Best Alaska & Caribbean Shore Excursions
Our New Hampshire-based cruise advisors compared dozens of shore excursions across both destinations. Here are the ones consistently worth booking, port by port.
The Caribbean and Alaska are the two most-requested cruise destinations among our clients – and the two with the widest range of excursion quality. Below, we break down the top-rated shore excursions in each region's most popular ports, including trip length and activity level, so you can build an itinerary that matches how your group actually likes to travel.
🏝️ Caribbean Shore Excursions
30+ Islands · Best Nov–AprCaribbean itineraries typically call on 3–5 islands per sailing, most commonly in the Western, Eastern, or Southern Caribbean. Excursions here lean toward reefs, beaches, and easy half-day tours – ideal for families and first-time cruisers.
Zip Line & Beach Break
Roatan, Honduras
A canopy zip line tour through the rainforest followed by free time on a private beach – a favorite for families and active travelers.
Palancar Reef Snorkel Tour
Cozumel, Mexico
Boat out to one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant reef systems for guided snorkeling in crystal-clear water.
Pigeon Island & Rodney Bay Tour
St. Lucia
Explore colonial-era ruins and coastal views on this scenic half-day tour, capped off with local rum tastings.
Tulum Mayan Ruins
Costa Maya, Mexico
Explore clifftop Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with time for a swim at a nearby beach.
Dunn’s River Falls Climb
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
A guided, hand-in-hand climb up terraced waterfalls – one of the most iconic and requested Caribbean excursions.
Sunset Catamaran & Snorkel Sail
St. Maarten
A relaxed catamaran sail with a snorkel stop and open-bar refreshments – a top pick for couples and groups wanting a slower day.
🏔️ Alaska Shore Excursions
Inside Passage · Best May–SeptAlaska sailings usually run the Inside Passage, calling at Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, often with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord. Excursions here center on wildlife, glaciers, and gold rush history, and tend to book out earlier than Caribbean tours.
Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest
Juneau, Alaska
A naturalist-guided boat tour through prime humpback whale feeding grounds, with strong odds of eagle and seal sightings too.
Mendenhall Glacier Trek
Juneau, Alaska
A guided hike offering close-up views of Mendenhall Glacier and its surrounding waterfalls and rainforest trails.
White Pass Scenic Railway
Skagway, Alaska
A historic narrow-gauge train climbs through the mountains once crossed by Klondike gold rush prospectors.
Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour
Ketchikan, Alaska
A floatplane flight over Misty Fjords National Monument, with sweeping views of granite cliffs and waterfalls.
Totem Poles & Native History Tour
Ketchikan, Alaska
Visit Saxman Native Village to see one of the world’s largest collections of standing totem poles and learn Tlingit history.
Sled Dog Camp & Glacier Landing
Skagway or Juneau, Alaska
A helicopter flight to a glacier-based dog camp for a summer sled ride with Iditarod-trained huskies – a bucket-list favorite.
Alaska & Caribbean Excursion FAQ
Should I book Caribbean shore excursions in advance?
Popular tours like Dunn’s River Falls and catamaran sails can sell out during peak season (December–April), so booking 4–6 weeks ahead is a good idea. Many beach and snorkel excursions have same-week availability.
How far ahead should I book Alaska excursions?
Alaska excursions – especially floatplane tours, glacier treks, and dog sledding – have limited daily capacity and often sell out 2–3 months before the sailing date. Book these as early as possible.
What's the difference between ship-sponsored and independent excursions?
Ship-sponsored excursions guarantee the ship will wait if the tour runs late. Independent operators can be less expensive but carry more timing risk. We help clients weigh that trade-off based on the specific port and itinerary.
Let Us Book Your Shore Excursions
The Cruise Headquarters is based right here in New Hampshire – call or email and we’ll help you pick and price the best excursions for your itinerary.