5 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours In Alaska

Alaska’s rugged landscape, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife make it a natural choice for helicopter tours. Unlike traditional sightseeing, these flights offer a bird’s eye view of remote ice fields, mountain ranges, and wild habitats that are otherwise almost impossible to access. Whether you want to land on a glacier, mush with sled dogs, or paddleboard in icy waters, Alaska’s helicopter tours deliver an up-close experience that’s as authentic as it is breathtaking. Many tours feature small groups for a more personal touch, and the scenery is spectacular no matter the time of year.

What makes Alaska stand out as a destination for helicopter flights is the sheer scale of its glaciers and the chance to combine aerial sightseeing with active adventures. You can land on a glacier, walk across icy surfaces, or even take a dip in glacial waters—only here can you get so close to nature’s frozen wonders. All of these tours are designed to give you a mix of stunning views, unique activities, and the chance to see wildlife like moose, bears, and mountain goats in their natural habitat.

Quick Overview

This list features some of the best helicopter experiences in Alaska, including glacier landings, dogsledding, paddleboarding, and a rare chance to swim in glacier waters. For those seeking adventure and active exploration, tours like Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour and Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike stand out. If a more scenic, less strenuous flight interests you, the Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing offers excellent views combined with a glacier trek. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top-rated tour to help you choose your ideal Alaskan adventure.

1. Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing – 60 mins – ANCHORAGE AREA

This one-hour helicopter flight is a favorite for its straightforward, immersive experience. You’ll take off from the Anchorage area, flying over the Knik River en route to the stunning Knik Glacier. The highlight is landing on or near the glacier (season depending) where you can go on a guided hike across the ice formations—an experience that brings the icy wilderness right to your boots.

Rated a perfect 5.0 based on 647 reviews, this tour appeals to travelers seeking a personalized, small-group experience. The pilot-guides share insights about the landscape and local wildlife such as moose, bears, and mountain goats, adding an educational element to the adventure. The tour is well-paced, with multiple daily departures that fit into most schedules. The price, at around $452 per person, offers excellent value considering the spectacular views and the opportunity to land on a glacier—something only a handful of tours in Alaska provide.

Guests frequently comment that landing on the glacier and hiking on the ice made this tour unforgettable. One reviewer called it “the best experience I’ve ever had,” and many plan to return in different seasons for new perspectives. The small-group setting ensures a more intimate experience and personalized attention.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a short, high-impact glacier adventure with excellent reviews and a personal touch.

2. Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour – ANCHORAGE AREA

For a true Alaskan experience, this tour combines a scenic helicopter flight over the Church Range and Knik Glacier with the thrill of mushing a team of champion sled dogs. Starting with a helicopter ride to Troublesome Glacier, you get sweeping views of glaciers and icebergs, then land on a massive snowfield—surprising to find in summer.

What makes this tour stand out is the dogsled experience, guided by team members including four-time Iditarod winner Dallas Seavey. You’ll get to mush your own team or ride along, surrounded by stunning scenery and the chance of spotting wildlife like moose, black bears, or Dall sheep. The entire adventure lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs approximately $617, which includes the helicopter flight and the dogsledding—a rare combination.

Guests rave about the breathtaking views and the genuine connection to Alaska’s legendary sled dog culture. One reviewer summed it up: “The views and dogsledding were incredible, and the staff made it all so memorable.” The tour is best suited for active travelers wanting an interactive experience that combines scenic flight with hands-on adventure.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those craving a full-on Alaskan outdoor experience that includes scenery, wildlife, and dogsledding.

3. Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour + Lower Glacier Landing

This multi-activity tour offers a blend of aerial and land-based adventures—perfect for explorers who want more time on the ice. After check-in at the Alaska Glacier Lodge, you’ll soar over glaciers and icebergs, then land on the glacier itself for a guided walk exploring crevasses and melt pools. Then, it’s on to a dogsled ride with champion mushers and their team, with the chance to mush your own team or enjoy a ride.

Rated 5.0 with 171 reviews, this tour costs around $823 per person and lasts about two hours. It’s unique in offering both a lower glacier landing and a sled dog experience in one package, making it a comprehensive Alaskan adventure. Guests love the intimate size of the group and the opportunity to get close to nature—particularly those who enjoy both scenic flights and hands-on activities. The guided glacier walk is a highlight for many, providing a safe yet exhilarating way to explore the icy terrain.

Reviewers mention that the scenery is “spectacular,” and the dog mushing is “absolutely fantastic,” with one emphasizing that the entire experience exceeded expectations. This tour suits travelers looking for a full-day, multi-faceted glacier adventure with plenty of photo opportunities.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a deep-dive into glacier landscapes combined with traditional Alaska sledding.

4. Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding – PRIVATE

For those who want to combine aerial views, glacier access, and water activities, this private helicopter tour offers a truly unique experience. Depart from the Alaska Glacier Lodge, then land on a remote mountain lake, where you can don a drysuit and paddleboard in crystal-clear glacial waters.

This tour stands out because it includes a mountaintop landing and the chance to paddleboard amidst stunning ice-carved landscape. It’s perfect for travelers seeking privacy and a personalized experience—costing around $1,029 per person for four hours, it’s a premium option, but the exclusivity and variety of activities justify the price.

Guests describe this as an “awesome lifetime experience,” noting how the up-close wildlife sightings and the chance to paddleboard in icy waters made it unforgettable. The guides and pilots are praised for professionalism and support, making even the most adventurous feel safe.

Because of the high cost and specialized nature, this tour is best for adventurers with a sense of exploration who want a personalized, flexible day of discovery in Alaska’s wilderness.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking luxury, privacy, and active engagement on their glacier trip.

5. Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike

This is perhaps the most daring tour of the bunch—an up-close, hands-on experience with Alaska’s glaciers that includes a helicopter ride, glacier hiking, and even swimming in glacier waters. You’ll be supplied with a dry suit to brave the cold, and your guide will help you dip into the icy pools for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

Rated 5.0 from 4 reviews, this two-hour adventure costs about $823 per person. The focus is on serene glacier landscapes and personal moments, with opportunities for stunning photos and adrenaline. Guests say it’s “absolutely fantastic,” praising the professionalism of the pilot Christian and the guides who make the experience both safe and fun.

This tour is best suited for adventurers comfortable with the cold and looking for a unique, immersive experience. It’s perfect for those wanting to push boundaries and truly feel part of Alaska’s icy wilderness.

Bottom Line: For thrill-seekers wanting a rare opportunity to swim in glacier waters combined with land and aerial activities.

How to Choose the Right Alaska Helicopter Tour

When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, physical activity level, and the type of experience you want. If you prefer a shorter, scenic flight with a glacier hike, the Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing is perfect. For a full-day adventure with dogsledding and glacier exploration, the Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour offers a bit of everything.

Want something exclusive? The Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding delivers privacy and active water fun, while the Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike is best for thrill-seekers eager to make a splash. Remember, booking early is wise since many tours fill quickly, especially during peak summer months.

Final Thoughts

Alaska’s helicopter tours cover a spectrum—from awe-inspiring glacier landings and active sledding adventures to luxurious private excursions and daring glacier swims. If your priority is seeing vast icy landscapes, the Glacier Landing offers stunning vistas. For travelers who want hands-on fun, the Dogsled Tour and Paddle Boarding stand out.

No matter your choice, these tours give you a rare glimpse into Alaska’s wild heart. Be sure to book well in advance, especially if timing is tight or you’re traveling during peak season. Each offers a distinct way to experience Alaska’s incredible natural beauty—so pick the one that matches your sense of adventure and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.