One of the most unforgettable parts of a helicopter glacier landing tour in Alaska is what you see along the way. From soaring above rugged mountain terrain to spotting wildlife in places only helicopters can reach, these tours offer once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunities and incredible chances to observe Alaska’s iconic animals in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re a serious photographer or just hoping to capture the highlight of your Alaska vacation, helicopter glacier tours deliver jaw-dropping views from every angle.
Unmatched Aerial Wildlife Viewing
From the moment you lift off, keep your camera ready. Helicopters provide a unique vantage point for wildlife spotting—allowing you to observe animals moving naturally through remote terrain without disturbing them.
Depending on the season and location, you may spot:
- Moose moving through alpine valleys, riverbeds, and brushy lowlands
- Black and brown bears foraging on hillsides or along streams (especially in summer months)
- Dall sheep perched dramatically on steep mountain ridges
- Mountain goats navigating near-vertical rock faces high above the valley floor
- Seals resting on ice floes or rocky shoreline
- Whales, occasionally visible during flights over Prince William Sound, including humpbacks and orcas during peak summer season
Because helicopters can slow, hover, and adjust routes when conditions allow, pilots often point out wildlife sightings and help guests position for the best views and photos.
Incredible Glacier Photography Opportunities
Landing on a glacier takes your pictures to another level entirely. Once on the ice, you’re free to step out, explore, and capture images that simply aren’t possible from the ground.
Photographers love glacier landings for:
- Brilliant blue ice formations and meltwater pools
- Massive crevasses and textured ice patterns
- Endless mountain backdrops in every direction
- Scale shots that highlight the size and isolation of Alaska’s glaciers
- Crisp lighting and clean, uncluttered foregrounds
Every landing location is different, meaning no two tours—or photo galleries—are ever the same.
Drone Photography on Glacier Landings
For guests looking to take their photography even further, drone photography may be allowed during glacier landings under the right conditions.
- Drone use is not guaranteed and must be approved by the pilot on the day of your tour
- Approval depends on weather, visibility, airspace considerations, and overall safety conditions
- Drones may only be flown once the helicopter has fully shut down and with pilot direction
🚫 Drones are not permitted on glacier dogsledding tours due to the presence of dogs, mushers, and moving equipment. This policy helps ensure the safety and comfort of both guests and the dogs.
If drone footage is important to you, we recommend mentioning it to our reservations team when booking so expectations are clear ahead of time.
Why Upgrade to a Glacier Discovery Tour (Two Landings)
If photography is a priority, it’s absolutely worth upgrading to a Glacier Discovery Tour. This option includes two separate landings, giving you more variety, more scenery, and more time to create unforgettable images.
Your second landing may include:
- A different glacier with completely unique ice features and color
- Or a remote alpine ridge, offering sweeping panoramic views, dramatic elevation, and a totally different photographic perspective
Two landings mean more creative flexibility—wide landscape shots on one stop, intimate detail shots or epic ridgeline images on the next.
Tips for Getting the Best Photos on a Helicopter Tour
- Wear bright or bold-colored clothing (reds, blues, yellows) to pop against the white and blue glacier backdrop
- Use a camera strap or secure phone grip while on the glacier
- Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare on snow and ice
- Ask your pilot about lighting, angles, and drone policies—local knowledge makes a big difference
A Photographer’s Dream, an Adventurer’s Highlight
Helicopter glacier landing tours combine Alaska’s most photogenic landscapes with rare wildlife viewing in places few people ever experience. Whether you’re capturing wildlife from above, standing on ancient ice, flying a drone over blue glacier pools (conditions permitting), or soaking in the vastness from a high alpine ridge, these tours consistently rank as the highlight of an Alaska vacation.
For guests who want the most dynamic scenery, the widest range of photos, and the best chance at wildlife sightings, a Glacier Discovery tour with two landings is the ultimate choice.
Book Your Glacier Photography Adventure Today!
Ready to Capture Alaska From Above?
If epic landscapes, wildlife sightings, and once-in-a-lifetime glacier photos are on your Alaska bucket list, a helicopter glacier landing tour is the ultimate way to experience it all.
For photographers and adventure-seekers looking for the most variety, the best light, and the most dynamic scenery, we highly recommend upgrading to a Glacier Discovery Tour with two landings—giving you access to multiple glaciers or a remote alpine ridge for unmatched photo opportunities.
Interested in drone photography? Let our reservations team know when booking so we can help set expectations and answer questions ahead of time.
Book your helicopter glacier tour online
Or call our local reservations team to help plan your adventure
We’re happy to share local insight, seasonal wildlife tips, and help you choose the tour that best fits your photography goals.