Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch Plus Mendenhall Glacier Photo Stop

Experience the Best of Juneau’s Wildlife and Glacier in a 3-Hour Tour

In just about three hours, this Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch Plus Mendenhall Glacier Photo Stop offers a chance to see majestic humpback whales, playful orcas, bald eagles, and seals. For $156 per person, you’ll start with a scenic bus ride from downtown Juneau, heading out through lush southeastern Alaska landscapes to Auke Bay Harbor. From there, a comfortable, well-equipped boat takes you into Alaska’s waters, where nature’s drama unfolds.

What we love most about this experience is the expert guidance from naturalists and crew who are both knowledgeable and friendly, making the high-interest wildlife sightings even more engaging. Plus, the opportunity for high-quality photos from spacious decks and inside heated cabins means you won’t miss a single moment.

The only caveat? The Mendenhall Glacier photo stop can be weather-dependent and isn’t guaranteed, as some reviews noted. Still, the whale watching itself consistently impresses, making this tour a fantastic choice for those craving authentic wildlife encounters. If you’re interested in wildlife, scenery, and knowledgeable guides, this trip suits travelers looking for a well-rounded Alaskan adventure.

Key Points

• Wildlife Galore: Expect to see humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, seals, and possibly black bears.
• Excellent Guides: Naturalists and crew provide informative commentary, enhancing the experience.
• Flexible & Comfortable: Spacious viewing decks, heated cabins, and bathrooms on the boat ensure comfort.
• Photo Opportunities: Wide decks and inside windows make capturing whales and scenery easy.
• Weather Preparedness: Dress in layers; weather in Alaska can be unpredictable.
• Value for Money: The tour includes transportation, snacks, and an authentic wildlife experience at a reasonable price.

A Deep Dive into the Juneau Whale Watching Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off at the Mount Roberts Tramway parking lot in downtown Juneau, where you hop on a coached bus for a scenic 25-minute ride through the wilderness. This transit isn’t just a shuttle; it sets the tone by giving you a preview of Alaska’s lush landscape, with chances to learn from guides about the region’s natural history.

This transportation setup is smartly designed. The bus ride ensures you arrive relaxed and ready for the water, avoiding the hassle of navigating yourself. It also helps keep the group small and manageable—maximum of 49 travelers—which enhances the chance to ask questions and get personalized attention.

The Harbor and Boat Options

Once at Auke Bay Harbor, you’ll board either a spacious jet boat accommodating 24 passengers or a larger 49-passenger catamaran. Both vessels are designed for optimal whale watching with wide viewing windows, spacious decks, and onboard bathrooms.

The heated cabins and outdoor decks mean you’ll stay comfortable regardless of Alaska’s often brisk weather. And because the decks are spacious, you can move around freely to find the best vantage points for photos or just to get a better look.

Wildlife Encounters

The core of this trip is searching for whales, with the star species being humpbacks, known for their spectacular breaches and flukes. But the guides are consistently attentive to other marine animals—orcas, sea lions, seals—and aerial sightings of bald eagles are common. Several reviews highlighted how knowledgeable guides talked about the wildlife, making the experience richer.

We loved the way the crew communicates with other boats, sharing sightings, which means your chances of spotting whales increase. Many visitors describe seeing multiple whales at once, often small pods swimming peacefully in calm waters, making for unforgettable photo ops.

The Glacier Photo Stop

Near the end of the cruise, you’ll stop on the water for a brief photo opportunity of the Mendenhall Glacier, weather permitting. Several reviews note that this stop is dependent on weather conditions, and sometimes it might be missed altogether.

While some travelers found this disappointing — as it was part of the reason they booked — others appreciated the focus on whale watching, which is more reliably available. The glacier view is stunning when visible, especially if you luck out with clear weather.

Snacks and Comforts

Snacks are included—trail mix bars and bottled water—perfect for keeping energy during the outing. The inside cabins are heated, and bathrooms onboard are a welcome convenience, especially considering how chilly and windy it can get.

Booking and Practicalities

Booking well in advance—average is about 71 days ahead—is recommended, especially for the summer months. The tour offers multiple departures, providing flexibility. The meeting point is straightforward: under the cables at the Mount Roberts Tramway.

The total experience is about 3 hours—a perfect length for families, first-time visitors, or those with a busy schedule. Most travelers find it well worth the price considering the wildlife sightings and expert guides.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews emphasize the quality of guides and crew, with descriptions like “knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive,” which makes a big difference. Several mention seeing multiple whales, including humpbacks and orcas, with great patience from the crew. One reviewer even described their day as “an experience everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.”

The cozy, warm boat interior also gets praise, especially during inclement weather. Travelers enjoyed the chance to capture stunning photos of whales and scenery from the decks and windows.

On the flip side, some noted that weather can impact the glacier stop and that the cost might seem high for just a few hours. However, many agree that the value lies in the quality of wildlife sightings and the professional, friendly guides.

Why This Tour Fits Certain Travelers Best

This tour is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want a guided, informative experience without the hassle of planning. It suits families, first-time visitors, and solo travelers who appreciate good value for money and comfortable viewing.

If you’re someone who loves photography, the combination of wide decks and inside viewing makes it easier to get that perfect shot. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a reliable, well-reviewed experience with small group intimacy and expert narration.

The Sum Up

The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch Plus Mendenhall Glacier Photo Stop offers a well-rounded, authentic encounter with Alaska’s iconic wildlife. The small group size, friendly guides, and comfortable vessel create an environment where the natural beauty of Juneau’s waters truly shines. Although the glacier stop depends on weather, the whale sightings themselves—sometimes multiple species in one trip—are what make this tour memorable.

For those who value guided expertise, good value, and genuine wildlife encounters, this tour is a smart choice. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see whales, families, and anyone interested in seeing Alaska in its wild glory.

If you’re lucky with the weather, the views of the glacier add a dramatic backdrop, but even without it, the whale watching alone makes this tour stand out in Juneau. Overall, it’s a solid, enjoyable, and authentic way to spend a few hours soaking in Alaska’s natural wonders.

FAQ

What kind of wildlife will I see?
You can expect to see humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, seals, and possibly black bears. The guides are very good at spotting and explaining what you’re seeing.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including the bus ride, the boat trip, and the glacier photo stop (weather dependent).

What should I wear?
Dress in layers—Alaska weather can change quickly—and bring waterproof jackets and comfortable slip-proof shoes. The boat has a heated cabin, but outdoor decks are often cooler and windier.

Is food provided?
Snacks are included—trail mix bars and bottled water. You might want to bring extra if you’re very hungry, but the provided snacks are generally sufficient.

Can I participate if I’m traveling solo or with kids?
Yes. The tour accommodates most travelers, and children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

What about the glacier stop?
It’s weather-dependent. Sometimes the glacier is visible from the water for a quick photo, but if the weather isn’t clear, it might be missed.

How do I book?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak months. The tour departs from Mount Roberts Tramway, with options for different times throughout the day.

This whale watching tour in Juneau combines the thrill of close encounters with Alaska’s majestic marine mammals with the scenic beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier — weather permitting. With a friendly crew, comfortable vessel, and well-organized itinerary, it’s a trustworthy choice for travelers eager to experience Alaska’s wild side without hassle or fuss.