Port call · NATURE SHORE EXCURSIONS IN THE USA

The 15 Best Nature Shore Excursions in the USA

24 tours  ·  from $97 a head

Good nature shore excursions in the USA fill up a season ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens - Chain of Craters Road without the long drive
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

1.Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $187Our pick

Join Mauka Makai Adventures for a 5.5-hour Hilo tour through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guides such as Jill, Julie, and Josh share local stories while you see Kilauea, steam vents, Thurston Lava Tube, lava fields, Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Liliuokalani Gardens. Pickup is available at the Hilo port, select hotels, and airport.

“Jill was fabulous! Told us tales from Hawaiian folklore, facts about everything, and I do mean everything. The volcano was erupting and the most awe inspiring thing I’ve ever seen.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park - From Ketchikan Port to the Forest
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions, Zip Lines

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

2.Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 390 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $150

Spend about 3.5 hours at Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center, crossing canopy ropes, bridges, suspended logs, and seven ziplines through tall cedars. Guides such as Eli, Mallory, Frank, Shea, and Cade have led groups with calm safety instruction and local nature facts. Expect rain, physical activity, and a possible climb up the 50-foot tower.

“A superb small group adventure. This is not a production line zipline trip like most I have been on. And you can take your own pics. It was a bit over-challanging for an 84-year-old guy like me, but I did it. Transportation from town was in an 8-passenger van. And we were the only group there. Great zipping with some over water. Best zip-lining I have ever done.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand - Kaumana Caves: a short walk into a lava tube
Big Island of Hawaii Shore Excursions, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Safari, Safari & Wildlife Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

3.Volcano Safari Lava Caves & Black Sand

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 363 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $154

Travel from Hilo port or your hotel in a small group of up to 14. With guides such as Ellen, Troy, Dave, and Lori, you’ll visit Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Lava Tree State Park, Pohoiki Bay, Pahoa, and Leilani Estates. Expect uneven ground, steep cave steps, changing stops, and a local lunch stop at your own cost.

“Our guide was excellent. Her name was Ellen S. I would highly recommend her as a tour guide. She knew the history of the volcanos and took us to the best places to see the lava. I would recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls - Big Island Candies, a sweet but practical first stop
Big Island of Hawaii Shore Excursions, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, National Parks, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls

4.Hilo Cruise Ship Excursion: Volcanoes National Park Rainbow Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 130 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154

From Hilo Pier, ride with a guide to Rainbow Falls, Big Island Candies, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Expect steam vents, the Kilauea Visitor Center, and the Halema’uma’u area, with time for photos and short walks. Guides such as Grover, Derek, and Chris have earned praise for clear island stories and good humor. Bring water, snacks, and a light jacket.

“Ray Ray picked us up at the port in a comfortable small bus. Gave informative tour with jokes thrown in. Would highly recommend although stair climbing through volcano tube can be difficult. Candy and cookies at Big Island Candy was yummy 👍”

Check availability →Read our full review

Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez - Cruising through Prince William Sound
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez

5.Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 119 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $199

Spend about eight hours cruising from Valdez through Prince William Sound to Meares Glacier. Captain Alan and the crew provide local stories, wildlife spotting, and glacier viewing, with bagel snacks, lunch, coffee, tea, and water included. Watch for whales, dolphins, otters, sea lions, and falling ice.

“Very nice to trip. Captain was very informative about the area and finding us things to see. Despite the slight rains everything went well. Got to see the Mears Glacier up close. Food served at lunchtime was good. The crew were very entertaining with their antics. Highly recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion - Waterfalls, coconut treats, and a changing plan
Big Island of Hawaii Shore Excursions, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, National Parks, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

6.Hawaii Volcano National Park Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $168

From Hilo Harbor, a local English-speaking guide leads a 7 to 8 hour minibus tour through gardens, jungle roads, waterfalls, macadamia farms, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, candy shops, markets, and a black-sand beach. The group is limited to 14 people, with park admission included. Expect a fast, full day with plenty of photo stops and local stories.

