Alaska Cruise Excursions: Best things to do in every port + budget tips
Planning an Alaska cruise and wondering which shore excursions are actually worth the money? You’re not alone.
An Alaska cruise is one of the best ways to experience America’s Last Frontier, but choosing excursions can quickly become overwhelming and expensive. From glaciers and whales to historic Gold Rush towns, rainforest adventures and breathtaking mountain scenery, every port offers something different.
The good news? You don't need to book an expensive excursion in every Alaska cruise port to have an unforgettable vacation.
At Wishlist Getaways, we believe the best Alaska cruise itinerary combines a few unforgettable bucket-list experiences with smart, budget-friendly ways to explore on your own.
Here’s our guide to the best Alaska cruise excursions by port, including popular tours and DIY options for travelers watching their budget.
Juneau: glaciers, whales & incredible wildlife
Juneau is one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports and for good reason. The capital city is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, forests and waterways.
Popular Juneau Shore Excursions
If you’re looking for a memorable Alaska cruise excursion, Juneau offers plenty of choices:
Mendenhall Glacier — One of the most famous glaciers in Alaska and a must-see for first-time visitors.
Whale watching — Juneau is an excellent place to look for humpback whales and other marine wildlife.
Dog sledding — Experience Alaska’s famous sled dogs and learn about this unique part of Alaskan culture.
Helicopter glacier tours — A splurge-worthy experience offering spectacular aerial views and the opportunity to see glaciers from above.
Goldbelt Tram — Ride above Juneau for panoramic views of the city, Gastineau Channel and surrounding mountains.
Budget-friendly things to do in Juneau
You don't necessarily need an organized excursion. Consider visiting Mendenhall Glacier independently, exploring downtown Juneau, walking along the waterfront, taking the Goldbelt Tram or enjoying a hike around Mount Roberts.
Travel tip: If you choose a DIY excursion, allow plenty of time to return to the ship. Alaska's scenery may tempt you to stay longer than planned!
Skagway: step back into the Gold Rush
Skagway feels like stepping into another era. Once a booming town during the Klondike Gold Rush, today's Skagway combines fascinating history with spectacular mountain scenery.
Popular Skagway Shore Excursions
One of the most famous experiences is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, which travels through dramatic mountain landscapes and follows part of the historic route used during the Gold Rush.
Other popular options include:
White Pass Railway
Yukon sightseeing tours
Gold Rush history tours
Scenic mountain excursions
Hiking and outdoor adventures - hike to the Lower Reid Falls, it's a easy and family-friendly walk of about 2 miles round-trip from downtown. If you feel more adventurous and up for a serious challenge, tackel Upper Dewey Lake or the historic Chilkoot Trail.
Budget-friendly things to do in Skagway
Skagway is one of the easier Alaska cruise ports to explore independently.
You can:
Walk the historic downtown
Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Explore the waterfront
Hike to Lower Dewey Lake
Browse local shops
Walk along the historic streets and admire the restored Gold Rush-era buildings.
Travel tip: If the White Pass Railway is on your Alaska bucket list, this may be a port where spending a little more on an excursion is worthwhile.
Ketchikan: Totem poles, rainforest & wildlife
Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan offers a completely different Alaska experience. This colorful waterfront town is surrounded by lush rainforest and is rich in Native Alaskan culture.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions
Some of the most popular experiences include:
Misty Fjords flightseeing
Wildlife viewing
Fishing excursions
Lumberjack shows
Totem pole and cultural experiences
Rainforest adventures
Budget-friendly things to do in Ketchikan
Ketchikan is another port where you can enjoy plenty without booking a major excursion.
Walk along Creek Street, explore downtown, visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center or simply wander through the historic waterfront areas.
If you're interested in photography, Ketchikan can be particularly rewarding for independent exploration and spotting bald eagles.
Travel tip: Don't underestimate the value of simply walking around Ketchikan. The colorful buildings, waterfront views and surrounding scenery make the town itself part of the experience.
Sitka: wildlife, culture & coastal beauty
Sitka offers a wonderful combination of nature, history and Alaska Native culture.
If you're looking for a less commercial-feeling Alaska cruise port, Sitka can be a favorite.
