FAQ

The best time to visit Southeast Alaska depends on your interests and preferences, as each season offers unique experiences:

1. Summer (June to August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Southeast Alaska due to milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. This is the prime time for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and glacier cruises.
2. Spring (April to May): Spring brings the awakening of nature in Southeast Alaska. While temperatures are still cool, you’ll witness the lush greenery of the rainforest come to life, and it’s a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds return to the region.
3. Fall (September to October): Fall is characterized by stunning foliage as the forests change color, creating picturesque landscapes. It’s also a good time for fishing, as salmon runs peak in many rivers during this season. Additionally, you may encounter fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
4. Winter (November to March): Winter in Southeast Alaska is marked by shorter days, cooler temperatures, and occasional snowfall. While some outdoor activities may be limited during this time, it’s an excellent season for experiencing the region’s unique culture and participating in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. We do not currently offer tours in the winter months, but Southeast Alaska communities remain an amazing place to visit any time of year.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Southeast Alaska depends on what you hope to experience during your trip. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, wildlife viewing, or cultural immersion, there’s something to enjoy in this beautiful region year-round.

What to wear on a tour in Southeast Alaska largely depends on the season and the specific activities you’ll be engaging in. It is important to remember that we operate in a temperate rain forest.  Here’s a general guideline:

1. Layered Clothing: Regardless of the season, layering is key in Southeast Alaska due to the region’s unpredictable weather. Start with a base layer to keep you dry, add insulating layers like fleece or wool for warmth, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
2. Waterproof Jacket and Pants: A quality waterproof jacket and pants are essential, especially if you’ll be engaging in activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, or glacier cruises where you may encounter rain or spray from the water. Being prepared with these clothing items will allow you get on the outside deck on even rainy days to experience Alaska no matter the elements!
3. Comfortable Footwear: Opt for sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good traction. Make sure your footwear is comfortable for walking and provides adequate support, especially if you’ll be on uneven terrain.
4. Hat and Gloves: Bring a warm hat and gloves to protect your head and hands from cold temperatures, especially if you’re visiting during the cooler months.
5. Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses with UV protection and apply sunscreen to exposed skin to prevent sunburn. We especially suggest sunglasses when joining us on any glacier tours!

Your dressed and ready to go. Now what should you pack?

• Camera or smartphone for capturing memories.
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• USD Cash or credit card for onboard purchases
• Portable charger or power bank for electronic devices. Especially for long tours where you do not want to run out of battery charge!
• Sunglasses, especially for glacier viewing tours.

While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings in the wilds of Alaska, we’re proud to share that our tours have an impressive 99.9% success rate in wildlife viewing. However, it’s important to emphasize that there are no guarantees when it comes to observing wild animals in their natural habitat.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we prioritize responsible wildlife viewing practices to minimize any impact on the region’s wildlife populations. Our mission is to ensure the continued health and well-being of Alaska’s wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

By respecting wildlife and their natural habitats, we strive to create meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests while safeguarding the delicate balance of Alaska’s ecosystems. While we cannot promise specific sightings, we can assure you that our knowledgeable guides and crew will do their utmost to maximize your opportunities for wildlife encounters while prioritizing the welfare of the animals and the environment.

True Alaskan Tours adheres to all wildlife watching guidelines put forward by Whale SENSE. Read more about that here!

The wildlife you’ll see on our tours depends on the specific port you’ll be visiting.

Southeast Alaska is teeming with wildlife, including bald eagles, bears, whales, sea lions, otters, and more. Our knowledgeable guides will help you spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats and provide fascinating insights into their behaviors.

Southeast Alaska is a photographer’s paradise. Conditions vary wildly, but low light conditions predominate. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. You may also want a tripod, UV haze filter, and polarizing filter. Wildlife photographers will want at least a 300mm lens. If you have a flash attachment on your camera, please turn it off or cover it. A bright flash of light can alarm animals. We do now allow the use of drones while aboard our vessels.

If you are traveling to Alaska by large cruise ship, and the tour (or tours) you wish to experience are offered through your cruise line’s shore excursion program, we highly recommend making your arrangements through their reservations system.

Booking Through the Cruise Line:

• Convenience: Booking through the cruise line’s shore excursion program is convenient because you can arrange everything as part of your overall cruise package.
• Safety and Assurance: Cruise lines carefully vet tour operators and have stringent safety protocols in place. They also stand behind the tours they offer, providing reassurance and support if anything goes wrong.
• Logistics: Cruise lines handle all the logistics, including transportation arrangements and adjusting plans if there are changes to the ship’s schedule.
• Group Dynamics: If you prefer traveling with fellow cruise passengers, booking through the cruise line ensures you’ll be on tours with other guests from your ship.

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the type of tour booked and the time of year. Please refer to our terms and conditions for detailed information on cancellations and refunds.

We recommend booking your tour as far in advance as possible, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures availability and gives us time to make any necessary arrangements to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Enhancing your Alaska adventure is our priority, and we believe that offering discounts can make your journey even more thrilling and accessible. We’re committed to ensuring that travel is affordable for all. We offer the below discounts. It is important to note that these discounts cannot be combined.