Eco-Conscious
Travel responsibly with Voyij's curated collection of eco-conscious Alaska tours. From wildlife safaris that support conservation to cultural experiences that respect local traditions, these activities are designed for mindful travelers who want to leave a positive impact. Discover Alaska through sustainable, meaningful adventures that honor nature and community.
13 Activities
Marine Debris Cleanup
Ever since the devastating tsunami in 2011, in Japan, Sitka Wildlife Adventures has worked closely with Sitka Sound Science Center and local volunteers to clean local wilderness beaches. This is a monumental task...Sections of coastline that are more exposed to winds and seas tend to accumulate more debris and tend to re-accumulate debris at faster rates. Of course, highly exposed coastline is much more difficult to access than calm shores and inlets! By some accounts there will be more plastic than fish, in the seas, by 2050. Humans really have to change their behavior! This is an exciting day where you will be immersed in the Sitka waters. In addition to a narrated tour of Sitka and the surrounding area by a highly knowledgeable local guide, your work will support the local environment and ecosystem through impactful efforts to clean debris off the coastline. Begin the day on the boat. After a brief tour of Sitka and a full debrief by your guide, your work begins! It's hard to know what we will find on any given day, and that is part of the fun of it! We may spend our time on remote beaches cleaning up small debris and if you're lucky, we may encounter larger items like rubber tires, large fishnets, or even heavy equipment! While a hard day's work, this is truly a rewarding day; not only will you spend your time in Sitka reveling in the beautiful scenery away from the hustle and bustle of town, but you will also be contributing to essential volunteer work to keep our planet and our oceans clean. And who knows, you may find something valuable! One man's trash is another mans treasure! The work of removing debris is challenging, very physical and can be dangerous; for active groups only.
Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion
Join our Alaskan captain and their crew at our dock in Ward Cove – which was once home to North America’s largest operating pulp mill and a working salmon cannery – to board either the Lighthouse Endeavor or Totem Princess. Once aboard, you’ll get to settle into the inside heated main cabin or a seat on the outside observation deck, as you leave the dock for your cruise. Sip a hot chocolate or freshly-brewed coffee and keep your eye out for plentiful American bald eagle sightings. Your captain will navigate the vessel along our developed shoreline while our crew helps you spot the many eagle’s nests along our route. You’ll arrive in front of Totem Bight State Park, home to an Alaskan native clan house and 14 towering Tlingit and Haida hand-carved cedar totem poles, where you will learn about Ketchikan’s vibrant Alaska Native culture as well as the history of the park. We’ll provide you with beautiful, panoramic views of the entire park from the water, and an opportunity to get your photo taken with this stunning site. About halfway through the trip, you’ll leave the developed shoreline to head out to Guard Island Lighthouse, perched on its own island near the opening to Clarence Strait. (This fascinating landmark was established in 1904 and is still in operation today!) While here, take a minute to breathe in the fresh sea air and keep your eye out for the possibility of some of our favorite marine mammals – seals, sea lions, and, in May and September, sometimes even humpback and orca whales! You also may get a chance to see any number of seabirds, such as great blue heron, pigeon guillemots, or gulls. On your way back to Ward Cove, your captain will bring your tour vessel along the neighboring island of Gravina, showcasing beautiful views of the old growth Tongass National Forest, our world’s largest temperate rainforest, and give you the opportunity to possibly spot some land-based wildlife, such as Sitka Blacktail deer or – if you’re really lucky! – a black bear. Throughout the tour you’ll also get the chance to learn about the unique lifestyle of living on a remote Alaskan island directly from the locals who make this place our home! Highlights: *Guaranteed American bald eagle sightings *Possible sightings of harbor seal, moon jellyfish, pigeon guillemots, blue heron, deer, humpback and orca whales, or other wildlife *Panoramic views of Totem Bight State Park, home to an Alaskan Native clan house and a collection of 14 towering Tlingit, Haida & Tsimshian hand-carved cedar totem poles *Voyage to Guard Island Lighthouse to photograph the first lighthouse to be built in Alaska, completed in 1904 & still in operation today *Beautiful scenery embodied in the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest, and the seascape of the Tongass Narrows
Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
Go on an adventure as you explore the deep mysterious waters of island studded sea passages in search of wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. Your experienced captain and expert naturalist will use their considerable local knowledge of the area to unlock the secrets of this biologically rich ecosystem. You will feel ocean air on your face and taste the salt of sea spray as you skim across the waves in search of Alaska's unique wildlife. You will indulge your curiosity as you navigate narrow channels, next to rocky coast lines, emerald forested islands, and black sandy beaches. You will become an explorer, a mariner, an adventurer!
