When you set out on an Alaska cruise, your trip will be packed with incredible scenery, but the excursions are where the real adventure begins. Whether you’re dreaming of watching humpback whales breach just feet from your boat, landing on a glacier by helicopter, or soaring over Misty Fjords in a floatplane, Alaska offers bucket list experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world!
After growing up in Alaska, I’ve rounded up some of the most memorable shore excursions you can do on an Alaska cruise across Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway. These are the tours that consistently leave visitors saying, “That was the highlight of our entire cruise!” If you’re trying to decide which excursions are worth your time and money, start here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and experiences I genuinely believe will help you have an amazing Alaska cruise.
Quick Comparison Guide:
| Adventure | Port City | Cost ($) | Time |
| Whale Watching | Juneau | $$ | 4 hrs |
| Helicopter Glacier Trek | Juneau | $$$$ | 2.25 – 4.5 hrs |
| Gold Panning | Juneau | $ | 1.5 – 3 hrs |
| Rainforest Zipline | Ketchikan | $$ | 2.5 – 4 hrs |
| Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour | Ketchikan | $$$$ | 2 – 3 hrs |
| Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show | Ketchikan | $ | 1.5 hrs |
| Snorkel Tour | Ketchikan | $$$ | 3 – 4 hrs |
| Fishing Charter | Sitka | $$$$ | 4 – 6 hrs |
| Zodiac Adventure | Sitka | $$$ | 2.5 – 4 hrs |
| White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad | Skagway | $$ | 2.5 – 4 hrs |
| Rock Climbing | Skagway | $$ | 3 – 3.5 hrs |
1. Whale Watching
If I could only recommend one Alaska excursion, whale watching would be near the top of my list. There’s something truly magical about seeing a humpback whale surface beside your boat or watching one breach against a backdrop of mountains and evergreen forests. It’s one of those experiences that makes you stop, put down your camera for a second, and simply soak it all in.
Do this here: Juneau, Alaska
Price: $159 – $210 per person
Duration: 4 hours total (about 3 hours on the water).
Why it’s worth it: Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales, especially from July – August!
Recommended Tour Group: Dolphin Jet Boat Tours
2. Helicopter Glacier Trek
This is a true bucket list experience! Landing on a glacier by helicopter feels like stepping into another world. The flight alone offers incredible views of Alaska’s mountains, waterfalls, and ice fields, but nothing compares to the moment your feet touch the glacier itself. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this is one you’ll never forget.
Do this here: Juneau, Alaska
Price: $409 – $579 per person
Duration: 2.25 to 4.5 hours, depending if you choose a glacier walk or full glacier trek.
Why it’s worth it: Alaska is the only state in America that has glaciers, and Juneau is the only stop on the cruise route that has tours to go on a glacier! This is one of the most unique experiences you can have on the cruise, but it is a bit on the pricer end for sure.
Recommended Tour Group: Coastal Helicopters
3. Gold Panning Adventure
Gold panning is a fun way to connect with Alaska’s Gold Rush history while trying something completely different. Whether you find a few flakes or not, there’s something exciting about swirling that pan and imagining what it must have been like for the prospectors who came north chasing their dreams.
Do this here: Juneau, Alaska
Price: $50 – $100 per person
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Why it’s worth it: This allows you to learn more about Alaska’s gold rush history and you get to keep whatever gold you pan up!
Recommended Tour Group: Alaska Shore Excursions
4. Rainforest Zipline
If you’re craving a little adrenaline during your Alaska trip, ziplining through the rainforest is hard to beat. Flying above towering trees in Tongass National Forest with mountain views in the distance is an incredible way to experience Alaska’s wilderness while adding a little excitement to your day.
Do this here: Ketchikan, Alaska
Price: $120 – $180 per person
Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
Why it’s worth it: One of the most fun tours on the list, you’ll get to zip through the Tongass National Forest while enjoying incredible views of Southeast Alaska. Plus, sometimes you’ll be able to spot wildlife like black bears down below while you’re up in the trees.
Recommended Tour Group: Kawanti Adventures
5. Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour
Known as the “Yosemite of the North,” Misty Fjords National Monument is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking wilderness areas. A floatplane tour provides incredible aerial views of towering cliffs, pristine lakes, waterfalls, and remote landscapes that few visitors ever get to see.
Do this here: Ketchikan, Alaska
Price: $325 – $450 per person
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Why it’s worth it: If someone asks me for that one “wow” excursion in Ketchikan, this is it. Misty Fjords Monument feels like flying through a real-life fantasy world. It’s about 22 miles from Ketchikan and features steep walled fjords, coastal cliffs, and 3,000-foot rock walls that rise dramatically from the sea. Most tours land on one of the lakes in the mountains, allowing you to snap some unreal photos.
