Where is Prudhoe Bay?
Prudhoe Bay is on Alaska’s North Slope, right next to the Arctic Ocean. It is mainly an oilfield area, not a tourist town.
The nearby settlement is called Deadhorse.
Very Important Rule (Read This First)
👉 You CANNOT visit Prudhoe Bay or the Arctic Ocean on your own.
👉 You MUST use an authorized guided tour or shuttle.
Why?
- The area is private and industrial
- Security rules are strict
- Only approved vehicles and guides are allowed
Who Is Allowed to Take You There?
Only authorized tour operators with oilfield permission can take visitors.
All Authorized Prudhoe Bay Tour Options (2026)
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Duration | Price | Best For |
| Arctic Ocean Shuttle | 2 hrs | $85–$100 | Quick visit |
| 3-Day Arctic Tour | 3 days | $1,300–$1,700 | Full experience |
| Northern Alaska Tour | 3 days | $1,400–$1,700 | Trusted operator |
| Viator Arctic Tours | 3–4 days | $1,300–$1,800 | Easy booking |
| Extended Explorer Tours | 7–11 days | $3,500+ | Deep exploration |
| Adventure Expeditions | 7–10 days | $6,000+ | Hardcore adventure |
Below are all the main legal ways tourists visit Prudhoe Bay & the Arctic Ocean.
1️⃣ Arctic Ocean Shuttle (From Deadhorse)
Arctic Ocean Shuttle
Deadhorse Camp
🚌 What this is
A short guided bus/shuttle that takes you:
- From Deadhorse Camp
- Through the secure oilfield
- Directly to the Arctic Ocean shoreline
This is the only short tour that goes straight to the ocean.
🧾 What you get
- Guided shuttle ride
- Entry into the restricted oilfield area
- Walk on the Arctic Ocean shore
- Short explanation by the guide
- Often a certificate
⏱️ Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
💵 Price (2026)
- $85 – $100 per person
📅 When it runs
- Late May to early September
- Usually 1–2 times daily
📝 How to book
- Be in Deadhorse
- Contact Deadhorse Camp / Shuttle desk
- Book 24 hours in advance
- Provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport details
🛡️ Safety rules
- Follow the guide at all times
- No walking away from the group
- Industrial safety rules apply
- Cold and wind are possible even in summer
👍 Best for
✔ Visitors already in Deadhorse
✔ Quick Arctic Ocean visit
✔ Lowest cost option
2️⃣ 3-Day Arctic Ocean & Prudhoe Bay Tours (From Fairbanks)
Fairbanks
Dalton Highway
🚐 What this is
A full guided Arctic adventure starting in Fairbanks.
You travel north on the famous Dalton Highway and visit:
- Arctic Circle
- Yukon River
- Brooks Range
- Coldfoot
- Prudhoe Bay
- Arctic Ocean
🧾 What is included
- Professional guide
- Transport (van + small plane)
- 2–3 nights lodging
- Arctic Circle certificate
- Arctic Ocean visit
- History & nature explanation
🕒 Duration
- 3 days / 2 nights
(Some offer 4 days)
💵 Price (2026)
- $1,300 – $1,700 per person
- Single room costs extra
📅 When it runs
- Late May – early September
- Limited seats (book early)
📝 How to book
- Choose a Fairbanks-based Arctic tour
- Book online or by phone
- Submit passport details
- Pay the deposit or the full amount
- Receive itinerary
🛡️ Safety
- Trained Arctic guides
- Emergency planning included
- Remote travel, but well organized
👍 Best for
✔ First-time Alaska visitors
✔ People wanting a full Arctic experience
✔ Comfortable, organized travel
3️⃣ Northern Alaska Tour Company – Arctic Ocean Adventure
Northern Alaska Tour Company
🚐 What this is
One of the most experienced Arctic tour operators.
They offer two main styles:
- Drive north, fly back
- Fly north, drive back
🧾 What you get
- 3-day guided Arctic tour
- Dalton Highway journey
- Arctic Circle crossing
- Prudhoe Bay visit
- Arctic Ocean access (weather & clearance dependent)
- Lodging and guides included
💵 Price (2026)
- $1,400 – $1,700 per person
📝 Booking steps
- Visit the official website
- Choose tour type (northbound/southbound)
- Pick dates
- Submit passport info
- Pay online
👍 Best for
✔ Travelers wanting a trusted, experienced operator
✔ Scenic + educational Arctic travel
4️⃣ Viator / Marketplace Arctic Tours (Fairbanks Based)
🚌 What this is
These are the same 3–4 day Arctic tours, but booked through a travel marketplace instead of directly.
🧾 What they include
- Guided Fairbanks → Arctic trips
- Lodging and transport
- Arctic Circle + Prudhoe Bay
- Arctic Ocean visit (where permitted)
💵 Price
- $1,300 – $1,800
📝 How to book
- Search “Arctic Ocean Prudhoe Bay tour from Fairbanks.”
- Select dates
- Enter traveler info
- Pay online
- Receive confirmation
👍 Best for
✔ People who prefer booking platforms
✔ Comparing prices easily
5️⃣ Extended Arctic Explorer Tours (7–11 Days)
Alaska Tours
🧭 What this is
Longer explorer-style tours covering:
- South Alaska
- Interior Alaska
- Arctic Circle
- Prudhoe Bay
- Arctic Ocean
🕒 Duration
- 7 to 11+ days
💵 Price
- $3,500 – $6,000+
👍 Best for
✔ Travelers with more time
✔ Deep Alaska exploration
6️⃣ Adventure & Motorcycle Expeditions (Advanced Only)
🏍️ What this is
High-end adventure trips to Prudhoe Bay.
Often include:
- Motorcycles
- Support vehicles
- Long remote routes
💵 Price
- $6,000 – $10,000+
👍 Best for
✔ Experienced travelers
✔ Adventure seekers
❌ Not beginner-friendly
What to Wear (Even in Summer)
- Warm jacket
- Windproof outer layer
- Hat & gloves
- Waterproof shoes
- Sunglasses
Internet & Phone
- Very limited signal
- No reliable internet
- Inform family before travel
Final Simple Advice
- If short on time → Arctic Ocean Shuttle
- If first visit → 3-Day Fairbanks Tour
- If experienced → Extended or Adventure Tour
FAQs
1. Can tourists visit Prudhoe Bay without a tour?
No. Tourists cannot visit Prudhoe Bay on their own. The area is a restricted oilfield, and access is only allowed through authorized guided tours or shuttles with prior security clearance.
2. How do you get to the Arctic Ocean in Alaska?
The only legal way for tourists to reach the Arctic Ocean at Prudhoe Bay is by joining an authorized Arctic Ocean Shuttle from Deadhorse or a guided multi-day tour from Fairbanks.
3. Do I need a passport to visit Prudhoe Bay?
Yes. Most authorized tours require passport details in advance for security clearance, even for U.S. citizens, because Prudhoe Bay is a restricted industrial area.
4. What is the best time to visit Prudhoe Bay?
The best time to visit Prudhoe Bay is late May through early September. During this period, guided tours operate regularly, roads are accessible, and weather conditions are safer for travel.
5. How much does it cost to visit the Arctic Ocean at Prudhoe Bay?
Costs depend on the tour type:
- Arctic Ocean Shuttle: about $85–$100
- 3-day guided tours from Fairbanks: about $1,300–$1,700
- Extended or adventure tours: $3,500 to $10,000+
