Hey there fellow cruisers, it’s Eric here, your friendly neighborhood cruise expert and owner of Cruising Duo Travel. As you may know, my wife Cheryl and I are passionate about all things cruise related. We’ve been on over a dozen cruises together and have experienced some pretty incredible shore excursions along the way.
The raw, untamed wilderness, the towering glaciers, the abundant wildlife – it’s a cruise destination like no other. If you’re planning an Alaska cruise for the first time, you definitely want to take advantage of some shore excursions to fully experience all that this magnificent place has to offer.
That’s why I put together this list of what I consider to be the 10 most breathtaking Alaskan cruise excursions. From whales and bears to flightseeing tours and glacier trekking, these excursions will take your Alaskan cruise from great to unforgettable. Get your camera ready – you won’t want to miss capturing these moments!
Whale Watching in Juneau
One of the top reasons people go on an Alaskan cruise is to see whales in their natural habitat. Juneau, the state’s capital, is one of the best places for whale watching. On a whale watching tour, you’ll likely spot humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), minke whales, and more. Watching these gentle giants surface, breach, and spray is an incredible experience.
The whale watching boats have outdoor decks and indoor seating with large windows, so you can stay warm while whale spotting. Bundle up though, because even summer days on the water in Alaska can get chilly. Tours typically last 2-3 hours, and include a snack or light meal onboard.
Bear Viewing at Anan Creek
One of the best places in Alaska to safely observe bears in their natural habitat is Anan Creek near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Anan Creek is home to one of the largest concentrations of black and brown bears in Alaska. Seeing these majestic animals fishing for salmon in the creek is an incredible opportunity.
On a guided walking tour along dedicated bear viewing platforms and trails, you’ll quietly observe the bears from a safe distance as they forage and go about their daily activities. With an expert guide providing commentary, you’ll learn all about the bears’ behavior patterns, family dynamics, and the vital role salmon play in their ecosystem.
Seeing the cubs tumbling around as mama bear keeps a watchful eye is definitely a highlight. Photography enthusiasts, bring your longest zoom lenses to capture some amazing bear photos! Just be ready to hold your breath when a large bear gets close or strides through the water below the viewing platform. Observing these powerful animals respectfully in their natural habitat is a remarkable Alaskan experience.
Flightseeing Over Glacier Bay
One of the most awe-inspiring sights in Alaska is Glacier Bay National Park. The best way to fully experience its grandeur is from the air. Flightseeing tours take off from Gustavus and provide aerial views of the park’s iconic glaciers, rugged peaks, and vast wilderness.
You’ll soar over colossal glaciers like Margerie and Grand Pacific, and maybe even witness icebergs calving off the glacier’s face and crashing into the sea below. Flying through Glacier Bay will give you an appreciation of just how enormous and untouched this area is. Make sure your camera has a full battery – the photo opportunities are endless.
Many flightseeing tours combine the glacier flight with a landing on a remote beach for an Alaskan bush pilot experience. After marvelling at the glaciers from above, you can get out on the ground for up-close glacier viewing. Pack your hiking boots!
Glacier Trekking in Seward
If walking on a glacier sounds incredible to you, glacier trekking is an absolute must-do. The coastal town of Seward offers some fantastic options for glacier trekking adventures.
You’ll take a boat ride to reach the glacier, strap on crampons, grab your ice axes, and follow an expert guide as you traverse the ancient blue ice. Trekking over crevasses and ice formations is an otherworldly experience. Don’t forget your sunglasses – the glare off the glacier can be blinding on sunny days.
Just dress warmly, watch your footing, and marvel at the raw natural beauty surrounding you. Glacier trekking will give you new appreciation for the power of nature. Just check out the deep blue hues of the glacial ice! This is one excursion I consider an Alaska cruise essential.
Sea Kayaking Among Glaciers and Icebergs
For an immersive glacier experience from sea level, book a kayaking adventure in glacier country. Paddling a kayak puts you at the perfect vantage point to appreciate the glacial environment in a safe and responsible manner.
You can weave through towering icebergs, listening to the crack and pop of the ice. Getting close to the glacier’s face with an experienced guide allows you to witness the awe-inspiring size and beauty of the icy landscape. Floating amongst the crystalline blue hues feels like paddling through a frozen fantasy world.
