Travel advisors looking for new Alaska tour options can’t go wrong with these handpicked recommendations for 2023.
Touring by Boat
The Kruzof Explorer was originally built as a Bering Sea crab-fishing boat before being refitted into a plush, live-aboard Alaska touring vessel by Alaskan Dream Cruises. Its massive crane can launch shallow-draft Zodiacs, kayaks and paddleboards, which allow guests to explore remote areas of Alaska wilderness coastline that are not accessible to cruise ships or day charters.
Skagway has revamped its frontier entertainment with new and rewritten content. “The Days of ’98” immersive historic experience includes a three-minute burlesque show, walking tours by Skagway’s finest “madams” and a turn-of-the century cabaret that celebrates the city’s 100th anniversary.
Moore Charters is offering 23- to 30-foot rental boats that allow clients who have ocean-going experience to plan their own fishing itinerary or explore coastal sights and marine wildlife around Juneau.
Land-Based Activities
Railroad enthusiasts from around the world will be in for a major treat this summer. On July 15, the Alaska Railroad will celebrate its ceremonial “golden spike” centennial moment. The onboard event near Nenana will feature a presentation on Alaska Railroad’s impact in Alaska, replete with anniversary-themed food and commemorative souvenirs. For those with more time, the “Centennial Special” is a 12-day package that includes additional events, plus stops at two national parks.
The Mat-Su area offers several hot tours that promise to be the coolest in 2023. Go Hike Alaska is offering a new heli-hiking experience at Knik Glacier that includes heli-snowshoe tours in winter. Alpenglow Luxury Camping’s “Glacier Overnight” experience provides helicopter transportation to Matanuska Glacier, followed by an overnight stay in a yurt, so clients can feel the rumbling and grinding of the ice beneath their sleeping bags.
Wildlife Tours
Black-bear viewing is one of Alaska’s favored excursions, and Adventure Ketchikan Tours will be offering marine charters to observe black bears fishing for abundant pink salmon in Neets Bay tidal areas.
Another bear-viewing option is a new itinerary called “Alaska Bears & Bering Sea” from John Hall’s Alaska. This 11-day tour highlights destinations such as Nome, Denali National Park, Southcentral’s Knik River and Kodiak Island. The itinerary will focus on brown and black bears, as well as other wildlife, major sites and experiences in each of the four regions.
