One of the top reasons people cruise to Alaska is to see the incredible wildlife that is abundant in the region. Whale watching and spotting bears are some of the top animals people want to see on a cruise to this northern destination. A good pair of binoculars can help you spot these wild animals, even from far away.
There is an impressive variety of options available when shopping for binoculars, something at every price. Some cruisers may want a cheap pair of binoculars without worrying if something happens to them. They can get soaked while on a whale-watching excursion or accidentally fall into the water. Others may want to invest in something a little more substantial, especially if they plan to use them a lot in the future.
Another consideration is that a pair of binoculars is one more thing to add to an often overpacked suitcase. Something lightweight and compact can be a deciding factor for many when buying binoculars for their dream cruise to Alaska.
Here are some of the best binoculars we found, perfect for a variety of activities at a range of prices for every cruiser.
What to know about buying binoculars for a cruise
Buying binoculars can be a little overwhelming with so many choices available. A myriad of lens numbers, design elements, and coatings means there are tons of options. There are a few things to consider when buying binoculars. Budget is one of the top factors that will quickly eliminate many contenders. Also, how much will you use them? Is this a one-off thing for your cruise? What will you be using them for? Some binoculars are better for bird watching, while others are best suited to long-distance viewing and helpful when spotting a bear or whale.
To keep it simple, there are a couple of things to focus on when buying binoculars. You will notice a set of numbers along with the name, such as 10X25. The first number refers to the magnification - 8 and 10 lenses are often preferred choices for cruisers. The second number is the lens size. The bigger it is, the more you can see, making it heavier and more cumbersome to manage for a day in the Alaska wilderness. Another important feature is whether they are waterproof. More than likely, there is a chance of rain when cruising to Alaska, so this can be an essential detail.
Although many people order things online, being able to grasp binoculars, put them up to your face, and feel their weight and coating can be helpful in figuring out what is right for you. So if you do order online, make sure you can easily return them if they don’t feel right.
With these points in mind, here are our top picks for binoculars for an Alaska cruise.
Best splurge: Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10x42 Binoculars
Buyers love these binoculars, and although they are a bit of a splurge at $199.00, they are still considered excellent value. With over 100,000 customers rating them among the best for the price, they are a top choice for many. Vortex is an American brand that is family-owned and veteran-owned. Their products are famous for their quality, performance, and lifetime warranty.
These binoculars are a great choice for spotting wildlife in Alaska. The 10X42 lenses on these binoculars deliver exceptional resolution for a sharp view. The eyecups on the binoculars twist up and down so any viewer can see the entire field and enjoy comfortable viewing—with or without eyeglasses. Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip and durable external protection. This can be of particular advantage in the wet conditions of Alaska. They are water and fog-proof, another benefit in the often cool environment of Alaska.
Users find their weight manageable at 1.4 lbs. They are also tripod-adaptable for even more flexibility. The addition of the harness makes them easy to carry and helpful on long excursions.
Best budget binoculars: Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars
At $39.00, these binoculars are well-suited for cruise activities like whale watching, bird-watching, and general sightseeing. At such a great price, they still deliver a good balance of magnification and field of view, which is important in the wide-open spaces of Alaska’s incredible landscapes. They feature large eyepiece for comfortable viewing, adjustable eyecups, fully multi-coated optics, and a durable design. These are well-rated at 4.4/5, a great score considering the price.
These binoculars are made of nonslip rubber armor, giving them a softer touch and ensuring they are shockproof. The long eye relief combined with a large eyepiece gives you comfortable viewing while wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses. They also come with a neck strap for convenience. They are pocket-sized, which is more convenient for use throughout the day. A major bonus is that you can use just one hand with these lightweight binoculars.
They are also a good option for kids and teens. They are really compact, lightweight, and easy to pack and bring along on excursions without the worry of traveling with high-priced binoculars. At this price, though, you don't get everything. They are not fully waterproof, which is a trade-off.
Best for kids: Vanstarry Compact 5X30 Binoculars for Kids
At $6.99 and sold in a variety of colors, this is a great, inexpensive way to get your kids in on the fun without breaking the bank (or the binoculars, for that matter). They can pick from several vibrant choices, such as neon pink, blue, green, purple, red, and yellow. There is something for each child and their personal style.
One nice feature of these binoculars is the soft rubber surrounding eyepieces, which are designed to protect children's eyes and faces. The material also makes it easy to grip (or catch). They come with a neck strap for ease of travel during the day. But if they do happen to fall, they are shockproof, thanks to the rubber armor that encases them. A worry-free solution for parents.
They are easy to adjust and well suited to a variety of activities, including watching out for some of Alaksa’s famous big animals, including bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. This is an excellent option so that everyone in the family can participate in shore excursions without spending a fortune or worrying about lost or broken binoculars.
