Alaska Cruise Helicopter Glacier Tours — Complete Guide to Landing on Ice

Of all the incredible experiences available on an Alaska cruise, one consistently rises to the top of passengers’ “most memorable” lists: landing on a glacier by helicopter. It’s an excursion that combines the thrill of flightseeing over a vast, ancient landscape with the profound, humbling experience of walking on ice that is hundreds or even thousands of feet thick. This is not just seeing Alaska; it’s touching a piece of the Ice Age.

For most cruise passengers, this bucket-list adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The sheer scale of the icefields, the brilliant blue of the glacial ice, and the dramatic mountain scenery are impossible to fully appreciate from sea level. A helicopter tour gives you a perspective that is both grand and intimate, making it the single most recommended splurge for many Alaska cruisers.

Where Can You Take a Helicopter Glacier Tour?

While you’ll see stunning glaciers from your cruise ship, the ports of call are your gateways to landing on one.

Juneau: This is the epicenter for helicopter glacier tours. The main attraction is the immense Juneau Icefield, a staggering 1,500-square-mile sea of ice that is the fifth largest in North America. This icefield feeds 38 major glaciers, including the famous Mendenhall and Taku Glaciers. Because of its size and the number of operators, Juneau offers the most variety in tour length and options.

Skagway: Your other primary option is Skagway, the famed port of the Klondike Gold Rush. From here, helicopters whisk you over the dramatic peaks of the Coast Mountains to land on remote glaciers in the White Pass area, such as the Chilkat, Ferebee, or Meade Glaciers. These tours offer a similar breathtaking experience, flying over deep valleys and rugged terrain before touching down on a river of ice.

What to Expect on Your Tour

A typical helicopter glacier landing tour follows a well-orchestrated pattern designed for maximum awe and safety.

• Total Duration: Plan for your entire excursion to last between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, from port pickup to drop-off.
• The Flight: The helicopter flight itself is a highlight. You’ll spend approximately 10 to 20 minutes each way soaring over temperate rainforests, jagged granite peaks, and brilliant blue icefalls. Pilots provide expert narration through headsets, pointing out geological features and searching for wildlife like bears or mountain goats.
• On the Ice: The core of the experience is the time spent on the glacier, which typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes for a standard landing tour. Some extended trekking tours can offer up to two hours on the ice.
• The Glacier Walk: This isn’t strenuous mountaineering. Most tours involve a guided walk on a relatively flat and stable section of the glacier. You’ll be provided with special crampons or over-boots that fit over your shoes, providing excellent traction on the ice. Your guide will explain the fascinating glacial features around you, from deep crevasses to stunning blue meltwater pools.

Popular Add-Ons and Tour Variations

To enhance the experience, many operators offer popular combination tours.

Dog Sledding: By far the most popular add-on is a glacier dog sledding experience. After landing, you’re greeted by a team of energetic Alaskan huskies and their mushers at a remote glacier camp. You’ll get to ride in the sled and may even have a chance to stand on the runners and try mushing yourself. This incredible combination typically adds around $100 or more to the tour cost but is an unforgettable adventure.

Essential Planning: What You Need to Know

This is a premier excursion with specific logistical requirements. Planning ahead is crucial.

Cost: A standard helicopter glacier landing and walk typically costs between $350 and $550 per person. Tours that include dog sledding or longer trekking times will be at the higher end of that range or more.

What to Wear: Dress warmly in layers, even on a hot, sunny day. The surface of the glacier is significantly colder, with temperatures often 15-20°F cooler than in town. Essential items include:

• A warm, waterproof jacket
• Gloves or mittens and a warm hat
• Sunglasses (the glare off the ice is intense)
• Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots

Weight and Health Restrictions: Safety is paramount. Helicopters operate under strict weight and balance limitations.

• Weight Limits: Most operators have a maximum individual weight limit of 230-250 lbs. Passengers exceeding this will likely be subject to a surcharge for an additional seat. All passengers are discreetly weighed at the heliport before boarding.
• Health & Age: While generally not physically demanding, guests must be able to walk short distances on uneven surfaces and navigate a few steps into the helicopter. Some operators may have restrictions for pregnant women, young children (often under 3), or those with significant heart conditions. Always check the specific operator’s policy when booking.

Booking in Advance: Do not wait to book this tour. As the most popular excursion in ports like Juneau, helicopter tours sell out months in advance. For a cruise in the peak summer month of July, it’s wise to have your tour booked by March to avoid disappointment.