Backcountry Eats & Foraging Treats
Looking for a tasty tour that has a little of everything? Then, spending a half-day with us at the Talkeetna Lakes or Chugach State Park is your #1 option. This is a great pick for families with younger kids, as well as a great opportunity for seeing the quaint community of Talkeetna on your way to interior Alaska. On this one-of-a-kind daytrip, you’ll learn how to for wild Alaskan edibles, experience world-class hiking, and our specialty, the art of backcountry cooking. As part of the adventure, we’ll also take a thrilling drive by majestic mountains, braided rivers, thick woodlands. Upon arrival, our experienced guide(s) will let you know what to expect, and give you tips for spending the day safely in the Alaskan wilderness. Then, we’ll hit the trails in search of Talkeetna’s/Chugach's finest ingredients. Depending on the season, we could uncover wild greens, edible wildflowers, fiddlehead ferns, fireweed shoots, mushrooms, berries, and so much more. All of which, we have the opportunity of taking back to the campsite for education on how to prepare, cook, and eat using backcountry equipment and supplies. Finally, after a delicious backcountry dessert our guides will say goodbye, it's on to your lodging destination for a relaxing end to your dream-day. Are you ready to explore your wild like the locals? Book this trip and we guarantee you an experience of a lifetime!
Available Timing
Cultural Immersion Tour
Specializing in VIP Small Group Tours of 10 or fewer people. Our tour begins with pickup at Eagle Park in Ketchikan by cruise ship dock. Guests are asked to arrive a few minutes early for check-in and to ensure a timely departure. We'll make our way north to the Totem Bight Historical Park, located on the former site of a traditional Native campground known as Mud Bight Village. See the Clan House and Totem Poles and hear stories of a legendary chief's strength, along with other totem stories and meanings. Next, we'll ride in the van, venturing out to the Rainforest Creek Trail. Here visitors will be immersed in and will learn about the unique ecosystem of the Tongass. From how to safely remove the thorns and bark from the devil's club, to identifying many other berries edibles, and medicinal plants of the Tongass, we provide an insightful and fascinating perspective like none other. At the end of the tour, we'll provide snacks including smoked salmon and crackers by a campfire. It is our desire to enrich your vacation experience by providing a cultural and memorable adventure, with a glimpse of yesteryear and a rare view at our traditional rainforest 'medicine cabinet' in the Tongass National Forest.
Turnagain Turn Tour - Anchorage Departure
Alaska’s only guaranteed viewing of land mammals in their natural habitat is at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! Our guides, all local Alaskans, will help guests explore this 200-acre property dedicated to caring for and educating about Alaska’s most iconic animals. Located at the southern end of Turnagain Arm (an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway), the conversation center is home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, allowing guests to view each species up close. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram 2,300 vertical feet into the Chugach Mountains for views of several alpine glaciers and panoramic views of Cook Inlet. Transportation from Anchorage and lunch at a favorite Girdwood restaurant are included. TRIP DETAILS: This full-day tour from Anchorage includes a local guide, an aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood, an Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center tour, and scenic photo stops along the way! Following pick up at your hotel or the Salmon Berry Tours office in downtown Anchorage, sit back in our comfortable and clean Sprinter vans as your local driver-guide navigates south along Turnagain Arm, an All-American Road, and National Scenic Byway. Watch for alpine scenery, hanging glaciers, and potential wildlife sightings along the Seward Highway. Visit the quaint town of Girdwood and a favorite local eatery for lunch (included). After lunch, ascend the side of Mount Alyeska aboard an aerial tram. From the top (weather permitting), take in views of several hanging glaciers and the upper reaches of this temperate rainforest, and watch for the occasional black bear foraging along the tram route during the early summer months. Next, tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre natural habitat that provides wildlife education and rehabilitation for some of Alaska’s favorite animals! We will drive and walk approximately 2-miles through the Conservation Center’s trails as you get close enough to observe some of our favorite land animals such as moose, reindeer, bison, musk ox, and wolves. While we cannot guarantee bears due to the size of their habitat, it is common to see brown and black bears at the Conservation Center. Make sure to take photos of wildlife with the amazing backdrop of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Before returning to Anchorage, stop at the conservation center’s gift shop. Complimentary snacks and water are provided throughout the tour. To provide a positive experience for everyone on tour, hotel pick-ups are limited to three properties per tour, based on a first-come, first-served basis. Book now to confirm your hotel pick-up! Overnighting at Alyeska Resort? Consider this tour a great way to drive between Anchorage and the Resort in Girdwood!
