Alaska remains one of the most bountiful spots for nature excursions and true outdoor adventure destinations in the United States. From powdery snow-white trails winding up towering mountain peaks to thick coniferous forests and winding freshwater rivers teeming with fish and wildlife, America’s Final Frontier has earned its nickname.
Travelers have made their way to this largely uninhabited state for decades to witness the stunning beauty of the Aurora Borealis in all its vibrant colors, to stare in awe as blue whales gracefully launch themselves out of icy waters, and to enjoy some of the finest and freshest seafood dishes on the planet.
If you’re considering a journey to this unforgettable destination, then you’ll appreciate this list of the ten best types of Alaska excursions worth paying for; guaranteed to take your Alaskan experience to an entirely cosmic level.
1. All-Inclusive Vacation
For many, a trip to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That makes the ability to stretch your dollar as far as it can go highly valuable, and there’s no better way to do so than with an all-inclusive vacation.
An all-inclusive trip bundles top attractions and luxurious amenities into one convenient package. Whale watching, guided fishing tours, wildlife spotting and glacier viewing, are just a few of the things that are offered to bring you up close and personal with the natural landscape that the state is widely known for.
Alaska all-inclusive resorts, such as Pybus Point Lodge, layer on premier services and offer all-inclusive amenities while being nestled safely on Admiralty Island among the wild Alaska landscape in cabins designed to embrace and comfort you with lush modern touches. Amenities can include delicious gourmet meals and snacks, to pro-quality gear on fully outfitted fishing boats, to bubbling steamy hot tubs after a day of backcountry adventure while crew filet and vacuum seal your fresh catch to safely transport back home with you when it’s time to go.
2. Alaskan Cruise
The winding rivers and vast oceanic borders of Alaska offer an abundance of wildlife, sea creatures, and natural wonders you won’t find anywhere else. One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself while taking in the sights is with an Alaskan cruise.
Cruises can range from wildlife-centric Windstar Cruises to non-stop party-themed passenger ships with plenty of options in-between to meet your vacation expectations. Along with the luxurious amenities, on-board dining options and cruise ship experiences, you’re completely surrounded by the breathtaking views of Alaskan mountain ranges, glaciers, and even whales are known to make surprise visits.
3. Fishing Charter
You could also choose to get more in touch with your inner survivalist and sportfishing self as you explore Alaska’s waterways via a fishing charter. These range in experience and offerings from the ritz to the rugged, providing a little something for everyone. Those who want a true nature-centric fishing experience might enjoy Alaska Fish Catcher, placing you right on the icy waters as you strive to reel in enormous halibut and salmon that only legends are made of.
4. Helicopter Tour
Scenic helicopter tours are an excellent way to take in the beauty of the Alaskan Frontier. Home to 17 of the 20 tallest peaks in America as well as the Tongass National Forest, helicopter tours allow you to see these breathtaking sights in all their splendor from a bird’s-eye view. If that sounds like your dream vacation, then Alaska Helicopter Tours is praised as one of the most exhilarating options available.
5. Heli-Skiing
Living up to its reputation as one of the wildest states in the U.S., Alaska also offers extreme adventure for those daring enough to take on the thrill. Points North Heli Adventures Inc, for instance, will drop you right out of a helicopter as you land on and ski your way down from a mountain peak. It’s a heart-racing experience compounded by surreal views and plenty of action for the ultimate Alaska adventure vacation.
6. Glacier Boat Tour
With roughly 27,000 glaciers in the state, a trip to Alaska is the perfect opportunity to view something most never get to experience in their lifetime. These enormous ice concentrations are viewable on foot in some instances, but guided tours like Glacier Point Wilderness Safari put you up close and personal via small boats… and you might even spot some wildlife along the way.
7. Dog Sledding Tour
If you’re looking to experience Alaska in its truest form, then consider booking a dog sledding excursion. Whether you’re dog mushing like pioneers in winter or enjoying a more leisurely summer ride, this is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss out on. Especially with pros like Alaska Icefield Expeditions who provide the real, vintage experience travelers are looking for.
8. Denali National Park Tundra Wilderness Tour
The tundra in Alaska brings in thousands of visitors per year thanks to its exquisite beauty and abundant wildlife sightings. If you’re looking to explore the state’s national parks, look no further than the Denali National Park Tundra Wilderness Tour. This guided excursion offers breathtaking sights, narrated history of the area, the iconic Murie Cabin, and an up-close view of tundra wildlife.
9. Borealis Basecamp
Nowhere on Earth offers a view of the stellar Aurora Borealis quite like Alaska. The Northern Lights are on full display here and Borealis Basecamp offers 100 acres to view them on as you relax in a chic, modern, geodisc igloo. There’s plenty of exploring to do via hiking, dog sledding, helicopter, or ATV as well.
10. Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp
Speaking of exploring the wilderness, how do you feel about bears? The renowned Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp can’t get enough of them, and they offer you a way to safely experience brown bears in their natural habitat.
Located in a lush valley between mountainous peaks and volcanoes, you’ll head by bush plane into the sustainable basecamp located on an old pioneer homestead filled with rustic appeal. This private park is home to the brown bear’s natural habitat and works to preserve this remote habitat, putting you in touch with the true and untouched beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
How Do You Choose
Whichever type of Alaska excursion you decide to invest in, there is no doubt that any one of the ten options described above are not only worth paying for, but will provide you with unforgettable experiences and memories guaranteed to last you a lifetime.
