Juneau City with Glacier View and Hatchery

Juneau is one of the most unique state capitals in the United States. While not technically an island, the city is only accessible by air or sea, adding to its distinct charm. This exciting excursion will provide you with a thorough orientation of Juneau, including a stop at the famous Brotherhood Bridge for a stunning view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.

Your journey begins in the heart of the historical downtown district, where the streets are lined with charming gift shops, jewelry stores, king crab shacks, and local fish restaurants. This Juneau tour will also take you past the world-famous Red Dog Saloon, a local landmark filled with history and character.

Leaving the bustling downtown area behind, you will make your way to the historic mining community of Douglas Island. Along the way, you'll have photo opportunities and panoramic views of downtown Juneau from across the water, including breathtaking views of the cruise ship port and surrounding landscapes.

As you continue north, you'll venture into the Valley Area, passing small harbors filled with Alaskan fishing boats and the scenic Mendenhall Wetland Refuge. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Chilkat Mountains in the distance. Your next stop will be the Brotherhood Bridge, where, weather permitting, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, one of Southeast Alaska's most iconic sights.

The next stop will be the Ladd Macaulay Visitor Center, where you'll dive into the fascinating life cycle of salmon and explore their near-shore marine environment. Learn about the inner workings of a hatchery through a variety of interactive exhibits and informative commentaries. This stop offers a fun and educational experience for the entire family, providing insights into the importance of salmon in the local ecosystem. Get a bird's-eye view of hatchery operations and gain insight into the life cycle of Pacific salmon. From the sky bridge in the rearing facility, watch as millions of baby king and coho salmon grow all year long. During the late June to September season, witness the thrilling spectacle of adult salmon battling their way up the fish ladder. Dive deeper into Alaska's marine life with saltwater aquariums showcasing over 150 species, and enjoy an interactive experience in the tide pool touch tank area, where you can interact with local sea critters.

The fascinating Whale Park Fountain is your final destination. This life-sized bronze sculpture of a breaching humpback whale is a must-see, located right on the Waterfront. Offering unparalleled photo opportunities, the sculpture is not only a visual marvel but also a powerful symbol of Alaska's heritage. After admiring the sculpture, re-board your transportation for a comfortable ride back to the main cruise ship terminal, concluding your unforgettable tour of Juneau.

Skagway Glacier Helicopter Tour

Take an exhilarating ride above breathtaking Skagway glaciers on this once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour. Leave the stresses of civilization behind as you discover the endless beauty of Alaska's remote glaciers on this helicopter tour.

Skagway Glacier Helicopter Tour

The knowledgeable and friendly heliport staff will assist you as you climb aboard your helicopter and take off from the historic Skagway waterfront. Stunning views are ahead as you venture into a rugged region of sheer mountains, splendid valleys, and massive glaciers. Your experienced pilot will maneuver you past majestic expanses of nature as your helicopter hovers past natural wonders like the jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, the cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular river of ice known as the Meade Glacier. Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily to ensure a truly unique experience that delivers views unlike anything else in the world.

Flightseeing Tour Galore

The knowledgeable and friendly heliport staff will assist you as you climb aboard your helicopter and take off from the historic Skagway waterfront. Stunning views are ahead as you venture into a rugged region of sheer mountains, splendid valleys, and massive glaciers. Your experienced pilot will maneuver you past majestic expanses of nature as your helicopter hovers past natural wonders like the jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, the cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular river of ice known as the Meade Glacier. Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily to ensure a truly unique experience that delivers views unlike anything else in the world.

Glacier Landing Walking Tour

After your Skagway glacier discovery by helicopter, you will land on an actual glacier to experience just how massive these ice formations are up close. Once you have reached your destination, you will be given the extraordinary opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature's greatest marvels. Enjoy the walking tour of a lifetime in Skagway as your knowledgeable glacier guide answers all of your questions and shows you examples of the awesome forces of nature at work.

After about 40 minutes of exploring the cool colors of the glaciers, crevasses, and ice rivers up close, your helicopter lifts off to give you a bird's eye view of the vast natural beauty of Alaska. You'll spend about 40 minutes in the helicopter, but times may vary due to weather and glacier conditions.

Don't miss this experience of a lifetime to see nature's breathtaking ice sculptures both high above their peaks and with the ice and snow crunching under your boots. It's an Alaskan cruise excursion you will never forget. Sign up today with Shore Excursions Group, because space is limited.

Helicopter Ride Safety Briefing

According to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device may not transport the device on any helicopter flight on their person, in carry-on baggage, or checked baggage, nor offer the device for air cargo shipment.

For security, no carry-on bags or water bottles will be allowed on helicopters. A secure location will be provided at the office for storing personal items. For safety reasons, all electronic tablets of all sizes (iPads, Kindles, etc., drones, GoPro sticks, or other extendible items are not allowed on helicopters. Please do not bring them on tour, as there is no place to store them.

PLEASE NOTE: Any guests weighing 250 pounds or more (fully clothed) at the time of the tour will need to pay an additional $229 fee to reserve adequate space onboard the helicopter.

Best of Sitka

Get to know Alaska's first capitol and experience this unique city through the eyes of a local guide, there is no better way to learn about a place you have never been. Your group is purposely kept to a small number of only 10 guests, allowing for a much more intimate and one-on-one experience with your friendly, knowledgeable and professional guide.

Boldly existing between the mountains and the sea, Sitka is an island community where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives. Tlingit, Russian and American settlers have all called Sitka home. Today, cultural influences from all three groups remain. From viewing traditional dancing to hiking a totem-lined trail through the rainforest, visitors still experience the cultural richness that inspired Sitka's 19th century nickname, the "Paris of the Pacific".

Begin your tour at the Harrigan Centennial Hall. Climb aboard a comfortable, full-size passenger van and begin to make your way south on Sitka's road system. Always keep your eyes peeled as you might spot bald eagles in the tree-tops and Sitka black tail deer grazing on brush. Drive around Silver Bay, a body of water surrounded by high mountains where in the later months of the season humpback and minke whales can sometimes be seen here. With time and weather permitting, make a stop here for photos.

Near the end of the road system you will arrive at The Fortress of the Bear. This non-profit rescue facility is home to seven Alaskan bears. Get up close and personal with the four rescued beautiful Alaskan coastal brown bears and three black bears, the only black bears on Baranof Island. This education and rescue center reside on an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas in a natural habitat setting which replicates Southeast Alaska.

After spending time with the bears travel next to The Alaskan Raptor Center. This rehabilitation center for birds of prey has a state-of-the-art flight room and is home to multiple rescued eagles, owls and other birds of prey found in Southeast Alaska.

Sitka National Historical Park in on your own. This protected area of temperate rain forest stretches out to a peninsula and offers multiple, easily accessible trail loops that contour Indian River and the Eastern Channel waters. Totem poles punctuate these trails. This park is also the site of a battle between the Sheetka Kwan Kiksadi Clan and Russian American troops, during the 19th century. Choose to walk through the park or visit the amazing cultural center, which offers its own onsite interpreters, as well as exhibits and demonstrations for traditional techniques such as carving, working with fur, beading, and metal working.

A well-rounded introduction to all things Sitka awaits on this best of tour. Spend two hours being introduced to Southeast Alaska and still have time left to explore, shop and taste local cuisine on your own afterwards. Space is limited so book today as not to miss out.