Alaska is a dream destination for many cruise travelers, offering breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
With limited time in each port, choosing the right shore excursion can make all the difference in your experience.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, or cultural immersion, Alaska’s coastal towns have something for every traveler.
This guide explores the top 10 shore excursions that you won’t want to miss, helping you make the most of your Alaskan cruise.
Top 10 Shore Excursions in Alaska’s Coastal Towns
1. Whale Watching in Juneau
Juneau is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
Humpback whales migrate to Alaska’s waters each summer, and orcas are often spotted as well.
Many excursions include small-group boat tours with onboard naturalists explaining whale behaviors.
Some even feature hydrophones that let you hear the whales communicating underwater.
2. Dog Sledding on a Glacier (Skagway or Juneau)
Few experiences are as uniquely Alaskan as dog sledding.
This excursion begins with a scenic helicopter ride to a glacier, where you’ll meet a team of energetic sled dogs and mushers.
You’ll then glide across the ice, experiencing the thrill of dog sledding in a remote, icy wilderness.
3. Mendenhall Glacier & Ice Caves Exploration (Juneau)
Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see when stopping in Juneau.
Several tours allow you to hike to the glacier or paddle by kayak.
The real highlight is exploring the ice caves, where brilliant blue ice formations create an otherworldly atmosphere.
4. White Pass & Yukon Route Scenic Train Ride (Skagway)
For a relaxing yet breathtaking shore excursion, hop on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
This historic train ride follows the same route used during the Klondike Gold Rush, offering stunning mountain, waterfall, and canyon views.
5. Bear Viewing in Sitka or Ketchikan
Alaska is home to some of the world’s largest brown bears, and seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience.
Guided bear-watching tours take you to remote locations, such as Admiralty Island or Anan Wildlife Observatory, where bears can be seen fishing for salmon.
6. Kayaking Through Misty Fjords National Monument (Ketchikan)
Misty Fjords, often called the “Yosemite of the North,” is a breathtaking wilderness of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and deep blue fjords.
A kayaking excursion lets you experience the tranquility of this pristine environment while paddling past dramatic rock formations and dense forests.
7. Totem Pole & Cultural Heritage Tour (Ketchikan or Sitka)
Alaska has a rich Indigenous culture, and totem pole parks provide a fascinating look into Native history and artistry.
Visiting places like Saxman Native Village or Totem Bight State Park gives insight into the symbolism and craftsmanship behind these towering carvings.
8. Salmon Fishing Excursion (Ketchikan or Sitka)
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
If you enjoy fishing, a guided excursion lets you experience world-class salmon fishing in Alaska’s rich waters.
Many tours offer the option to ship your catch home, allowing you to enjoy fresh Alaskan salmon long after your trip.
9. Glacier Bay National Park Boat Tour
Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders.
Boat tours take you past massive calving glaciers, floating icebergs, and abundant marine wildlife, including sea lions, otters, and bald eagles.
10. Brewery & Seafood Tasting Tour (Juneau or Ketchikan)
Food lovers will enjoy a culinary tour featuring Alaska’s best seafood, such as fresh-caught salmon, king crab, and halibut, paired with locally brewed craft beers.
Some tours include behind-the-scenes brewery visits and tastings of unique flavors like spruce tip ale.
Conclusion
Alaska’s coastal towns offer a wide range of unforgettable shore excursions, from thrilling glacier adventures to serene wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and activity level, but no matter which excursion you select, Alaska’s natural beauty and unique experiences will leave a lasting impression.
Plan ahead, book early, and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime on your Alaskan cruise.
