The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions

The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions – If you are going to take an Alaska Cruise, then Alaska is the one cruise where you will want to get off the beaten path, and experience the “real” Alaska.  Cruise lines make it simple with a variety of shore excursions that range from the extreme to excursions for the less adventurous.  You will find the best Alaska shore excursions to include hiking, biking, kayaking, riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, and tours for the history lover interested in native culture.  There is definitely something for everyone.  Need to know what to pack for your Alaskan Vacation?   << Click Here >>  You can learn The Best Cruise Vacation Tips here, or visit us on Pinterest.  Here are the best shore excursions:

Juneau

Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Ice Field Walk, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesJuneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Ice Field Walk

When your ship anchors in Juneau port, get ready for a shore excursion pumped with adventure and incredible views. First, soar by helicopter over Juneau Icefield, and then land on Herbert Glacier to explore the remote landscape by foot. Learn about the surrounding Alaskan wilderness and capture memorable shots during your ice field walk. Round-trip port transport included.  Learn more about the Helicopter Tour & Ice Field Walk

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Juneau Shore Excursion, Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier Combo Tour, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesWhale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier Combo Tour

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.  Learn more about the Whale Watch & Mendenhall Glacier Combo Tour

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Juneau Shore Excursion, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesJuneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron.  Learn more about the Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Shore Excursion

Haines

Haines Shore Excursion, Eagle Preserve Float Trip in Haines, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesEagle Preserve Float Trip in Haines

This half-day float tour takes you into the heart of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the world’s densest concentration of bald eagles. Aboard an 8-person inflatable raft, watch eagles swoop down to catch salmon and nurture their young in the nests lining the riverbanks. Learn about the natural history of your surroundings, and finish this pleasant outing with a snack of locally caught salmon and warm beverages. Hotel transport from Haines is included on this family-friendly tour.  Learn more about the Eagle Preserve Float Trip in Haines.

Sitka

Sitka Shore Excursion, Sitka Scenic Tour- Premium - Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears,Totems!, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesSitka Scenic Tour- Premium – Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears,Totems!

Skip the impersonal, large–group bus tour and explore Sitka on a small–group day trip to the city’s top landmarks, with a range of departure times offered to fit your schedule. Your guide, who navigates for you, brings you to four highly–rated attractions, including Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Sitka National Historic Park. All entrance fees are included for your convenience.  Learn more about the Sitka Scenic Tour

Skagway

Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesSkagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon

While in Skagway port, spend the day discovering the treasures of the Yukon, Canada’s westernmost territory. This comprehensive tour travels along the Klondike Highway by minibus, with mountain scenery that will impress you. Many photo stops are made and wildlife sightings are a good possibility. Once in Carcross area, visit the Caribou Crossing Trading Post, with its wildlife museum and a dogsled camp. Enjoy soaking up the wild beauty of southeast Alaska, the northern tip of British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory on this Skagway shore excursion. Note: All travelers must bring their valid passport.  Learn more about the Skagway Shore Excursion

Ketchikan

Ketchikan  Shore Excursion, Ketchikan All In One, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesKetchikan All In One

Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s most visited cruise ports, renowned for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and indigenous heritage. On this tour, take in all the highlights with a local guide. See the famous salmon ladder, admire the traditional totem poles at the Saxman Native Village, enjoy whale-watching from Rotary Beach, and look out for seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove.  Learn more about the Ketchikan All In Tour

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   Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesKetchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

Get off your cruise ship and your adrenaline going on this half-day shore excursion to a Ketchikan zipline adventure park. Soar through the Alaskan rain forest on seven ziplines and eight canopy ropes. This natural jungle gym includes suspended logs, rope bridges, a climbing tower and staircase, meaning thrill seekers of all experience levels will share in the excitement. Round-trip port transport included.  Learn more about the Ketchikan Shore Excursion:  Rainforest Canopy Ropes & Zipline Adventure Park

Ketchikan  Shore Excursion, Salmon and Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesSalmon and Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska

Explore the deep waters off the coast of Alaska during a personalized fishing charter from Ketchikan. Opt to fish for Pacific halibut and four types of Alaskan salmon or choose another focus such as wildlife watching or photography. Your experienced captain can suggest stops and customize the itinerary according to your preferences. Plus, choose from a 4-hour or 6-hour fishing trip to best suit your schedule.  Learn more about the Salmon & Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan Tour

Seward

Seward Shore Excursion, Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise with Optional Buffet Lunch, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesKenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise with Optional Buffet Lunch

Explore the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay on this Kenai Fjords cruise. Travel along the rugged coastline and admire alpine glaciers nestled high in the mountains. Snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier and stop close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries. Along the way, keep watch for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats. Enhance your maritime journey with an upgrade to enjoy an Alaska salmon and prime rib buffet, served onboard while you cruise.  Learn more about the Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise

Seward Shore Excursion, Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Cruise, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesKenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Cruise

Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 3.5-hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay from Seward Harbor. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.  Learn more about the Kenai Fjords & Resurrection Bay Half-Day Cruise

Seward Shore Excursion, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Cruise, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruisesKenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Experience up-close views of glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this cruise. Enjoy 100 miles (round-trip) of jaw-dropping scenery as a National Park Ranger explains the surrounding geology and wildlife. Sail past the majestic Holgate Glacier and witness chunks of glaciers break off and crash into the water. Get your camera out near Chiswell Islands, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. In addition to the siights, treat yourself to an upgrade and enjoy an Alaska salmon and prime rib buffet.  Learn more about the Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

Anchorage

Anchorage Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post Cruise Turnagain Arm and Wildlife Conservation Center Tour with Optionan Portage Glacier Cruise, Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruises
Anchorage Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Turnagain Arm and Wildlife Conservation Center Tour with Optional Portage Glacier Cruise

Enjoy one epic landscape after another on this 6-hour tour from Anchorage. Admire some of Alaska’s best scenery along the Seward Highway and down the Turnagain Arm. An aerial tram whisks you up Mt Alyeska, which boasts panoramas of glaciers and the foothills of the Chugach Mountains on clear days. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to rescued musk ox, wood bison, and bears. Enhance your Alaska outing with a 1-hour cruise for close-up views of Portage Glacier. Lunch and hotel transport included.  Learm more about this Anchorage Shore Excursion.

Anchorage Shore Excursion, Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour with Lower Glacier Landing, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruises
Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour with Lower Glacier Landing

Start this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep and mountain goats. Land on a huge snow field high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers that live here all summer long. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow. You can stand on the runners and mush your own dog team if you want, or just sit on the sled and let the mushers run the team. After the tour the helicopter takes you to the lower glaciers where you will land on the hard ice between the crevasses to see the majestic blue melt pools. Learn more about the Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour.

Anchorage Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post Cruise Turnagain Arm and Alaska Wildlife Tour, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruises
Anchorage Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Turnagain Arm and Alaska Wildlife Tour

Pair dramatic Alaska landscapes with wildlife sightings, and you have this 4 hour tour from Anchorage. Soak up amazing scenery along the Seward Highway, one of 15 roads in the US designated as an All-American Road, and down the Turnagain Arm. During your drive, keep watch for moose, whales, and wolves. At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, enjoy an educational tour and get to know the rescued bears, moose, elk, caribou and other Alaskan animals that live here. You also have the option to adopt an animal! Hotel transport included. Learn more about this Anchorage Shore Excursion.

Anchorage Shore Excursion, Bear Viewing Excursion and Airplane Adventure Tour, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruises
Bear Viewing Excursion and Airplane Adventure Tour

Lake Clark National Park, with its immense rain forest, tundra, and volcanoes, is accessible only by boat or air taxi. With this tour, take a plane ride from Anchorage directly to the park’s best places to see bears. Land near the bears and spend several hours safely observing them. Then, hike through the wilderness for a picnic lunch on a secluded beach. Learn more about the Bear Viewing Excursion & Airplane Adventure Tour.

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Anchorage Shore Excursion, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center * Turnagain Tour with Walk in the Rainforest, The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions, Alaska Cruise Ports, Alaskan Cruise shore excursions, best cruise deals, cruise deals, all about cruises, best priced cruises
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & Turnagain Tour with Walk in The Rainforest

The Turnagain Arm boasts abundant Alaskan wildlife within easy access of the city of Anchorage. Learn about the local ecosystem from a guide with extensive knowledge about the area as you drive down the peninsula, with opportunities to spot wild animals in their natural environment as you go. A visit to the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive past the glaciers on Portage Glacier Road are also included. Learn more about the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & Turnagain Tour w/Walk in the Rainforest.

28 Comments

  1. Mick Krug

    You provide some great pics of things to do there in Alaska. The helicopter ride interests me as well as the cruise to see the glacier. Too cold for me to do any snorkeling in Alaska though.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I lived in Alaska for 22 years, and I never snorkeled, nor do I want to. I don’t care how much apparel they want to put on, the Alaska waters are just too darn cold for my blood. But the beauty, the wildlife, glaciers, and everything else, is truly wonderful! Thanks for visiting!

      Reply
  2. eyerusalem

    I love the Ziprider I tried it few years ago and now i want to go back again. and I see that there are many fun places to visit which I don’t know about it. thank you this is good.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are welcome. There are lots of fun shore excursions when taking an Alaska Cruise. You’ll love going back and trying new things! Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  3. Johnny

    Wow, could not have imagined how much interesting activitys you can do in Alaska. I think the sea food cooking class looks fabulous
    and yummy. Grilling the catch of the day ove a large wood grill would be so cool. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are welcome Johnny, and it really is cool. I live there, and the seafood is probably the thing I miss the most. I certainly don’t miss the weather. However, a cruise would be different 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and reading about the best Alaska Shore excursions.

