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Alaska Glacier exploration

Our most recommended Alaska Glacier exploration

Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise and Mendenhall Glacier Tour

1. Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise and Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Seamlessly combine two of Juneau's favorite activities on this whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier tour. Marvel at majestic humpback whales in the company of a naturalist guide, and select from a range of trails to discover Mendenhall Glacier, the world's only drive-up glacier. Upon check-in, you will either be escorted to one of the shuttles for a narrated 25-minute drive to the glacier, or to the boat harbor for whale watching.  On the glacier section of the tour, choose to hike to Nugget Falls, take the Photo Point Trail, look for wildlife along the Steep Creek trail, or stroll up the easy walk to the Visitor Center. Take your time at the glacier with flexible shuttles back to town every 30 minutes. During your time on the water whale watching, listen to your naturalist guide explain the feeding habits of these magnificent creatures and identify the many other kinds of wildlife that share these waters.  Enjoy an enhanced experience on a custom-built boat with a warm heated cabin with large viewing windows, and two decks to hurry to when the captain slows after spotting the whales. There is a bathroom onboard and snacks are also provided.

Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise

2. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise

Board a stable, state-of-the-art catamaran and spend a day filled with wildlife, glaciers, mountains, and more. See whales and glaciers in Resurrection Bay and learn the history of the region from your captain. The cruise begins by searching for wildlife in the protected waters of Resurrection Bay. Whales, sea otters, and puffins are often sighted within minutes of leaving the harbor. The captain will provide information on the area's wildlife, glaciers, fjords, and history. Stop at one tidewater glacier that has frequent calving events, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. A full bar is available for those wanting to enjoy local beers and glacier cocktails. Savor a deli-style lunch on board while you cruise.

Talkeetna: Grand Denali Flight with Optional Glacier Landing

3. Talkeetna: Grand Denali Flight with Optional Glacier Landing

Upon checking in at a unique Alaskan log cabin, be given a weather and safety briefing and then board one a high-wing, single-engine aircraft for the flight tour of a lifetime. Let the pilot take you on a journey into the heart of the Alaska Range. Just when you think you've seen it all, be flown through 1 of 2 passes on either side of Denali. Emerge on the north side of the range to see a flattened tundra landscape stretching out before you. As your pilot turns the plane around to go back to the south side of the range, there it is, the Wickersham Wall: the 13,658 foot vertical North face of Denali. Add a glacier landing to your flight and experience the exhilaration of standing among the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range. Play in the snow, take photos, or just take it all in. Glacier landings add 30 minutes to the total tour duration.

From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch

4. From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch

Experience up-close views of the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this round-trip cruise from Seward. Sail past the majestic Holgate and Aialik Glaciers and enjoy a complimentary deli lunch. Listen as the captain explains the surrounding geology and wildlife. Step aboard a stable, high-speed catamaran for a full day of exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Start your cruise in Resurrection Bay and learn about the park, the surrounding area, and wildlife from your captain. Allow your captain to take you to the best wildlife viewing areas for the opportunity to see stunning marine life including whales, otters, seals, and thousands of seabirds. Head out into the Gulf of Alaska past Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Take advantage of getting up close with 2 active tidewater glaciers, Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier as your cruise stops nearby. Watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacier ice break off and crash into the water. Experienced deckhands will secure a chunk of glacier ice to make the most amazing cocktails and glacier margaritas.

Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 8.5-Hour Extended Cruise

5. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 8.5-Hour Extended Cruise

Travel farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than any other cruise on this stunning expedition. Explore remote and untouched areas of the Northwestern Fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park on this small vessel adventure cruise that is ideal for photographers, birders, and whale-watching enthusiasts. Experience this intimate cruise with a smaller group that provides the best opportunity for up-close views of wildlife including humpback whales, orca whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds, otters, and more. Spend 8.5 hours on the water as time flies by with the captain seeking out the best wildlife viewing in the area. Marvel at the impressive Northwestern Glacier, an actively-calving tidewater glacier, and visit the Anchor and Ogive Glaciers as well. This tour is fully narrated by our experienced captains, and the smaller group size gives you the best opportunities to interact with and ask questions of the experienced and knowledgeable crew.

Denali: Highway Jeep Excursion

6. Denali: Highway Jeep Excursion

Begin a guided and narrated 100-mile round trip Jeep excursion along a gravel road flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers, and panoramic vistas. The Denali Highway, once the gateway to Denali National Park is an exhilarating drive and wildlife viewing opportunity. Climb aboard a new, 4-door Jeep that hugs the dirt road, while comfortably seating 4 adults who can trade off driving. Each Jeep has a CB radio for communicating with the guide so stops can be made whenever desired. As driving the Denali Highway is prohibited by most rental vehicle companies, this exclusive excursion provides access to more of Alaska's spectacular scenery and wildlife and is a great alternative to crowded bus trips. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Talkeetna: Guided Tour of Denali National Park By Air

