Alaska Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing Tours &amp; Trips

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Wheelchair Accessible

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Alaska, Juneau, Sitka

Highlights

Take a quiet float down the Chilkat River through its Bald Eagle Preserve landing at a Klukwan village to learn about the Tlingit culture
Explore the beautiful wildness of Glacier Bay National Park by boat, on foot, and by kayak! Free time will allow you to explore on your own
Travel portions of the Alaska Marine Highway, kayak at Point Adolphus and kayak in Sitka's bays watching for whales, seabirds and otters

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

By National Geographic Expeditions

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10 days From$3,999

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Alaska's Inside Passage Photo Expedition

preferred

3.5/5 Great

30 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Glacier National Park, Juneau, Sitka

Highlights

Sail aboard the comfortable 62-passenger expedition ships National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion-equipped with motorized landing crafts and sea kayaks.
The expedition will feature sessions for both photographers and videographers.
Hike through lush forest trails to cascading waterfalls, and take a motorized landing craft into sheltered coves where brown bears feed.
Watch for calving ice in the iceberg-laden waters of Glacier Bay National Park.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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8 days From$3,150

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Alaska Cruise – Fjords & Glaciers

By REI Adventures

none

4.9/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Glacier National Park, Juneau

Highlights

See Dawes Glacier and ice-rich Endicott Arm
Watch whales in Stephens Passage and view wildlife in Behm Canal
Adventure exploration in Misty Fjords National Monument
Explore by kayak, paddleboard, skiff, or foot—the choice is yours
Visit Wrangell’s Chief Shakes Tribal House and Kiksetti Totem Park

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"The entire trip was well researched, conceived and executed. The schedule, order of activities, pace, and diversity yielded a quality mix of physical activity, Alaska education and "bucket list" days. The guides are passionate, fun educators with the patience and intuition to pamper anyone. If you want the quintessential Alaska orientation, this is your trip. All 3 REI trips (Peru, Galapagos) have exceeded expectations. One caveat for the avid (strong, fast) hiker, you will be governed by the group pace and safe bear practices - the group is anchored by the slowest hiker. Why did you choose this trip? The itinerary worked for my wife and me. What would your advice be to potential travelers? Be prepared for rain, but it simply adds seasoning to the experience. Go in shape to hike everyday. Invest in quality engagements with your traveling companions. Stretch yourself - that is what quality travel should do. What was the highlight of your trip? Tough to pick one - the Harding Icefield, Talkeetna and the Denali Overlook Inn, the K2 flight around Denali, the Seward boat trip and Aliak Glacier, the Denali bus trip, the laughs with the group. # About Me Avid Adventurer ✔ Yes, I recommend this trip."

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8 days From$3,195

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Alaska Cruise – Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

By REI Adventures

none

4.9/5 Excellent

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska

Highlights

Explore the waterways by kayak, stand up paddle board, skiff, and foot
Visit Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Watch whales in Icy Strait and Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait
Decide each day's adventure based on ability level and interests
Sleep aboard a comfortable small ship with private facilities in each cabin

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

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8 days From$3,795

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Alaska Hiking Plus – Wrangell-St. Elias

By REI Adventures

none

4.9/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Gates of the Arctic National Park , Wrangell, Yukon

Highlights

Explore the landscapes of Wrangell-St.Elias, America’s largest national park
Strap on your crampons and take a hike on massive Root Glacier
Spend three days hiking in the spectacular Wrangell-St. Elias backcountry
Discover the fun of packrafting on one of the park’s glacier-fed lakes
All flights within the trip itself are included as noted on the itinerary below

Themes

Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

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10 days From$5,599

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Ultimate Coves & Passages

By Un-Cruise Adventures

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

39 reviews

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Glacier National Park

Highlights

Wildlife and whale watching in Frederick Sound, Stephens Passage, Icy Strait and Peril Strait
South Marble Island sea lion haulout and spectacular birding
Explore via kayak, paddle board, and skiff
Two exclusive days in Glacier Bay—jewel of the US National Park system, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
View stunning glaciers throughout Glacier Bay National Park and at Endicott Arm

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips to Ukraine as roles beyond tourism."

