After settling on your cruise itinerary, your most significant decisions will revolve around shore excursions. These day trips are what transform an Alaska cruise from a scenic boat ride into an unforgettable adventure. With a strategic approach, you can experience the best of the 49th state—soaring over glaciers, watching whales breach, and delving into Gold Rush history—without breaking the bank.
This port-by-port guide highlights the top-tier excursions that deliver the most value, wonder, and authentic Alaskan experiences.
Juneau: Glaciers, Whales, and Bears
As Alaska’s capital, Juneau is rich with dramatic landscapes and premier wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Helicopter Tour & Glacier Walk ($350 - $550): This is the quintessential Alaskan excursion and arguably the most transformative. You’ll fly over the vast Juneau Icefield before landing on a glacier, like the Mendenhall, for a guided walk on the ancient ice. The perspective from the air and the experience of drinking pure glacial water is unparalleled.
- Whale Watching ($130 - $175): The waters near Juneau are a crucial feeding ground for humpback whales. Tour operators boast a success rate of over 95% for sightings during the season. You’re likely to witness these magnificent creatures bubble-net feeding, a cooperative hunting technique that is incredible to behold.
- Pack Creek Bear Viewing ($450 - $700): For a world-class bear viewing experience, a floatplane trip to the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island is a must. Known to the native Tlingit as Kootznoowoo, or “Fortress of the Bears,” the island has one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world. Due to limited permits, booking this tour well in advance is essential.
Ketchikan: Fjords, Rainforest, and Culture
Ketchikan is your gateway to the stunning Misty Fjords National Monument and the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people.
- Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour ($280 - $400): The best way to grasp the immense scale and beauty of the Misty Fjords is from the air. A floatplane tour offers breathtaking views of sheer granite cliffs plunging over 3,000 feet, cascading waterfalls, and serene mountain lakes.
- Rainforest Zipline ($130 - $175): Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, ziplining through the Tongass National Forest canopy offers an exhilarating perspective of the temperate rainforest. Courses often include multiple ziplines and suspension bridges, providing views of wildlife and salmon streams below.
- Totem Poles & Cultural Tour ($5 - $55): Immerse yourself in the local Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures by visiting one of Ketchikan’s totem pole parks, such as Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Native Village. These tours are an affordable and authentic way to learn about the region’s artistic traditions and history.
Skagway: Gold Rush History and Scenic Rail
Skagway is steeped in the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, offering a unique blend of historical immersion and rugged wilderness.
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ($130 - $180): This narrow-gauge railway, an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, follows the path of the 1898 gold prospectors through breathtaking mountain scenery. It’s one of Alaska’s most popular tours and sells out early, so advance booking is crucial.
- Hiking or River Rafting: For those with an adventurous spirit, Skagway offers fantastic outdoor activities. You can hike a portion of the famous Chilkoot Trail or enjoy a scenic float trip on the Taiya River, retracing the steps of the gold rush stampeders.
- Gold Rush Walking Tour (Free): The National Park Service offers free, ranger-led walking tours of Skagway’s historic district. It’s an excellent way to learn about the town’s colorful characters and boomtown past without spending a dime.
Icy Strait Point: Adrenaline and Abundant Wildlife
Owned and operated by the Huna Tlingit, Icy Strait Point offers a unique combination of cultural connection, wildlife, and high-adventure thrills.
- ZipRider Zipline ($109 - $139): One of the longest and highest ziplines in the world, the ZipRider offers a spectacular 90-second ride with stunning views over the forest and water.
- Whale Watching ($120 - $170): The nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and nearby Point Adolphus are among the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales. Tours here have a very high success rate, and it’s also common to spot sea lions, otters, and orcas.
- Bear Viewing ($175 - $275): Guided tours take you to prime bear-viewing areas on Chichagof Island, which has a high population of brown bears.
Sitka: Russian History and Coastal Wildlife
With its unique blend of Tlingit and Russian history, Sitka offers a different cultural flavor along with incredible wildlife opportunities.
- Sea Otter & Wildlife Cruise ($95 - $140): Often booked independently, small-boat tours focus on the area’s abundant sea otters, whales, and other marine life. The backdrop of the Tongass National Forest and the dormant Mount Edgecumbe volcano is stunning.
- Alaska Raptor Center ($15): This rehabilitation center for injured birds of prey offers an up-close look at bald eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. It’s an excellent value and a short, scenic walk from the cruise shuttle drop-off.
- Sitka National Historical Park (Free): Known locally as “Totem Park,” this beautiful park features a trail lined with intricately carved Tlingit and Haida totem poles set within a lush rainforest. The visitor center also features cultural exhibits and artist demonstrations.
A Note on Glacier Bay National Park
Cruises that include Glacier Bay do not have shore excursions. The ship itself is the excursion. Spend the full 6-8 hours on an open deck as National Park Service rangers provide narration, pointing out glaciers, calving ice, and wildlife like mountain goats, sea lions, and puffins.
Smart Budgeting for Maximum Adventure
The biggest mistake cruisers make is over-booking, leaving no time for spontaneous discovery. A smart strategy is to plan one paid excursion per port and supplement it with self-guided walks. This approach allows a couple to enjoy a full week of incredible activities for around $500-$700 total, ensuring you experience the best of Alaska without returning home with an empty wallet.
Traveling as a group?
Make your Alaska cruise memorable with matching group shirts. Dozens of Alaska cruise designs — from glacier teal to midnight navy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for Alaska cruise excursions?
For a memorable 7-day cruise, a reasonable budget is between $1,000 and $1,500 per person. This allows for a mix of high-adventure tours like helicopter trips and more moderate options like whale watching or historical train rides. However, travelers can have a fantastic week for $500-$700 per couple by choosing one paid tour per port and utilizing free local activities.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
It is highly recommended to book popular excursions, especially the White Pass & Yukon Route railway in Skagway and any helicopter or floatplane tours, well in advance as they often sell out. Booking directly with tour operators can sometimes offer more flexibility or lower prices than booking through the cruise line.
What is the biggest mistake people make with Alaska excursions?
A common mistake is over-scheduling. Trying to fit in too many paid excursions can lead to a rushed, stressful experience. It's important to leave unscheduled time to simply wander through the unique port towns, explore local shops, and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.