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There are hundreds of shore excursions to choose from during an Alaska cruise, and they are not all created equal. With so many options, it can be hard to decipher which excursions and tours are really worth the added cost. I’ve been on three Alaskan cruises in the last two years, and I’ve done some awesome shore excursions during my trips. Whether you’re sailing to Ketchikan or Skagway, or anywhere in between, this list can serve as a great jumping off point while planning an epic adventure off of the cruise ship. This post compiles some of the best Alaska cruise shore excursions, and breaks down why you should consider booking them for your next Alaska cruise vacation.

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Ketchikan Shore Excursions and Tours

As the southernmost destination on many Inside Passage itineraries, Ketchikan is a popular and well-loved port for Alaska cruising. There is honestly a lot to do and see in Ketchikan without going on a shore excursion. For starters, try visiting the Southeast Alaska Discover Center or hiking Rainbird Trail to enjoy the wonders of Tongass National Forest. But if you’re looking for more great options, take a trip out to Misty Fjords National Monument, experience a Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour, or watch lumberjacks compete at log rolling at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show!

Visit the Misty Fjords National Monument

There are two types of excursions that will allow you to experience the magic of the Misty Fjords: flightseeing excursions and day cruise excursions. There are pros and cons to both, and one type of excursion might be better than the other depending on the interests and needs of your travel party. 

Misty Fjord flightseeing tours depart from Ketchikan and give passengers stunning aerial views of the Misty Fjords landscape. These tours tend to be shorter and more expensive, but provide guests with one of the most unique Alaska excursion experiences available to cruise passengers visiting Ketchikan. 

The other way to enjoy the Misty Fjords National Monument area is by boat, typically on a day cruise. What I personally love about this excursion is that you get an up close and personal experience sailing through the fjords. From waterfalls to wildlife sightings, seeing the Misty Fjords by boat is incredibly immersive and exciting. At times, the cliffs feel so close that you can almost reach out and touch them! Not quite, but it feels as such during certain points on the tour. 

For me, the one major con or downside to experiencing the Misty Fjords by boat is that I didn’t get much time to walk around Ketchikan afterward when I did this tour during my first Inside Passage cruise to Alaska. The tour took several hours, and I became slightly seasick from getting off of one boat only to get directly on another boat with very minimal standing time on solid ground! If you’re sensitive to these types of things like I am, I would recommend opting for the flightseeing version of the tour.

Whether you decide to see the Misty Fjords by air or by water, it is absolutely worth the money. The views are great and you will surely get stunning photos to show your friends and family back home. I can’t imagine an Inside Passage cruise without an excursion to see the Misty Fjords. If it’s your first time cruising to Alaska (or your first time visiting Ketchikan), this is a must-do excursion.  

There are a few options available to book on Viator, but you can also find Misty Fjords excursions through your cruise provider or via Google search.

Set Sail with Bering Sea Crab Fishermen

Ever wonder what a day in the life of a Bering Sea Crab fisherman is like? Now you can experience it for yourself by setting sail onboard the Aleutian Ballad for a Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour! This is definitely a unique experience and if you’re even remotely interested in deep ocean fishing, this would be a great option for a shore excursion in Ketchikan.

During the journey, you’ll watch on as the fisherman catch crab, octopus, prawns, and more! There is also a tank onboard facing the seats so guests can see what the fishermen catch as they’re bringing it onboard. The tour operates on a catch-and-release model, which is extremely important to me as a marine life lover.

Also important to note: This a neat experience for the whole family but due to maritime rules and regulations, this excursion is only suitable for guests ages 5 and up.

Despite what you might see on the popular tv show “Deadliest Catch”, this excursion is a lot more tame but doesn’t sacrifice coolness! You’re sure to enjoy the half-day experience on the water with this excursion.

However, just like with the Misty Fjords National Monument boat tour, this tour involves being on the water for the majority of your day in port. If you’re looking for something on solid ground, keep reading to check out another suggestion for excursions in Ketchikan!

There are a couple ways to book this excursion: you can book directly with the tour company at their website here, or you can book on Viator. You may also be able to book this excursion with your cruise line or with a travel agent. Booking directly with the excursion company will likely give you the best rates!

Watch Lumberjacks Compete in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Looking for something on dry land that will still provide you with a fun, memorable experience? Look no further than the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show! This is such a crowd pleaser, and for good reason. It’s bound to have you laughing, gasping, and shouting for more!

The facility where the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is located is quite literally only one block away from where most cruise ships dock in Ketchikan. It’s an easy walk, and it’s not hard to find at all.

This excursion is perfect for families, those who might want time off of the water, and even visitors with mobility challenges. The facility is handicap accessible, but I always recommend reaching out to the facility directly to coordinate any additional accommodations you or your party might need to help you enjoy your time to the fullest.

Though I wouldn’t recommend walking up without a reservation, it is possible to walk-up during shoulder season cruising if you’re looking for a show in a pinch. During high season June-August, the odds of securing a walk-up show are extremely slim. It’s always best to book ahead, especially for Alaska excursions and tours, as they fill up quickly.

You can book this excursion directly at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack website here, or you can book with your cruise line, as well. There are also bundle tour packages you can purchase on sites like Viator and GetYourGuide. See below for details on these tours, as well as links to book:

• Viator – Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and Crab Feast
• GetYourGuide – Lumberjack Show, Driving Tour, and Crab Feast

Juneau Shore Excursions and Tours

One of the biggest highlights of visiting Juneau is seeing the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Words cannot describe the overwhelming feeling of witnessing this mammoth glacier in person for the first time. It’s an experience I wish I could relive over and over again. There are several different types of excursions that will allow you to marvel the wonder of the Mendenhall Glacier, and each provides a unique experience based on your travel needs and preferences.

Paddle on Mendenhall Lake to the face of Mendenhall Glacier

In my experience, the best and most thrilling way to enjoy the Mendenhall Glacier is from the water in a canoe or kayak. Feeling the rhythm of the pulsing waves as you paddle across the glacier-fed Mendenhall Lake is energizing. As you approach the face of the glacier after turning the bend, you’re too stunned to speak. Trust me, it’s an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you speechless.

The canoe excursion was one of my all-time favorite shore excursions I’ve ever done anywhere in the world. Feeling as though you are one with nature is exactly what so many come to Alaska in pursuit of. When you’re rowing through the waters of Mendenhall Lake, you will surely feel connected to the Alaskan wilderness.

I will add the disclaimer here that this excursion is not necessarily the easiest way to see the Mendenhall Glacier. You will sweat. Your arms will be sore the next day. But it’s absolutely worth every penny to witness the magnitude of the Mendenhall Glacier from the water. 

The specific excursion I booked was one through the Shore Excursions Desk onboard my Holland America Line cruise.

Here is a similar Mendenhall Glacier canoe adventure excursion from GetYourGuide, or you can also book it straight through your cruise line. This is a shore excursion you likely won’t be able to book last minute at the cruise port, so if you want to guarantee a spot you should reserve it in advance. This is a similar Mendenhall Glacier canoe tour available on Viator.

Explore the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Hike to Nugget Falls

If spending a day on the water isn’t your jam, you can instead visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. It is roughly 13-miles from downtown Juneau, and you’ll be able to get a taxi or sign-up for a shuttle right outside of the berths to organize your transportation. This is a great option for passengers with limited mobility who still want to enjoy the beauty of Mendenhall Glacier.

Shuttle prices range from $30-$45 per person. You can also use public transit for a cheaper rate but there is no drop-off point near the Visitor Center (the closest drop-off point is 1.5 miles away from the Visitor Center and you will have to walk the rest of the way). I personally would not recommend the public transit option unless you have extended time (more than one full day) in Juneau.

There are a few transport options you can book prior to arriving in port. One that I have personally used and recommend with flying colors is the Blue Bus Glacier Express. This is a narrated pick-up and drop-off transportation option connecting Mendenhall Glacier to downtown. It’s roughly $45 roundtrip per person before gratuities (remember to bring cash to tip your driver). This is the most flexible and casual means of visiting the Mendenhall Glacier and neighboring Nugget Falls.

Speaking of Nugget Falls, there is a low-grade hiking path from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center out to the incredible Nugget Falls waterfall. The trail is 1.5-miles roundtrip, but is very easy to complete. Once at Nugget Falls, prepare to get wet if you want to take a close-up photo or video! This 370+ foot waterfall is great in and of itself, but from where the waterfall spills out you can capture a great view of Mendenhall Glacier, too.

Take a Helicopter Ride for a Glacier Walkabout

If you want to splurge in Juneau and have the experience of a lifetime, I suggest doing a Juneau helicopter tour with a glacier walkabout! Some variations of this tour even feature dog sledding on a glacier as an added experience! You can book this tour through your cruise provider, or on Viator here.

This is likely the most expensive tour offered on this list but if you’re looking to have an incredible adventure to talk about for decades, this is it.

I would not recommend this tour for visitors with a fear of flying on a prop plane, or visitors with a fear of heights or flying in general. I would also shy away from this excursion if you have limited mobility, as this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

If you plan to partake in this excursion, dress for colder temperatures and pack layers! You can use my Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing Guide to help you plan your packing list! I even offer a free PDF checklist to assist in your planning efforts.

Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions and Tours

Icy Strait Point is a cruise port located on Chichagof Island, less than 2 miles away from the Native Tlingit village of Hoonah. There are a ton of fun adventure activities available to visitors in Icy Strait including ziplining, Jeep expeditions, and more. There is no shortage of Alaska cruise excursions available in Icy Strait Point–but with only a few hours to spare, figuring out which excursion is worth your time can be a challenge.

Spot Breaching Whales During a Whale Watching Tour

My recommendation for Icy Strait Point? Do a whale watching excursion! Sure, you can do whale watching excursions in almost every Inside Passage port but what really makes Icy Strait Point unique from a whale sighting perspective is its positioning near Point Adolphus. Point Adolphus is home to the largest summer population of humpback whales in all of Alaska! That’s why if you want to splurge on a whale sighting excursion, Icy Strait Point is the best port to do so.

Whale watching excursions out of Icy Strait Point are in high demand, so make sure to book this one early. And don’t forget to pack your camera!

During our whale watching excursion out of Icy Strait Point, we saw a pod of orcas breaching (with a calf!) and several breaching humpback whales. We also saw so many whale blows! Check out the video I captured during the excursion below. I lost count of how many whales we saw after the number exceeded what I could keep track of on my two hands!

Whale Watching in Alaska – Icy Strait Point

There is a whale watching excursion available through GetYourGuide, as well as one available through Viator. Just as with all of these excursions, you can book a whale watching excursion through your cruise provider, too. Also, another option to check out is Icy Strait Whale Adventures.

Skagway Shore Excursions and Tours

Though Skagway isn’t always included on every Alaska cruise itinerary, you’re truly in for a treat if you get the opportunity to stop here during your voyage. It’s a quaint, historic town that played an integral role as the gateway to the goldfields during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. Walking down Broadway Avenue transports visitors back in time to a Gold Rush era-Skagway. It’s honestly super cool, and visitors of all ages are bound to enjoy the change in pace and scenery.

Similar to Ketchikan in that there are a ton of free and low-cost things to do, Skagway also offers a ton of fun tours and excursions you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Enjoy a Scenic Ride on the White Pass Railroad

If you’re only going to do one thing in Skagway, let it be the White Pass Railroad Summit excursion. This is more than worth the money, and you’ll get to bear witness to views so idyllic and beautiful that you’ll want to ride it all over again!

The White Pass Summit Excursion is operated by White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, located right in downtown Skagway. You can easily walk from the cruise ship to the train station, as well as all throughout historic downtown Skagway, with little to no issue. There is hardly any elevation gain, and the locals are all lovely and willing to help point you in the right direction if you get lost. I was able to ride a free shuttle from the cruise port, but know ahead of time that gratuities are expected if you opt for the free shuttle. Plus, this shuttle might not operate during all points in the day so come prepared to walk the very short distance into town.

You may be able to book tickets on the White Pass Summit Excursion same day, but I’d recommend booking early. During my most recent visit to Skagway in 2022, I attempted to purchase a walk-up ticket and the pickings for time slots were slim.

The excursion takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours total, so there will likely still be plenty of time to enjoy the historic downtown area, dine at fun local spots, and maybe even do some hiking!

According to the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway website, 2023 excursions run from April 18 through October 25th. However, the website noted that certain dates won’t have service so you might want to look for something else to do if you’re visiting on one of the following dates: April 19-24, 26, 28; May 1; September 24, 30; October 1, 5, 7-9, 12-15, 19-23.

This excursion is wheelchair accessible, but make sure to note during the booking process to ensure your needs can be met.

Make sure to bring a fully charged camera or smartphone to snap photos. There are so many scenic spots along this route, and you won’t want to miss capturing the views from the vintage train car!

You can book this excursion through your cruise line or directly through the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway website.

Trek on a Glacier and Soak Up Stunning Views

Another great option for a shore excursion in Skagway is to do a Glacier Flightseeing Tour! Many of these tours include a glacier walkabout, and some even include a dog sledding experience.

Similar to the Helicopter Glacier Tour in Juneau, the Flightseeing Glacier Tours in Skagway are significantly more expensive than most other excursions offered on a standard Alaska cruise. Keep this in mind when planning your trip. If a flightseeing tour is on your “must-do” list, make sure to budget accordingly!

This type of excursion is available on AlaskaShoreExcursions.com. You might also be able to book this type of excursion directly through your cruise provider.

Sitka Shore Excursions and Tours

Sitka, just like many other Alaska cities and towns, is only accessible via water or air. This means that to get here, visitors must rely on boat transportation or plane transportation.

The history of Sitka is quite fascinating. Did you know that in 1867 Sitka was the spot where the United States and Russia signed the treaty to sell off Alaska to the United States? Yep, that’s right! And this is just one small part of Sitka’s fascinating history. I highly recommend researching Sitka beforehand and visiting the Sitka National Historic Park during your day in port.

In terms of shore excursions and tours available in Sitka, there are several great excursions that are especially great for families with small children and the elderly.

Visit Sitka’s Top Landmarks: Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bear, and Totems in the Sitka National Historic Park

The top landmarks and attractions in Sitka are all viewable in one day, and many companies and providers offer tours that range from 2 to 3 hours in length with transportation included! This is such a great way to see a lot with the limited time you have in port. Plus, families will find this set of attractions among the top in all of Alaska because of the educational element specifically designed to educate small children (and adults, too!) about the wonders of Alaska.

Here are a few different variations of this tour available to book online–you can also easily book this tour through your cruise provider onboard or in advance, as well:

• Viator – Premium Sitka Scenic Tour: Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears, Totems!

• Viator – Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, and Totems

• Viator – Sitka Shore Excursion: Bears, Raptor Center, & Totem Park Tour (Small Group)

• GetYourGuide – Sitka: Totem Poles, Sitka History, and Fortress of Bears Tour (this specific excursion does not include a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center)

Out of all of the landmarks included in this packaged tour, my personal favorite is the Alaska Raptor Center. I did this tour in 2021 during my first ever Alaska cruise, and I learned a lot about the various flora and fauna throughout Southeast Alaska. Plus, we went in late August and got to see many salmon and even a bear! The Alaska Raptor Center focuses on rehabilitation, medical treatment, and raptor research, as well as education about the raptor species. It is a phenomenal and impressive facility, and it’s a spot absolutely worth supporting during your visit to Sitka.

Note that some variations of the “top landmarks”/”all-in-one” tour do not include the Alaska Raptor Center. If you want to visit this facility, make sure you book a tour that includes it in the itinerary.

Another great stop on most “all-in-one” tours is the Fortress of the Bear. Another educational-based rescue facility, the Fortress of the Bear aims to rescue orphaned bear cubs from being shot or injured. The rescue center has 7 resident bears who were all orphaned at a young age and would have likely been killed if not rescued by the Fortress of the Bear team. At the facility, visitors can learn about these creatures and experience their behaviors in a safe, educational environment.

The final stop on most “all-in-one” tours is often the Sitka National Historic Park to witness intricately carved Tlingit and Haida totem poles throughout the park. This is a great way to learn about the histories and cultures of two native Alaskan tribes. There are several different types of totem poles that represent different important historic and cultural experiences, people, and events.

Explore Marine Habitats on the Sitka Sound

The Sitka Sound is a body of water surrounding Sitka, and boasts incredible marine life viewing, snorkeling, and paddle boarding opportunities! There are so many different ways to get out and enjoy Sitka from the water. Below are some of the top tours and excursions available to explore the marine world of Sitka Sound:

• Viator – 2-Hour Private Wildlife Tour in Sitka
• Viator – Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure
• Viator – Snorkel Tour at Magic Island

Sitka is just as beautiful below water as it is above water, and the snorkel tour is among one of the most unique in all of Sitka! How many people can say they went snorkeling in Alaska?!

If snorkeling isn’t your jam, I highly recommend the kayak adventure tour or the wildlife tour! I am an adventurer, and I love getting out into nature in fun and exciting ways. If you’re anything like me, you’ll thoroughly enjoy both of these tours.

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Alaska is a remarkable destination that offers a plethora of shore excursions for every type of traveler. From whale watching and zip-lining to hiking and cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Sitka. These Alaskan cities are home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on earth and offer visitors an opportunity to interact with nature in unique ways.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, these shore excursions will provide you with an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. So pack your bags and set sail on an Alaskan cruise today!

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Have you ever been on an Alaskan cruise? Which Alaska excursions did you enjoy the most? Let me know by leaving a comment below, or sending me a message via email at sydney@sydneybrowntravels.com.

Follow me on Instagram (@sydneybrowntravels), TikTok (@sydneybrowntravels), and Twitter (@sydbrowntravels) to see photos and videos from my recent Alaska cruises and other travels!

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