Absolutely the Best & Worst Alaska Shore Excursions for First-Timers

Planning your first Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming when faced with dozens of shore excursion options at each port. From helicopter glacier landings to salmon fishing trips, the choices are abundant – and often expensive. You want to experience authentic Alaska without wasting precious vacation time or money on disappointing tours.

We’ve gathered insights from experienced Alaska cruisers and locals to help you navigate these choices. You’ll discover which excursions deliver unforgettable experiences and which ones you can confidently skip in favor of more meaningful adventures or independent exploration.

With the right approach to selecting shore excursions, you’ll create lasting memories while experiencing the true essence of the Last Frontier – without breaking the bank or missing out on what makes Alaska truly special.

How To Choose Alaska Shore Excursions Wisely

Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s establish a framework for making smart excursion choices. These strategies will help you select experiences that align with your interests, abilities, and budget.

First, establish a realistic budget for your port activities. Alaska excursions range dramatically in price – from affordable walking tours at $30-50 per person to helicopter glacier landings that can exceed $500 per person. Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend at each port.

Next, honestly assess your physical abilities. Many Alaska excursions involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, or more strenuous activities. Choose experiences that everyone in your group can comfortably enjoy.

Consider your primary interests when selecting excursions:

• Wildlife viewing (whales, bears, eagles)

• Glaciers and natural wonders

• Cultural experiences (Native Alaskan heritage)

• Adventure activities (hiking, kayaking, ziplining)

• Historical sites (gold rush history)

While booking through your cruise line offers convenience and guaranteed return to the ship, local operators often provide similar experiences at lower prices with smaller groups. Research both options before deciding.

Don’t overbook yourself. It’s better to choose one quality experience per port than to rush through multiple activities. Leave time to explore the charming port towns independently – some of your best memories might come from unplanned wandering.

Finally, check typical weather patterns for your travel dates. May and September offer lower prices but higher chances of rain, while July and August typically have better weather but higher costs and more crowds.

Must-Do Shore Excursions For First-Time Alaska Cruisers

These excursions consistently rank as the most worthwhile experiences for first-time visitors. They showcase Alaska’s natural beauty, wildlife, and unique culture while providing excellent value. (Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!)

1. Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching Combo

Juneau offers two signature attractions that work perfectly as a combined tour. The Mendenhall Glacier experience gives you close access to a massive ice field just 12 miles from downtown. The visitor center provides excellent educational displays about glacier formation and retreat, and several viewing platforms offer spectacular photo opportunities.

The whale-watching portion takes you into the nutrient-rich feeding grounds where humpback whales spend their summers. Most tours guarantee whale sightings, and you’ll likely spot orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles as well.

These combo tours typically last 4-5 hours, giving you enough time to experience both highlights without feeling rushed. You can book through your cruise line for seamless transportation or save 15-30% by booking directly with local operators who often offer the same experience for less.

Tip: Bring layers even in summer – it’s significantly colder on the water than in town. A waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves will keep you comfortable during the boat portion.

2. Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

The historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is Skagway’s signature excursion and for good reason. This narrow-gauge railroad climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, following the same path taken by Klondike Gold Rush stampeders in the late 1890s.

You’ll travel in vintage passenger cars as the train hugs cliff edges and crosses trestle bridges with spectacular mountain views. The standard 3-hour roundtrip tour includes narrating the incredibly difficult construction and the gold rush history that shaped the region.

For a more comprehensive experience, consider combination packages that pair the train ride with a scenic highway tour or hiking opportunity. These options let you ride the train up and return by bus, stopping at scenic overlooks that train passengers miss.

Book this excursion early – it frequently sells out during peak season. For the best views, request seats on the left side of the train (heading up the mountain).

Alternative Excursion: Dog Sledding & Musher’s Camp Experience

Consider a dog sledding excursion at a local musher’s camp for a different taste of Alaskan adventure. Skagway is home to training facilities where experienced mushers and their sled dogs prepare for races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest.