Available Timing
Anchorage Wildlife Tour
This half-day tour from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and scenic photo stops along the way! Following pick up at your hotel or the Salmon Berry Tours office in downtown Anchorage, sit back in our comfortable and clean Sprinter vans as your Alaska driver guides you down Turnagain Arm, an All-American Road, and National Scenic Byway. Look out for hanging alpine glaciers, Dall sheep in the Chugach Mountains, and Bald Eagles. Beluga whales can be seen during the summer and autumn months along Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm! Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre natural habitat dedicated to wildlife education and rehabilitation for some of Alaska’s favorite animals. We will drive and walk approximately 2-miles through the Conservation Center’s trails as you get close enough to observe some of our favorite land mammals; moose, reindeer, bison, wolves, and more! While we cannot guarantee bears due to the size of habitat and seasons – they are traditionally hibernating in the winter months – you could see them in summer and on sunny warm spring days. Make sure to take photos of wildlife with the amazing backdrop of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm! Before returning to Anchorage, stop at the conservation center’s gift shop. Complimentary snacks and water are provided throughout the tour. To enhance guest experiences, hotel pick-ups are limited to three hotels per tour, based on a first-come, first-served basis. Book now to confirm your hotel pick-up!
Icy Strait Point Bear Search + Island Adventure
We’ll travel from Icy Strait Point through the Tlingit village of Hoonah, then across the island on old logging roads. We will search for bears who are foraging along remote rivers and beaches. We can remain in the vehicle throughout the tour, or get out and do some short walks if you prefer. You'll travel off the beaten path and visit areas of the island that most cruise ship passengers never see. We will see untouched nature and enjoy the solitude of this wild place. *FAQ - What should I bring? Rain gear, water, snack/lunch, and a sense of adventure! - Do I need to tip my guide? Gratuity is greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the service of your guide. Although it is customary to tip your guide, it is not required. We are often asked the size of a typical tip. An appropriate guideline is 15% of the cost of the trip. Feel free to alter this as you see fit. - Can we keep our catch? We highly encourage catch and release, but ultimately, the decision is up to the angler. We encourage catch and release for a number of reasons. For one, we don't want to attract bears while on the river. Additionally, Pink Salmon do not freeze very well- they are best eaten the day of. If the primary goal of your trip is to keep fish to take home, we suggest saltwater fishing instead of river fishing. Alternatively, you could book both saltwater and freshwater trips to get a taste of both worlds!
The Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure
Snorkeling in Ketchikan just might be the highlight of your trip to Alaska! Sounds crazy doesn’t it? The snorkeling in Alaska is amazing. Alaska’s intertidal zone provides a rich assortment of plants and animals to view. Don't worry about being cold. Our water temperature averages about 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and reach a high of 65 degrees in July. We provide full 7mm wetsuits with a hood, boots and gloves to keep you warm while in the water. Wetsuits keep you warm by filling with a thin layer of water which heats up to body temperature in just a few minutes time. Discover the wonders of Southeast Alaska’s marine life with our premium snorkeling adventure at Mountain Point. Dive into clear, calm waters equipped with top-tier gear, guided by our certified experts. The site has shallow tide pools teeming with marine life and steep underwater rock walls for free diving, all just five miles from your ship. Join us for a thrilling and safe exploration of Alaska’s diverse and colorful marine life! The Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure is an all inclusive Shore Excursion. We provide everything you need to snorkel safely and comfortably in our waters. We include roundtrip transportation, full instructions, all the equipment and a fully guided one hour marine life tour in addition to hot showers, drinking water, hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Behind every unparalleled snorkeling experience at Snorkel Alaska stands our dedicated team. With extensive knowledge, unmatched expertise, and unwavering passion for marine adventures, each member boasts top-tier credentials in the world of diving. With a collective experience spanning decades, our Professional Association of Diving Instructors-certified Divemasters and SCUBA Instructors ensure every dive is both safe and unforgettable. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience!