      Reply
  4. Kevin

    That really looks like a lot of fun. It sounds like there is a lot to do. This is great website. I hadn’t considered a cruise to Alaska before, but now I am!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Kevin, you will love an Alaska cruise! With the beauty, wildlife, and just the unique experience, you will be wanting to go back. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.

      Reply
  5. Eric

    Whoa lol, I didn’t want to say wow like all the others. When you get there how much time do you average on land versus on the cruise? This talks about all the shore excursions but seems like you may not be able to get back on board the ship with everything there is to do. My favorite would probably be seeing bears while in a plane up above. But then there is the train that seems pretty nice too. I do find one thing a little funny, the beaver clan house sounds made up for tourists.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Hi Eric, and thanks for visiting. The Beaver Clan house was not make for tourists, Alaska is just very unique. You do get all day for a shore excursion, but obviously, some last longer and if you pick an excursion that goes all day, then you can only do the one. The wildlife in Alaska is amazing, and really, whether you are flying above in a float plane, doing the glacier tour, or train….you will see wildlife…guaranteed.

      Reply
  6. Carole

    Hi Leahrae, I just found your site as I was preparing my trip for Alaska! Now it will help me a lot to make the right decision as to what to visit and things to do! Thank you so much!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are most welcome Carole. Are you flying to Anchorage, or going on a cruise? I can give you a couple more ideas if you are flying into Anchorage. There are a couple of things that you really do need to do! Just let me know. And thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  7. Mick Krug

    You provide a lot of nice pictures of the various sites to see on the cruise. I liked the dog sled pics. That would an experience. A lot of variety to an Alaskan Cruise which is very appealing. The glacier cruise is a must!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I agree Mick, the glacier cruise is interesting. I have been up close, and they are pretty amazing. Not to mention the wildlife you will see while visiting them. Thanks for stopping by and reading about the best Alaska shore excursions.

      Reply
  8. Les Trow

    Wow! Looks great. Your post is great and an Alaska cruise would be wonderful. I can’t wait till I can start planning one. Definitely on my bucket list!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      It is a very unique cruise with wonderful shore excursions. Thank you so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  9. Melinda

    Wow! These Alaska excursions look like so much fun. I think I’d be most interested in the dogsled ride. I love dogs!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Riding on a dog sled is kind of fun. That and seeing glacier’s up close, and all the wildlife, can’t be beat. Thanks for stopping by Melinda.

      Reply
  10. LYNNE

    Hi, Awesome collection of things to do in Alaska! I’ve been there a few times to visit family and it’s really so beautiful that you cannot miss getting out and exploring the wilderness you’re there. Don’t know if they still have it but we took a day and went panning for gold once when I was there. If you found any you got to keep it but we weren’t quite that lucky.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thanks for reading Lynne. Yes, of course you can still pan for gold. And you are right, I don’t know that I ever got any, ever. But it is still fun trying! Alaska is beautiful, a different type of beauty that is worth while. So an Alaska Cruise is wonderful!

      Reply
  11. Colleen

    WOW! I have thought about an Alaskan cruise, but have never really looked into it. Those who have gone on an Alaskan cruise have mentioned that August is a good month to go. What months would you suggest going there? Your photos are beautiful! It seems like there’s so much more to see and do than I realized. Plus, there’s a lot of great seafood. Mmmm… Great post!!!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thanks for stopping by Colleen and reading about the Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions. The only months I consider going is June, July, and August. I lived there for 22 years, and this is the only time the weather can be pleasant. And I do say can be, LOL. You would actually love an Alaska Cruise!

      Reply
  12. Linda

    So beautiful. This would be a great place to visit and great package deals to chose from. Maybe some day.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Alaska is very beautiful for sure Linda. Thanks for stopping by Beach Travel Destinations.com.

      Reply
  13. Fred

    Wow, I didn’t know that there was so much that could be done in Alaska. For me, I think that the Wilderness River Tour and the Glacier Point Safari boat rides would be my favorites. Just because all the different wildlife that can be seen. The Saxman Native Village would be something interesting to see, but I would really like to see authentic Totem poles from back in the old days that would be exciting. Very nice post.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you Fred, there is so much culture and diversity in Alaska. An Alaska cruise is just so different and wonderful. Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  14. Khalfish

    Hi There,

    Wow! If someone asked me if there is anything to do in Alaska my answer could have been a big No. Your post is a great eye opener for me. Now my notion of Alaska had made a 180 turn. Thanks for the post, when I hear of Alaska from now I will be visualizing a place full of exciting activities.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes, there is a LOT of exciting things to do in Alaska, especially on a cruise. Take it from me…I lived there 22 years. Our family has a small airplane, boat, etc. So I lived the Alaskan life. But I am not a cold weather person, so if I went back, it would only be on a cruise LOL. Thanks for stopping by and visiting the Best Alaska Shore Excursions.

      Reply

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