At the Skagway Musher’s Camp, you’ll meet a team of energetic Alaskan huskies, learn about the history of dog sledding, and experience a thrilling summer sled ride through the forest. Visitors also get to cuddle with adorable sled dog puppies, a highlight for many.

This excursion offers a hands-on, interactive experience that’s perfect for families and dog lovers. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an alternative to the White Pass train or want to add another unforgettable experience to your day in Skagway.

3. Ketchikan: Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour

Ketchikan’s premier excursion is a flightseeing tour of Misty Fjords National Monument. This massive wilderness area features 3,000-foot cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep fjords carved by ancient glaciers.

Small floatplanes take you over landscapes utterly inaccessible by road. Most tours include a water landing in a remote fjord, allowing you to step onto the pontoons and breathe in the pristine air while surrounded by absolute wilderness. The entire experience typically lasts 2-3 hours.

While expensive ($250-350 per person), this excursion consistently ranks as a trip highlight for Alaska cruisers. For a more budget-friendly alternative, consider boat tours to the monument, though they can’t access as many areas as the planes.

Weather conditions can affect visibility, so try to book this excursion early in your port day if possible. This gives you the chance to reschedule if needed.

4. Sitka: Wildlife Boat Tours & Raptor Center Visit

Sitka offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing in a more intimate setting than some larger ports. Small boat cruises provide your best chance to see various marine wildlife, including whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions.

Many tours include visiting St. Lazaria Island, a protected bird sanctuary where you can spot puffins and other seabirds. Bring binoculars for the best experience.

Complement your boat tour with a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, where injured eagles and other birds of prey receive rehabilitation. You’ll see bald eagles up close and learn about conservation efforts.

For a uniquely Alaskan experience, combine these activities with a visit to Sitka National Historical Park to see totem poles and learn about Tlingit culture. The park’s coastal trail offers beautiful views and is an easy walk from the cruise dock.

Shore Excursions You Can Confidently Skip

While Alaska offers incredible shore excursions, not all deliver good value for your vacation dollars. Here are the types of tours you can confidently skip in favor of better alternatives.

1. Overpriced Tours You Can Do On Your Own

Cruise-sponsored shopping tours should be avoided entirely. These excursions typically lead to jewelry stores, souvenir shops, and other tourist-oriented businesses with inflated prices, often with kickbacks to the guides or cruise lines. You’ll find better deals shopping independently.

Basic city highlights tours are another category where you can save money. Most Alaskan port cities—Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka—are compact and walkable. Instead of paying for a guided tour, grab a free map from the visitor center and create your own walking tour.

For example, in Ketchikan, Creek Street is just a short stroll from the cruise pier, and the Totem Heritage Center is easily accessible on foot.

You can also find alternatives to many expensive “transportation-only” excursions. For instance, if you’re up for a little walking, the public bus to Mendenhall Glacier costs just $2 each way in Juneau, and it stops about 1.5 miles from the visitor center. 

Alternatively, if you’re comfortable driving, renting a car allows you to visit not only Mendenhall Glacier but also the Shrine of St. Therese, Eagle Beach, and the National Shrine Scenic Byway—all at your own pace. Renting a car in Juneau as a cruise ship passenger can be quite convenient, thanks to several rental companies that cater specifically to travelers arriving by sea.

Similarly, in Skagway, rather than paying for a shuttle, you can rent a bike or walk to popular sites like Lower Dewey Lake and Yakutania Point.

2. Excursions That Consume Too Much Port Time

Be wary of excursions that require long travel times to reach the main attraction. Some tours advertise destinations three or more hours from port, meaning you’ll spend six hours just in transit with little time to actually explore.

For example, some Denali excursions marketed as “cruise-friendly” require a five-hour drive each way from Anchorage, making them impractical for a day trip. Similarly, Arctic Circle flight tours from Fairbanks (for those on land-based extensions) are stunning but often canceled due to weather, leaving travelers scrambling for alternative plans.

