Juneau’s Best Kept Secret: Paddleboard at Glacier’s Edge
Imagine gliding quietly on a paddleboard in front of one of Alaska’s most iconic sights, the Mendenhall Glacier. This private tour offers a chance to explore Juneau’s stunning estuaries away from the bustling cruise ship crowds, with a maximum of 8 guests ensuring a personalized, peaceful experience. For $1,100 per group, up to 8 people can spend around 3.5 hours immersed in nature, with all gear, instruction, snacks, and transportation included.
What we particularly love about this tour is the unique vantage point it offers—a more distant view of the glacier than typical shore excursions, providing a sense of real wilderness. Plus, the guide’s attention to safety and comfort, especially their help with dry suits, makes this adventure accessible to many, regardless of experience.
One possible consideration is that some balance is needed; while no prior paddleboarding experience is required, you should be comfortable on your feet or willing to try sitting or kneeling. Weather can also influence the experience, especially since visibility of the glacier may be affected by fog. This tour suits those eager to connect with nature in a serene setting, wildlife enthusiasts, or travelers wanting a memorable, active Alaskan adventure.
Key Points
- Private and Intimate: Small group size (up to 8) ensures a peaceful and personalized experience.
- All-Inclusive Convenience: Equipment, instruction, snacks, and transport are included, making it hassle-free.
- Stunning Views: You’ll get a clear, unobstructed look at Mendenhall Glacier from a unique perspective.
- Wildlife Opportunities: Expect sightings of eagles, sea lions, seals, and possibly whales.
- Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides help with gear, safety, and making sure everyone feels comfortable.
- Weather Considerations: Visibility of the glacier can be affected by fog, but the dry suits keep you warm and dry regardless of weather.
Exploring the Juneau Paddleboard Tour in Detail
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What Makes This Tour Special?
This paddleboard experience in Juneau offers a rare chance to see the Mendenhall Glacier from the water, away from the crowds typically found at the visitor center. The tour’s setting in the estuarial region is especially scenic because it provides a broad, open view of the glacier and surrounding wilderness.
The guide’s role is more than just safety; they help you don dry suits—these waterproof suits are excellent at keeping you warm and dry, even if you decide to dip into the water. We loved the flexibility this added, making the experience comfortable regardless of weather or personal preference. You can stand for a more traditional paddleboarding experience, or choose to sit or kneel—whichever suits your comfort level.
Detailed Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins with a pick-up from the cruise ship port in Downtown Juneau, a convenient feature for travelers arriving by cruise. After a roughly 20-minute drive to the wetlands area, your guide will introduce you to all the gear, including your paddleboard, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), footwear, and dry suit.
Once equipped, you’ll launch into the calm waters, paddling for about 2 hours in the estuarial zone directly in front of the glacier. During this time, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the glacier and the surrounding wilderness—an ideal backdrop for photos or simply soaking in the scenery. The area is a haven for native wildlife: eagles soaring overhead, seals lounging nearby, and sea lions occasionally popping up. Depending on the season and luck, whales might even make an appearance.
The tour concludes with a return paddle back to the starting point, followed by refreshments—a bottled water and a light snack catered to vegan and gluten-free preferences. The entire outing lasts approximately 3.5 hours, allowing ample time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
What’s Included and What’s Not
All the essentials—paddleboard, paddle, PFD, dry suit, footwear, transportation, water, and snacks—are included, making for a straightforward experience. You won’t need to worry about bringing much beyond a moderate physical fitness level and maybe some warm layers to wear under your dry suit.
Gratuities are not included, but if you feel the guide made your experience special, a tip is customary. You might also want to bring additional warm layers, especially if weather forecast suggests rain or fog, which can sometimes limit the visibility of the glacier but won’t affect your comfort thanks to the dry suit.
The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective
One enthusiastic reviewer summed it up perfectly: “This was our favorite thing we did on our entire week cruise to Alaska!!!!” The guide, Nigel, was praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the adventure even more memorable. His expertise enhanced the experience, especially for those new to paddleboarding.
The small group size and personalized approach mean you’ll get plenty of attention from your guide, who will ensure you feel confident and safe. The quiet surroundings and wildlife sightings add a layer of peace and connection to nature that’s hard to match at more crowded sites.
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Weather and Timing
Since weather can influence your view of the glacier, it’s wise to be flexible or prepared for foggy conditions. However, the dry suits are designed to keep you warm no matter what, and the tour operators offer several departure times throughout the day, giving you options based on your schedule and weather preferences.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This paddleboarding trip is perfect for travelers who want a more intimate, active way to experience Juneau’s iconic sights. It appeals to wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to enjoy a peaceful, scenic environment. Because no previous paddleboarding experience is necessary, it’s accessible to most physically fit travelers willing to try something new. The focus on safety, comfort, and natural beauty makes it suitable even if you’re not a seasoned water sports enthusiast.
Final Thoughts
This private paddleboard tour in Juneau blends adventure, scenery, and wildlife into a memorable, well-organized experience. With expert guides like Nigel, you gain not only safety and instruction but insights that deepen your connection to this stunning part of Alaska. The inclusion of gear, snacks, and transportation makes it a hassle-free option that maximizes your time on the water.
While it’s a bit more costly than some shore excursions, the exclusive nature, personalized attention, and breathtaking views justify the price. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see the glacier from a fresh perspective, get some exercise, and enjoy Alaska’s wild beauty in comfort and style.
If you’re seeking a peaceful, active, and authentic experience away from the crowds, this paddleboard adventure is a solid pick.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. No prior paddleboarding experience is required. Guides provide instruction and help with gear, making it accessible to newcomers.
What should I wear?
You’ll be provided with a dry suit, which keeps you dry and warm. Just bring some warm layers to wear underneath, especially if the weather is cold or foggy.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 3.5 hours, including transportation, equipment setup, paddling, and snacks.
What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see eagles, sea lions, seals, and possibly whales, depending on the season and luck.
Can I get in the water?
Yes, you can jump in and stay dry thanks to the dry suit, or paddle from the board if you prefer to stay dry. The guide will assist you with safety.
Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from the Juneau cruise port is included, saving you the hassle of arranging your own transfers.
How many people are in the group?
It’s a private tour for up to 8 guests, which ensures a quieter, more personalized experience.
What about weather cancellations?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the price for the tour?
The cost is $1,100 per group, which is a reasonable investment for a custom, all-inclusive adventure in such a scenic area.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or just craving an active day in Alaska, this paddleboard tour offers a memorable way to connect with Juneau’s stunning natural world. With expert guides, excellent equipment, and the chance to see the glacier from a fresh perspective, it’s a true highlight worth considering.