Tours across Alaska, United States
Wildlife tours from $75, glacier hikes, and fishing trips—plus what each one includes for the price.
Alaska’s 1,059 tours cover everything from wildlife cruises and glacier hikes to fishing trips and small-group shore excursions. Nature and wildlife tours make up 39% of the catalog, with water tours, day trips, and hiking experiences also widely available. Most travelers pay $100–$400 per person, with 55% of tours priced above $200 and only 15% under $100.
The best-reviewed tours consistently deliver on wildlife sightings, knowledgeable guides, and well-organized logistics. Top-rated options include whale watching, glacier adventures, and guided hikes, with many earning perfect 5-star ratings and no reviews below 4 stars. Experiences that include transportation, admission, and expert guidance tend to stand out for value and satisfaction.
Wildlife and nature experiences dominate Alaska’s tour offerings, from whale watching in Icy Strait to guided hikes in Denali and glacier landings by helicopter. Of the 1,059 tours, almost two-thirds are labeled private or luxury, but prices range widely: most people pay $100–$400 per person, with only 7% of products under $60 and 22% over $500. Walking, hiking, and water tours are common, and fishing trips are a staple in many regions.
Almost all tours confirm instantly, and free cancellation is standard on three-quarters of listings. Only 6% of Alaska tours are rated below 4 stars, with most critical reviews focused on shore excursions and transfers. The rest of the catalog is consistently well-reviewed, especially for small-group wildlife trips and glacier adventures.
What you get for your money varies: some tours include admission to parks or glaciers, while others charge extra. Transportation, gear, and snacks are often included on higher-end tours. Comparing what’s included—especially entry fees and time at the main sites—matters more than the headline price.
| Private and Luxury | 648 | $250 |
| Bus Tours | 330 | $250 |
| Water Tours | 153 | $250 |
| Historical Tours | 149 | $125 |
| Day Trips | 137 | $250 |
| Walking Tours | 122 | $125 |
| Cultural Tours | 85 | $125 |
| Food | 69 | $188 |
The best-rated Alaska tours are those that deliver on wildlife encounters, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics. Whale watching cruises and glacier hikes consistently earn perfect 5-star ratings, with guests praising guides’ expertise and the quality of the experience. Most wildlife and hiking tours include essential gear (like trekking poles or bear spray), and higher-priced options often cover transportation and park admission, saving you time and hassle.
If your priority is wildlife, look for small-group or private cruises in Icy Strait or Sitka, where sightings of whales, bears, and eagles are common and guides know the best spots. Glacier experiences—whether by foot or helicopter—are among the most expensive but include equipment and, in many cases, exclusive access or longer time on the ice. Fishing trips, while pricier, typically supply all gear and expert instruction, making them accessible even for beginners.
For travelers on a tighter budget, walking and hiking tours start around $75–$125 per person and often include expert guides and some gear but may not cover transportation or meals. Art classes and cultural experiences are less common but can offer a hands-on break from outdoor adventures, with prices similar to mid-range hikes.
What disappoints people most often are last-minute cancellations and poor communication, especially on shore excursions and private transfers. Some reviews mention being left stranded after confirmed bookings were canceled with little notice, or being charged premium prices for tours that did not match what was advertised—such as larger group sizes or missing inclusions. A few water tours and transfers also received complaints about unreliable operators and a lack of clear meeting instructions. These issues are concentrated in shore excursions and transfer services, not the main wildlife or hiking tours.
Most Alaska tours confirm instantly, with 50 out of 60 top-rated options offering immediate booking. While free cancellation is available on 76% of tours, some experiences—especially wildlife cruises and glacier trips—are likely to sell out in peak months, as flagged on several listings.
Booking early is recommended for high-demand tours, particularly small-group wildlife and glacier adventures. Manual confirmation is more common for private transfers and specialty experiences, so allow extra time when booking those.
The only extreme sports option, with gear included and a lower price than most tours here.
5.0 ★ · 104 reviews · 2 h
Includes Gloves and Helmets
Longest guided hike with both trekking poles and rain jackets included, plus free cancellation.
5.0 ★ · 124 reviews · 5 h
Includes Trekking poles · Rain Jackets
Heated cabin and restroom on board set this marine wildlife tour apart from the others.
5.0 ★ · 102 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
Private transportation and bear spray included, but lacks free cancellation unlike similar hikes.
5.0 ★ · 60 reviews · 4 h
Includes Guided hike · Private transportation · Trekking poles
The only hands-on art class, with all tools provided and cruise terminal pickup included.
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
Admission to Alaska State Park and Tongass National Forest is included, unlike the other hikes.
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
Highest review count of any wildlife tour, with private transportation and free cancellation.
5.0 ★ · 235 reviews · 3 h 45 min
Includes Private transportation · Restroom on board
3 h at the stops, of 3 h 45 min in total
Smallest group whale watching, but no free cancellation and a higher price than similar tours.
5.0 ★ · 61 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Coffee and/or Tea
Longest adventure offered, with all fees and taxes included and free cancellation.
5.0 ★ · 56 reviews · 7 h
Includes All Fees and Taxes
Only fishing trip with gear for multiple fishing styles, but transportation is not always included.
5.0 ★ · 55 reviews · 8 h
Includes Life jackets · Rods, reels, tackle, and fishing gear · Transportation can be arranged if needed
Most expensive fishing experience, but includes private transport and bear watching.
5.0 ★ · 107 reviews · 4 h
Includes Private transportation · Fishing gear and waders.
The only helicopter tour, with a glacier landing and free cancellation, but shortest duration.
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 09/09/2026.
Wildlife cruises, glacier hikes, fishing trips, and guided nature walks are the most booked, with nature and wildlife tours making up 39% of the catalog.
Most travelers pay between $100 and $400 per person, with 55% of tours priced above $200 and only 15% under $100.
About 61% of Alaska tours are labeled private or luxury, but this includes many group options as well. Small-group wildlife and glacier tours are especially popular.
Higher-priced tours often include transportation, admission fees, and equipment. Lower-priced options may require you to pay for entry or bring your own gear.
Most tours are well-reviewed, but shore excursions and private transfers see the most complaints, mainly about last-minute cancellations and communication.
Many tours confirm instantly, but popular wildlife and glacier experiences can sell out, especially in peak season. Booking early is recommended.
Free cancellation is standard on 76% of tours, but some high-demand or specialty experiences are non-refundable. Always check the terms before booking.
Yes, many wildlife cruises, glacier hikes, and fishing trips welcome beginners and families, with guides providing instruction and all necessary equipment.
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.