Multi-stop excursions that promise to show “everything” often result in rushed experiences. If a tour lists six or more stops in a single itinerary, expect to spend most of your time boarding and exiting buses rather than actually enjoying the sights. Instead, choose one or two well-paced experiences, such as a dog-sledding adventure in Skagway or a whale-watching tour in Juneau, where you can truly soak in the experience.

Helicopter and flightseeing tours, while breathtaking, are highly dependent on weather conditions. In Ketchikan, Misty Fjords flightseeing tours frequently experience delays or cancellations due to fog and rain. Similarly, glacier landing tours from Juneau often require long waits, meaning you may need to sacrifice other planned activities if weather conditions aren’t ideal.

3. Activities That Underdeliver On Their Promises

Some excursions sound exciting but fail to deliver an authentic or high-value experience.

Salmon Bakes

Many salmon bakes are marketed as immersive Alaskan experiences but receive mixed reviews. For instance, both the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau and the Liarsville Gold Rush Camp in Skagway are designed to accommodate large groups of tourists, which can sometimes create a mass-produced feel. Some visitors appreciate the structured nature and entertainment provided at these events, while others feel the experience is rushed, with limited opportunities for interaction with locals. At Liarsville, for example, the focus is on gold-rush-themed performances and activities, with the salmon bake as one component of a broader experience.

If you’re craving fresh seafood in a more intimate setting, consider dining at a local restaurant instead—places like Tracy’s King Crab Shack (Juneau) and The Skagway Fish Company are well-regarded for their high-quality seafood and casual, local atmosphere.

“Exclusive” Glacier Viewings

Some glacier viewpoints marketed as “exclusive” offer little advantage over free public alternatives. Before booking a paid tour, check if you can access a similar view on your own. 

For example, rather than paying for an excursion to see Mendenhall Glacier from the visitor center, you can hike Nugget Falls Trail (a short and scenic walk) for free. However, if you want to visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center itself, be aware that there is an entrance fee.

Gardens and Nature Centers

Gardens and nature centers included in shore excursions often charge premium prices but don’t always offer unique experiences. Instead of a paid excursion to Tongass Rainforest Gardens in Ketchikan, consider hiking the Rainbird Trail or exploring Totem Bight State Park, both of which provide rich opportunities to experience Alaska’s natural beauty at little or no cost.

Similarly, in Sitka, the Raptor Center is a fantastic wildlife rehabilitation facility that some cruise excursions bundle with other activities. However, visitors can also reach it independently via public transportation or a short walk from downtown Sitka, making it a more affordable option.

Smart Strategies For Booking Alaska Excursions

To get the most value from your Alaska shore excursions without overpaying, consider these practical booking strategies:

Compare prices between cruise line offerings and independent operators. Cruise lines typically mark up excursions by 20-40% over direct booking prices. However, booking through the ship provides guaranteed return and simplified logistics.

Book early for high-demand excursions like helicopter tours, dog sledding, and the White Pass Railway. These popular options often sell out months before sailing, especially during peak season (June-August).

Consider mixing premium excursions with free exploration days. If you splurge on a helicopter glacier landing in Juneau, balance it with self-guided walking tours in other ports.

For families, carefully check age and weight restrictions before booking. Many Alaska excursions have minimum age requirements or physical limitations that might not accommodate everyone in your group.

Read cancellation policies carefully, especially when booking independently. While cruise line excursions typically offer full refunds for weather cancellations, independent operators may have stricter policies.

Look for combination tours that package multiple experiences at a discount. These often provide better value than booking separate excursions.

Consider pooling together with other travelers to hire private guides or transportation. This can be more economical for groups of 4-6 people than joining large tour groups.

Closing Thoughts:

Alaska shore excursions create the memories that will define your cruise experience. By focusing on authentic experiences that showcase the state’s natural beauty, wildlife, and unique culture, you’ll return home with a genuine appreciation for what makes Alaska unique. 

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