Description
Immerse yourself in Alaska's incredible wildlife and natural wonders at every port. From hauling up king crab pots in Ketchikan to watching humpback whales breach in Juneau, hiking the historic Chilkoot Trail in Skagway, and cruising Sitka Sound for marine wildlife — this package is designed for nature-first travelers who want unforgettable encounters with Alaska's wild side. Every tour is handpicked for guests who'd rather be on the water or trail than in a gift shop.
Neets Bay Bear Watch
With exclusive access to one of Alaska’s prime black bear habitats, the Neets Bay Bear Watch Adventure is among the absolute best tours in Ketchikan, Alaska (or the state at large!) for experiencing the Last Frontier’s iconic wildlife. One of our newest Ketchikan cruise excursions, this limited-space adventure begins with a scenic boat ride through the many islands surrounding Ketchikan. Then it’s off through lush old-growth rainforest toward a favorite hangout among the true locals, namely the pack of black bears that makes a home of Neets Bay Creek. For the adventurer and the lover of wildlife, this gem among Ketchikan cruise excursions provides an unparalleled opportunity for encountering Alaska’s wildlife up close and personal!
As with our other Ketchikan cruise excursions, the Neets Bay Bear Watch Adventure begins with pick-up at the cruise docks. At Clover Pass on the North end of the island, you’ll board a thirty-six-passenger vessel (equipped with wide windows perfect for sightseeing!) for a beautiful & fully narrated cruise North of Revillagigedo through lush Tongass Rainforest. Keep your cameras on hand for towering granite domes and wildlife opportunities! Upon arriving at your destination, your expert naturalist guide will lead the way on a quarter-mile hike through the ancient Alaskan woods.
You’ll pass by the Neets Bay Salmon Hatchery, where each year many thousands of fry begin their journey toward the ocean, before arriving at last at the famous Neets Bay Creek. Here, you’ll see firsthand what makes this one of the best tours in Ketchikan, Alaska, as you’ll likely have the chance to watch hulking black bears fish for salmon from the crystal-clear waters! Make sure you have plenty of film! Then, once you’ve had your fill of wilderness immersion, you’ll enjoy a quiet cruise back to Ketchikan. With incredible views and a high probability of seeing Alaskan wildlife up close in its natural habitat, it’s safe to say the Neets Bay Bear Watch is one of the best tours in Ketchikan, Alaska!
Looking for a bear viewing experience closer to Ketchikan? Check out the Black Bear & Wildlife Exploration.
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
There are two things you definitely need to experience while you’re in Juneau: whale watching & Mendenhall Glacier. This Juneau whale watch and glacier tour is an unbelievable way to do both in a single excursion (helping keep your Alaska shore excursions cheap)! Whale watching in Juneau Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and this tour offers guaranteed sightings of these giants of the deep. You’ll have two hours aboard a customized whale-watching vessel to view massive humpback whales breaching the surface, as well as sea lions, seals, orcas, porpoises, eagles, and innumerable other sea birds. The specially designed boats on this Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour offer uninterrupted viewing from an outdoor deck or indoor heated cabin. Then, after your amazing experience whale watching in Juneau Alaska, it’s time to head to majestic Mendenhall, the world’s only drive-up glacier. Here, you’ll be entranced by the beauty of the crystal-blue glacier and by your untamed wilderness surroundings. Plus you can explore some of the nature trails in the area at your own pace and pay a visit to the visitor center, where you’ll find a wealth of fascinating information.
Your double Juneau whale watch and glacier adventure begins with convenient pick-up near the cruise docks for a short drive to Auke Bay, with your guide providing an entertaining narrative as you drive through downtown Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Once you reach the water, it’s anchors aweigh as you head out into the Inside Passage (and prime whale watching waters!). When your captain spots a whale, the motors will be shut down and the boat allowed to drift. The whale watching boats are not allowed to directly approach the whales, but with the motors off these gentle giants often come closer of their own accord! After two hours of stunning wildlife viewing, your Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour continues with your return to harbor where you’ll step aboard a bus for the short drive to Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor’s Center, you’ll have about ver an hour for a *self-guided* exploration of this beautiful area, which includes educational information about the Juneau Icefield, binoculars to get a better view of the glacier, and a gift shop. You'll have time to walk the trail to popular Nugget Falls for even more incredible and close-up views of the face of the Mendenhall Glacier! After you’ve had your fill of exploring this natural wonder, you’ll hop aboard the bust to hitch a ride back to the cruise docks. This Juneau whale watch and glacier experience is a great value, one that helps you combine Alaska shore excursions cheap, and is a family-friendly tour everyone will enjoy! If you’re looking to go whale watching in Juneau Alaska, this budget-friendly option is the way to go!
Please note: This tour may run in reverse.
* Please note that the Visitor Center building is closed on Saturdays during the season. The park area, trails, and restrooms all remain open, still providing exceptional views of Mendenhall Glacier.
For a shorter and simpler adventure, check out our Whale Watching Tour.
Skagway Waterfall & Wildlife Tour
Towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and abundant wildlife make the upper Lynn Canal one of Alaska’s most breathtaking waterways. The Skagway Waterfall & Wildlife Tour is a small-group Alaska shore tour that takes you deep into North America’s deepest fjord, where sheer rock faces rise dramatically from the water and lush forests cling to the mountainsides. Keep your eyes on the shoreline—harbor seals often rest on rocky outcrops, bald eagles circle overhead, and, if you're lucky, you might spot a whale surfacing in the distance.
Your experienced captain will guide you through these historic waters, sharing stories of Skagway’s past and pointing out the remnants of shipwrecks that still rest along the coastline. One of the highlights of the journey is a stop at a secluded glacial harbor, where the towering peaks and pristine waters create a scene straight from an Alaskan postcard. As you take in the scenery, enjoy a taste of Alaska with locally smoked salmon and crackers, a perfect complement to the crisp coastal air.
This Skagway shore tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the region’s stunning natural beauty away from the crowds. With limited departures available, the Skagway Waterfall & Wildlife Tour fills up quickly—secure your spot today!
Simply Amazing Sitka Tour
See bears and eagles up close, then walk among towering totem poles all in one easy, small-group outing led by a local guide. This half-day Simply Amazing Sitka Tour combines Sitka’s top highlights into a seamless itinerary that’s scenic, educational, and wildlife-rich. After meeting at Harrigan Centennial Hall, you’ll travel comfortably by van along the tree-lined roads south of town, watching for bald eagles overhead and Sitka black-tailed deer along the forest’s edge. Stop for photo ops at Silver Bay, where dramatic peaks and deep waters often host seasonal sightings of humpback and minke whales.
Next, visit Fortress of the Bear, a unique rescue center where orphaned brown and black bears receive long-term care in spacious habitats. From secure viewing platforms, you’ll safely observe these massive Alaskan predators up close while learning how they were rescued and how the center advocates for wildlife conservation. Then, head to the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for injured birds of prey. Tour the flight-training enclosures and meet rescued eagles, owls, and hawks native to Southeast Alaska.
Finally, explore Sitka National Historical Park, home to towering totem poles, coastal rainforest trails, and exhibits that recount the 1804 conflict between the Tlingit Kiksadi Clan and Russian-American forces. Walk the forested paths at your own pace, or dive deeper in the cultural center with demonstrations of traditional Tlingit artistry.
Experience the best of Sitka at a relaxed pace, perfect for first-time visitors and families of all ages! This popular Simply Amazing Sitka Tour fills quickly, so book your spot early to ensure availability during cruise season.