What to do and see in Alaska, United States: The Best Private Tours

October 3, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

Alaska is divided into five regions: far north, interior, southwest, south central, and inside passage. Although it takes a long time to see the entire state, you can travel through the regions by boat, car, bus, or plane. Hike through the mountains, or venture out on a deep sea fishing or whale watching excursion. Get in touch with nature by camping in the wilderness, or experience your preferred degree of class and luxury in the beautiful, active cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks. 
Restaurants in Alaska

1. Seward Shore Excursion: Resurrection Bay Cruise Including Lunch on Fox Island

Kenai Fjords Tours, 1304 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USA Kenai Fjords Tours
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Swap Seward’s cruise terminal for the raw beauty of Resurrection Bay on this 5-hour shore excursion. From your comfortable spot aboard a small cruise boat, gaze out over the icy waters as you glide past snowy mountains, colossal glaciers and jagged cliffs. With an expert wildlife guide, learn about the area’s native fauna and look out for whales, otters, puffins and other wildlife. Then enjoy a delicious lunch served in our exclusive dining lodge.

Inclusions: Expert wildlife guide, Lunch, Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Exclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Food and drink, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By Ruff_Stuff86

My fiance' and I spent a day of our first trip to AK experiencing the Kenai Fjords Cruise. From start to finish the experience was amazing. The staff we exceptionally welcoming, resourceful, and professional. The Captian had the perfect voice for touring. Maybe we lucked out but he was able to not only get us close enough to see the glaciers and the landmarks but also, he and his crew found several bears, dolphins, orca, humpback and eagles for us to view from the ship.

2. Aurora Northern Lights Photography Workshop & Tour for Individual

Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska SkyFire In Focus Tours
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5.0 based on 72 reviews

Learn to photograph or enjoy viewing the Northern Lights during this six hour photography workshop outside of Fairbanks. Explore Alaska at night with the help of an expert professional on a small group tour of no more than 8 or 9 people. Rent high-quality, professional grade cameras and equipment and visit a private, carefully selected location outside of Fairbanks to experience the full majesty of the late night sky. This can be a private tour as we will take out single quests as well. No minimums.

Inclusions: 6-hour Northern Lights viewing and photography workshop tour, Camera, tripod, lenses (if option selected), Hotel pick-up and drop-off from select Fairbanks locations, Driver/guide, Gourmet coffee, home made hot cocoa, hot apple cider, hot water for tea,

Exclusions: Gratuities, Camera and equipment (if option not selected)

Reviewed By Maps34571

Our group from Anchorage went out with Mr. Bill on March 19 for the most amazing aurora show ever! The lights were dancing right away when we got there, and never stopped. Mr Bill assured us that we were being SO spoiled!!, Mr Bill quickly set us up either with our own camera or his rented equipment, after having educated us on all things related to aurora photography on the ride out to our amazing hilltop. This was my first aurora trip ever and was so amazing that we went out with him again on March 21 ( cancellations happen!) We were able to warm up in the van and jump out to shoot the amazing show. Mr Bill was always available when we needed him and provided great info and expertise, really great stories and a wonderful sense of humor. We are considering his Denali tour this summer and trust that the experience will be equally wonderful!

3. Custom Small-Group Extended Yukon Drive from Skagway

Small Boat Harbor, Skagway, AK 99840, USA Alaska Mountain Guides Adventures & Chilkat Guides
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take a 5-hour guided journey into the incredible and “larger than life” Yukon Territory. Enjoy multiple photo stops and bask in its natural wonders as your guide takes you to explore the city of Carcross, famous for being the crossroads of the Klondike. Stop at the 'Welcome to Alaska' sign and many other amazing photo stops along the way to take in the sweeping landscapes, towering mountains, alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, and the world's smallest desert.

Inclusions: Light picnic style lunch (sandwich and chips), Bottled water, Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Car seats not provided for infants or toddlers, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By 260jacquia

My family of 6 (2 adults and kids ages: 15, 12, 11 and 8) really enjoyed the zip lining tour. It was super fun and the guides made it even more exciting with their funny jokes and activities. The guides were excellent - very knowledgable, helpful, patient and super funny. The timing (half day) was perfect (not too long not too short). They also offered a funny tour of the area while we drove to the sight. I highly recommend. If you are there say hi to Austin, Tina, Dylan and Kyle (best guides ever!)

4. Matanuska Glacier Private Tour

Greatland Adventures
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Visit Alaska's largest road accessible glacier on this wonderful full day tour. Glacier Park Entrance Fee Included.

Inclusions: Round Trip Private Transportation from Anchorage, Hotel Pickup, Services of Professional Local Guide, Glacier Travel Equipment-Ice Cleats, Safety Helmets, Warm Winter Clothing and Boots

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By joylB2976LX

We had a great experience with Greatland Adventures. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. Would 100% recommend to anyone interested in a glacier tour and I would definitely book with them for any future trips to Anchorage.

