6 Shore Excursions Tours in the USA to Build a Day Around

1.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159Our pick

From Hilo Pier, visit Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea’s crater, steam vents, sulfur banks, Nahuku Lava Tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia farm. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, Maggie, and Hannibal add local stories and volcano lore. Lunch is purchased separately.

“We booked this excursion because it was coordinated with our Norwegian Pride of America's schedule. Viator sent us detailed information about where and how to meet our driver, from C Big Island Tours, in advance, which was very helpful. On this excursion, we first drove to Richardson Park, a beautiful black sand beach park. From there, we went to see the beautiful Rainbow Falls (but no rainbow!). Next we stopped at the Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm, where we were able to shop and eat lunch (for purchase). (The sandwiches are "so-so".) Macadamia nut merchandise was priced below what we saw in other retail outlets on the islands, so buy…”

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2.Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 536 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $440Top rated

You’ll fly from Juneau over icefalls and rock formations, then land on Herbert Glacier for a guided walk, glacier-water tasting, and photos. Your pilot-guide explains the icefield, geology, and weather. Coastal Helicopters provides transport, boots, and raincoats if needed.

“Such an amazing experience. The staff was helpful and thorough!! We loved every second of it. Worth the money!”

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3.Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $187

From Hilo, a guide such as Jill, Josh, or Julie takes you to Kilauea, steam vents, Halema'uma'u Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Lili'uokalani Gardens. Expect a 12-person maximum, moderate walking, rain or sun, and no guaranteed molten lava.

“I can’t believe I didn’t leave my review earlier. This was in hindsight even more incredible considering we were there a year before the eruption. I have pictures in the same exact place where it happened. Kinda surreal”

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4.Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 390 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $150

Ride seven ziplines, cross eight canopy ropes, and tackle bridges, swinging steps, and a 50-foot climbing tower in Ketchikan’s coastal forest. Guides such as Frank, Eli, Shea, and Mallory lead the safety work and share local nature details. Round-trip port transport is included.

“Once we found the meeting place, everything else went perfectly. Zip lines were terrific and challenging.”

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5.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 363 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $154

Follow Hilo’s volcanic past with a guide such as Ellen, Troy, Dave, or Lori. Walk into Kaumana Caves, see lava tree molds, visit Rainbow Falls and Pohoiki Bay, and view areas changed by Kilauea. Port and hotel pickup, bottled water, and groups of up to 14 are included.

“Dave, Did a wonderful job explaining everything we saw and went above and beyond to explain things we were seeing and made sure we had a great tour.”

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6.Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 359 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115Best value

From Ketchikan, ride to Clover Pass for a guided tandem kayak trip toward Eagle Island. Guides such as Eli, Sarah, Katie, and Mallory coach beginners across calm water while you watch for eagles, seals, sea lions, starfish, salmon, and possibly humpbacks or orcas.

“My wife and I booked our excursion through Viator and were the only group that went out that morning. Eli was a great guide. The water was for the most part very calm. The kayak had a rudder which made maneuvering very easy. We had close encounters with sea lions, harbor seals and bald eagles. We had an awesome time and would recommend this tour to everyone.”

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