Top 8 Wildlife Tours in Alaska

1.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,379 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177Our pick

Join Alaska Tales for a 3.5-hour whale-watching trip from Juneau. Meet beneath the tent by the Mt. Roberts Tramway, ride to Auke Bay, and watch for humpbacks, calves, porpoises, and possible orcas from heated cabins or outdoor decks. Naturalists such as Kacie, Genevieve, Ashley, and Nate explain whale behavior along the way.

“What’s a whale watching adventure after the whales migrate out of the area? It’s a little boat ride out. It’s a little boat ride back. Fortunately for us, it was a beautiful day. And the crew was delightful.”

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2.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,236 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $249

Visit Mendenhall Glacier for about 45 to 50 minutes, then cruise Juneau’s coastal waters aboard a warm, wildlife-ready boat. Guides such as Captain Michelle, Nate, Taylor, and Ashley help spot humpbacks, orcas, seals, and eagles. Round-trip port transfers make this a useful cruise-day combo.

“Beautiful day. Knowledgeable guides. Great time. Boat very nice, covered and has a restroom. Would go again”

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3.Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,004 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199

Travel from Anchorage into Chugach country with a driver-guide such as Holly, Hunter, Patrick, or Aaron. See bears, wolves, bison, eagles, salmon, glaciers, and coastal viewpoints, with phone photography tips along the way. A summer Portage Glacier cruise costs extra.

“We had an excellent day with Hunter. His descriptions on the tour were excellent and relevant with good content. The glaciers and history with future projections on continued recession was interesting and in keeping with our New Zealand glaciers. The visit to the Conservation Park was especially good and the draw card for this trip. Seeing animals from the wild, why they were there being protected and seeing them in open environments which try to mimic their wildlife environment. A wonderful day. Thank you”

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4.Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,756 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $265

Set out from Seward for a six-hour, 100-mile cruise through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Your captain and naturalist explain the glaciers, geology, and wildlife while you watch for calving ice, whales, puffins, otters, and sea lions. Lunch, binoculars, and heated seating are included.

“Guide was extremely knowledgeable and explained in detail about wildlife seen, local geography and glaciers”

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5.Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,156 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $165

From Seward Harbor, Major Marine Tours carries you 55 miles through Resurrection Bay toward Bear Glacier and Cape Resurrection. Expect expert narration, binoculars, coffee, tea, and close looks at sea lions, seabirds, otters, eagles, mountain goats, and possibly whales or orcas. Dress for cold, wind, and rain.

“This was a wonderful cruise around Resurrection Pass! There was so much to see, both in landform and sea life. The captain and crew were engaging and so friendly. They made the excursion special!”

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6.Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 812 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $178

Join Eagle One Enterprises for a 2.5-hour wildlife cruise from downtown Ketchikan. Captains Brad, Leanne, Jake, and Theo search the Tongass Narrows for humpbacks and orcas, with possible eagle, seal, and seabird sightings. The boat has indoor and outdoor seats, binoculars, blankets, hot drinks, and snacks.

“We had a great time. We were able to see some Orcas a few hundred feet away and a couple humpback whales as well as a bald eagle. The crew were nice and offered hot chocolate and had chips and other snacks and drinks available. They can't guarantee you will see anything, but I would recommend this tour as they made every effort to locate the whales and to see what we could.”

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7.Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 719 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149Best value

Travel from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm with guides such as Melissa, Gary, Jim, or Abe. Spot Dall sheep and belugas, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, view Portage Valley glaciers, and take a short rainforest walk. Small groups max out at 14 people.

“It was wonderful tour. Enjoyed very much and I recommend for everyone. Well worth the time and money. We would definitely do it again.”

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8.Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 378 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $239

Travel from Anchorage up Turnagain Arm, cruise Portage Lake aboard the mv Ptarmigan with a Park Service Ranger, then visit the 140-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Guides such as Matt, Gary, and Jack add local stories, photo help, and flexible scenic stops to this five-and-a-half-hour small-group outing.

“Great tour, very informative! Beautiful sight! Tour guide, Matt, was amazing! Would definitely recommend!”

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