Gliding silently by seals resting on ice floes demonstrates how symbiotic the wildlife is with this chilly habitat. Sea kayaking grants unique access to glacial fjords and allows you to discover ice caves not visible from a cruise ship. Don’t forget your waterproof camera to capture some amazing up-close glacier photos while kayaking.
Denali Flightseeing & Wildlife Tour
No Alaskan cruise would be complete without visiting Denali National Park. While majestic Mt. Denali is often shrouded in clouds, flightseeing tours offer your best chance at seeing North America’s highest peak. You’ll soar over the entire park and can expect nonstop views of rugged ridgelines, endless wilderness, herds of caribou, and maybe even moose or bears.
After drinking in Denali’s grandeur from the skies, your flightseeing tour will take you into the park for some wildlife viewing on the ground. The experienced guides know the best spots to scan for Dall sheep, grizzly bears, caribou, and other iconic Denali residents. With luck, you’ll return with some incredible up-close wildlife sightings.
Helicopter & Sled Dog Tour from Juneau
For a high-octane excursion near Juneau, book a helicopter and sled dog tour. You’ll be whisked by helicopter to the top of the Juneau Icefield, where a team of energetic sled dogs eagerly awaits. Set out on an exhilarating one-hour sled dog ride, winding through mountain meadows and taking in the crisp alpine air.
Then your helicopter lifts you off the icefield for awe-inspiring vistas of Juneau and the Inside Passage on your return flight. This combo tour packs two iconic Alaskan adventures into one unforgettable day.
Hubbard Glacier Cruise & Helicopter Landing
Accessing North America’s largest tidewater glacier by boat, then landing on top via helicopter, makes for one epic excursion. Your boat will navigate icy waters, bringing you up close to the 300-foot tall face of blue and white Hubbard Glacier. Listen for sharp cracks as chunks of ice calve off the advancing glacier.
Then, if weather allows, your helicopter pilot will land you atop the glacier for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll have time to stroll the icy landscape under the watchful eye of guides before returning by helicopter to solid ground. This is about as up-close-and-personal as you can get with Alaska’s most massive glacier!
Alaska Salmon Bake & Native Culture
Immersing yourself in local culture is such an important part of any meaningful travel experience. In Alaska, attending an authentic salmon bake offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about Alaska Native traditions while sampling delicious wild Alaskan salmon.
The salmon is traditionally cooked over an open alder wood fire, just like the indigenous people have done for centuries. Enjoy learning about how Alaska’s native peoples have fished and processed salmon for generations. You’ll gain new appreciation for the salmon’s cultural significance and its sustainability as a food source when harvested respectfully.
Salmon bakes often include activities like Native dance performances, totem pole carving demonstrations, and storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to hear tales passed down from Alaska Native elders themselves. It’s a one-of-a-kind insight into the region’s fascinating cultures.
Wilderness Zodiac Rafting in Ketchikan
For outdoor lovers, a wilderness rafting trip through Alaskan fjords shouldn’t be missed. Just outside charming, historic Ketchikan, an experienced guide will lead you by expedition raft through lush rainforests and along the coastline, while sharing stories about native wildlife and local history.
You can float peacefully and watch bald eagles soar above, then paddle through bubbling rapids for an extra thrill. With the naturalist guide pointing out diverse plants and marine life, you’ll gain a new appreciation for Alaska’s pristine wilderness ecosystems.
Zodiac rafting allows an up-close look at the rugged lands and rich biodiversity that make Alaska so extraordinary. Don’t forget your binoculars and rain gear!
The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience Awaits
Well, there you have it – the 10 Alaskan cruise excursions I consider essentials for any cruise to Alaska. Seeing glacial giants, encountering bears and whales in their natural habitats, exploring misty fjords by kayak or raft, and learning about native traditions will make your cruise an adventure of a lifetime.
Of course, it can be hard to narrow down and choose excursions with so many incredible options! That’s where having an experienced cruise-planning travel agent can really make your vacation shine.
Contact us today at Cruising Duo Travel to start planning your dream Alaskan adventure. We can’t wait to hear all about your cruise when you return with stories of close encounters with whales, trekking across ancient glaciers, and bear sightings in the wilds of Denali. Let’s get started on crafting your once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan journey! Start planning that Alaskan Adventure here: Planning Your Trip!
