Top 10 Shore Excursions Tours in the USA

1.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,338 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $159Our pick

From Hilo Pier, ride in a 12 to 14 passenger van or larger minibus to Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea viewpoints, a lava tube, Richardson Black Sand Beach, and a macadamia nut stop. Guides such as Robert, Jess, Donna, Maggie, Geo, and Hannibal are known for lively island stories. Park access and port transport are included.

“The guide was informative and the transportation was adequate. Loved the sites especially the lava tube. Definitely recommend it.”

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2.Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 799 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $173Top rated

Leave your cruise ship in Skagway and ride a minibus over the Klondike Highway into Canada’s Yukon. You’ll stop at Tutshi and Tagish lakes, Carcross Desert, Lake Bennett, and Emerald Lake, then visit Wild Adventure Yukon for lunch, wildlife displays, and sled dogs. Guides such as Connor, Mike, Andrew, and Patrick are known for lively local stories.

“Had a great day exploring Skagway and the Yukon. Connor shared his passion and knowledge of the area. Highly recommend!”

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3.Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 543 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $138

Ride the Klondike Highway from Skagway to White Pass, British Columbia, and the Yukon border in a small minibus. Stop at waterfalls, Summit Lake, Tutshi Lake, historic bridges, and the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Guides such as Conner, Andrew, Garrett, and Mike add local stories and help with photos. Bring your original passport.

“Patrick was an amazing guide. This was so much more informative than the train. We were able to stop and see more scenery.”

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4.Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 536 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $440

Fly from Juneau Airport over icefalls and mountain rock, then land on Herbert Glacier for a guided walk with your pilot. Coastal Helicopters provides transport, safety gear, boots, and raincoats if needed. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, but fog and wind can force a cancellation.

“…never too late to check this adventure off your bucket list! This was a magical experience with a great crew of organization to an awesome pilot and guide - Keith! We were the last flight of the day and it exceeded my very high expectation. I’m hooked on helicopters now and returned to walking an Alaskan glacier after 29 years with my love of 47 years. My heart is full!”

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5.Skagway Shore Excursion Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 513 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145

Walk two miles of the Chilkoot Trail through temperate rainforest, then relax on a gentle Taiya River float. Guides such as Dominic, Danny, Owen, Rachel, and Shaggy share Gold Rush stories and point out mushrooms, berries, eagles, and other wildlife. The first section is steep and uneven, so bring sturdy shoes and accept a hiking pole.

“What a beautiful day we had hiking and rafting back! The hike on the Chilkoot trail with Joe was super informative and so incredibly beautiful! We saw fauna that we haven’t seen anywhere else and we live in a forest! The hike was active but not difficult if you are dressed correctly. The river float required nothing from us except to sit and enjoy what Joe was telling us and showing us. It was about a 4 hour excursion and we had a blast!”

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6.Skagway Shore Excursion: White Pass Summit and Skagway City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 417 reviews · from $72Best value

Ride a narrated mini-bus from Skagway’s cruise terminal to the White Pass Summit at 3,292 feet. You’ll see Pitchfork and Bridal Veil Falls, Tormented Valley, Summit Lake, the Gold Rush Cemetery, and the Welcome to Alaska sign. Guides such as Beverly, Garrett, and Aaron are known for strong local stories, though taller passengers may find the bus tight.

“Trip was great. Beverly was a great tour guide! She did a wonderful job telling us about the area and taking us to very scenic viewing areas.”

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7.Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $187

Spend about 5.5 hours with Mauka Makai Adventures visiting Kilauea, steam vents, Halema'uma'u Crater, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road, Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Lili'uokalani Gardens. Guides such as Jill, Josh, and Julie bring local stories and volcano knowledge. Pickup is available at Hilo hotels, the port, and airport.

“Great location.. not close to everything but close enough to see the black sands beach and turtles, the southern most point of the United States and the volcano!! The unit was well maintained with everything we needed. Thank yooo!”

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8.Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 390 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $150

You’ll travel from Ketchikan port to Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center for seven ziplines, eight canopy ropes, bridges, suspended logs, and a 50-foot climbing tower. Guides such as Frank, Eli, Shea, and Mallory lead small groups, explain the forest, and keep safety first. Expect rain, wet gear, and some waiting between runs.

“The expert team of Daniel & Kate that gave us such great direction and advice. Was a fun time and I would recommend going to do this fun event. Best part for me was the last line and having that experience of what I think was soooo much fun thank to Daniel putting in that extra effort!!”

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9.Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 363 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $154

Ride from Hilo port or your hotel into the Puna district with a local guide such as Ellen, Troy, Dave, or Lori. Walk through a Mauna Loa lava tube, see lava-tree molds, visit eruption zones, and reach a black-sand beach. The six-hour tour uses a small vehicle and includes water, but expect uneven ground and a self-paid lunch stop.

“Our guide was excellent. Her name was Ellen S. I would highly recommend her as a tour guide. She knew the history of the volcanos and took us to the best places to see the lava. I would recommend this tour.”

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10.Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 359 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Spend about 90 minutes kayaking from Clover Pass toward Eagle Island in a tandem kayak, with hands-on instruction from guides such as Eli, Sarah, Katie, and Mallory. Calm water suits first-timers, while bald eagles, seals, sea lions, starfish, and occasional whales add a wild Alaska touch. Port pickup, gear, and return transport are included.

“It was great to be on the water, enjoy a little exercise, and see lots of wildlife in one experience! We saw 5 eagles (3 adults & 2 juveniles) and lots of starfish. The owner (mom) was awesome in taking us back to Ketchikan and very engaged in conversation with us. The two young ladies who drove us to the location, were too quiet despite us trying to engage them. Otherwise, great excursion with this company!”

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