“It's the best excursion we have been on. We saw so many things!!!! Don was great and had lots of stories and very knowledgeable. Thank you so much!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon - Spouting Horn, where the sea makes the noise
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon

7.Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 110 reviews · from $97Best value

From Nawiliwili Harbor, you’ll ride an air-conditioned coach through Old Koloa, Waimea, and former sugar-plantation country to Waimea Canyon. Stops include Hanapepe Valley Lookout and Poipu’s Spouting Horn. Guides such as Leone and Leoni are known for lively island history and humor. The tour is limited to Pride of America passengers.

“Our driver Leoni provided great commentary throughout the drive. The bus was cool and comfortable, and the view of the canyon was breathtaking. We were very happy overall with this excursion, especially the ability to be picked up directly from the cruise port, at less than half price of the cruise-sponsored version of the same tour. Bargain!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Volcanoes National Park Adventure Tour - Hilo Shore Excursion - Rainbow Falls, a quick start with a classic Hilo view
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, National Parks, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Volcanoes National Park Adventure Tour – Hilo Shore Excursion

8.Volcanoes National Park Adventure Tour – Hilo Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $195

Spend about seven hours exploring Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a small group of up to 14. Guides such as Auntie Karen, Ernie, Mike, Sean, and Eddie lead you to Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Richardson Ocean Park, volcanic sites, a lava tube, and Big Island Candies. Pickup at Hilo Port or Harbor, water, snacks, and a lunch stop are included.

“Wonderful tour guide. Thoroughly enjoyed the volcano experience. Highly recommended. Small group/van: only 12 people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hilo Shore Excursion: Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch - Rainbow Falls starts the morning with an easy reward
Beach & Swim Shore Excursions, Beach Shore Excursions in the USA, Big Island of Hawaii Shore Excursions, Lunch Experiences, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions with Lunch, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Hilo Shore Excursion: Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch

9.Visit Volcano, Waterfall, Beach with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $189

Anthony and Desmond lead a 6 to 7-hour Hilo shore excursion to Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Nahuku Lava Tube, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. You get lunch, local fruit, cultural artifacts, and pickup from the Hilo port or nearby locations in a van limited to 12 people.

“If you are going to be on NCL Pride of America highly consider this option.Great experience from pickup to drop off at the cruise ship. The tour shows parts of Volcano National Park that others leave out or cannot access. Rainbow Falls and the black sand beach live up to their billing and plenty of time is provided at both. The tour has lots of hands on shells and artifacts that are shown in the tour van while traveling from spot to spot. The lunch that you get to pick from at Lava Rock Cafe is very good and has lots of choices. We were treated with a fruit plate…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike - Reaching the Rocky Ground Near the Ice
Canoes & Kayaks, Hiking & Trekking, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike

10.Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $402

You’ll paddle 5 to 6 miles across Mendenhall Lake in a canoe, then hike about 2 miles over rocky ground toward the glacier’s edge. Above and Beyond Alaska supplies boots, rain gear, paddling equipment, snacks, transport, and guides. The small-group trip takes about 5.5 hours and requires good fitness and swimming ability.

“Really great experience. Canoeing was fun a little strenuous going toward the glacier against the wind. Got up very close to the glacier. Good narration by the guide of the flora and fauna around the glacier. Organized, had all of our equipment out and ready to go when we arrived at the shop. Just really nice people overall.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike - The first 3.5 miles through Tongass rainforest
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

11.Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $234

Spend about six hours hiking 7 to 8 miles through Tongass National Forest to a panoramic Mendenhall Glacier viewpoint. Your guide provides rain gear, a backpack, water, snacks, and hiking equipment. This is a demanding mountain hike, not a glacier trek, and sturdy boots plus good fitness are essential.

“We were fortunate enough to schedule this excursion prior to leaving for our cruise. Boy are we ever so happy we did. Simply put this excursion was well worth every minute and beyond description. We were hoping for a nice excursion where we would hike, climb and trek to and on the glacier as advertized and we were not disappointed. As a matter of fact we were surprised to the extent of time we spent on the glacier. Not only did we hike through the forest, climb bedrock, manage switchbacks, trek on the glacier but we also got to explore underneath the glacier and go into the ice caves. What…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Helicopter to a Dogsledding Experience with a Glacier Landing - What the 40-minute dog sled ride feels like
Helicopter Tours, National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Shore Excursions

Helicopter to a Dogsledding Experience with a Glacier Landing

12.Helicopter to a Dogsledding Experience with a Glacier Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 60 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $860

You’ll fly from Juneau with Coastal Helicopters to a dog camp on Herbert Glacier, ride with an experienced musher for about 40 minutes, then land on exposed glacier ice for a guided walk. The trip includes boots, raincoats if needed, transport, and round-trip helicopter flights. Plan for layers, accurate weight details, and strict weather limits.

