Description
Immerse yourself in Alaska's incredible wildlife and natural wonders at every port. From hauling up king crab pots in Ketchikan to watching humpback whales breach in Juneau, hiking the historic Chilkoot Trail in Skagway, and cruising Sitka Sound for marine wildlife — this package is designed for nature-first travelers who want unforgettable encounters with Alaska's wild side. Every tour is handpicked for guests who'd rather be on the water or trail than in a gift shop.
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
You may have seen this tour topping the charts for things to do in Ketchikan and with good reason. The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's tour was rated 'Ketchikan Tour of the Year' and consistently receives rave reviews. This one-of-a-kind tour puts you onboard an actual Alaskan fishing boat and right into some astounding scenery, wildlife and of course...crab!
The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour isn't your ordinary shore excursion. Load up onboard the Aleutian Ballad, an equipped fishing vessel featured on Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch. Meet your hosts - local fishing guides that are full of colorful stories from their experiences which they'll share as you begin to disembark from port. Explore the calm waters of the Inside Passage while keeping your eyes peeled for eagles, seals, sea lions and whales, which are all frequently spotted on the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour. When the time is right, you'll be part of the action as the guides start hauling crab pots and fishing gear containing anything from rockfish, stars, octopus, prawns, halibut and a variety of crab. Specimens will be brought on board the boat in holding tanks so you can actually feel and touch Alaskan king crab!
Tales from life at sea compliment the wealth of knowledge and information shared by your fishermen/guides during the tour. It's hard to believe the danger and adventure inherent in this industry through some of the stories, but unlike many fishing stories, these tales are real! The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour doesn't head out into the open ocean but stays within the calm protected waters of the Inside Passage making it a smooth sail. Ample seating on the boat allows you to sit back and enjoy the views or choose to position close to the holding tanks to become part of the action. A truly unique experience only found in Ketchikan - but be sure to book early because this one fills up quick!
Please note: If you are cruising on Norwegian Cruise Lines, you will be docking at Ward Cove and will subsequently need more time between your cruise’s scheduled arrival & departure times and this tour. Please ensure you have at least 1 hour of buffer time to comfortably make this tour.
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
You've decided you'd like to see the magnificent humpback whales in Alaska, but which Juneau whale watching tour is right for you? With this Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour, you're getting a little more bang for your buck and ensuring you're not missing any of Juneau's highlights! This tour includes a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier visitor's center in addition to the whale watching adventure. Including all of the features of the popular Whale Watching Tour, you'll leave the waters of Auke Bay and continue with a transfer over to the famous Mendenhall Glacier.
With a convenient downtown pick-up location within walking distance of the cruise ships, a 25-minute transfer over to Auke Bay takes you through downtown Juneau while your guide narrates the journey, providing a great introduction and orientation to Alaska's capital city. Load up on the customized whale watching boat and then it won't take long to arrive at prime whale watching waters. Spend the next 2 hours in the midst of whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles, experiencing Alaska's diverse wildlife first-hand. Upon returning to the harbor, board the bus for a transfer to the glacier. Take a self-guided stroll to the glacier viewpoint or into the visitor's center (admission is included in tour price) which provides a wealth of knowledge and information. You have over and hour to explore the area before boarding the bus back to town.
Please note: This tour may run in reverse with the glacier visit first followed by whale watching.
* Please note that the Visitor Center building will be closed on Saturdays during the 2025 season. The park area, trails, and restrooms will all remain open, still providing exceptional views of Mendenhall Glacier.
Looking for more chances to spot wildlife and experience the highlights of each port town on your Alaska cruise? We recommend Skagway's Yukon Discovery and Ketchikan's Bering Sea Crab tour, or check out all of our staff picks!
Skagway Waterfall & Wildlife Tour
Skagway’s rugged beauty comes to life on the Waterfall & Wildlife Tour, a Skagway shore tour that takes you through the breathtaking upper Lynn Canal—the deepest fjord in North America. Towering cliffs, misty waterfalls, and pristine waters create the perfect backdrop for spotting Alaska’s incredible wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for harbor seals lounging on rocky shores, bald eagles soaring above, and the occasional whale surfacing in the distance.
Your journey along the coastline reveals more than just stunning scenery. As you cruise past the remnants of historic shipwrecks, your knowledgeable captain will share stories of the Klondike Gold Rush, giving you a glimpse into Skagway’s fascinating past. A stop at a secluded glacial harbor offers a rare chance to take in the untouched wilderness that has remained unchanged for centuries. Savor a local favorite—smoked salmon and crackers—while soaking in the tranquility of Alaska’s coastal landscapes.
This Skagway shore tour offers an unforgettable mix of history, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. With limited availability, the Skagway Waterfall & Wildlife Tour fills quickly—reserve your adventure today!
Simply Amazing Sitka Tour
See rescued bears, soaring eagles, and centuries-old totem poles, all in one scenic, small-group tour of Sitka’s top highlights. This half-day Simply Amazing Sitka Tour is a favorite for cruisers, first-time visitors, and wildlife lovers looking to explore the region’s natural beauty and layered history without needing to plan a thing.
You’ll meet your guide at Harrigan Centennial Hall and board a spacious passenger van for a relaxed ride south along Sitka’s forested coastline. Keep an eye out for bald eagles circling overhead and Sitka black-tailed deer in the brush. Weather and season permitting, the sheltered waters of Silver Bay may even offer sightings of humpback or minke whales!
Next, visit Fortress of the Bear, where orphaned brown and black bears are cared for in large, naturalistic enclosures. From safe viewing platforms, you’ll observe these massive animals up close and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts that support their well-being. Then it’s on to the Alaska Raptor Center, a working rehabilitation facility for birds of prey. Tour the flight-training areas, hear the stories behind the rescued raptors, and meet native species like owls, hawks, and bald eagles.
Your final stop is Sitka National Historical Park, where you can stroll rainforest trails lined with historic totem poles and learn about the 1804 battle between the Kiks.ádi Tlingit Clan and Russian-American forces. Choose a quiet walk through the forest or explore the cultural center’s live demonstrations and exhibits on traditional Alaskan artistry.
This tour includes all transportation and entry fees. It's family-friendly, easy-paced, and a great option for cruise ship guests. Spots are limited, so book early to secure your seat during the busy season.