Alaska’s rugged, wild landscape makes it one of the most stunning places on earth to see from the air. What sets Alaska apart for helicopter flights and tours is its extraordinary combination of glaciers, mountain ranges, and wildlife that can only truly be appreciated from above. Unlike many destinations where scenery is static, Alaska’s dynamic environment — from ice fields to soaring peaks — offers a constantly changing view, perfect for those looking to go beyond the typical sightseeing experience.
Alaska’s helicopter tours aren’t just about eye candy; they deliver real, hands-on experiences like landing on a glacier, mushing a dog team, or paddling in icy waters. These tours let you access remote spots that are impossible to reach by land or boat, and the small groups mean you’ll get personalized attention and plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you’re after a quick scenic flight or an immersive adventure, Alaska’s helicopter tours deliver a unique glimpse into the state’s wild heart.
Quick Overview
This list includes four of the best helicopter experiences in Alaska: a classic glacier landing tour near Anchorage, a combo with dogsledding, a private paddleboarding expedition with a glacier landing, and a glacier swim and hike. Each offers a distinct way to explore Alaska’s natural beauty, with prices ranging from around $452 for a basic glacier landing to over $1028 for a private paddleboard adventure. All tours have high ratings and excellent reviews, making them reliable choices.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these extraordinary tours.
1. Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing – 60 mins – ANCHORAGE AREA
At number 1, this 1-hour helicopter tour with a glacier landing offers a fantastic introduction to Alaska’s icy wilderness. It’s a popular choice, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 647 reviews, reflecting its consistent quality. The tour begins with a scenic helicopter ride over the Knik River toward the Knik Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers near Anchorage. Based on the season, you’ll land on or near the glacier, where you can take a guided hike on ice formations or snowfields.
What makes this tour stand out is its small group setting and the chance to get up close to wildlife like moose, bears, and mountain goats while flying or on the ground. The flight itself provides breathtaking views of Alaska’s landscape — a true highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike. Check-in is 30 minutes prior, making it easy to slot into a day of exploring.
Guests repeatedly praise the pilot’s expertise and the intimate experience, calling it “the best experience I’ve ever had” and “a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.” The value is excellent for a full hour of flying plus glacier exploration, especially given the high safety standards and friendly staff.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for first-timers and those wanting a quick, stunning glacier experience near Anchorage with wildlife spotting chances.
2. Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour
For around $617, this 1.5-hour tour combines a helicopter ride over glaciers with the thrill of mushing a team of champion sled dogs on Troublesome Glacier. It’s a step beyond just sightseeing — it’s an interactive adventure that immerses you in true Alaskan life.
The tour kicks off with a helicopter flight over notable features like the Church Range and Knik Glacier, offering sweeping views. Once on Troublesome Glacier, you’ll meet a team of sled dogs led by a musher who’s a 25-year veteran of the Iditarod, Dallas Seavey. You can either mush your own dogsled or relax and watch the action. The setting is spectacular, with wildlife like moose, mountain goats, and even bears often spotted along the way.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of aerial scenery and hands-on mushing. Guests say the dog sledding was “the real deal,” and the staff’s professionalism adds to the experience. Many reviewers comment on the breathtaking views and the thrill of controlling a team of dogs across a glacier.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, active Alaskan experience that mixes scenery with a bit of adventure and history.
3. Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding – PRIVATE
This private 4-hour tour is for those wanting to combine aerial vistas with a quiet paddleboarding session on a glacial lake. The experience costs about $1,029 per person, reflecting its exclusivity and personalized nature.
The tour begins with a helicopter flight over the Knik Glacier, stopping for a landing on a remote snow-covered area. Once on the ground, you’ll don a drysuit and set out on a paddleboard across the crystal-clear glacial waters. The calm, icy lake provides an incredible mirror to the towering snow and ice around you, with opportunities to spot wildlife like Dall sheep and mountain goats along the shoreline.
What makes this tour special is the combination of aerial views with the serenity of paddleboarding in pristine waters. The private setting ensures fewer crowds and more flexibility. Reviewers praise the experienced pilots and guides for safety and friendliness, highlighting the stunning scenery and the thrill of paddling on icy waters.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure seekers wanting a luxurious, personalized experience that combines flightseeing with a peaceful paddle on glacier-fed waters.
4. Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike
At number 4, this 2-hour tour offers a rare opportunity to see glaciers from both above and below — with the option to swim in glacial waters. Costing about $823, it’s a more intensive experience that appeals to those eager for a closer connection to glacier landscapes.
The tour starts with a helicopter flight to an untouched glacier, where you’ll have the chance to capture stunning photos of the icy terrain. Equipped with a dry suit, you’ll be able to swim in the glacier’s cold, invigorating waters if you choose. Your expert guide helps you navigate the environment safely, making this ideal for travelers comfortable with physical activities and eager to get up close.
What sets this experience apart is the combination of a glacier hike and swimming, offering a sensory experience that’s hard to match. Reviews mention the breathtaking scenery and the “serene atmosphere” of the glacier. Because of its intensity, it’s best suited for adventurous spirits or those with a good level of fitness.
Bottom Line: A fantastic option for travelers looking for a physically engaging, immersive glacier experience with opportunities to swim and photograph from incredible angles.
How to Choose Your Alaska Helicopter Tour
When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. The Alaska Glacier Land & Wildlife Tour is ideal for a quick, stunning introduction, while the Glacier Dogsled Tour offers a more interactive experience. For a private, leisurely adventure, the Paddleboarding tour is perfect, but it comes at a higher price. The Glacier Swim & Hike suits those who want a physically engaging, multi-sensory experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months when availability is limited. Think about what kind of experience will leave you with the best memories — whether that’s soaring above glaciers, mushing dogs across ice, paddling in icy waters, or swimming in a glacier pool.
Final Thoughts
Alaska’s helicopter tours offer a range of unforgettable experiences that go far beyond typical sightseeing. From quick glacier landings to immersive adventures like dogsledding, paddleboarding, and glacier swimming, each tour provides a different way to connect with the state’s wild beauty.
If you’re after a classic glacier landing plus wildlife viewing, the top-rated Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing is a reliable choice. For those craving a more active, hands-on experience, the Glacier Dogsled Tour and the Glacier Swim & Hike are hard to beat.
Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see Alaska from an unforgettable vantage point.