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15 days From$7,195

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Ultimate Bays & Fjords

By Un-Cruise Adventures

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

39 reviews

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Misty Fjords National Monument

Highlights

View stunning glaciers throughout Glacier Bay National Park
Wildlife and whale watching in Icy Strait and Frederick Sound
South Marble Island sea lion haulout and spectacular birding
Wilderness hikes in Glacier Bay National Park and along Chichagof Island’s waterfall coast
Explore remote scenic bays via kayak, paddle board, and skiff

Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

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15 days From$5,095

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Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

By Un-Cruise Adventures

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

39 reviews

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Baranof Island Sitka, Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Juneau, Sitka

Highlights

Two exclusive days in Glacier Bay—UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
View stunning glaciers throughout Glacier Bay National Park
Enjoy Park Ranger interpretation and discover the Bartlett Cove Visitor Center
South Marble Island sea lion haulout and spectacular birding
Icy Strait whale watching and wildlife viewing in Peril Strait

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

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8 days From$3,595

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Outdoor Alaska

By Explore!

premier

4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez, Wrangell

Highlights

Exploration of Alaska's dramatic wilderness
Sea kayak to giant glaciers and explore alpine tundra
Wildlife spotting; from grizzly bears to whales

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"A fantastic memorable trip. Enjoyed every aspect, varied and informative. Well organised and lots of fun. Jason worked really hard to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Would definitely recommend if you like Mayan history , jungle, birds, waterfalls, snorkelling, caves, beach life , fast boats , lakes and rivers, local cuisine, variety of wild animals."

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-19%$7,048

13 days From$5,730

Health Safety +

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Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer

By G Adventures

preferred

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward

Highlights

Set out on a wildlife safari through denali national park and preserve to spot the resident “big five”—grizzlies moose caribou dall sheep and wolves
Visit the famed alaska sealife center for an up-close look at playful sea otters colorful puffins and leggy octopi
Watch champion sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season and learn about iditarod traditions
Cruise kenai fjords national park to see a glacier flowing straight into the sea

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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-19%$6,641

9 days From$5,399

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Alaska: The Great Exploration

By Discover Corps

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

87 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Denali, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward

Highlights

Visit an Oyster Farm
Dog Sledding on the Trail
Puffin Experience
Kenai Fjords National Park

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I recently returned from the Costa Rican wildlife safari. I was a bit concerned with Covid however every place was extremely clean and had places for you to wash your hands before you even walked in. This was a trip I was actually supposed to go on in 2020 however it was postponed, waiting so long the expectations were high. I was definitely not disappointed! Patricia our guide was absolutely wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and cater to our every need. I would highly recommend this vacation. Also everyone that I met in the community was extremely gracious and kind. The majority of these people work on tourism and unfortunately in the last year have not had any. Booking this trip would not only be an amazing adventure for you but it would also be amazing for the people in the community"

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-26%$6,338

7 days From$4,695

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Alaska Wildlife & Wilderness

By Exodus Travels

premier

4.7/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Denali

Highlights

Full-day wildlife cruise across Resurrection Bay
Two full days exploring Denali National Park with shuttle bus pass
Walk the Harding Icefield trail to Exit Glacier
Explore the Kenai Peninsula with a forest hike and river safari

Themes

Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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-26%$7,695

10 days From$5,700

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Alaska's Northern Lights - 2024

By Collette

premier

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Anchorage, Fairbanks

Highlights

Enjoy a taste of wild Alaskan salmon.
Learn all about the Iditarod as you dine on the property of a legendary racing kennel.
Search for the northern lights in Fairbanks’ star-filled sky.
Hop in a sled and experience dog mushing like a local.
Visit Musk Ox Farm and learn about the sustainable domestication project.

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary about this trip! My Diary about our trip to South Dakota shorturl.at/efoX1"

Best Alaska Standard Tours

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-19%$4,857

7 days From$3,949

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Alaska Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5 Excellent

185 Reviews

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Excellent

127

Great

Average

Disappointing

Terrible

Gail

Jul 2023

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Seeing the wonderful scenery of Alaska, particularly the Wrangell and St Elias National Park.

Trusted Customer

Jul 2023

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Really liked our guide Ken, He was full of knowledge, friendly and helpful. The highlight of our trip was either seeing three types of whales or walking a glacier. B...

Wendy

Aug 2022

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Too much time spent in the minibus getting from A to B, however, I don't know how you mitigate this as the distances are so large. Very disappointed in the wildlife...

Jean

Jul 2022

Written on

Outdoor Alaska

Kennicott and Seward plus Denali, for the variety of experiences.