7 Things to Do on Your All-Inclusive Alaska Vacation

Traveling to Alaska is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s high up on their bucket list and so is the elevation. In Alaska, you’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of nature in its purest habitat. As the largest state in the United States, finding a destination in Alaska that checks off most, if not all the activities you wish to do on your trip can save you time and money.

Opting for an all-inclusive Alaska vacation can take care of those minute details that come with planning travel and excursions, especially as a first-time visitor. You can find all-inclusive stays located in Pybus Bay, on the Kenai Peninsula, and in Sitka Sound, among other areas around Alaska.

Unlike thousand-roomed tropical resorts detached from the local culture, all-inclusive Alaska vacations offer a more intimate experience with a handful of secluded, cozy cabins and attentive guides who know the land and are ready to take you on your Alaskan experience. You’ll enjoy the land and water like the locals, taking part in activities that will leave you in awe of the Alaskan outdoors.

The included excursions are one of the best features and values of an all-inclusive stay. So, what is there to do in Alaska? Here are seven activities you can do on your all-inclusive Alaska vacation.

1. Fish in the Alaskan Waters

Fishing is one of the biggest attractions of Alaska and an activity that’s sure to get you feeling like a local. Alaskan waters are home to hundreds of fish species, including saltwater and freshwater fish. You can cast your line from a charter on the sea or one of the many glacial streams and rivers. You can choose from half days or full days (which typically last eight hours).

If fishing is your top priority when visiting Alaska, a full day on a saltwater charter is a must. Self-guided tours are also an option. If you like going your own way, free use of jet skis, kayaks, and professional-grade reels and rods for self-guided fishing.

The post-fishing tasks are also included in some all-inclusive Alaska vacations. For example, some kitchens offer to filet, vacuum seal, and freeze your fish so you can enjoy your catch when you get back home. Having your fish for dinner is also an option at some all-inclusive resorts, as well.

2. Capture Views from a Boat

In Alaska, there are a lot more things to do on a boat than fish. Given the amount of coastline Alaska has to offer, the views from a boat are unparalleled. A classic boat activity is whale watching. Humpback whales, orcas (or killer whales), gray whales, and beluga whales are all possible sightings you can enjoy, depending on the season you visit. Sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises are also among other sea life you can watch for on boat guides.

However, some of the most picturesque scenes you’ll witness in Alaska will be on a glacial boat tour. How can you go to Alaska and not see glaciers? The majestic icy blue masses are incredible sights that will remind you of nature’s power. If you’re lucky enough to catch chunks breaking off into the water, it will truly feel like you’re behind the camera in a Nat-Geo documentary.

Along with the icy views, you can also enjoy sights of wildlife, including mountain goats, bears, birds, and more. Considering you’ll be mere feet away from glaciers, dressing appropriately for the weather is highly recommended, especially if the forecast shows rain or dropping temperatures.

3. Take a Dip

Escape the cold by taking a dip in a hot spring. Alaska has 20 known hot springs, some of which are too hot to get in and others just perfect for a relaxing soak. These geothermal pools are rich in minerals and offer many benefits to your skin. Not only will you get a nice detox, but the warm water also relaxes your body as a hot tub does. It’s an even better experience feeling the cool Alaskan air as you soak. Just dry off and bundle up quickly before you feel the Alaskan chill.

Baranof Warm Springs is a great spot where you can take a relaxing dip while watching the river rush by just feet away.

4. Take a Hike

Hikes are a great way to experience the natural beauty of Alaska (and get your cardio in). Some of the best scenes are unreachable by car, boat, or plane — just your two feet. Trekking through bear country without proper supervision isn’t everyone’s first choice when visiting Alaska. With an all-inclusive stay, guided hikes are included in the cost, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the woods alone or dropping breadcrumbs to find your way back. The knowledge of the land these experienced guides offer is invaluable and enhances the astonishing views.

The best part of hiking on an all-inclusive Alaska vacation is the hikes aren’t riddled with tourists scaring away the natural inhabitants. Depending on the location of your stay, you can hike up secluded trails where you’ll catch glimpses of moose, bears, eagles, and other wildlife. Not only can you hike up to a peak for amazing panoramic views, but ending spots also include waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, fjords, and other natural features all dependent on where you stay.

5. Paddle Your Way Around

Get off your feet and onto a kayak to enjoy the beautiful Alaskan landscape from the water. Free use of kayaks is a necessity for your all-inclusive Alaska vacation. Kayaks offer a more intimate experience with nature than a motored boat as you won’t scare off wildlife as easily in a kayak. You can enjoy the serene waters while taking in the majestic mountain peaks or the blue icebergs floating all around you. If you’re looking for a thrill, there’s no shortage of rushing rivers for more experienced kayakers. Whether you’re new to kayaking or practically live on it, most all-inclusive stays offer tours for all levels so everyone can enjoy themselves at their desired pace.

Canoes and rafts are also a great way to leisurely explore the Alaskan waters. Another way to satisfy your adrenaline need is by taking to the rapids for white water rafting. On a warm(ish) day in the summer, a run through a rushing river can be the perfect refresher. Other water sports are also typically included in all-inclusive stays like water skiing.

6. Search for Sea Treasures

Admire the vast ecosystems right at the rocky shore. Tide pools litter the coasts of Alaska making the state a great place to search for unique invertebrates. When the tide is low, put your boots on and head out to the tide pools. Starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and if you’re lucky, octopi are all possible creatures you can spot in tide pools.

If you’re on your all-inclusive Alaska vacation with your family, this is a great kid-friendly activity. The colorful creatures are sure to delight the kids no matter their age. If you have a waterproof camera, you can take up close pictures from underwater in the tide pools.

Another fun activity to do, especially with kids, is gold panning. Alaska has a rich history of gold mining with its gold rush in the late 1800s. Today, you can still find precious metal on the banks of rivers and streams. The included excursion will take place on designated land permitted by the state or at a local gold panning business where the soil to pan through is in troughs.

7. Witness the Wild

While you’re in Alaska, make time to watch for the natural wildlife on land. Alaska is home to caribou, bald eagles, moose, mountain goats, and brown bears. Most all-inclusive Alaska vacations include watching tours for these animals, depending on where you’re staying. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, a hike to a salmon stream where the birds are known to feed or near known nests is available. Since these animals are wild, there is no guarantee that you’ll spot one on your trip, but a guided tour definitely increases your chances.

One of the most popular animals to watch for is the brown bear, also known as the grizzly bear. Alaska has a high population of brown bears, specifically the Admiralty Island National Monument. Also known as the Fortress of the Bears, it has the highest density of brown bears in the world. Tours near this location have a higher chance of spotting a bear.

Summary

A trip to Alaska is perfect for nature lovers looking to partake in many active excursions during their visit. There are numerous activities available that let you experience the Alaskan land in an honorable and respectful way.

All-inclusive Alaska vacations take the pressure off planning your itinerary yourself by offering excursions that will please everyone in your group at no extra cost. Whether you’re looking forward to the majestic wildlife or the amazing natural features, an all-inclusive Alaska vacation will provide a comfortable yet incredible Alaskan experience.