Alaska Wild Guides — Local services in Alaska

I had an unbelievable experience here. I took a winter tour that consisted of taking snow machines out through some trails, up to the Battle Dawgs dog kennel and it was nothing short of amazing from start to finish. My guides were SO friendly and helpful, and got me outfitted with more appropriate gear than I came with (swapped boots, and my mittens for gloves) which were clean and brand new. They gave us a run down of the tour, what to expect, how the machines were to be operated, etc and we were quickly off. My group split up because we paid for different packages so I was solo with my guide.

My guide was quick to point out moose, caribou, and coyote tracks and droppings along the trail and explain how fresh they were, what they meant, and lots of information about the local wildlife. He was super patient in letting me pull over to take photographs of the landscape, and finally, at one point slowed down, signaled to cut the engine and beckoned me over, where he pointed out a moose from a safe distance, which was a bucket list item for me. I am from Maryland man.. I've never seen a freaking moose before!

We made it to the kennels and spent a lot of time chatting with the guides there inside the nice, warm, and shockingly well furnished yurt, where I was provided warm cider and snacks. Everyone was so friendly and passionate about the work of the non-profit and the dogs themselves. After relaxing for a bit we toured the kennels, met and played with all the dogs, and learned about their histories and roles in mushing. I met the main musher at the kennel and she gave the okay to release the PUPPIES! I felt like we were at the kennel forever, and my guide never pressured me or even insinuated it was time to get going and head back- he left that entirely up to me.

Eventually we headed back to the main cabin, but the ride back was surprisingly long! We still took many trails instead of bee-lining back considering it was the end of the tour. I appreciated that he didn't take a "closing time" mentality and rush me back, and let me have some more fun and soak it in. After all, this vacation was a life long obsession realized, and it meant a lot to me.

The staff could not have been friendly or more accommodating and this tour surpassed any expectation I held going in. Not only will I return next year, but I will be both requesting the same guide, as well as donating to and promoting the Battle Dawgs non-profit in the meantime, as it seems an extremely well-run and passionate project. Thank you all so much for a...

Alaska Wild Guides: Jet ski Glacier Tour Whitter, AK

This was our most anticipated event in our Alaska trip. We were beyond excited to go on this guide. A little nervous what to wear/how the weather will be when we get there. The emails they send you are very helpful. Unsure we would make it in time due to the construction on the road, and the one-way tunnel, we ended up showing up a couple hours early. But in the end it all turned out perfectly. The guide was long, but at the same time we have never driven a jet ski in the open ocean. The waves were a little choppy due to the winds and other boats. My arms, being the second passenger, turned into the noodles by the end of the tour. So be prepared people. Our tour guide was named Owen, very friendly and knowledgable young man. There was so much to see, sea lions, harbor seals, several flocks of birds, multiple gorgeous waterfalls, one giant waterfall, and of course two different glaciers. One of my favorite parts of the trip was hearing the crack of the glacier. Experiences like these are always better in person. I would compare it to thunder, but a little muddled. If that makes any sense at all? I also loved the tiny town of Whittier. The staff here, was very VERY patient. We had some interesting people in our group tour. Let's just say, the staff was very accommodating. Overall a phenomenal experience.

Just as a heads up: -parking: they let you know a couple days before your appointment to see the harbor master for a parking pass. -ladies with long hair, braid it. -bring an extra pair of socks for after your excursion because your socks may still get wet. -get good quality sunglasses, mine were too thin, and the wind was making my eyes dry. (definitely my own fault) -sunscreen! -please, tip...

I took the jet ski tour and it was literally the coolest experience I've ever had. Easily the highlight of my trip. I went alone and was slightly worried I'd be left out a bit but I ended up in a group with only one other person. Even though there were only two of us we still had two guides (plus an extra trainee, so basically three). The guides were absolutely incredible and customized the trip some for us. We were able to move a bit quicker and spend more time at the sites but they were willing to slow it down if we needed. They kept their distance enough that I didn't feel like they were hovering but were still close enough to quickly help if something happened.

I had never ridden a jet ski before but it was incredibly easy to pick up and the guides did a good job of showing me the ropes. It only took a few minutes to be completely comfortable. The jet skis were extremely stable and I never felt at risk of flipping.

We were able to get up close to a few glaciers and saw some seals. At the end we stopped in a bay where we could play around on the jet skis, which was a blast. The guides said the water was unusually calm so we were able to open up the throttle on the way back and hit a ferry wake - small waves but still an added fun time.

The guides took a ton of pictures and provided them for free, which is pretty unheard of for these types of tours.

Do this instead of a glacier cruise. Seriously. Highly, highly recommended. The tour isn't cheap but it was worth every penny. Midlife crisis averted briefly but now I want...