Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour

Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour

Location: United States
Country: United States
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 93 reviews)
Price: $151 per person
Duration: 4 hours
Supplier: Dolphin Jet Boat Tours

An Overview of what this tour offers

If you’re heading to Juneau and craving a taste of Alaska’s wild beauty, this half-day excursion hits many high notes. For $151, you get a balanced mix of glacier views, local wildlife spotting, and whale watching—making it a solid value for a short but immersive experience. It’s designed for those who enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes and active wildlife encounters, all led by local guides who know the area intimately.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines two of Juneau’s most famous natural sights: the Mendenhall Glacier and the waters of Auke Bay teeming with whales. It’s a great way to get a broad sense of Alaska’s natural diversity in a manageable time frame. The educational aspect at the Visitor Center enhances understanding, while the boat cruise with binoculars promises some memorable whale sightings.

A potential consideration is that the Glacier visit is relatively brief—you won’t have time to hike to Nugget Falls, so if a longer glacier experience is your goal, you might want to look for a different tour. But for those wanting a well-rounded snapshot of Juneau’s wilderness, this tour fits the bill.

This adventure is best suited for travelers who enjoy nature and wildlife, appreciate guided insight, and are comfortable with some cold weather or rain—layered clothing is recommended. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want a taste of Alaska’s iconic scenery and wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Combination of Glacier and Whale Watching: Offers a full snapshot of Juneau’s natural wonders in just 4 hours.
• Educational Guides: Knowledgeable naturalists share insights about glaciers, salmon, bears, and whales.
• Flexible and Accessible: Includes roundtrip transportation, binoculars, and light refreshments, making it easy for travelers.
• Limited Glacier Time: No hiking to Nugget Falls, so if that’s a priority, consider an alternative tour.
• Weather Preparedness: Expect cooler, possibly rainy conditions—layered clothing is advised.
• Consistently Positive Reviews: Many travelers rave about whale sightings and guides’ expertise, adding confidence to booking.

This experience made our article of You’ll Love These 16 Tours In Juneau Alaska.

An In-Depth Look at the Juneau Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins with a bus ride from downtown Juneau, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenic route to the Mendenhall Valley. The meeting point is outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building—look for a blue sign with yellow letters. It’s a straightforward process, but do remember, no hotel pickups are included, so plan to meet the group there. The bus ride itself is a nice warm-up, offering glimpses of Juneau’s lush surroundings and mountains.

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier

Once at the glacier, you’ll visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and explore the self-guided exhibits. Here, you’ll learn about the glacier’s formation, its ongoing changes, and the surrounding landscape. The views are breathtaking, with the massive ice flow contrasting sharply with evergreen forests. The short stop at the glacier is enough to appreciate its grandeur, but if you’re hoping to hike further or visit Nugget Falls, you’ll need a longer tour.

The boardwalk over Steep Creek is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. From here, you can look for spawning salmon and black bears patiently waiting for a meal. Several reviews mention how captivating this part is—“we saw bears waiting patiently for a catch,” one guest noted—and it’s easy to see why. Watching these creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight, and the informative guides enhance the experience with fascinating facts about local ecosystems.

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The Scenic Drive and Glacier Views

The drive between Juneau and the glacier itself is scenic, with towering mountains and lush forests framing your journey. This short segment highlights the rugged beauty of southeastern Alaska. While brief, it sets the tone for the day—a true wilderness adventure.

Whale Watching by Boat

The second half of the tour involves boarding a comfortable boat at Auke Bay Harbor, where an experienced captain and naturalist guide you through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel. With binoculars provided, you’ll scan the waters for humpback whales, which are often seen breaching and tail-slapping.

Travelers consistently praise the expertise of the guides and the spectacular whale activity—many reviews mention sightings of orcas, humpbacks, and calves. One reviewer described up to seven breaches in a single day, emphasizing just how memorable whale watching can be. The mountain backdrop makes for a stunning setting, and the calm waters often enhance wildlife visibility.

Refreshments and Return

After the cruise, you’ll be offered coffee, hot chocolate, water, and a small snack—a thoughtful touch that helps warm you after the chilly water journey. The return trip drops you off back in downtown Juneau, making it a convenient end to your short but packed adventure.

Real Traveler Experiences

Based on reviews, guides like William, Mia, and Simon are often praised for their friendly attitude and wealth of knowledge. Guests have said, “Our guide was well informed, upbeat, and best of all we saw lots of whales,” which highlights how much effort guides put into maximizing sightings and sharing their passion.

Another visitor appreciated the good weather and calm waters, which contributed to a fantastic whale-watching experience. Many reviewers emphasized how the boat’s open viewing areas provided excellent vantage points, and the use of binoculars was a big plus.

Price and Value

At $151 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank. When you factor in the transportation, guided insights, boat trip, binoculars, and refreshments, it presents a good value for a comprehensive Alaska day out. Travelers consistently mention how the guides’ expertise and the chance to see whales makes it worth the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, especially those wanting a quick yet immersive introduction to Juneau’s glaciers and whales. It’s also suitable for families or groups who prefer guided tours with educational commentary, and for those happy with a short hike and boat cruise rather than long hikes or multiple day trips.

However, if hiking to Nugget Falls is a priority or you prefer longer glacier walks, you might want a different tour. Also, because of the steep ramp and potential weather challenges, those with mobility impairments should consider their comfort level.

The Sum Up

In all, this Juneau Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour balances scenery, wildlife, and education beautifully. It provides a short but rich taste of Alaska’s wilderness, guided by friendly experts who know how to find wildlife and share stories that bring the landscape to life. The combination of the glacier’s grandeur and the thrill of whale sightings makes it an excellent choice for travelers short on time but eager to experience Alaska’s natural wonders.

The tour’s value is enhanced by the included transportation, binoculars, and refreshments, making it a hassle-free way to navigate the area. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply want to see Alaska’s icy giants and playful whales, this tour delivers on promises and leaves guests with lasting memories.

For travelers who want a balanced, insightful, and beautiful introduction to Juneau’s natural environment, this tour offers a perfect blend—practical, memorable, and worth every penny.

FAQ

Is transportation from downtown Juneau included? No, you need to meet the guide outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building, but the bus ride is straightforward and scenic.

How long do we spend at Mendenhall Glacier? The stop is short but includes the visitor center and a walk along the boardwalk over Steep Creek. It’s enough to appreciate the glacier and spot wildlife, but not for long hikes.

Can I hike to Nugget Falls? Not with this tour. It’s a shorter experience that doesn’t include hiking out to the falls, but there’s an option to upgrade or choose a different tour.

What should I bring? Weather-appropriate clothing, rain gear, thermal layers, and a jacket are recommended due to cooler temperatures and potential rain.

Is whale watching guaranteed? While sightings depend on weather and whale activity, many reviews report excellent sightings, including orcas and humpbacks.

How much does the tour cost? At $151 per person, it offers good value considering all the included features and the quality of wildlife viewing.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues? It’s best for those comfortable with some walking and standing; the tour involves navigating a steep ramp and can be chilly on the water. Not suited for wheelchair users or those with back problems.

You can check availability for your dates here: