Tours across Alaska, United States
Wildlife cruises, glacier walks, fishing adventures, and hiking tours from $56 to $391.
Most visitors to Alaska book nature and wildlife experiences: 39% of all 1,074 tours fall into this category, with a median starting price of $188. Glacier hikes, wildlife cruises, and fishing trips dominate the top-rated and most-reviewed options, while walking and cultural tours make up a smaller share, each at 8-14% of the catalogue.
A quarter of all tours are under $100, but the overall median is $156, inflated by private tours priced per vehicle. The best-reviewed tours, especially those involving wildlife or glacier visits, consistently receive 5-star ratings, with 94% of all products rated 4 stars or higher.
Alaska's catalogue offers 1,074 experiences, with 39% centered on nature and wildlife, and 31% labeled as bus tours—though this includes everything from sightseeing buses to private black-cab tours, which explains the high $188 median for the category. Private and luxury tours are widespread, making up 61% of listings, but this label is applied to both expensive and affordable options.
Prices vary widely: only 4% of tours are under $25, 25% are under $100, but 39% are over $200 and 17% exceed $500. The catalogue-wide median of $156 is pulled up by private tours, so category medians ($125 for walking, $188 for wildlife and bus) give a clearer picture for most travelers.
Quality is generally high: 94% of tours are rated 4 stars or better, and 77% offer free cancellation. Poorly rated tours are rare, but when they occur, they are most likely to be shore excursions, half-day, or animal-involving tours.
| Private and Luxury | 656 | $188 |
| Bus Tours | 336 | $188 |
| Water Tours | 158 | $188 |
| Historical Tours | 151 | $125 |
| Day Trips | 141 | $188 |
| Walking Tours | 123 | $125 |
| Cultural Tours | 86 | $125 |
| Food | 71 | $125 |
Travelers focused on wildlife should expect to pay around $188 for a typical nature or water tour, with the best-reviewed whale watching and bear viewing trips starting from $158 to $237 per person. These tours consistently earn perfect 5-star ratings and often highlight small group sizes, knowledgeable guides, and well-organized logistics. Hiking and glacier tours, such as guided mountain hikes and glacier walks, fall between $124 and $282, with the most praised including hotel pickup, expert naturalist guides, and clear communication.
For those seeking a more hands-on or creative experience, art classes and fishing trips are priced from $177 to $290. The top-rated fishing trips stand out for guides who teach beginners and adjust to group needs. Walking and historical tours have a median price of $125, but what is included varies widely—some offer only a guide, while others include transport or admission.
Poorly rated experiences are most common among shore excursions and transfers. Critical reviews cite last-minute cancellations (especially for Sitka shore excursions and private transfers), lack of communication, and vehicles not matching expectations. Some shore excursions are described as overpriced for what is delivered, with complaints about spending more time in transit than at sites, or large group sizes despite promises of small groups. Water tours and animal-involving tours also draw criticism when wildlife sightings are minimal or guides do not stop for viewing.
In summary, money is best spent on tours with consistently high ratings and clear inclusions—especially small-group wildlife cruises, glacier hikes with expert guides, and fishing trips with flexible, knowledgeable operators. Be cautious with shore excursions and private transfers, where cancellations and mismatched expectations are the most common sources of disappointment.
Almost all tours confirm bookings instantly, but 11 out of the top 60 require manual or mixed confirmation, so last-minute bookers should check the confirmation type. Several of the most popular wildlife and glacier tours are flagged as likely to sell out, especially during peak cruise periods. Booking ahead is advised for high-demand tours, particularly those with small group sizes or limited departures.
The only adventure tour under $130, with six zipline runs and all 5-star reviews.
5.0 ★ · 104 reviews · 2 h
Includes Gloves and Helmets
Cheaper than most glacier hikes, includes hotel pickup and a naturalist guide.
5.0 ★ · 124 reviews · 5 h
Includes Trekking poles · Rain Jackets
The lowest-priced wildlife cruise, praised for wheelchair access and family groups.
5.0 ★ · 100 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Experienced local resident captain · Bottled water · Heated cabin
2 h at the stops, of 2 h 30 min in total
The only hiking tour here that includes a brewery stop after the walk.
5.0 ★ · 59 reviews · 4 h
Includes Guided hike · Private transportation · Trekking poles
The only art class, with every review mentioning a souvenir to take home.
5.0 ★ · 84 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Transportation from Cruise Ship Terminal via Sitka Shuttle Company · All tooling required for project will be provided · Shipping of finished project included for additional fee
The only rainforest trek, all reviews mention a knowledgeable guide and easy meeting point.
5.0 ★ · 54 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes Private transportation · Bottled water · Entry/Admission to Alaska State Park and Tongass National Forest
1 h at the stops, of 3 h 30 min in total
The most-reviewed wildlife cruise, max 6 guests—smaller group than any other boat tour here.
5.0 ★ · 234 reviews · 3 h 45 min
Includes Private transportation · Restroom on board
3 h at the stops, of 3 h 45 min in total
The only whale tour for 14 guests, with snacks and a new boat, praised for family-run service.
5.0 ★ · 61 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Coffee and/or Tea
Longest glacier hike here: 7 hours total, but only 2 hours on the glacier itself.
5.0 ★ · 56 reviews · 7 h
Includes All Fees and Taxes
Only fishing trip that lasts a full 8 hours, and all reviews mention expert instruction.
5.0 ★ · 55 reviews · 8 h
Includes Life jackets · Rods, reels, tackle, and fishing gear · Transportation can be arranged if needed
The only fishing tour combining bear watching, with all 5-star reviews for family groups.
5.0 ★ · 107 reviews · 4 h
Includes Private transportation · Fishing gear and waders.
The only helicopter tour listed, with glacier landing and all 5-star reviews for pilot skill.
5.0 ★ · 81 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes Micro Spikes · Memories to Last a Lifetime! · Helicopter Flight Seeing-40 Minutes
45 min at the stops, of 1 h 30 min in total
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 07/09/2026.
Nature and wildlife tours make up 39% of the catalogue, with many glacier hikes, fishing trips, and wildlife cruises available.
The overall median price is $156, but category medians are $125 for walking and cultural tours, and $188 for wildlife, bus, and day trips.
Only 25% of tours are under $100, and just 4% are under $25. Most wildlife and adventure tours start above $125.
Shore excursions and private transfers have the most critical reviews, often due to last-minute cancellations or unmet expectations.
Yes, 77% of tours offer free cancellation, but always check the terms, especially for shore excursions and transfers.
Most tours confirm instantly, but some require manual confirmation. High-demand wildlife and glacier tours can sell out, so book early.
Top-rated tours consistently mention knowledgeable guides, small groups, and clear communication. Wildlife cruises and glacier hikes are especially praised.
Only the listed tours specify this; for most catalogue prices, it's not stated. Always check the pricing details before booking.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.