3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour
Duration: 3 Hours Take a leisurely stroll through the forest of Denali National Park. As you walk, listen to your guide talk about the plants, animals, ecology, geology, and more that make Denali unique. Taste the numerous and exotic edible berries that cover Denali's forests. Your guide is a true expert. They're a Naturalist who's prepared to answer any question you throw at them. They're ready for wildlife encounters with bear spray and good training. They have a Wilderness First Responder certification, making them better prepared than an EMT for an emergency in the backcountry. See? I told you they were an expert. This is your chance to experience Alaska up close and personal. Your chance to feel the peat moss that so few do. Taste the elusive (and legendary) cloudberries. This is more than a walk. It's a teleportation into the gears that turn the forest of Denali National Park. The walk is just the canvas that your guide paints the tour onto. what_is_included: - Expert Naturalist Guide - Trekking Poles - Rain Jackets - Optional Drinking Water - Shuttle (Within 30 Minutes) what_is_not_included: - Food/snacks (most guides carry some snacks, but we encourage you to bring your own.) - Rain pants if you want them. itinerary: 1. You complete your booking. 2. You receive a phone call from one of our team members to offer assistance with planning and to answer any questions you may have. 3. You receive a text from your guide the day before your tour confirming details and pick up. 4. Your guide picks you up from your hotel (or an agreed upon meeting location) and takes you to the trailhead. 5. Enjoy a fantastic stroll through the boreal forest of Denali, learning everything there is to know about the plants and animals of the National Park. 6. Your guide drops you back off at your hotel, or anywhere else you'd like to be dropped off. 7. You impress your friends with the extent of your knowledge about the terrain of Alaska. They'll be shocked when you point to a clearing and can tell them what kinds of tasty berries will be growing there. highlights: Taste edible berries including - but not limited to - blueberries, cloudberries, currants, cranberries, lingonberries, pumpkin berries, and more. Most you'll never find in a grocery store, but that isn't because they're not delicious. Get up close and personal with Denali. Most travelers keep Denali at a distance. They see it from a bus window. Maybe a plane window if they're lucky. But they never touch it, understand it, or explore it. With us, you'll do all three. Get a chance of seeing wildlife! Realistically, it'll probably be a squirrel, but we sometimes see moose, ptarmigan, eagles, weasels, and more on the Naturalist Walking Tour. check_in_details: You'll get a text from your guide the day before your tour instructing you on exactly what time they'll be picking you up. It won't be more than 30 minutes before the tour departure time. We recommend getting there a few minutes early just in case. what_to_bring: - Long sleeves/pants for mosquito protection - Bug spray (your guide will have some, but more never hurts) - Water (we can provide it, but we recommend you bring your own) - Comfortable walking shoes special_requirements: Small children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Our guides love kids, but they can't chase down runaway children and guide a tour at the same time. Believe me, they've tried. restrictions: This is a three hour hike. If you have mobility or health issues, I would strongly recommend giving our team a call at (907) 687-2070 to discuss if you'll be up for this hike. It's not very strenuous, but three hours is a long time to be on your feet. extras: We provide trekking poles and rain jackets! disclaimers: faqs: #Q: What is the distance and elevation gain? A: Because our tours are time-based and not distance based, I can't give you an exact answer. We do it this way so that our guides can customize the tour to your group. We don't want anyone feeling rushed to make it to the end in time. The average is about 2 miles and 100-300 feet of elevation gain. #Q: What time will my guide text me the day before my tour? A: It varies day-to-day since guides need to send these texts between their tours. They try to have all of their texts sent our before 5 pm, and no later than 7 pm. #Q: What if it rains? A: The only thing we cancel tours for is lightning. Rain is a reality in Denali, and we're happy to provide you with a rain jacket. If you know you won't want to hike in the rain, opt for trip protection when you check out, and you'll be able to cancel with a full refund anytime.
