Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour

A Practical Guide to the Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour in Juneau

If you’re visiting Juneau and want a well-rounded experience of its stunning natural beauty, this Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tour offers an excellent mix of glacier views, wildlife encounters, and local charm. Priced at $189 per person and lasting around four hours, it packs in a lot—perfect for travelers looking for an authentic Alaskan adventure without overextending their schedule.

What we love about this tour is its small-group feel and personalized approach. The guides, including Dr. Dan in reviews, bring a wealth of knowledge, making the experience both educational and fun. The intimate jet boat ride offers close whale encounters, often making for some spectacular moments, while the stop at Mendenhall Glacier provides a chance to stretch your legs and take in Alaska’s iconic icy wonder.

A possible consideration is that, like any outdoor activity, the tour depends heavily on weather conditions—bad weather could mean rescheduling or cancellations, so it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast. Also, some reviewers mention that whale sightings can vary, and if you’re coming primarily for whale viewing, it’s good to have realistic expectations.

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers craving a mix of geology and marine life. If you’re interested in a more personal, guided experience with knowledgeable locals, this tour checks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Small, family-owned company emphasizing personal service and local hires.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines a glacier visit with a two-hour whale watching adventure on a mammal-friendly jet boat.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Dr. Dan are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Flexible & Convenient: Includes transportation, with a meeting point right in downtown Juneau near the tram.
• Value for Money: Compared to cruise line options, this tour offers a more intimate experience at a competitive price.
• Weather Dependency: The tour’s success hinges on good weather—be prepared for possible rescheduling.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Goldbelt Tram on Franklin Street in Juneau, a spot that’s easy to find and near public transportation. The pickup process is straightforward, and the entire experience is designed to maximize your time on the water and at the glacier. The tour is capped at 60 travelers, ensuring a more intimate vibe than large cruise excursions, which is a big plus for those wanting personal interaction and less crowding.

Mendenhall Glacier Stop

Your first stop is the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you’ll have about 40 minutes to explore on your own. The highlight is the Photo Point Outlook, offering sweeping views of the glacier’s ice face. It’s a great chance to take photos or just absorb the scale of this icy giant. Educational displays at the visitor center add context to what you’re seeing—perfect if you’re curious about glaciers and their ongoing recession.

If you walk down the boardwalk over salmon streams, you might see spawning salmon or even a bear—a reminder that Alaska’s wilderness is lively and unpredictable. Keep your eyes peeled, and don’t be surprised if wildlife surprises you during this brief stop. Reviewers like Christopher_M appreciated the ease of this stop, emphasizing how well-organized and scenic it is.

Whale Watching Adventure

Next, you’ll board a mammal-friendly jet boat in Auke Bay Harbor. Unlike larger vessels, this smaller boat allows for closer and more personal encounters with whales and marine life. The boat’s naturalist and captain will navigate to where the whales are hanging out that day, often leading to spectacular sightings.

Many travelers, including those in reviews, highlight the knowledgeable guides like Captain Nick, who are passionate about the whales and Alaska’s ecosystem. One reviewer remarked, “Rico and Captain Nick were awesome guides! It was a very fun experience and had a lot of whale activities!” This suggests that engaging guides significantly enhance the experience, turning it into a memorable wildlife safari.

Expect approximately two hours on the water, during which you might see humpback whales breaching, tail flukes, and possibly even smell their breath—a sign of getting close! Several reviews mention close encounters, with a few lucky travelers witnessing breachings and observing whales up close enough to smell their breath. This kind of intimacy with wildlife is rare and makes for a truly special experience.

Transportation & Group Size

The bus ride from your cruise ship or hotel to the whale-watching departure point takes about an hour and 20 minutes, giving you a scenic preview of Juneau’s surroundings. The tour’s small-group atmosphere allows for more personalized attention, and quick transfers between vehicles ensure minimal waiting time.

Included & Not Included

Your tour includes coffee and snacks, which is a thoughtful touch—perfect for keeping energy up during the adventure. No audio or written guides are included, but guides are well-versed and eager to answer questions, as praised repeatedly in reviews.

Pricing & Value

At $189 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the personal attention, knowledgeable guides, and the variety of experiences packed into a half-day. Compared with bigger cruise line excursions, which often feel rushed and crowded, this experience feels more authentic and comfortable. One reviewer noted, “Cheaper to book than through the cruise line,” highlighting its affordability for such quality.

Weather and Cancellations

The tour is weather-dependent, with a full refund or rescheduling offered if canceled due to poor conditions. This is common with outdoor activities in Alaska, so flexibility is key.

Why This Tour Works Well

This trip strikes a balance between nature, wildlife, and geology, perfect for travelers who want to see the iconic glacier and experience Alaska’s marine life firsthand. The small boat enhances the chance of close whale encounters, while the self-guided glacier stop allows for a relaxed exploration.

The knowledgeable guides like Dr. Dan and others elevate the experience, making it educational without feeling like a lecture. The combination of scenery, wildlife, and personable service makes this a favorite among travelers, as reflected in high review scores and enthusiastic comments.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, eager to see whales close-up, or someone who enjoys learning about natural features like glaciers, this tour is well suited. It’s ideal for those looking for a more intimate, less commercialized experience. Even families with kids might enjoy the boat ride, provided everyone is comfortable on water.

Travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed half-day outing will find this offers great value and memorable sights. If your main goal is to see whales and glaciers with expert guidance and in a friendly setting, this tour checks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, including transportation, glacier stop, and whale watching.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Most travelers book around 92 days ahead, and it’s recommended to secure your spot early, especially in peak seasons.

Is transportation included?
Yes. The tour includes a bus ride from your cruise or hotel to the departure point, and quick transfers between stops.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, waterproof clothing, and camera gear. Snacks and drinks are provided, but bringing extra snacks or water is a good idea.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is whale watching guaranteed?
No, whale sightings depend on the day’s conditions, but guides do their best to find whales, and reviews show many guests see plenty.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the operator if you have very young children or special needs.

To sum it up, this Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tour offers a well-balanced day of stunning scenery, engaging wildlife encounters, and expert guidance—all at a reasonable price. Its small-group approach and family-owned feel make it stand out from larger, more commercialized alternatives. If you’re after a personalized, authentic Alaskan adventure that combines glacier views with the thrill of whale sightings, this tour should be high on your list. Just remember to pack your patience for weather changes and your camera for those close-up whale moments.