Helicopter vs Small Plane Tour of Glaciers/wildlife

Question

Which is better? A Helicopter or a small plan tour, when in Anchorage AK? My husband and I are in our late 60's and plan to go to Alaska either summer '25 or '26 - whenever we can get everything scheduled we want to do. We live in Pennsylvania and will fly into Anchorage. Some of our other plans include train to/from Seward, spending 2 nights and a boat tour of glaciers. Train to Denali and spend 2 nights there and tour. We don't like rushing to do anything so plan to travel one day to destination, spend night and do tour, spend another night and then travel to next destination and so on. We are flexible with number of days we need to do this. We had considered a cruise, but feel doing it this way will give us better quality tours. Any input is most appreciated.

Answer

When deciding between a helicopter or a small plane tour of glaciers and wildlife in Anchorage, the best choice depends on your preferences, mobility, and what kind of experience you are seeking. Both options provide stunning views, but they differ in style, accessibility, and what you can see up close.

Helicopter Tours:

Helicopter tours are ideal for close-up views of glaciers, ice fields, and mountain terrain. Many tours offer the opportunity to land on a glacier for a short walk, photo opportunity, or even a light snack. Helicopters are typically smaller and can hover or maneuver in ways planes cannot, giving a more intimate and flexible experience.

Pros:
- Ability to land on glaciers or snowfields for a hands-on experience.
- Closer views of glaciers, crevasses, and ice formations.
- Shorter flights can cover impressive scenery quickly, often 1–2 hours.
- Flexible flight paths for better photography or wildlife spotting.
Cons:
- Smaller cabins, may feel cramped or less comfortable for longer flights.
- More expensive per person than small plane tours.
- Can be noisier; ear protection is often provided.
- Some people feel more motion-sensitive in helicopters.

Small Plane Tours:

Small plane tours usually stay in the air without landing, covering larger distances and allowing for panoramic views of mountain ranges, glaciers, and sometimes wildlife. Planes generally offer slightly more comfort and stability than helicopters and can handle rougher weather conditions better.

Pros:
- Panoramic views of expansive areas like glacier valleys, fjords, and wildlife habitat.
- More stable ride, which can be better for those sensitive to motion.
- Often slightly larger cabins than helicopters, giving more space.
- Some tours include floatplane options, offering views of lakes and rivers.
Cons:
- No landing on glaciers or direct contact with ice or snow.
- Less flexibility in maneuvering for photography.
- Generally longer flights needed to cover the same impressive scenery.

Additional Considerations:

Weather can change quickly in Alaska; helicopter tours may be canceled in higher winds, while small planes sometimes handle mild weather better.
Both tours offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, though closer glacier interactions are only possible with helicopters that land.
Given your travel style—taking your time, staying overnight, and avoiding rushing—a helicopter tour over glaciers might give a more memorable highlight experience in a shorter window. A small plane tour is excellent if you want to see vast areas from above without landing.
Book early in summer (June–August) for the best availability, as these tours fill quickly.

In summary, if you value landing on a glacier and getting up close, choose a helicopter tour. If you prefer a smoother, panoramic experience over a larger area, a small plane tour may be more comfortable. Some visitors even combine both experiences if time and budget allow, using a helicopter for the glacier landing and a small plane for a broader aerial overview.

Helicopter vs Small Plane Tour of Glaciers/wildlife

More Anchorage Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions