Alaska Small Group Tours
These trips tend to focus on the outdoors— nature, wildlife, and sustainable ecotourism—and often make it a priority to get you off the beaten path. You’ll have, at most, 12-18 other travelers with you, and your trip leaders will be well versed in wildlife, flora and the state's diverse ecosystems.
You’ll have a more leisurely schedule, stay in more secluded lodges, and have more time for hiking the backcountry or experiencing the state like a local.
Small group tours tend to run 30-40% more than conventional group tours, but part of that difference is offset by the fact that more activities, excursions, and meals are baked into the cost of the core trip.
We recommend itineraries from these two reputable and longstanding tour operators.
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Alaska Wildland Adventures
Discover the wild beauty of Alaska with Alaska Wildland Adventures, a pioneer in lodge-based adventure travel. Since 1977, they’ve been creating seamless, unforgettable experiences that combine thrilling wilderness exploration with the comfort of authentically crafted accommodations. With small group sizes and expert naturalist guides, Alaska Wildland Adventures ensures every guest a personal connection to the stunning landscapes and ecosystems of Alaska.
Based primarily on Alaska’s breathtaking Kenai Peninsula, their trips range from 5 to 11 days and feature active nature outings such as guided hiking, rafting, fishing, and kayaking. Guests stay in one of three unique, company-owned lodges—Kenai Riverside Lodge, Kenai Backcountry Lodge, and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge—each designed to blend comfortably with its natural surroundings while minimizing environmental impact. Partnerships with like-minded lodges in Denali National Park and other scenic destinations allow them to host all-inclusive tours featuring the very best of Alaska’s national parks.
The History
Kirk Hoessle has led Alaska Wildland Adventures since its early years, bringing his lifelong passion for wild animals and their ecosystems to the company. In 1982, he began leading the single trip the company offered, combining his love for wilderness adventures with a mission to protect and honor Alaska’s wild places. Now serving as the company’s “Chief Exploration Officer,” Kirk has been instrumental in pioneering small-group, eco-sensitive travel in Alaska, demonstrating that tourism can thrive while protecting the environment.
Today, Alaska Wildland Adventures invites you to experience the Kenai Peninsula’s pristine beauty and leave inspired to protect wild places—here in Alaska and beyond.
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Gondwana Ecotours
Experience authentic Alaska on a small-group adventure with Gondwana Ecotours. Explore bucket-list destinations with just 16 to 20 fellow travelers and knowledgeable local guides. Committed to sustainability, Gondwana Ecotours is proud to be entirely carbon-neutral.
What truly sets Gondwana apart is their dedication to connecting travelers with local families and individuals, offering an insider’s perspective on Alaska and its people while supporting local communities. These unique, personal experiences—such as sharing a meal at a local’s home, touring a museum with an Indigenous guide, or trying your hand at curling—not only provide memorable moments for travelers but also contribute positively to local small businesses and residents.
Throughout your adventure, you'll stay in locally owned boutique lodgings whenever possible. Included meals range from dining at excellent local restaurants to savoring gourmet picnics during outdoor excursions.
The History
The company’s founder, Jared, came to the tourism industry after studying environmental law and dreaming of working for a nonprofit. He came to Alaska in 2010 to do just that. Instead, he found another calling, sharing this incredible destination with others. He is now based in Homer, Alaska with his wife and son.
Jared named the company Gondwana after the ancient landmass that drifted apart to become the continents as we know them today. Now, Gondwana Ecotours brings the world back together through the magic of travel. In addition to Alaska, Gondwana offers tours to Argentina, Costa Rica, Norway, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Adventure Tours
From $2585
5 Days
Visits: Cooper Landing, Kasilof, Anchorage
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
The following is a 5 day, 4 night sample itinerary that seamlessly combines two nights at the Kenai Riverside Lodge with two nights at Kenai Backcountry Lodge for a great trip that highlights riverside and backcountry wild Alaska. Combination packages give guests the flexibility to choose trip dates between late May and mid-September from three to five days or more.
$6995+
8 Days
Visits: Fairbanks, Denali National Park & Preserve, Talkeetna, Anchorage
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
Alaska’s most famous national park, Denali, is the stunning backdrop for this 8‑day adventure. Get up close and personal with the park and the area surrounding it. You’ll come away with an understanding of what makes it so special — and, of course, lots of great photos. Travel by helicopter, raft, dog sled, train, and more, as you take in gorgeous scenery including Mt. Denali and have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. ...more
From $4915
Visits: Soldotna, Cooper Landing, Seward, Anchorage
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
This 7 Day, 6 night sample itinerary from Anchorage makes it easy to visit all three Alaska Wildland Adventures properties in less than a week! Visit the Kenai Riverside Lodge and Kenai Backcountry Lodge, before embarking by small boat to view hanging and tidewater glaciers, bird and sea lion rookeries and scanning for whales en route to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Canoe, kayak and explore at the Lodge before returning to Seward. Return to ...more
8 Nights / 9 Days
Visits: Sterling, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Preserve, Healy, Anchorage
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
Small groups, big experience. This journey has been designed to reflect the interests of active and knowledgeable travelers, from natural history interpretation to guided hikes and sea kayaking. This program allows for hands-on experiences, behind the scenes access and a journey through Alaska where the large crowds don’t go.
$9995+
9 Days
Visits: Anchorage, Seward & Kenai Fjords, Homer, Katmai National Park & Preserve
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
Majestic bears in the wild and massive rivers of ancient glacial ice are two things many people envision when they think “Alaska.” And this 9‑day trip takes you through southern Alaska to see both, including a helicopter ride to experience dog sledding on a glacier, and a flight to prime bear-viewing country in Katmai National Park. Enjoy other iconic Alaskan adventures like a wildlife cruise and exploring the charming town of Homer.
$8,995+
9 Days
Visits: Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
Live aboard a yacht during this 9‑day cruise through Southeast Alaska. Cruise through areas where humpback and orca whales abound, where seals lounge on rocky outcroppings, icebergs bob, waterfalls spill down, and glaciers rise up. Along the way, you’ll enjoy kayaking, hiking, and explore seldom-visited areas of iconic Glacier Bay National Park.
$11095
10 Nights / 11 Days
Visits: Seward, Cooper Landing, Sterling, Talkeetna, Healy
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
Small groups, big experience. This journey has been designed to reflect the interests and educational goals of people who view travel as a means for discovery and a journey toward wisdom. This program allows for hands-on experiences, behind the scenes access, and a journey through Alaska where the large crowds don’t go.
$7395
7 Nights / 8 Days
Visits: Cooper Landing, Kasilof, Seward, Anchorage
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
A unique combination of exciting outdoor activities, authentic lodging and fantastic hospitality; the perfect blend of backcountry adventure and wild Alaska in stye!Activities includes sea kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park, a helicopter landing on glacial snowpack for a real Alaskan dogsled ride, hiking in the Chugach Mountains to gorgeous scenic vistas, rafting the turquoise class II+ waters of the Kenai River and more!
$5995 adult, $4995 youth
6 Nights / 7 Days
Visits: Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Seward, Anchorage
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
Wilderness Alaska is expensive to access. This All-Inclusive adventure promises an in-depth exploration of the spectacular Kenai Peninsula and includes stays at three distinctive wilderness lodges including Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge within Kenai Fjords National Park. Along the way, enjoy an array of guided activities to match your interest and energy level, and relax with the comforts of delicious meals and private ...more
From $6995
6 Nights / 7 Days
Visits: Seward, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Preserve, Healy, Anchorage
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
This weeklong Alaska trip offers an in-depth exploration of the magical worlds of two amazing and uniquely distinct national parks: Kenai Fjords & Denali. Travelers will love this convenient Monday through Sunday itinerary. Explore Alaska’s spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park by kayak and small boat tours and then venture deep into the heart of Denali National Park to the region known as Kantishna. Along the way, visit the charming small ...more
$4695
8 Days
Visits: Fairbanks
Land Package Type: Adventure Tours
The chance to witness the otherworldly phenomenon of the aurora borealis is the centerpiece of this 8‑day tour in northern Alaska — and you’ll have several evenings to hunt for the mystical northern lights dancing across the sky. But there are plenty of other sights to enjoy along the way as well, like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Pioneer Park, and Chena Hot Springs. You’ll also go dog mushing, meet reindeer, and try your hand at curling. ...more