Recommended Tour Group: Taquan Air
6. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Looking for something uniquely Alaskan? The lumberjack show combines history, humor, and friendly competition as skilled lumberjacks demonstrate traditional logging techniques through axe throwing, log rolling, and tree climbing.
Do this here: Ketchikan, Alaska
Price: $45 – $75 per person
Duration: 1.5 hours
Why it’s worth it: I absolutely love this show! It’s super entertaining, family-friendly, and uniquely Alaskan. This is a great option for travelers who don’t want a physically demanding excursion or have younger kids. Plus, at the end of the show, you can take a few photos with the lumberjacks.
Recommended Tour Group: Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
7. Snorkel Tour
Yes, snorkeling in Alaska is actually a thing! Snorkeling in Alaska usually surprises people, but it ended up being one of the most unique excursions I’ve come across. Thanks to dry suits, you’ll stay warm while exploring an underwater world filled with colorful sea stars, anemones, and marine life that most visitors never get to see.
Do this here: Ketchikan, Alaska
Price: $150 – $250 per person
Duration: 3-4 hours
Why it’s worth it: Most people don’t realize Alaska has snorkeling. The water where you dive is around 65 degrees in the summer and allows you to get up close and personal with unique and diverse wildlife.
Recommended Tour Group: Snorkel Alaska
8. Fishing Charter
Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or trying it for the first time, Alaska is one of the world’s premier fishing destinations. People from all over the world come here to try their luck at catching a monster big fish. Fishing charters give visitors the chance to reel in salmon, halibut, and other prized catches while enjoying some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
Do this here: Sitka, Alaska
Price: $250 – $500+ per person
Duration: 4-6 hours
Why it’s worth it: Southeast Alaska has some of the best fishing in the entire world! Whether you’re trying to catch halibut, king salmon or rockfish, prepare for the fish to be big!
Recommended Tour Group: Sitka Expeditions
9. Zodiac Adventure
If you love wildlife and prefer smaller groups, a Zodiac tour is a fantastic option. These nimble boats can reach places larger vessels can’t, creating opportunities for incredible wildlife sightings and giving you a front-row seat to Alaska’s rugged coastline.
Do this here: Sitka, Alaska
Price: $150 – $250 per person
Duration: 2.5 – 4 hours
Why it’s worth it: This is another super fun tour! You’ll speed driving your own Zodiac boat while exploring the wildlife rich coastal waters. Although it’s not sold as a wildlife tour, animal sightings can include seals, sea otters, sea lions, humpback whales, orcas, and eagles.
Recommended Tour Group: Sitka Zodiac Adventures
10. White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
The White Pass Railway isn’t just a train ride; it’s a journey through history. As you wind through mountain passes, waterfalls, and old Gold Rush routes, it’s easy to imagine what life was like for the thousands of prospectors who traveled this same path over a century ago. The scenery alone makes it worth the trip.
Do this here: Skagway, Alaska
Price: $140 – $220 per person
Duration: 2.5 – 4 hours
Why it’s worth it: This is arguably the most iconic excursion in Alaska. The scenery is spectacular, the history is fascinating, and you won’t be in the rain.
Recommended Tour Group: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
BONUS: Rock Climbing
For adventurous travelers looking to try something new, rock climbing offers a unique way to experience Alaska’s landscapes. Reaching the top and taking in the views is incredibly rewarding, and the challenge makes the experience even more memorable.
Do this here: Skagway, Alaska
Price: $120 – $200 per person
Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours
Why it’s worth it: It takes place on the smooth granite cliffs of the White Pass, offering over a dozen routes suitable for all ability levels, from first-timers to experienced climbers. At the top of the climb, you’ll see a sweeping, bird’s-eye view of the Skagway River, the White Pass & Yukon Route railway, and the surrounding wilderness.
Recommended Tour Group: Klondike Rock Climbing
Whether you’re dreaming of spotting humpback whales or trekking on a glacier, Alaska has a way of turning ordinary vacations into unforgettable adventures. The hardest part is deciding which excursions to fit into your limited time in port!
Plan Your Alaska Cruise
If you’re still in the planning phase for your cruise, check out these guides to help you get everything ready:
- 10 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions: All my favorite tours that you’ll be talking about for years to come!
- 8 Must-Try Foods on Your Alaska Cruise (and exactly where to find them!): These recommendations aren’t your typical list!
- What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (advice from a local): Make sure you’re prepared for any weather in port and glacier viewing from the deck.
I’d love to hear from you! What excursion is at the top of your Alaska bucket list? Have you already cruised to Alaska and found a favorite tour I should add to this list? Leave a comment below and share your experience with fellow travelers.
And if you’re planning an Alaska cruise, don’t forget to grab my Alaska Cruise Bucket List on Etsy! It’s packed with 11 more epic adventures paired with local recommendations to help you make the most of your adventure in the Last Frontier.
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