This experience is about seeing Alaska up close and feeling it in a very real way. It starts with a helicopter flight that takes you out of the valley and over rivers, mountains, and wide stretches of ice. The views come fast, and they’re impressive from the moment you lift off.
After a short flight, you land directly on Knik Glacier. Once your boots hit the ice, everything feels quieter and bigger. You’ll walk a short distance across the glacier with your guide, moving carefully over uneven ice and past deep blue meltwater pools. The terrain is raw and natural as it is.
Then comes the polar dip. You’ll step into glacier-fed water that is extremely cold, no way around it. The dip is quick, but the feeling lasts. Most people feel a rush of adrenaline, followed by that clear, wide-awake feeling that only cold water can give you.
Right after, you’ll warm up with thick robes, towels, and hot drinks. Steam rises as you stand on the ice and take it all in. This is usually when people slow down, take photos, and really appreciate where they are.
From start to finish, the tour lasts about 1.5 hours, including flight time and time on the glacier. It’s a straightforward, well-paced adventure that lets you experience Alaska’s glaciers in a way few people ever do.
What's Included
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Knowledgeable Guide
Guided Polar Dip
Glacier Landing
Neoprene Boots and Gloves
Warm Robe and Towels
Hot Beverages
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Guide Gratuity
Personal Clothing
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold is the water, and how long is the polar dip?
The water is glacier-fed and extremely cold. Most guests stay in for just a few seconds. The dip is short, guided, and completely optional, but very intense.
Do I need special gear or a dry suit for this tour?
No dry suit is required. Neoprene boots, gloves, warm robes, towels, and hot drinks are provided. You just need to wear layered clothing and bring a change of clothes.
Is this tour safe for everyone?
This experience is designed for healthy adults only. Guests with heart conditions or medical issues affected by cold exposure should not participate. All safety instructions must be followed.
How much time do we actually spend on the glacier?
You’ll spend about one hour total flying and on the glacier, including a short walk, the polar dip, warm-up time, and photos. The full experience lasts around 1.5 hours.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
Flights and glacier landings depend on safe weather conditions. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.
Know Before You Book
Minimum Age: 18 years old
This tour is strictly 18+ due to extreme cold exposure during the polar dip.
Guests with heart conditions or cold-sensitivity medical issues should not participate in the dip.
Accurate passenger weights are required for FAA safety and balance; all guests are weighed at check-in.
Comfort surcharge applies for guests 250+ lbs; guests 300+ lbs must call ahead to confirm aircraft availability.
Flights and glacier landings are weather dependent; weather-related cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled.
Cancel up to 24 hours the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 24 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.
Arrive early to check in, confirm weights, review safety procedures, and get fitted with boots and gloves. This sets expectations and prepares you for glacier conditions.
Duration
15 minutes
Scenic Helicopter Flight Out
Lift off and fly over braided rivers, mountain ridges, and expansive ice fields on your way toward Knik Glacier. Views begin immediately and continue the entire flight.
Duration
15 minutes
Glacier Landing & Walk
Land on a remote section of the glacier and walk across uneven ice with your guide. You’ll explore meltwater pools and ice formations while learning how the glacier moves and changes.
Duration
30 minutes
Polar Dip & Warm-Up
Take a guided polar dip in glacier-fed meltwater, then warm up immediately with thick robes, towels, and hot drinks while enjoying the quiet glacier surroundings and photo time.
Duration
15 minutes
Return Helicopter Flight
Board the helicopter for a final scenic flight back, taking in wide glacier views and surrounding mountains from above.