4 Hour Wilderness Wonders Tour
Duration: 4 Hours This is our guides' pick for the best tour we offer. Go off-trail and into the Denali taiga, led by an experienced backcountry navigator. Get the authentic Denali experience for you and your family, saying goodbye to the usual conveyor-belt style tours. Your expert naturalist guide will go in depth about the unique plants, animals, ecology, and geology of Denali. Engage all of your senses with hands-on experiences, from sinking your fingers into the lush moss underfoot to savoring the bounty of edible plants and berries found throughout the Denali region. Dive into the rich tapestry of cultural history, spanning from the wisdom of the indigenous Athabaskan people to the more recent tales of survivalists who tested their mettle and adaptability in this challenging environment. And remember - If you book this tour and decide it's not for you later on, you can cancel with a full refund until 24 hours before your departure!
Half-Day Denali Survival Tour
Learn how to survive in the Denali wilderness! Tour Duration: 4 Hours What comes to mind when you think of Alaska? Is it gift shops, boardwalks, and buses? Or is it the rugged mountains, rugged people, and tragic stories of survival - like that of Chris McCandless in Into the Wild? If you answered yes to the last question, you’re just like me. And this tour is just for you. We created this tour to bridge the gap between those who want to learn more about surviving in the wild and those who want to spend thousands of dollars and take a week-long course in the wilderness. This tour is the perfect 4 hour introduction to survival in Denali. You'll learn what to do in the first 5 days of a survival situation. You'll learn how pick a good shelter location - and how to build that shelter. You'll learn how to make a fire with nothing but a shoelace and some sticks. You'll learn how to use edible and medicinal plants. And so much more. We'll pick you up from your hotel, take you to an area of boreal forest just outside of Denali National Park, and start hiking! As you hike, you'll be treated to wild edible plants and berries. Your guide will stop along the way to teach you a whole host of useful survival skills. You might wonder how we pack all of that into 4 hours. We got an expert with nearly a decade of experience teaching primitive survival to create this program for us. And remember - If you book this tour and decide it's not for you later on, you can cancel with a full refund until 24 hours before your departure! And if the tour doesn't meet you expectations, you get a full refund + $100 towards your next tour in Alaska.
Private Ketchikan Cultural Tour (up to 10 guests)
Specializing in VIP tours of ten or fewer people. For all private tours, itinerary and schedule will be customized to fit the groups' interest. We begin with pickup at Eagle Park in our comfortable van in Ketchikan near the cruise ship dock. Guests are asked to arrive a few minutes early for check-in and to ensure a timely departure. Our tour starts with a comfortable drive to Herring Cove to explore a local waterfall and Rainforest Sanctuary. Then, we'll make our way into town to the Totem Heritage Center. This museum is host to dozens of beautiful and historic Totem Poles, dating back to the 1800s among other native artwork. Next, we'll head north to Totem Bight Historical Park, located on the former site of a traditional Native campground known as Mud Bight Village. See the Clan House and Totem Poles and hear stories of a legendary chief's strength, along with other totem stories and meanings. This remarkable site has significance dating back centuries, saw preservation improvements via the CCC in the 1930s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Additional locations based on groups' interest: Our tours are fully customizable — you choose your favorite stops from our list, and we build the perfect 5-hour experience around your interests. If the tour runs a little over, we never charge extra. What we include on every tour: • Insight into our Native way of life • Traditional fishing, hunting, and food-gathering practices • How we work to keep our traditional food supply abundant • Environmental issues that impact our salmon, halibut, and local fisheries • Stories and teachings passed down through my wife’s long line of tribal leaders (both women and men) Popular stop options you can choose from: • Settlers Cove (short rainforest hike & salmon viewing) • Lunch Creek (bear viewing opportunities in season) • Medicinal plant identification walk • Buggie’s Beach tide pools • Creek Street boardwalk & seal viewing in August • Totem Heritage Center • Herring cove bear viewing • Totem Bight State Park • Bawden Street Brewery • Uncharted Distillery Join us for an engaging 5 hour tour of Ketchikan and surrounding cultural sites. Seventh-generation native tour guides are experts on local culture, flora, and fauna, bringing your group on a comfortable van ride to local sites!
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