7. Talkeetna: Guided Tour of Denali National Park By Air

See Denali National Park in the air from Talkeetna. Soar over gentle foothills, along meandering glaciers, and up to the enormous peaks of the Alaska Range. Learn from your bush pilot who loves to share Alaska’s most inaccessible and spectacularly wild settings. Get ready for your flight tour with a warm welcome and coffee, tea, or hot cocoa by the fireplace in a lodge-style, timber-framed office. Then, follow your knowledgeable pilot to your aircraft. Listen to a safety briefing, do a microphone check, and take off toward the Alaska Range. Experience Option (1 hour)This magnificent flightseeing tour of Denali takes you within six miles of the summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, see how the last ice age has shaped the land. Next, enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier-filled valleys. Listen as your pilot describes the natural wonders of Denali National Park. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world's deepest - almost 2 miles from top to bottom). Flyer Option (1.25 hours)Explore Denali and the south side of the Alaska Range. See Mt. Foraker (17,400 feet), and Mt. Hunter (14,573 feet). Fly over the winding Kahiltna Glacier, the longest glacier in Denali National Park (45 miles long and 3 miles wide). Then, fly along to the climber's Base Camp located at 7,200 feet on the southeast fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. Spot for climbers as they traverse the glacier and make their way to the West Buttress on Denali's flank. Grand Option (1.5 hours)Make a complete circle of Denali by air. See the south side of Denali, including the Kahiltna Glacier, Denali’s famous west buttress, Sheldon Amphitheater, Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge. Then fly across the divide to see Denali's incredible Wickersham Wall.

Ketchikan: Private Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Cruise

8. Ketchikan: Private Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Cruise

On this private, guided, half-day tour, embark on an adventure from Ketchikan through the Tongass Narrows as you travel to the George Inlet Fjords. Discover hidden gems of Alaskan culture on the drive through Saxman, then cruise through the rich scenery of the coastal fjords. Begin your tour in Ketchikan, where you'll meet your guide and explore the historic downtown area by van. Then, venture onwards to Saxman, which pays homage to Tlingit culture with its extensive totem pole park. Admire the breathtaking scenery of the Tongass Narrows coastline as you drive. Continue your adventure at the Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery. After visiting the historic cannery, relish the fresh air as you hike the rainforest trail to the Zodiac boat. Along the way, pause for Mahoney Falls Glacial Cirque's stunning views of snow-capped mountains and a 2000-foot waterfall. Next, your guide will provide a brief safety orientation of the Zodiac motorboats. Bundle up in rain gear, rubber boots, and a life jacket, then step into the four- or six-seater vessel. Follow your guide out to the George Inlet Fjords and marvel at the pristine scenery. As you cruise, keep watch for wildlife, including Sitka deer and black bears. Bald eagles may swoop to water for hunting, and in the water, you may be able to observe the salmon streams. After your cruise, return to the cannery for snacks and refreshments before heading back to Ketchikan.

From Anchorage: Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience

9. From Anchorage: Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience

Experience rugged mountains, panoramic ocean views, wildlife, and amazing glaciers, all on this guided trip from Anchorage. Venture deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than a typical sightseeing tour with entry to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Chugach National Forest. Follow the sun and the wind towards the most scenic locations possible for the day of your tour. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and travel into exciting areas of the Chugach National Forest that require special permits. Spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas. Enjoy live commentary and learn about the unique landscapes of Alaska from your expert guide. Discover the rich history and experience the wonders of the Ring of Glaciers. Spend the day alongside highly trained adventure guides whose sole purpose is to leave you with memories lasting a lifetime. Take advantage of complimentary photo lessons from your guide throughout the activity.

Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Guided Snowmobiling Tour

10. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Guided Snowmobiling Tour

We call it the ‘Snowmobile Classic’ for a reason… After a quick orientation at our headquarters in Seward, you’ll set off into Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the most protected land units in all of Seward! Marvel at the stunning landscape, beautiful viewpoints, and towering mountains as you glide smoothly through the snow. With a friendly, local guide to lead the way, share stories and point out the views, there’s nothing to do except take a deep breath, hang on, and soak it all in. The gentle whisking of snow… The playful sunlight that dances around the sky… The simple serenity of getting away from roads… Join us for a tour in the wintry backcountry and you’ll quickly see why this is our best-selling snowmobile tour!

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What people are saying about Alaska

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 8 reviews

I took a guided tour in Dec and Brandon was my guide. Since no one else booked on that day, it was a private tour. At their office, I gave him my German Drivers License to get copied, signed the liability waiver and they gave me great gear. Outside, I got an introduction and we did some training on the parking lot. All set, we drove to Kenai Fjord National Park. Snowmobiling was already fun up to that point but the view you get in the National Park is just marvelous. Good that we still had daylight. So, I could enjoy nature. Probably due to my mistake, the visor starts to ice, and couldn't see clearly. So I had to open it. Your sunglasses would do it. The trip was long, with great paths with outlandish views. Brandon was very skilled on the machine but also a great guide who knows about nature. He brought me close to the glacier and explained all about it, took pics of me, helped me when my machine was stuck at a weird angle. I couldn't wish for a better tour. Thanks a lot!

It was unbelievable how beautiful this largely untouched nature is. And many thanks to our pilot Bailey who is a true master of his craft. All the best guys

We enjoyed the tour with Josh who was very informative and gave us time to take pictures and let us enjoy the tour without feeling rushed.

The view and arctic animals are impressive. Our guide Josh was really nice and helpful.

Amazing tour. Josh explains everything very well. Totally recomended.