Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour — Deadhorse, Alaska

Discover the Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour in Alaska

Located in Deadhorse, Alaska, the Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to travel through the industrial heart of Alaska’s North Slope oil fields and reach the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Guests ride through active oil production areas while guides explain how the Prudhoe Bay oil fields operate, the infrastructure that supports Arctic energy production, and the environmental challenges of working in one of the harshest climates on Earth.

Why it’s special: This tour provides one of the only ways for visitors to access the Arctic Ocean by road while also experiencing a behind-the-scenes look at the massive industrial oil operations that helped transform Alaska’s economy.

History & Story of Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour

The Arctic Ocean Shuttle tour operates in the Prudhoe Bay oil fields near Deadhorse, Alaska, one of the largest oil-producing regions in North America. Oil was first discovered in Prudhoe Bay in 1968, leading to the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the rapid development of oil infrastructure across the North Slope.

Because the oil fields are located within restricted industrial zones, access is controlled for safety and security. Guided shuttle tours were developed to allow visitors arriving via the Dalton Highway to safely enter designated areas of the oil field and reach the Arctic Ocean shoreline while learning about the region’s energy industry.

What You’ll See & Do on the Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour

• Travel by guided shuttle through portions of the Prudhoe Bay oil fields
• Learn how Arctic oil production facilities operate in extreme environments
• View drilling infrastructure, pipelines, and industrial support facilities
• Reach the shoreline of the Arctic Ocean at the end of the Dalton Highway
• Hear about the history of Prudhoe Bay and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Hands-On Elements: Visitors may have the opportunity to touch the waters of the Arctic Ocean at the tour’s final stop.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is typically permitted at designated stops but may be restricted in certain industrial areas.

Souvenirs & Extras: Arctic Ocean certificates and travel memorabilia may be available through tour operators or nearby Deadhorse hotels.

Pricing of the Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour

Adult price: $79 per adult

Advance reservations are required due to security screening and limited tour capacity.

Visiting information for Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour

Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours
Age limits: All ages welcome; identification required for security clearance
Accessibility: Shuttle vehicles provide accessible seating; terrain at the ocean shoreline may be uneven
Working Hours: Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tours typically operate at scheduled times daily during the summer travel season.

Nearby attractions to Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour

• Prudhoe Bay Oil Field Infrastructure
• Dalton Highway Northern Terminus
• Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewing Areas

FAQs About Visiting the Arctic Ocean Shuttle Oilfield Tour

Why is a shuttle required to reach the Arctic Ocean?
The coastline near Deadhorse lies within the restricted Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Visitors must join a guided shuttle tour that provides security clearance and controlled access to the shoreline.

Do visitors get to touch the Arctic Ocean?
Yes. The tour typically includes a stop where visitors can walk to the shoreline and touch the waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Do I need identification to join the tour?
Yes. Because the tour enters an active oil field area, visitors must provide identification for security screening before departure.

When is the best time to take the tour?
Most visitors travel to Deadhorse during the summer months when the Dalton Highway is more accessible and weather conditions are less extreme.

How far is Deadhorse from Fairbanks?
Deadhorse is located about 500 miles north of Fairbanks at the end of the Dalton Highway near the Arctic Ocean.