Best Alaska Cruise Excursions
Every Northern Explorer Adventures cruise is customized to suit the interests and abilities of our guests – and that includes giving you the choice of the best Alaska cruise excursions. Our small groups and nimble vessel allow us to stop where you want, when you want, for as long as you want – allowing you to create a truly unique and unforgettable Alaska adventure.
 
One of the remarkable things about cruising in Alaska is that you can see five different glaciers, anchor in three different coves, see a variety of wildlife, take a hike and go kayaking – all in one day!
 
Plus, at one location, we can put guests ashore for hiking, beachcombing, gold panning or just relaxing, while our experienced guides launch kayaks for another group of guests, or take out the skiff for a photo safari or some fishing.

Coastal Kayaking

Kayaking is the highlight of many of our guests’ trips, and our knowledge of Alaska waters is unequaled. Our top-of-the-line kayaks offer superior stability, comfortable back rests and foot braces, lightweight paddles, and comfortable personal floatation devices. You’ll receive personal attention from your guide, maximizing your safety and appreciation of Alaska’s precious natural resources. Read what one of our guests had to say about her experience.

Glacier Viewing

The most intimate way to experience the awesome scale of Alaska’s glaciers is on the water. The tidewater glaciers of Alaska's Kenai Fjords extend down from mountain peaks and out into the sea. Hundreds of feet high and miles long, guests can hear the ice crackling and sizzling as trapped air bubbles slowly escape. One of the most dramatic events in all of nature is witnessing a tidewater glacier unleash a house-sized block of ice into the ocean. Click here for more information on glacier viewing.

Wilderness Hiking

We offer a more intimate wilderness experience than the typical large tour groups can provide. Our hiking groups are small, and excursions are individualized to your interests and skill level.

Photo Safari

Alaska tops many wildlife photographers’ bucket list. Unlike big-ship cruises, we take you deep into the remote parts of Alaska – far from the heavily touristed areas that dominate most cruise line itineraries. We position you and your camera at the rail of a private yacht in front of calving glaciers, before a panorama of mountain peaks, and at the river’s mouth to capture images of a salmon leaping into the gaping jaws of a brown bear. Our photo safari reveals Alaska “less discovered” – bigger, wilder and more amazing than you ever imagined.

Wildlife Viewing

Our guests are often rewarded with an abundance of wildlife. The waters teem with humpback whales, orcas, porpoise, sea otters and sea lions. The air is filled with puffins, bald eagles and Arctic terns. And the remote shorelines are dotted with brown bear, black bear, moose and other Alaska wildlife. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready! Get some tips from the pros on whale watching in Prince William Sound.

Fishing

Fishing is an important part of Alaska’s culture and economy, and we enjoy sharing that activity with our guests. Depending on the area and time of year, you might fish for salmon, rock fish or halibut. We provide all the gear, but be sure to pick up your fishing license before you board. Fishing licenses are available online or at most Alaska grocery stores and outdoor outfitters.

Land Excursions

During your time on the Northern Explorer, you might want to try your luck as you swirl your gold pan back and forth on the banks of one of the many freshwater streams that flow into the ocean.

Relaxing

Of course, if your idea of the perfect Alaska cruise excursion is simply lounging on deck sipping a cocktail or fine wine, or relaxing to the sound of nature and the ocean in the background, we have you covered there, too.

​On-board gear

During your cruise, we provide all the outdoor gear you need for excursions, including very stable and comfortable sea kayaks, rubber boots for nature hikes and beachcombing, rain gear for the occasional drizzly day, fishing poles and equipment, gold pans for trying your luck in the streams, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. We also have a very stable, 16-foot inflatable boat with 30hp outboard for fishing and shore excursions.

Comparing your options

When considering your Alaska private touring yacht options, be sure to compare our competitive rates, luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, small group size and personalized itineraries. We believe you will find Northern Explorer Adventures offers the highest standard of comfort and service at a comparable price.

Come experience Alaska with us

Start planning your unforgettable Alaska voyage.