Popular Sitka Shore Excursions
Consider:
Wildlife viewing
Bear viewing and whale watching
Kayaking
Cultural experiences
Scenic tours
Coastal sightseeing
Budget-friendly things to do in Sitka
You can explore much of Sitka independently. Walk through downtown, visit Sitka National Historical Park, admire the totem poles and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
You can also visit the Alaska Raptor Center, a 17-acre facility that rehabilitates injured bald eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, which houses permanent resident birds, and sits within walking distance of downtown Sitka along the edge of the Tongass National Forest.
For travelers who enjoy nature and photography, simply walking around Sitka can be a wonderful experience.
Travel tip: Sitka is a great port to leave some unscheduled time. You don't have to fill every minute with a tour.
Icy Strait Point: wildlife & adventure
Icy Strait Point is a favorite for travelers looking for wildlife and adventure. Located near Hoonah, this destination offers a more immersive Alaska experience than some of the larger cruise ports.
Popular Icy Strait Point Excursions
Popular experiences include:
Whale watching
Bear and wildlife viewing
Kayaking
Nature excursions
The famous ZipRider
Budget-friendly things to do at Icy Strait Point
You can explore Icy Strait Point without booking an expensive excursion. Walk around the waterfront, enjoy the scenery and beach, explore the historic cannery area or make your way toward nearby Hoonah.
You can also take one of the two distinct cable car/gondola systems: a free, low-level green "Transporter" shuttle connecting the cruise ship landing areas, and a paid red "Sky Peak / Skyglider" mountain-top gondola that climbs over 1,500 feet up Hoonah Mountain for panoramic views and forest trails.
Travel tip: If whale watching is on your Alaska wish list, Icy Strait Point can be an excellent place to consider booking a dedicated wildlife excursion.
Do you really need an excursion in every Alaska Cruise Port?
Absolutely not!This is one of our favorite Alaska cruise planning tips.
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars in every port, consider creating a "splurge or save" excursion strategy.
SPLURGE - choose one or two unforgettable experiences:
Helicopter glacier tour
Whale watching
White Pass Railway
Dog sledding
Misty Fjords flightseeing
Bear viewing
SAVE - explore another port independently:
Walk the historic downtown
Visit a national park
Explore the waterfront
Take a scenic walk
Visit museums or cultural attractions
Enjoy local shops and restaurants
This approach can give you the best of both worlds: memorable experiences without an enormous excursion bill.
Cruise Excursion or DIY? Which is better?
There isn't one right answer.The best option depends on the port, your interests, mobility, budget and comfort level.
Choose a Cruise Excursion when:
✔ The experience is far from the cruise port
✔ Transportation is complicated
✔ You're visiting a remote area
✔ The excursion involves specialized equipment
✔ You want a knowledgeable local guide
✔ You're concerned about getting back to the ship on time
Consider DIY when:
✔ The attraction is close to the port
✔ You enjoy exploring independently
✔ You want to control your schedule
✔ You're trying to save money
✔ You don't need transportation or a guide
One important warning: DIY doesn't automatically mean cheaper or better.
Always consider transportation costs, admission fees, time required and most importantly - how easily you can get back to the ship.
Frequently asked questions about Alaska Cruise Excursions
What are the best Alaska cruise excursions?
Some of the most popular Alaska cruise excursions include whale watching in Juneau or Icy Strait Point, the White Pass Railway in Skagway, glacier experiences in Juneau, Misty Fjords flightseeing in Ketchikan and wildlife or cultural tours in Sitka.
Can I explore Alaska cruise ports without booking an excursion?
Yes. Many Alaska cruise ports are easy to explore independently, particularly Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Sitka. However, some experiences require transportation or advance reservations.
What is the best Alaska cruise port for whale watching?
Juneau and Icy Strait Point are both popular choices for whale-watching excursions. Availability and wildlife sightings can vary, so excursions should not be considered a guarantee of seeing whales.
Are Alaska cruise excursions expensive?
Some Alaska excursions can be expensive, particularly helicopter tours, flightseeing, dog sledding and specialized wildlife experiences. However, many ports also offer free or low-cost activities that can help balance your overall vacation budget.
Should I book Alaska excursions through the cruise line or independently?
Both options have advantages. Cruise-line excursions can provide convenience and reassurance about getting back to the ship, while reputable independent operators may offer smaller groups or different experiences. The right choice depends on the excursion and your comfort level.
You also have the alternative of booking excursions and activities through trusted booking platform like the Viator or GetYourGuide. Contact us for more information and eligible excursion discounts.
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