I have cruised to Alaska more than 20 times, and one of the things I love most about this remarkable destination is that I continue to find new and exciting ways to explore it. I may return to the same ports, but the experience is never quite the same.
Alaska is simply one of the best destinations in the world to visit by ship. Much of its spectacular coastline is remote, and many communities are difficult—or sometimes impossible—to reach by road. A cruise allows you to travel comfortably between these places while the scenery unfolds around you. Snowcapped mountains, forested islands, waterfalls and glaciers are not just destinations on an Alaska cruise; they are part of the journey.
However, the ship can only take you so far. To truly experience Alaska, you need to go ashore.
There Is More Beyond the Waterfront
Alaska’s port towns are charming and enjoyable to explore. Walking through Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway or Sitka gives you opportunities to visit local shops, learn about the community and perhaps enjoy some fresh Alaska seafood. I always recommend leaving a little time to wander through town.
But if you only explore the streets near the ship, you are seeing just a small part of what makes Alaska so special. Shore excursions take you beyond the waterfront and deeper into the landscapes, history, wildlife and culture of the region.
Fortunately, Alaska offers an extraordinary variety of excursions. Whether you want a gentle sightseeing experience or an active outdoor adventure, there is likely an option that matches your interests and comfort level.
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife viewing is one of the biggest reasons people dream about visiting Alaska. Depending on the port and season, an excursion may offer the chance to see whales, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, bears and other animals in their natural surroundings.
Whale-watching excursions are especially popular in ports such as Juneau and Icy Strait Point. Smaller sightseeing vessels can travel into feeding areas while onboard naturalists explain the behaviors you are witnessing.
But for me, one wildlife encounter was a particularly long time coming. On my first 20 Alaska cruises, I hoped to see a bear—and somehow never did. Finally, on my most recent cruise, I joined a shore excursion at Icy Strait Point specifically to look for bears. And there it was: my first bear sighting in Alaska!
After all those visits, that moment was a wonderful reminder that Alaska still has new experiences waiting for me. It also reinforced why I recommend shore excursions. Exploring town is enjoyable, but heading out with a guide can put you in places you would never reach on your own.
Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. I can certainly attest to that! But choosing an excursion focused on the animals you hope to see can give you a better opportunity—and perhaps a memory you have been waiting years to make.
Glaciers From Every Perspective
Glaciers are among Alaska’s most impressive natural wonders, and there are many ways to experience them.
You might take a motorcoach to a glacier viewing area, explore bays aboard kayaks or a small boats for a closer look or fly above an immense icefield in a floatplane.
For travelers looking for a true bucket-list experience, a helicopter flight over Alaska’s mountains and glaciers is difficult to top. The view from above reveals just how vast and wild this landscape really is. Some excursions even land on a glacier, giving you the opportunity to step onto the ice and appreciate its scale in an entirely different way.
History, Culture and Local Stories
Alaska’s story is about much more than scenery. Shore excursions can introduce you to Alaska Native traditions, Gold Rush history and the experiences of the people who built communities in this remote part of the world.
In Ketchikan and Sitka, cultural experiences may include traditional art, storytelling and performances. In Skagway, the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway follows part of the path traveled by prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. It combines dramatic scenery with a fascinating look at Alaska’s past.
Guided town tours can also provide valuable context. Buildings and landmarks become far more meaningful when a knowledgeable local guide shares the stories behind them.
Active Adventures
For those who want to be more active, Alaska offers hiking, kayaking, rafting, bicycling and ziplining. You might paddle through a quiet coastal inlet, hike in a temperate rainforest or float down a scenic river surrounded by mountains.
These excursions are offered at many activity levels. You do not need to be an elite athlete to enjoy the outdoors in Alaska. The important thing is to read the excursion descriptions carefully and choose an experience that fits your mobility, stamina and sense of adventure.
Food, Fishing and Uniquely Alaskan Fun
Some excursions are simply about enjoying the flavors and personality of Alaska. You can sample fresh salmon, halibut and crab, visit a local brewery or take part in a traditional salmon bake.
Fishing excursions are another Alaska favorite. Depending on the location and season, guests may fish for salmon, halibut or trout with an experienced local captain. Even if you are new to fishing, spending a day on the water can be an enjoyable way to appreciate Alaska’s scenery and maritime culture.
Other possibilities include dog-sledding demonstrations, visits to sled-dog camps, lumberjack shows and scenic drives through the countryside. Alaska provides plenty of options for families, first-time visitors and travelers who prefer a more relaxed day ashore.
Choosing the Right Alaska Excursions
With so many choices, planning your excursions can be almost as important as selecting your cruise. Some of the most popular experiences have limited capacity and can sell out well before departure. Weather, port times, physical requirements and transportation methods should all be considered.
After cruising to Alaska for 40 years, I have learned that no single excursion defines the destination. Alaska can be experienced from the deck of a wildlife-viewing boat, the window of a historic train, the seat of a floatplane, a forest trail or a quiet table filled with freshly caught seafood.
That is why I continue returning. Alaska always has another glacier to see, another story to hear and another adventure waiting beyond the ship.
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