FAQ
What You Need To Know
Alaska’s Finest Tours & Adventures (AFTA) offers curated tours and shuttle services designed to help visitors experience Alaska’s scenery, wildlife, and culture with a local, Alaska Native–owned perspective. This FAQ is here to answer the most common planning questions, booking, meeting locations, timing, what to bring, accessibility, and weather, so you can choose the right tour or shuttle with confidence. For full tour details, explore our website.
About Alaska’s Finest Tours & Adventures (AFTA)
Q: What is Alaska’s Finest Tours & Adventures (AFTA)?
A: An Anchorage-based, Alaska Native–owned tour company offering story-driven tours around Anchorage and Turnagain Arm, plus transportation services such as shuttles and private charters.
Q: What types of tours do you offer?
A: Tours range from Anchorage-focused experiences to Turnagain Arm scenic/wildlife routes, with options that may include glacier viewpoints and/or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), depending on the itinerary.
Q: What makes AFTA different?
A: AFTA emphasizes cultural storytelling and a “quality-over-volume” small-group approach.
Booking, pricing, and policies
Q: How do I book a tour or shuttle?
A: Book online, or contact AFTA by phone/email for shuttles, charters, and special requests.
Q: When should I book?
A: Book early for best availability—peak demand is June–August and major cruise arrival days.
Q: What is your cancellation/refund policy?
A: Full-fare tours are refundable with 24+ hours notice. Within 24 hours, refunds are not available; AFTA may help reschedule if possible. Discounted fares are not refundable (rescheduling may be possible).
Q: What happens if AFTA cancels due to unsafe weather?
A: If AFTA cancels for dangerous conditions, refunds or rescheduling are offered.
Q: Is there a minimum number of guests for a tour to operate?
A: Most tours require at least four guests; private tours can run with one.
Q: Are there extra fees beyond the advertised price?
A: No—what’s listed in the tour description is included, including admissions when applicable.
Departures, pickups, and timing
Q: Where do tours depart from?
A: Most tours depart from the downtown sales office at 509 W 3rd Avenue, across from the Downtown Hilton.
Q: Do you offer hotel pickup?
A: Sometimes—call in advance. In peak summer, hotel pickup may be limited due to passenger volume.
Q: How early should I arrive?
A: Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before departure.
Q: What if I’m late?
A: Tours depart as scheduled; late arrivals may miss the tour. No-shows are nonrefundable.
What to bring (and what’s allowed)
Q: What should I wear/bring?
A: Dress in layers, bring a rain jacket, and wear sturdy footwear. A camera is encouraged.
Q: Can I bring snacks or drinks? Is alcohol allowed?
A: Small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome on most tours. Alcohol is not permitted.
Q: Are meals included?
A: Meals are not included unless specified; snack breaks may occur.
Q: Can I charge my phone/camera on board?
A: Limited charging may be available; bringing an external battery is recommended.
Families, accessibility, and special needs
Q: Are tours kid-friendly?
A: Yes—AFTA accommodates families and children (some partner add-ons may have age restrictions).
Q: Are car seats provided?
A: Not at this time—guests should bring their own.
Q: Are tours wheelchair accessible?
A: The document contains multiple notes indicating wheelchair access is not available “at this time” for certain services (especially shuttles), while many tour stops may still be accessible with uneven terrain possible—best practice is to call with specifics.
Q: Can I bring a walker or mobility scooter?
A: Walkers are generally accommodated; collapsible mobility scooters may be possible with advance notice and limited space.
Q: Are service animals allowed?
A: Service animals are generally permitted; pets are not.
Wildlife and photography expectations
Q: Can you guarantee wildlife sightings?
A: No—wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed (routes are chosen for good opportunities).
Q: Is photography supported?
A: Yes—cameras are encouraged; many tours are designed with scenic/wildlife photo opportunities.
Q: Can I bring a tripod?
A: Yes—tripods are welcome at most outdoor stops.
Shuttles: Girdwood Express + Anchorage Airport Shuttle
Q: What is the Girdwood Express?
A: A shuttle service between Anchorage and Girdwood, designed to reduce the need to drive/park (including winter conditions).
Q: How long does the Girdwood shuttle take?
A: Approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Q: Can I get from the Anchorage airport to my hotel or to Girdwood?
A: Yes—AFTA operates airport-to-hotel and airport-to-Girdwood options; late-night/early arrivals should be scheduled in advance when possible.
Q: What is the Anchorage Airport Shuttle and how far is downtown?
A: A transfer service to/from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport; downtown is typically 15–20 minutes.
Q: Is the airport shuttle wheelchair accessible?
A: Not at this time.
Q: Are child seats provided on shuttles?
A: No—guests are encouraged to bring their own.
Q: Are pets allowed on shuttles?
A: Small pets in carriers may be allowed with prior approval (service animals are generally permitted).
Q: Do you provide cruise port transportation?
A: No.
AWCC (Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center) on AFTA tours
Q: What is AWCC?
A: A wildlife sanctuary for injured/orphaned/rescued animals; many Alaska itineraries include it as a stop.
Q: How long should we plan at AWCC?
A: Typically 1–2 hours.
Q: Is AWCC wheelchair accessible?
A: The grounds are described as wheelchair accessible.
Culture & history (short, visitor-relevant)
Q: What is ANCSA and why does it matter?
A: ANCSA (1971) transferred 44 million acres and created Alaska Native regional/village corporations, reshaping land ownership and modern Alaska—relevant context for travel, land access, and Native-owned businesses.
Contact
Q: What’s the best way to reach AFTA?
A: Call 907-764-2067 or email info@akfinest.com.