5 Best Shore Excursions In Alaska Worth Booking In 2026

When you picture an Alaska cruise, it’s easy to think of the big, busy ports with crowds stepping off the ships. Yet tucked along the Inside Passage is a stop that feels different the moment you arrive.

Icy Strait Point, just outside the small community of Hoonah, invites travelers to slow down and feel welcome. Here, it’s not about rushing from one attraction to the next. It's about catching your breath, enjoying the scenery, spotting wildlife, and experiencing authentic Alaska before heading out to discover the day’s adventure.

However, what are the best shore excursions in Alaska? Let's take a look at some of the best Alaska cruise excursions.

 

Why Icy Strait Point Is Alaska’s Hidden Gem For Shore Excursions

While many Alaska cruise ports are known for their crowds and tourist attractions, Icy Strait offers something a bit different. Located near the small Tlingit community of Hoonah, you will have a chance to experience Alaska shore excursions in a more authentic way. Here, the focus isn’t on commercialized tours. Instead it is about connecting with the land, the people, and the wildlife that make southeast Alaska so remarkable.

Travelers often remark on the abundance of bald eagles soaring overhead, humpback whales feeding offshore, and sea lions lounging along the coast. The scenery is beautiful, but what makes this place special is the atmosphere: less crowded than other stops, rich with fascinating history and opportunities to explore.

For those seeking the best shore excursions in Alaska that feel genuine and personal, this hidden gem delivers an unforgettable experience.

 

Wilderness Tour And Brown Bear Search – Get Up Close With Alaska's Giants

What To Expect: A guided journey into the Tongass National Forest with chances to see brown bears and other animals.

Why Book This Tour: It offers one of the best opportunities to observe Alaska’s bears in the wild during your visit.

Perfect For: Wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, and families eager to see Alaska’s bears.

Chichagof Island holds the highest density of brown bears in the world, making it a standout for Alaska shore excursions. This three‑hour trip begins at the port and heads into the Tongass National Forest, where local guides help visitors spot bears in their natural environment. Depending on the season, sightings may include bears feeding on salmon or roaming tidal flats.

Encounters often extend beyond bears, with bald eagles overhead and sea lions along the coast. Small group sizes keep the tour personal, allowing families and enthusiasts to connect with the land during their visit.

For travelers seeking an authentic experience, this excursion highlights why Chichagof is considered one of Alaska’s true bear strongholds.

 

Guaranteed Whale Watching – See Alaska’s Humpback Whales

What To Expect: A three‑hour trip with guided transfers and about 2.5 hours on the water, with guaranteed whale sightings.

Why Book This Tour: It offers consistent opportunities to see humpback whales in action, including feeding behaviors.

Perfect For: Travelers who want guaranteed sightings of whales feeding and marine life.

Icy Strait is considered one of the best places in Alaska for whale watching, thanks to its proximity to Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay. Each summer, large numbers of humpback whales arrive to feed in the nutrient‑rich waters, making sightings highly reliable. This three-hour excursion begins at your cruise line hub, just a short walk from your cruise ship, followed by a boat ride aboard vessels with heated cabins and viewing decks.

Guests often see whales diving, showing flukes, or surfacing with powerful blows. On lucky days, pods may demonstrate humpback whales feeding through bubble‑net behavior. It's a method where whales circle and drive food upward.

With a $100 whale sighting guarantee, travelers can be confident this popular tour delivers one of the most dependable wildlife encounters in Alaska.

 

Saltwater Fishing Adventure – Fish Where The Locals Go

What To Expect: A hands‑on fishing trip with local captains, gear included, and opportunities to catch halibut, salmon, or rockfish.

Why Book This Tour: It offers a chance to fish in the same waters the locals rely on, with guidance from experienced crews.

Perfect For: Anglers, adventure seekers, and travelers who want to experience Alaska’s fishing culture during their visit.

Fishing is a way of life in Hoonah, and this fun excursion lets you step directly into that tradition. The tour begins at the harbor and heads out on small boats, led by local captains who are familiar with the waters of Icy Strait. Depending on the season, guests may reel in halibut, rockfish, or salmon, with all gear provided.

The experience is designed to feel authentic—no crowded charters, just time on the water with guidance from those who fish here every day. Along the way, travelers often see eagles overhead or animals near the shoreline, adding to the sense of connection with Alaska’s coastal environment.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, the focus is on learning, participating, and enjoying the rhythm of local fishing.

