 miles from the docks and accessible by bus or taxi. Public transit can set you back about $45 per person round trip, prompting some to prefer a taxi ride at roughly $35 each way. If you’re traveling with a small group, a taxi becomes more economical.
However you choose to get there, Mendenhall Glacier offers outdoor hiking trails and a visitor center. I’ve witnessed salmon running in the creek and, on occasion, even spotted a bear — a marvelous sight that transforms into a cause for caution once encountered up close!
While I strongly advocate for a foray into wilderness, don’t overlook the towns themselves, rich in attractions.
In Juneau, indulge in a food tour featuring signature dishes like king crab bisque and Alaskan salmon. The Alaska State Museum offers a treasure trove of local culture worth exploring. Skagway, synonymous with the gold rush era, transports you to another time. Stroll down Broadway, with its rustic wooden sidewalks. Craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale from Skagway Brewing Company, made locally with spruce tips.
In Ketchikan, take a moment to wander up Creek Street along the creek, where you might catch salmon making their journey upstream — a quintessential Alaskan photo opportunity.
Booking Ideal Alaska Shore Excursions
The easiest method to book shore excursions in Alaska is through your cruise line. You can select options online before your voyage or onboard the ship, and soon you’ll receive tickets delivered to your cabin, with tour guides ready as you disembark.
Alternatively, exploring options directly with local tour operators is also viable. However, many of these operators provide the same excursions offered through cruise lines — often at comparable prices. Shopping around may not yield better deals.
In some cases, cruise lines may own the tour operators found in Alaskan ports, or at least have a stake in them. Princess Cruises and Holland America, for instance, partially own the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a premier attraction in Skagway.
Keep an eye out for potential discounts by contacting tour operators directly. While success isn’t guaranteed, many travelers have found it fruitful.
Top 6 Alaska Shore Excursions
Here are six exceptional Alaska shore excursions that you’ll find on cruise lines’ tour lists. Keep in mind that individual cruise lines may brand these excursions differently, and prices may vary.
All prices listed are sourced from Princess, which, along with Holland America, is a leading cruise operator in Alaska.
Dogsledding and Glacier Adventure by Helicopter
Cost: $799.95 per person
Port availability: Juneau
This excursion may represent the pinnacle of Alaskan shore adventures. A thrilling combination of helicopter sightseeing over the expansive Juneau Icefield, followed by an exhilarating dogsledding experience on a glacier, creates memories to last a lifetime.
Of course, the price tag is high. I remember paying over $2,000 for my family’s five-person outing several years ago, a substantial expense for a three-hour adventure.
Yet, I wouldn’t change a thing. The aerial views of the Juneau Icefield are breathtaking (weather permitting), but witnessing my daughters bond with the energetic Alaskan huskies was truly priceless.
Upon arrival, you’ll meet the dogs and their mushers and gain insight into the art of mushing before embarking on your dog-powered sled ride.
Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest
Cost: $224.95 per person
Port availability: Juneau
If catching a glimpse of Alaska’s famous humpback whales is on your agenda, consider a whale-watching tour. The waters surrounding Juneau are particularly known for whale sightings, complete with a guarantee from the tour operator.
Starting from Juneau harbor, you’ll set off in a specialized whale-watching boat, in search of not just humpbacks but also harbor seals and sea lions. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter orcas or porpoises.
The boat features both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, with trips lasting approximately four hours, including time to transfer from your cruise ship.
Note that organizing a private whale-watching boat can be beneficial for larger groups, with several charter options available.
Klondike Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Cost: $129.95 per person
Port availability: Skagway
For those who may find rock climbing intimidating, don’t shy away from this three-hour tour. It’s an adventure filled with fun.
Professional climbing guides will meet you at your ship for a drive up Klondike Highway, leading you to ideal granite cliffs for climbers of all skill levels. Once you arrive, guides provide necessary gear and instructional support, along with trail mix and hot chocolate for a well-deserved treat.
Your lack of climbing skills shouldn’t deter you; my daughters, some of whom had never tried it before, found it exhilarating. After scaling 70-foot cliffs, you’ll rappel back down — an entirely different thrill!
White Pass Scenic Railway Ride
Cost: $159.95 per person
Port availability: Skagway
The iconic attraction in Skagway, this narrow-gauge railway ride offers stunning views of the Alaskan landscape. For those not seeking active exploration, this nearly three-hour journey into the mountains is the perfect way to experience Alaska.
Traveling in a vintage railcar, you’ll be treated to picturesque vistas of mountains, gorges, and glaciers, climbing nearly 3,000 feet to White Pass, the source of the Yukon River. Recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the route boasts steep grades and remarkable wooden trestles.
Laughton Glacier Hike and White Pass Rail Adventure
Cost: $479.95 per person
Port availability: Skagway
This tour, although costly, stands out as one of my favorites. It begins with a transfer to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, but it diverges from the traditional journey.
About 14 miles into the ride, you’ll disembark at Glacier Station for a 6- to 8-mile round-trip guided hike along the Skagway River — a highlight showcasing the magnificent Laughton Glacier.
The adventure concludes with a return train ride to Skagway, where the train makes a special pickup stop for you.
Misty Fjords National Monument by Seaplane
Cost: $519.95 per person
Port availability: Ketchikan
Nothing epitomizes Alaska more than a floatplane excursion. In Ketchikan, an array of floatplanes awaits to whisk you off to Misty Fjords National Monument.
This enchanting location mesmerizes visitors with its glacier-carved fjords and temperate rainforests, featuring majestic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Notably, Ketchikan receives around 13 feet of rain annually, so prepare accordingly.
You’ll find two versions of this tour: a two-hour flightseeing excursion and a longer option that includes a water landing at Misty Fjords National Monument.
This tour has seen significant price hikes in recent years. Just a few years ago, it was priced about $200 less than today.
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