We Rank Seward’s 5 Top Helicopter Flights & Tours

Seward is one of Alaska’s most accessible gateways to stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. For travelers looking to see this rugged landscape from above, helicopter tours offer a spectacular perspective you can’t get from the ground. Whether you want a close-up glacier experience, a chance to mush a team of sled dogs, or a scenic flight over Kenai Fjords, Seward’s helicopter tours deliver unforgettable views and moments.

We especially love tours that combine aerial sightseeing with outdoor activities, like the Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding Adventure — a perfect mix of Alaska’s icy beauty and incredible animal encounters.

Among the options, some tours focus on glacier landings, others offer wildlife sightings, and a few pack in multiple adventures into one trip. Whatever your style or budget, Seward’s helicopter tours promise high-flying excitement and unique perspectives on Alaska’s wild side.

Quick Overview

This list covers five of the best helicopter experiences in Seward, from adrenaline-pumping dog sled rides to scenic glacier landings.

Here are a few highlights:
– Dog sledding on glaciers combined with helicopter flights (Tour #1)
– Private snowmobiling and glacier exploration (Tour #2)
– Driving your own sled dog team with a helicopter ride (Tour #3)
– Beach landings on Bear Glacier for close-up ice encounters (Tour #4)
– Helicopter flights over Kenai Fjords with glacier landings (Tour #5)

Now, let’s take a detailed look at each experience to help you choose the best fit.

1. Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding Adventure Tour

At number 1 on our list, this tour combines a scenic helicopter flight over the Godwin Glacier with an authentic dog sled ride right on the ice.

For just about $615 per person, you get approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of adventure, which includes flying over a glacier over 5 miles long and 4 miles wide. The highlight is the 25-minute sled dog ride on the glacier, where you meet a team of energetic huskies and mushers.

The experience provides both stunning aerial views of Alaska’s snowy landscape and the chance to interact with the dogs before sledding.

What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch — you’re not just watching from a distance. You get to meet the pups, learn about dog sledding as Alaska’s official sport, and enjoy overboots that keep your feet dry. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guides and perfect weather, often calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

The helicopter pilot’s expertise makes the flight smooth and scenic, giving you sweeping views of the glaciers and mountains.

Bottom line: If you want a balanced mix of aerial scenery and hands-on dog sledding, this tour offers top value and unforgettable moments. It’s perfect for those eager to experience Alaska’s outdoor life firsthand.

2. Private Summer Snowmobile / Helicopter Tour

Number 2 is a private 3-hour 40-minute adventure that combines a helicopter flight over the Kenai Peninsula with a snowmobiling trip on Godwin Glacier. For $1,200 per person, this is a high-end, fully customized experience designed for travelers seeking remote exploration and exclusivity.

The tour begins with a scenic helicopter flight over glaciers, mountains, and fjords — perfect for photographers or anyone wanting a true sense of Alaska’s wild terrain. After the flight, guides lead you on a snowmobiling tour across the glacier’s surface. Instruction is provided, making it accessible even if you’re new to snowmobiles.

What makes this experience unique is the combination of high-altitude flight and snowmobiling, allowing you to explore the glacier from both the air and the ground. Due to the private nature, it offers flexibility in departure times and a more tailored experience.

Review highlights include the stunning scenery and the guide’s professionalism. It’s ideal for adventurers with a thirst for adrenaline and a love of remote landscapes. The main drawback is the price — this is a premium tour for those willing to splurge.

Bottom line: If budget isn’t a concern and you’re craving a multi-activity day with exclusive access, this private tour delivers. It’s especially suited for experienced travelers who want a full day of adventure.

3. Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour – SEWARD AREA

Ranking third, this tour offers the chance to drive your own sled dog team with Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey’s team. For around $617, you get about 1 hour 30 minutes of total experience, including a helicopter flight to a glacier and a hands-on dogsled ride.

What sets this tour apart is the chance to mush a real sled dog team with champion dogs on snow year-round, even in summer. The activity begins with a helicopter ride that often provides sightings of moose, bears, and Dall sheep, adding to the wilderness experience. Once on the glacier, you can either mush the dogs or sit on the sled while the mushers handle the reins.

Participants love the personal interaction with the dogs, often taking photos with their favorite pups afterwards. The professional mushers with years of Iditarod experience make for an educational and engaging experience. The tour also includes a flight over Resurrection Bay, giving a comprehensive view of the area.

Bottom line: For those interested in dog sledding with champions, this tour offers a rare, authentic experience. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with outdoor activities and seeking a true Alaskan adventure.

4. Seward: Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Beach Landing

Coming in at number 4, this 1-hour helicopter tour provides a close-up look at Bear Glacier, the largest glacier accessible from Seward. The tour includes a landing on the lagoon’s shore, where you can explore the beach and icebergs with your pilot-guide.

The flight begins from Seward Airport, flying over Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords, offering stunning scenery en route. The highlight is the landing on the glacier’s beach, where you can walk among massive icebergs and crevasses—a rare opportunity to stand directly on the ice.

Reviews praise the personalized service and the up-close views of the glacier’s massive crevasses. Wildlife sightings like marine mammals are common in Resurrection Bay, adding to the adventure. The tour is perfect for travelers wanting a short but impactful glacier experience with a landable glacier.

Bottom line: If you want an accessible, scenic flight with the thrill of stepping onto a glacier, this tour balances value and adventure nicely. It’s ideal for those short on time but eager for a true glacier encounter.

5. Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing

Last but not least, this 1-hour helicopter tour offers panoramic views of Kenai Fjords, Resurrection Bay, and Bear Glacier. It features a landing on Bear Glacier, where you can step out and explore the ice with your pilot/guide.

Departing from Seward, the flight delivers spectacular bird’s-eye views of waterfalls, icefalls, and towering glaciers. Once on the glacier, you can walk on the ice, with the chance to see icefalls, crevasses, and massive icebergs. Wildlife like moose, otters, seals, and sometimes bears are often spotted during the flight.

Reviews are limited but highly positive about the personalized experience and breathtaking scenery. It’s suited for travelers wanting a shorter but immersive glacier experience with the option to walk on ice.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic helicopter flight with a glacier landing, this tour offers great value and an authentic ice experience.

How to Choose Your Seward Helicopter Tour

When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For a balanced experience with outdoor activity and scenic views, the Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding Adventure Tour is a top pick. If you want a private, multi-activity day, then the Private Summer Snowmobile / Helicopter Tour is perfect — but it comes at a premium.

Travelers interested primarily in glaciers and ice should consider the glacier landings like the Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing or Seward: Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Beach Landing, which are shorter and more focused. For those who want wildlife and glacier views combined, the Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing hits the mark.

Booking early is advisable, especially in summer, as tours can fill quickly. Consider your physical activity level—if you’re comfortable mushin or walking on ice, you’ll get more out of the more hands-on options.

In summary, Seward’s helicopter tours offer a wide range of adventures, from scenic flights to active glacier explorations. For the best experience, think about what excites you most—whether it’s dog sledding, glacier landings, or wildlife viewing—and choose accordingly. We recommend booking early to ensure your spot in these unforgettable Alaskan adventures.