5. Skagway VIP: 3 hour Summit Adventure

Klondike Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Take a 3 hour guided tour with Skagway's only year round tour company. We have been introducing guests to our beautiful sites since 1992. Our vehicles are well maintained mini buses with bucket seats and big windows. With only 3 steps and a maximum of 25 passengers on our buses this will allow you to easily load and unload at our many stops. Your highly trained guide will fully narrate and will customize your tour to your liking. Every stop allows you to get off and take pictures, enjoying the sites up close and personal. PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By kyra801

We had a great tour! The weather was perfect and we could see for miles. This trip wasn't as expensive as the train. My friends took the train and were actually wishing they had joined us because we could see more and we were able to get out and take photos.

6. Sitka Premium Tour- Private- Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears,Totems

Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835, USA Sitka Wildlife Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Visit the top three asked about sites in Sitka! Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears, Sitka Historical National Park (Totem Park) You can avoid the over crowded large bus tours some cruise ships offer in your new model (10 passenger) Nissan NV tour van! Your guide is an actual Alaskan resident that loves where they live and love to share their stories of life in Sitka. Your local guide is equipped with a wireless microphone so everyone can hear even while outside opening your door so you miss nothing! The departure time for this 2.5 hour adventure is set to avoid the large crowds when ever possible and to give you a more private and fun tour. There is plenty of time before your adventure for shopping downtown (10 minute walk) or take a Marine Wildlife Adventure to make Sitka your best stop on your entire cruise!

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, Space for up to 10 guests, New model Nissan NV Van

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities (recommended) for great service.

Reviewed By PJ777

We had been looking forward to this tour for a long time & unfortunately have had to cancel as the cruise line is no longer visiting due to the virus! Contacted Sitka sightseeing & was refunded in full within minutes, great service & a lot faster than anyone else. Hope to visit in the future, best of luck to them at this difficult time.

7. Private Taxi Tour

Baranof Taxi & Tours llc
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a fully customizable private tour. We understand that most visitors only have a handful of hours to experience this amazing city by the sea. Most don't have the time to wait for a transportation from place to place. Our tours are great for couples, families or small groups and can accommodate up to 6 passengers in our clean, comfortable and non-smoking minivans. Whether your mobility is limited or you want to make the most of your Sitka visit, this off-the-beaten-path tour will take you to the most popular sites,as well as some of the lesser known gems known only by the locals.

Inclusions: Clean and comfortable 6-passenger minivan, knowledgable driver

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Reviewed By drewman1003

We traveled with our kids and all of us had really good time. Our driver was amazing. He took us to lots of places that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

8. Island Hummer Tour

Alaska Hummer Adventures
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Travel in style and comfort in a Deluxe H2 vehicle while enjoying a private tour of the Tongass National Rainforest and Revillagigedo Island. Explore multiple venues with your private group with the ability to customize as desired. • Bear viewing at Herring Cove and coastal wildlife viewing across the island • Ketchikan city tour - visit historic sites and a variety of cultural attractions • Totem parks- view a vast collection of authentic & rare hand carved totem poles • Nature trails - rainforest and beach walks; hiking for all levels. • Dining, shopping, photography...and whatever else you desire!

Inclusions: water, chips, fruit and nuts, Binoculars and Umbrellas

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By terihaffie

Capt Doug was amazing on this trip. We had a beautiful day and no time limit on returning back to Ketchikan. We were able to get amazing photos on this trip.

9. Photo Safari in Ketchikan, Alaska. Spend 3 hrs "off the tourist beaten path". 

Ktchikan Photo Safari
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

We help you take iconic photographs of several locations in the Ketchikan area, including historical, cultural and nature attractions.

Inclusions: Pickup

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Reviewed By Blanca0324

I learned several tips from Mike my guide, with a great experience and long career of photography is a master and is a kind person My only problem was that my ship only stays a few hours in the port and there was no more time for the tour.

10. Dog Sled Adventure

Howling Bay Kennels, 3873 Elliott Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA Howling Bay Kennels
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Experience the thrill of riding in one of Alaska's oldest modes of transportation! The dogsled! Towns, villages and lifestyles were created using the traditional style dogs that you will meet while on your tour. Learn of the rich history of Chatanika from one of our guides while travelling through a beautiful boreal forest. This is a private tour you will be the only group here and we only have 2 tours slots a day to give each group ample time. This is a small family run business and you will be greeted and guided by an owner the entire time here.

Inclusions: Guided tour using Dogsled

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Reviewed By YaYaof6

You have to take a trip out to Kevin and Tabitha’s place to really see the Aurora! We have never been to Fairbanks before and really did not know what to expect. We were treated like royalty, picked up and had a very informative ride out to their place. We were greeted by the most adorable 3 year old and the best looking sled dogs I have ever seen. They have a beautiful place and you can get in and warm up in the yurt with a wood burning stove and hot chocolate. There is a big bonfire to enjoy outside! But the Aurora was so beautiful out there away from the city.

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