USA · ALASKA CRUISE SHORE EXCURSIONS
34 tours
Good alaska cruise shore excursions sell out first once the season starts. Below are the 15 best, with current prices and what separates them, so you can book before the calendar closes up.
Juneau whale watching by Alaska Tales. Prebook for 100% whale sightings, heated boat comfort, and a cruise-friendly day with transfers.
“We had a great time and the crew was friendly, knowledgeable and got us where we saw whales. The deck got a little crowded but folks were nice about sharing space.”
See Mendenhall Glacier up close, then hunt for humpbacks on a warm wildlife cruise from Juneau, with round-trip transport included.
“The trip was great. Saw whales learned their names and the crew was great. Would definitely do this again.”
A land and water Ketchikan duck tour with live narration, calm harbor cruising, and plenty of totem poles, for $79.
“Fun land and sea tour of the port narrated by a local resident. Got to hear about the history of Ketchikan. And saw eagles once the tour hit the water. The Duck Boat vehicle kept us warm and dry with the roof and plexiglass walls.”
Volcanoes National Park, a lava tube walk, and black sand beach sea turtles on a 6-hour Hilo shore excursion.
“I will not use them again, the let us sit and wait in the terminal building for one hour without information, before they finally came with a bus and on top they cut the trip with half and hour.”
Small-group Juneau whale tour on a 40-foot catamaran with a wrap-around deck, pickup help, and a naturalist for spotting humpbacks and more.
“Tj & naturalist (apologies I can not remember his name!) were great & made the trip fun. We saw dozens of whales & they were great about pointing them out to everyone on board. Absolutely the right choice & amount of people on board!”
6-hour Kenai Fjords cruise from Seward with warm viewing, lunch, seabird rookeries, and real odds at whales plus calving glaciers.
“We were warned ahead of time that there would be rough water and bad weather. We could have canceled for a full refund, I'm so glad we decided to go. We were able to see eagles, otters, two types of seals and everyone's favorite a huge pod of resident Orcas, on our way into the glacier and again on our way out. Emma was our captain, she was amazing. She kept us going, we were able to do the full trip which she decided as we went. The swells were big, we did a lot of rocking and rolling. Several people did get sick. It poured off and on so…”
Ketchikan All In One is a 2.5-hour small-group tour with a salmon ladder, tidepools, wildlife viewing, and Saxman totem poles for $94.
“What a wonderful excursion in Ketchikan. Our driver Shane was bound and determined to find a bear for our group. Persistence paid off.”
Join a 3-hour Auke Bay whale watch with heated boat viewing, naturalist narration, snacks, and a quick Mendenhall Glacier photo stop.
“Captain Chris, Dani and Ethan did a great job. Kept us comfortable on a cold rainey day. Saw 4 humpbacks.”
A small-group Ketchikan photo safari with stops like Creek Street and Totem Park, plus practical camera tips for phones and DSLRs.
“Highly recommend this excursion. It really is off the beaten path. A myriad of photo opportunities awaits. Tori Boneta showed us how to do things with our smart phone cameras we didn't know was possible. Vibrant and knowledgeable, she was super friendly and helpful. A rare find. Would love to do this again.”
Kayak Clover Pass with a small group, learn tide-pool life, spot sea lions and humpback whales, plus pickup and salmon snack.
“The guide was knowledgeable and fun and I would have given this excursion five stars, however the location did not live up to the description online. Because we had to cut off long distances to get to the island with the wildlife. We did not have an opportunity to see as much as we had hoped.”
Smooth 26 Glacier cruise from Whittier, Alaska with smoked salmon chowder, wildlife spotting, and up-close glacier views.
“Saw whales. Beautiful scenery but you can not hear the speaker and it makes for a long trip at 5.75 hours. Was not as good as the last time we were there.”
Skagway to the Yukon by minibus on the Klondike Highway, with lake photo stops, Carcross Desert, and Wild Adventure Yukon.
“Tour guide bus drive very knowledgeable and thought of everything we need. We have a good time during the whole trip.”
Board the Aleutian Ballad for a 3-hour Inside Passage crab-fishing experience in Ketchikan, with hands-on sea life and salty crew stories.
“We are huge Deadliest Catch fans and this excursion did not disappoint. The staff were entertaining, engaging and informative and their passion for fishing was plain for all to see. The bald eagles did not cooperate but that is not something under any one’s control. Highly recommend!”
Seward Kenai Fjords catamaran cruise with lunch. Spot whales, puffins, sea otters, and calving tidewater glaciers in 6 hours.
“excellent boat, very well maintained and clean, excellent captain and guide, good lunch, lots of wildlife sightings.”
Ride an e-bike to Ketchikan’s Road to Nowhere, then hike Tongass rainforest to waterfalls, salmon streams, and beach views.
“Excellent opportunity to get away from town and experience nature. Lucky enough to spot a mother bear with 2 cubs.”
