Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour

Experience the Best of Juneau with the Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour.
This 5-hour adventure is perfect for travelers eager to see Alaska’s iconic sights — from the stunning Mendenhall Glacier and its waterfall to a lively whale-watching excursion. Priced at $199 per person, it offers a well-rounded day that blends natural beauty, wildlife, and local charm. The tour is operated by a family-owned, small business with a long-standing reputation in Juneau, which means you’ll get a more personal, authentic experience.

What we really love about this tour is its careful balance of exploration and comfort. The extra hour at the Glacier Recreation Area allows plenty of time to wander around, visit the Visitor’s Center, or stroll out to Nugget Falls — a spectacular sight that’s both accessible and awe-inspiring. We also appreciate the small group size and mammal-friendly jet boats, which make whale sightings more intimate and enjoyable.

However, a potential consideration is the weather-dependent nature of outdoor activities. If rain or fog rolls in, some parts of the experience might be less spectacular, although the tour offers flexibility with options for rescheduling or refunds.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of easy hikes, scenic drives, and wildlife encounters. If you love seeing iconic glaciers, are interested in Alaska’s marine life, and prefer a small, friendly group, this experience will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Juneau city, Nugget Falls, Mendenhall Glacier, and whale watching.
• Extra time at the Glacier Recreation Area for personal exploration.
• Small, intimate group with a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Family-owned business with local guides passionate about Juneau.
• Wildlife-focused boat tour, with sightings of humpback whales, orcas, and seals.
• All-inclusive snacks and binoculars, making the experience more comfortable and convenient.

Exploring Juneau: A Natural and Cultural Feast

This tour is a wonderful way to get a taste of what makes Juneau special. From the moment you hop onto the guided bus ride through downtown Juneau, you’re introduced to the city’s charm. Your guide, possibly someone like Susanna, who describes the staff as “friendly and happy,” will give you a local’s perspective on the sights and stories you pass. The city itself, perched on the edge of the wilderness, provides the perfect starting point for this adventure.

The walk to Nugget Falls is described as “very easy to travel,” making it suitable even for those who prefer a leisurely pace. Most hikers take about 45 minutes round trip, but with the tour’s flexible timing, you can linger to snap photos or enjoy the rainforest scenery. The waterfall itself, plunging directly from the glacier into a broad pool, is a photographer’s dream and a reminder of the raw power of nature.

Mendenhall Glacier: A Glacier’s Majesty

The visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides a deeper understanding of this massive ice formation. The included admission ticket grants you an hour at the center, where you can learn about glaciers, watch informative films, or simply soak in the views. The glacier’s surface, carved by centuries of ice movement, is a stunning sight, and the visitor center offers vantage points that make it easy to appreciate its scale.

Adding to the experience, the extra hour and forty-five minutes to two hours at the Glacier Recreation Area ensures you have ample time to explore. Many visitors choose to walk the short trail out to Nugget Falls, a spectacular cascade where ice meets rainforest. The ease of this walk is one of the tour’s highlights, making it accessible without sacrificing the grandeur of the scenery.

Whale Watching: An Underwater Spectacle

The real thrill of this tour lies in the two-hour whale-watching cruise from Auke Bay Harbor. The boat, described as mammal-friendly, suggests an emphasis on respectful wildlife viewing and a more intimate experience. The guide’s local knowledge is key here, as they aim to show you the most exciting whales, including humpbacks, orcas, and seals, which are often spotted during the season.

From the reviews, we know that guests have enjoyed seeing several humpback whales, stellar sea lions, and killer whales. The small group setting and the use of binoculars provided add to the chances of close-up sightings and memorable photos. The boat ride is also a chance to enjoy the fresh Alaskan air and to get a different perspective on the coastline and marine life.

Practical Details and Comfort

The tour includes snacks, hot chocolate, and coffee, making it easy to stay warm and energized. The mobile ticket system simplifies the check-in process, and the guide will be speaking in English, providing informative commentary throughout.

The total duration of about 5 hours balances busy sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each stop. Starting and ending at the same location — Goldbelt Tram — makes logistics straightforward, whether you’re staying in Juneau or arriving on a cruise ship.

The small group size (max 30 travelers) ensures that you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the quick transfers between activities keep downtime to a minimum. The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as the walks are generally easy and accessible.

What Do Visitors Say?

Feedback from guests like Susanna highlights how friendly guides and boat crews make the day pleasant. Her comment, “The walk to Nugget Falls was very easy to travel. Saw several humpback whales, stellar seal lions, and killer whales! Small group made it very nice,” echoes the overall positive sentiment.

The focus on stunning views is clear — whether it’s the glacier, the waterfall, or the marine life — making this a tour that consistently meets expectations for natural beauty.

The Value of This Tour

While the price of $199 might seem steep at first glance, it includes all major activities, snacks, binoculars, and guides. The extra time at the glacier and the small-group whale watching make it an excellent value for those wanting a comprehensive experience without the hassle of booking multiple tours.

On top of that, given its popularity (booked 159 days in advance on average), it’s clear this experience is in high demand, and for good reason. The combination of land, ice, and sea makes it a well-rounded way to experience Juneau’s natural highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want a balance of sightseeing and adventure. It suits those who prefer a more intimate and personalized tour rather than large group excursions.

If you enjoy easy hikes and want the convenience of a well-organized day, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a variety of Alaska’s most iconic sights without multiple bookings or complicated logistics.

The Sum Up

The Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour offers a robust, well-organized way to experience Juneau’s natural treasures. From the majestic glacier and thundering waterfall to the thrill of spotting whales in their natural habitat, it’s a day packed with memorable sights and moments. The emphasis on small groups, local guides, and respectful wildlife viewing makes it stand out as a thoughtful choice for those seeking authentic, immersive experiences.

Whether you’re marveling at the icy mass of Mendenhall or feeling the spray from a breaching whale, this tour balances educational insights with adventure and fun. It’s a perfect fit for curious travelers ready to explore Alaska’s wild side with comfort and confidence.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, combining bus rides, glacier visits, and whale watching.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Goldbelt Tram, 490 S Franklin St, Juneau.

What is included in the tour price?
You get guided transportation, admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the walks, including the hike to Nugget Falls, are generally easy and accessible for most travelers with moderate fitness.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour; cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Guests often see humpback whales, killer whales, stellar sea lions, and other marine mammals.

How many people typically join the tour?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience.

Is the whale watching boat family-friendly?
Yes, the boat is described as mammal-friendly, making it a great choice for families and wildlife lovers.

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

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, binoculars are provided, along with snacks and drinks. Just bring your sense of adventure!

This comprehensive tour in Juneau offers a blend of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, making it a memorable part of any Alaska adventure. Whether you’re marveling at the glacier, walking to Nugget Falls, or watching whales breach the surface, you’re sure to leave with plenty of stories and photos to cherish.