Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike: Anchorage Area

Fly to a glacier, swim in its lake, walk on the ice

A two-hour helicopter tour from Anchorage that lands you on an Alaska glacier for a swim in the lake and a guided hike across the ice. You get a dry suit, flotation gear and a live English-speaking guide. The helicopter handles the approach and the landing. Open to anyone 18 and older, regardless of prior glacier experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour and glacier swim

• Depart via helicopter to glacier
• Wear dry suit for warmth
• Swim in glacier water if desired
• Capture photographs of glacier landscape
• Enjoy serene glacier atmosphere

The experience

The helicopter departs from the Anchorage area and flies you directly to a glacier landscape most visitors never reach by foot. Once you land, your guide meets you on the ice with everything you need: a dry suit that keeps you warm in the glacier water, a personal flotation device, and a helmet. The swim is optional. You choose whether to enter the water or stay on the ice and watch.

The hike across the glacier follows, with your guide leading the way and pointing out the landscape around you. Two hours total gives you time to move without rushing, take photographs, and absorb the scale of the place. The helicopter brings you back to the Anchorage area when the time is up.

What’s included

• Helicopter flightseeing to and from the glacier.
• dry suit, personal flotation device and helmet.
• live guide in English.
• glacier swim if you choose and glacier hike.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?The helicopter pickup from Anchorage means you don't need a car or a long drive to reach the glacier. The flight is the journey itself. Book this if you want the glacier experience without spending a full day on logistics.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (13 to 17 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I wear in the glacier water?

A dry suit keeps you warm and dry while you swim. The operator provides it along with a personal flotation device and helmet for safety.

Do I have to swim, or can I just hike the glacier?

Swimming is optional. You can choose to enter the water or stay on the ice and explore with your guide instead.

Is this suitable if I've never been on a glacier before?

Yes. The tour is designed for all experience levels, from first-time visitors to seasoned explorers, and your guide assists you throughout.

How do I get to the helicopter departure point?

The tour departs from the Anchorage area. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to the departure location, as transfers are not included.

What's included in the two-hour tour?

Helicopter flightseeing, the dry suit, personal flotation device, helmet, and a live English-speaking guide are all included. Food and gratuities are not.