Immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural wonders with unforgettable Alaska cruise excursions. From soaring above misty fjords to braving the world’s tallest zipline, these hand-picked experiences bring you closer to Alaska’s epic landscapes and wildlife. Read on for the best Alaska shore excursions to add to your cruise itinerary.
The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions: Top Shore Experiences for Every Traveler
Once you’ve taken in the views from the cruise ship, it’s time to dive deeper into Alaska—on land, sea, and even in the air. From up-close wildlife encounters to scenic rail journeys, there’s an Alaska cruise excursion for every type of traveler. Explore the different types of experiences below to find the excursions that match your interests and travel style.
Top Wildlife Excursions for Alaska Cruise Guests
From whales and eagles to sea otters and brown bears, Alaska is teeming with incredible wildlife—and a cruise excursion offers the chance to see them up close. These excursions are perfect for nature lovers and photographers, offering expert-led wildlife tours designed to maximize your chances of unforgettable encounters.
Top Wildlife Excursions for Alaska Cruise Guests
On this cruise excursion, you’ll get a chance to view sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, black-tail deer, bald eagles, and brown bears with the assistance of an onboard expert. This is one of the best Alaska shore excursions for animal viewing, as it guarantees you’ll spot wildlife. The waterjet-powered tour ship has been specifically designed for the narrow island passages along Southeast Alaska’s coast. And with large windows, enclosed seating, and an observation deck, you’ll have an unencumbered view of all the wildlife action in Sitka.
Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest – Juneau
Departing from Juneau, this whale-watching tour takes you through the scenic waters of Stephens Passage, one of the top summer feeding grounds for humpback whales. Aboard a waterjet-powered catamaran built for wildlife viewing, you'll have panoramic views from a warm, comfortable cabin as you search for humpbacks, killer whales, sea lions, and more. Once whales are spotted, the captain will carefully maneuver for optimal viewing while an onboard naturalist shares insights into their behavior and habitat. It's one of the best Alaska cruise excursions for guaranteed whale sightings during peak season.
Haines In Focus: Nature & Wildlife Photography Experience – Haines (Skagway)
This small-group tour takes photography enthusiasts to Haines, known for its wildlife and scenic beauty. A professional guide selects the best locations for lighting and animal activity, offering tips on composition, camera settings, and predicting wildlife behavior. Bald eagles are often seen, and brown bears may appear along the Chilkoot River in season, making it a top pick for nature lovers and photographers.
Most Adventurous Alaska Cruise Excursions
For thrill-seekers and adrenaline lovers, Alaska delivers. From ziplining above coastal treetops to hiking glaciers or flying over icefields, these excursions are perfect for travelers who want to experience the wild side of Alaska. Each adventure is designed to make the most of your time in port while showcasing the state’s rugged terrain and untamed beauty.
The ZipRider Adventure & Sky Peak Gondola – Icy Strait Point
With a 1,320-foot vertical drop, the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point is the world’s tallest zipline—higher than the Empire State Building. Your adventure begins with a scenic ride on the Sky Peak Gondola, ascending to the top of Hoonah Mountain. After a short walk to the launch platform, you'll be secured into a special harness seat with your hands free to capture the experience. Six guests launch simultaneously, racing side-by-side at speeds of up to 60 mph. Soar 300 feet above the treetops and take in sweeping views of Port Frederick, Icy Strait, and your cruise ship far below. The ride concludes with a smooth, brake-activated landing on the beach, where cheering fellow cruisers await at the Landing Zone.
Dog Sledding & Glacier Adventure by Helicopter – Juneau
This excursion combines two iconic Alaska experiences: glacier flightseeing and dog sledding. You’ll board a helicopter in Juneau for a breathtaking ride over the Juneau Icefield, with views of alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and the massive Taku Glacier. After landing on Norris Glacier, you’ll visit an authentic dog sledding camp, meet the sled dogs, and learn commands from seasoned mushers before setting off across the snow. It’s a thrilling and scenic way to experience Alaska’s wilderness from both the air and the ice.
Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float – Skagway
Follow in the footsteps of gold rush-era stampeders on this active and scenic excursion from Skagway. You'll hike a portion of the historic Chilkoot Trail through lush rainforest and uneven terrain, surrounded by the same wild beauty that greeted Klondike fortune-seekers. At the Taiya River, you’ll trade hiking boots for a seat in a stable inflatable raft and float gently through a tidal estuary framed by wildflowers, granite cliffs, and distant glaciers. A riverside snack stop and photo opportunities complete this well-rounded Alaska adventure.
Best Scenic and Cultural Excursions in Alaska
Not every adventure needs high speeds or rugged trails—some of Alaska’s most memorable experiences are rooted in its history, landscapes, and Indigenous cultures. These excursions are perfect for travelers who want to take in Alaska’s beauty at a relaxed pace or connect more deeply with the people and places that make it unique.
Bering Sea Crab Fisherman – Ketchikan
Step aboard the Aleutian Ballad for an unforgettable glimpse into Alaska’s commercial fishing culture. Cruising the calm, protected waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage, you’ll watch seasoned crew members haul crab pots and fishing lines while hearing real-life stories from the Bering Sea. The marine life catch is placed in on-deck aquariums for an up-close look, and the vessel’s heated seating ensures comfort throughout. It’s a one-of-a-kind educational experience set against the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery.
Saxman Native Village, Dance Performance & Totem Park – Ketchikan
Experience the living culture of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous peoples at Saxman Native Village. This immersive tour includes exclusive access to the Beaver Clan House, where Tlingit dancers welcome guests with traditional song and ceremony. You’ll explore one of the largest collections of totem poles in the world and visit the Village Carving Center, where skilled artisans continue generations of craftsmanship. With personal stories, art, and history woven throughout, this is a meaningful way to connect with Alaska’s Native heritage.
White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad – Skagway
Board the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a breathtaking ride through the mountains outside Skagway. Traveling in a vintage rail car, you’ll ascend to the 2,865-foot summit of White Pass, passing dramatic landmarks like Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. Along the way, your guide shares stories of the Klondike Gold Rush and the daring construction of this narrow-gauge railway—recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Plan the Alaska Cruise of a Lifetime
Whether awe-inspiring scenery, rich cultural experiences, or once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters are on your bucket list, there’s an Alaska cruise excursion waiting for you. Browse all Alaska shore excursions to see what’s possible, or explore our Alaska cruise itineraries to find the voyage that brings your adventure to life.
Need help planning your cruise? Our complimentary Personal Cruise Consultants offer one-on-one guidance, insider tips, and help with everything from choosing the right itinerary to arranging travel logistics. Contact a Personal Cruise Consultant today.