Alaska is a place where the wild outdoors demands a different kind of perspective. The vast glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife are best appreciated from the air. Helicopter tours here aren’t just about getting a bird’s-eye view — they’re about stepping into an authentic, up-close encounter with Alaska’s rugged beauty. Whether it’s landing on a glacier, mushing with sled dogs, or paddling icy waters, these experiences elevate your trip beyond the usual sightseeing. We particularly like the Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing, which offers a personal, 60-minute adventure with wildlife spotting, and the Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding for its unique combination of aerial views and icy lake paddling.
Alaska’s helicopter experiences are renowned for their immersive nature and breathtaking scenery. What’s great about these tours is their variety — from simple scenic flights to multi-activity days that include dogsledding, glacier hikes, and even swimming in glacier waters. These tours don’t just show you Alaska’s glaciers—they bring you into them in ways few terrestrial trips can match.
1. Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing – 60 mins – ANCHORAGE AREA
For around $452, this one-hour helicopter tour offers a personal experience that’s perfect for first-timers or those short on time. It kicks off with a scenic flight over the Knik River before landing near the stunning Knik Glacier (depending on the season). Once on the glacier, you’ll have a guided hike over the ice formations—an authentic way to connect with Alaska’s icy wilderness. The tour is praised for its small-group setting, which makes the experience intimate and less commercial.
One of the standout features is the opportunity to see Alaska wildlife like moose, bears, and mountain goats from above or on the ground. Flying with a knowledgeable pilot, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the landscape and local ecology. Reviews consistently mention this as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” with comments like, “The helicopter ride alone was worth the price, but landing on the glacier took it over the top.”
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a focused, personal glacier experience with a manageable time commitment and excellent reviews. It’s a perfect introduction to Alaska’s icy landscapes.
2. Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour – ANCHORAGE AREA
For about $617, this 1.5-hour adventure combines a scenic helicopter flight with an authentic dogsledding experience on a glacier. It’s a favorite for travelers seeking active, memorable moments. The tour begins with a helicopter ride over the Church Range and Knik Glacier, then lands on the Troublesome Glacier, where a team of sled dogs is waiting. You’ll get to mush your own sled or just enjoy the ride, guided by champion mushers who have trained dogs for the Iditarod.
This tour stands out because it’s one of the few that pairs aerial sightseeing with hands-on sled dog interaction. Seeing the dogs in action and learning about their training adds a genuine Alaskan touch. The reviews highlight the breathtaking scenery and the thrill of mushing in summer, with one traveler saying, “The dog sledding was the real deal — a lifetime memory.” The helicopter ride is also noted for its smoothness and informative narration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers and dog lovers wanting a full-day experience combining flight and mushing, with top-notch scenery and authentic encounters.
3. Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour + Lower Glacier Landing
At approximately $823, this two-hour tour offers a comprehensive adventure—flying over glaciers, walking on the ice, and dogsledding on a glacier’s surface. The experience includes a guided glacier walk where you’ll explore crevasses and melt pools, plus a dog sled ride with champion sled dogs. What makes this tour special is the small group size—max nine participants—creating a more personalized experience.
The helicopter takes you high over icebergs and glacier formations, and the on-the-ground exploration allows you to get close to the icy landscape. The dogsled portion is especially memorable, with travelers praising the professionalism of the guides and the spectacular views. One reviewer noted, “The entire experience was world-class — from flying over the glaciers to mushing with the dogs.” The combination of aerial and terrestrial adventures makes this a top choice for those who want it all.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure seekers eager to combine glacier exploration with dogsledding and appreciate smaller groups for a more intimate experience.
4. Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding – PRIVATE
This 4-hour private tour costs about $1,029 per person and is perfect for travelers who want to combine aerial views with active water sports. After a mountaintop helicopter landing, you’ll paddleboard on a crystal-clear glacial lake, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The tour is tailored for those wanting a personalized and exclusive experience with fewer travelers.
The tour includes a helicopter flight that offers wildlife spotting and stunning scenery, followed by a drysuit adventure on the lake. This allows you to enjoy the icy waters safely, with plenty of opportunities for photographs. Reviewers love the flexibility and exclusivity of this option, with one saying, “The views and the activity are unmatched in Alaska.” It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with water sports and looking for a luxury experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting a private, all-in-one glacier adventure that combines aerial and aquatic fun.
5. Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike
At just over $823, this two-hour tour is for the truly adventurous. Departing by helicopter, you’ll approach a glacier, then don a dry suit to swim in the invigorating icy waters or simply hike around the glacier’s surface. It’s one of the few tours that offers the chance to actually swim in glacier water, making it appealing to active travelers craving a unique thrill.
The guide is there to support every step, ensuring safety and comfort. This tour appeals to those who want an immersive experience with a literal splash of Alaska’s cold, clear waters. Reviewers have called it “an unforgettable experience” and “a true bucket list moment.” Because of the physical demands, it’s better suited to travelers comfortable with cold water and physical activity.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurers seeking a rare opportunity to swim in glacier waters, combined with scenic helicopter views.
6. Valdez Columbia Glacier Spectacular Helicopter Tour
This extended 2-hour flight (costing about $767) offers more time in the air to capture stunning footage and photos. Touching down on the Columbia Glacier, Alaska’s second-largest tidewater glacier, you’ll walk among huge ice formations, crevasses, and towering icebergs. The tour offers a rare chance to see calving events and spot seals and mountain goats.
The 90-minute flight includes on-the-ground exploration, where you can enjoy drinking glacier water or throwing rocks into moulins. The longer flight time makes this a great option for serious photographers or travelers wanting a more in-depth look at Alaska’s glaciers. Reviews are limited but promising; the focus on photo opportunities and longer exploration sets it apart.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting the most in-depth glacier experience and ample photo opportunities in the Valdez region.
$767.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Alaska Helicopter Tour
When picking your helicopter adventure, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you’re short on time but want a personal glacier landing, the first tour offers the best value. For those craving mushing and active experiences, the Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour hits the spot. Want a luxury experience? The private paddleboarding tour delivers exclusivity, while the Valdez Glacier Tour appeals to photographers and glacier enthusiasts.
Booking early is always wise, especially during peak summer months, and ensure you pick a tour that matches your physical comfort level and curiosity about Alaska’s icy terrain.
Final Thoughts
Alaska’s helicopter tours offer a dazzling array of options, from quick glacier landings to multi-activity adventures that include dogsledding, paddling, and glacier swimming. For a classic, scenic flight with a glacier landing, the Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing is hard to beat. If you seek an active day with sled dogs, the Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour offers a real taste of Alaska’s outdoor life.
For those wanting a more immersive and luxury experience, the private paddleboarding or extended glacier exploration tours provide unforgettable moments. Whatever your interests and adventure level, Alaska’s helicopter tours make it possible to truly see the state’s incredible icy wilderness up close. Be sure to book early, and prepare for a trip that’s as unique as the landscapes you’ll witness.