The best Alaska cruise excursions by sky, land and sea

Alaska is a playground for adventure and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a helicopter ride, the calm of a kayak experience, or the views from a scenic train ride, Alaska has it all.

We’ve compared the best Alaska cruise shore excursions in the sky, on land, and on water, so you can easily pick the adventure that will make your Alaska cruise truly unforgettable.

Our Alaska cruise excursion recommendations highlight top options for both first-time visitors and seasoned cruisers… read on to find the best excursion for you!

Best excursions in the sky

Helicopter ride on Mendenhall Glacier: Virgin Voyages offers a ‘Dog Sledding & Heli-Ride on Mendenhall Glacier’ excursion for those who want to explore by land and by air. You will take a helicopter flight to Mendenhall Glacier while trained pilots narrate the scenic ride. Once you touch down on land, you’ll be greeted by a professional dog musher (driver of the dog sled) and go dog sledding with Alaskan Huskies. You’ll also have ample time to cuddle with puppies before heading back to the ship!

Floatplane bear adventure: Fly by floatplane to a remote spot in the Tongass National Forest with Cunard’s ‘Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane’ excursion. You will hike with a naturalist to a viewing platform where black bears gather to feed on salmon, while bald eagles perch nearby. This excursion is perfect for up-close encounters with Alaska’s wildlife before returning to your cruise ship.

Ketchikan flightseeing by seaplane: Experience Ketchikan’s fascinating history and stunning wilderness on an authentic Alaska seaplane adventure, also with Cunard. Step aboard one of the world-famous bush planes – a de Havilland Beaver or Otter – and take in Alaska’s breathtaking scenery from your window seat. Listen through headsets as your pilot shares expert commentary while you fly over historic Ketchikan and the surrounding landscape.

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Best excursions on land

White Pass Summit train ride: Holland America Line offers a ‘White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad’ for a historic and scenic journey through rugged Alaskan terrain. You will ride in a restored or replica vintage railcar, passing tunnels, trestles, waterfalls, and remote valleys. Along the way, guides share stories of the Klondike Gold Rush and the railway’s incredible engineering.

Denali wilderness tour: Denali National Park is a must-visit whilst in Alaska. Princess Cruises offers a ‘Denali National Park Tundra Tour’ for an immersive land-based adventure in Alaska’s wilderness. You will travel along the road corridor to mile 43 while keeping an eye out for wildlife. The tour includes a visit to Murie Cabin, the historic home of naturalist Adolf Murie, and provides both scenic views and educational insights into Denali National Park.

Bears and homestead experience: Disney offers a ‘Karting through Ketchikan’ excursion. You will start with a short motorcoach ride through Ketchikan, learning about the city’s history and culture along the way. Once at the Adventure Kart base, you’ll hop into a Polaris RZR 1000 for a 90-minute guided trek. Following your guide through forest trails, you’ll navigate curves and hills while taking in breathtaking views of the Tongass National Forest, Behm Canal, and Alaska’s Inside Passage.

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Best excursions on water

Wilderness sea kayaking adventure: Holland America Line offers a ‘Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure’ for exploring Alaska’s coastline by water. You will travel via motorised Seahawk craft to a floating kayak base camp and then paddle through calm waterways surrounded by rainforest and marine life. Along the way, you may spot sea lions, eagles, bears, or even whales. After the paddle, you can enjoy a hot beverage and snack before returning to your cruise ship.

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest: For those looking to stick to the water, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a ‘Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest’ excursion onboard a catamaran. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and bald eagles are frequently observed, and a naturalist provides commentary throughout your cruise. Hydrophones aboard the vessel may even allow you to hear whales beneath the water. This is one of the most popular Alaska cruise water excursions, ideal for anyone looking to experience Alaska’s wildlife from the water.

Motorboat through the Alaskan wilderness: Disney’s ‘Alaskan Boatman’ excursion is perfect for those who want to explore away from the crowds. You’ll take a scenic shuttle to the Outdoor Adventure Centre for a safety briefing before boarding a custom 4.2-metre skiff and venturing along the remote shores of Betton Island. For around two hours, you’ll search for wildlife such as eagles, whales, seals and bears, exploring hidden coves and untouched coastline. All gear is provided, though dressing warmly is recommended, and smaller parties may share a skiff before heading back to the ship.

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