Ice Cave Helicopter Tour Alaska: 50 Minutes Flight Time

Land on a glacier and walk inside an ice cave few people ever reach

This helicopter tour from Anchorage flies you over the Knik River Valley and Chugach Range to land on Knik Glacier, where you explore an ice cave carved at the toe of the glacier. The 2-hour experience includes approximately 50 minutes of flight time and the rest spent on the ice. It runs only a few months each year when the caves are accessible. Your pilot guide leads the exploration on the glacier surface, and safety equipment is provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and ice cave exploration

• Fly over Knik River Valley
• View snow-capped mountains and waterfalls
• Land on Knik Glacier ice surface
• Explore ice cave and glacier features

The experience

Fifty minutes of flight time carries you down the braided Knik River, past snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls, into the heart of the Chugach Range. The Knik Glacier itself spans 26 miles in length and 6 miles across at its toe: one of the largest glaciers left in Southcentral Alaska. From the air you see the scale of it: blue melt pools, swirling moulins, deep crevasses and the dramatic formations that only show themselves from above.

Your pilot lands the helicopter on over 300 feet of ancient glacial ice. Once on the surface, you step out and explore an ice cave carved into the glacier itself: a landscape most people never stand in. The cave is only accessible a few months each year as the snow melts and exposes the brilliant blue glacial ice underneath. Your pilot guide leads the exploration and points out the melt pools and crevasses up close. Safety equipment is included.

The full experience runs 2 hours from check-in (arrive 30 minutes early). Infants sit on an adult's lap. Children 24 months and older need their own paid seat. Weight limits apply: 300 pounds per seat, with surcharges for groups exceeding combined weight thresholds. Groups of four or more may be split across different helicopters. Solo travelers should note that a 2-person minimum may trigger a reschedule if not met.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight over the Knik River Valley and Chugach Range.
• landing on Knik Glacier.
• guided exploration of an ice cave.
• safety equipment.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (2 to 17 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10

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.

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Outbound Heli Adventures, LLC

Is this one for you?This tour suits travelers who want to see a glacier from the inside rather than from a distance. The ice cave is carved into the glacier itself and accessible only in winter, so you're standing in a landscape most visitors never reach. The 50-minute flight time means more time over the range and deeper into the Chugach than shorter winter landing tours, which is what makes the remote ice cave possible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 17 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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.

How long is the actual helicopter flight on this tour?

The flight time is approximately 50 minutes, with the remaining time spent exploring the ice cave on the glacier surface. The full experience takes 2 hours from check-in to departure.

What is the Knik Glacier like when you land on it?

Knik Glacier is 26 miles long and 6 miles across at its toe. When you land on the glacier surface, you walk on over 300 feet of ancient glacial ice and see brilliant blue melt pools, deep crevasses and swirling moulins up close.

When can you do this ice cave tour?

The ice cave is accessible only a few months each year, typically in winter when the snow melts enough to expose the blue glacial ice and the caves become reachable.

What do I need to bring or wear for the flight?

Safety equipment is provided. Dress warmly for the glacier environment. You'll need to arrive 30 minutes before your departure time for check-in.

Are there weight restrictions for this helicopter tour?

Yes. The weight limit is 300 pounds per seat. Groups of 2 over 500 pounds combined, groups of 3 over 650 pounds, and groups of 4 over 900 pounds will be charged a weight surcharge. Contact the operator through the booking platform to arrange payment within 48 hours of booking.