“Fantastic I recommend it 100% Very exciting. An unparalleled experience. All staff very responsibleAuto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

Seward Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park Tour - Thumb Cove, seabirds, and hanging glaciers
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, National Parks, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Seward Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park Tour

13.Seward Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $223

Spend about six hours aboard a Kenai Fjords Tours boat from Seward, sailing through Resurrection Bay to tidewater glaciers, seabird colonies, and marine wildlife zones. An onboard guide shares natural history, lunch is provided, and pickup may be arranged from a Seward hotel or port. Captain Chris, Mike, and Emma have all earned praise for smart routing and clear commentary.

“One of the best Alaskan tours I have been on! Would highly recommend this trip to anyone that’s in Seward.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kauai Shore Excursion - Waimea Canyon Adventure Tour - Nawiliwili - Hanapepe Valley gives you the first canyon preview
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Kauai Shore Excursion – Waimea Canyon Adventure Tour – Nawiliwili

14.Kauai Shore Excursion – Waimea Canyon Adventure Tour – Nawiliwili

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $189

Travel from Nawiliwili to Waimea Canyon in a small, air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide. You’ll visit canyon and Napali Coast lookouts, Hanapepe’s swinging bridge, Spouting Horn, Kauai Coffee, and Captain Cook’s landing site. Guides may include Rad, Jay, Valerie, Luki, or Shaning, and the group is capped at 14.

“Sharing was a great drive and guide. Super relatable as well as knowledgeable. We had a great time. Took as to excellent sites, and the day in the canyon was not to be missed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Shore Excursion Hilo Volcanoes National Park up to 10 PPL - From Hilo Port to the volcanic uplands
National Park & Nature Shore Excursions, National Parks, Nature Shore Excursions in the USA, Private Shore Excursions, Private Shore Excursions in the USA, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Shore Excursions

Private Shore Excursion Hilo Volcanoes National Park up to 10 PPL

15.Private Shore Excursion Hilo Volcanoes National Park up to 10 PPL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Ride in a private Mercedes Sprinter with a guide such as Rob, Skylar, Jodi, or Dash for a six-hour Hilo excursion. You’ll visit Kīlauea’s crater, Thurston Lava Tube, steam vents, Chain of Craters Road, Rainbow Falls, and possibly Liliʻuokalani Gardens or Big Island Candies. Park admission, snacks, water, umbrellas, and transportation are included.

“A cool experience in Hilo. Skylar was our guide & he was very kind, knowledgable & professional. We enjoyed our time Volcanos National Park (volcanic craters, steam vents & lava tubes!), Rainbow Falls, then a stop at Mauna Loa macademia nut factory (yummy ice cream). Skylar took photos of us the entire day with his nice camera then we got access to them for free.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Nature Shore Excursions in the USA

★ 5.0Private Kilauea Volcano Tour2 reviews
★ 5.0Private Hilo Shore Excursion – Volcanoes, Waterfalls, & Beaches2 reviews
★ 4.5Hilo and Volcano National Park Tour for Cruise Passengers at portFrom $2303 reviews

Keep browsing

Private Shore ExcursionsCity Highlights Shore ExcursionsEphesus Shore ExcursionsFlorence & Pisa Shore ExcursionsBeach & Swim Shore ExcursionsShore Excursions with Port Pickup
Scroll to Top

Plan the call

Pick a berth, a ruin or a market.

Ruins and cities

EphesusAncient RuinsCity HighlightsCastlesPompeii

Coast and water

Beach and SwimBoat DaysNature DaysWildlifeTuk-Tuks

Food and drink

Food and MarketsWine TastingsLunch IncludedWalking DaysFlorence and Pisa

How you go

Private DaysSmall GroupsLuxury and VIPPier PickupGuaranteed Return