 

Kayak Adventure In Port Frederick – Paddle Through Pristine Wilderness

What To Expect: A calm water paddling with mountain views and opportunities to spot wildlife from the kayak level.

Why Book This Tour: It offers a serene and intimate way to explore Alaska’s wilderness, suitable for both beginners and seasoned kayakers.

Perfect For: Active travelers, couples, and families seeking an amazing experience that mixes beautiful scenery with animal encounters.

Port Frederick’s calm waters make it one of the most inviting places in Alaska for sea kayaking. This three‑hour guided tour begins with a short orientation before you paddle across glassy coves framed by beautiful scenery. From the kayak level, travelers can see eagles perched in towering spruce, harbor seals resting on shoreline rocks, and even whales feeding in the distance.

The pace is relaxed, designed to highlight the environment rather than speed. Small groups ensure an amazing experience, where guides share insights about the local ecosystem while keeping the outing accessible to all skill levels.

Whether you’re a first time paddler or an experienced kayaker, the rhythm of gliding through pristine wilderness creates a lifetime experience along Alaska's coastline.

 

Whales, Wildlife, & Drones – A Modern Twist On Alaska Adventure

What To Expect: A guided whale watching trip enhanced by drone footage, with sightings of whales, eagles, and marine life.

Why Book This Tour: It offers a modern twist on Alaska’s wildlife tours, combining tech with nature and providing a keepsake video.

Perfect For: Travelers who want both authentic native animal encounters and a high‑tech perspective to remember their adventure.

This excursion blends classic whale watching with modern technology, offering travelers a fresh perspective on Alaska’s marine life. Guests begin with a guided boat tour in Icy Strait, where whales often feed, and sea lions and eagles come out to play.

Alongside the traditional viewing experience, professional drone pilots capture aerial footage of the animals and scenery, creating a keepsake that highlights the scale of the environment in ways the human eye can’t.

The combination of close‑up wildlife encounters from the boat combined with drone views makes this tour unique. Guests enjoy spotting whales from deck level while seeing the broader wilderness from above through drone footage. The result is both immersive and memorable. This tour combines authentic wildlife encounters with cutting-edge technology for a unique viewing experience.

 

What Makes Icy Strait Shore Excursions Special

Icy Strait shore excursions stand apart from the large corporate excursions by offering tours that are family‑run, personal, and rooted in local culture. That difference is why many travelers call these the best Alaska shore excursions.

Family‑Run vs. Corporate Cruise Excursions:

• Local ownership - Tours are operated by local residents, not outside corporations.

• Intimate group sizes - Smaller boats and vans mean more personal attention compared to crowded cruise tours.

• Authentic connections - Guests meet real locals and hear stories about Tlingit traditions and daily life.

• Flexible return shuttle service - Easy transfers with a back to ship guarantee, offering peace of mind.

• Best shore excursions in Alaska - Known for being dependable and offering real, authentic experiences.

What truly sets Icy Strait apart is the genuine hospitality you experience, making every visitor feel like part of the community. The tours focus on protecting the beautiful wilderness and wildlife for future generations. Plus, the chance to explore at your own pace allows for a more relaxed and immersive adventure, capturing the essence of authentic Alaska.

 

Planning Your Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion – What You Need To Know

Before you book, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your visit:

• Booking tips - Reserve your spot early! The most popular tours fill up fast, so booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on the best experiences during your Alaska cruise.

• What to bring – Don’t forget your camera to capture all the amazing memories and stunning views you’ll experience. A notebook or journal can also be handy to jot down your favorite moments or interesting facts from your guides.

• Dress code for Alaska weather - Alaska’s weather can be cool and rainy, so layering is key. Waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable and dry throughout your excursion.

• Check tour duration – Ensure the length of your chosen excursion fits comfortably within your port time to avoid rushing.

• Inquire about group sizes – Smaller group tours often provide a more personalized and authentic experience, allowing better wildlife viewing and interaction with guides.

• Confirm transportation details – Verify whether transportation to and from the port is included or requires separate arrangements to plan your day smoothly.

Take your Alaskan cruise to a whole new level with shore excursions that bring you closer to the stunning nature, local culture, and amazing wildlife of this beautiful place. These special trips give you real, unforgettable experiences that show the true heart of Alaska.

Whether you’re planning an Alaska cruise or already booked, reserve today with Icy Strait Shore Excursions and experience the best Alaska cruise excursions by local guides who know Alaska best!