Small Group Paddleboard Adventure With Mendenhall Glacier Views

Exploring the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier by paddleboard offers a unique and intimate experience. This small group adventure allows visitors to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and potentially spot diverse wildlife. With 2 hours of paddling time, participants can marvel at the glacier’s beauty and learn about the local ecosystem. The tour’s inclusive package and safety-focused approach ensure a memorable and well-organized outing in Juneau’s pristine wilderness.

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Key Points

3.5-hour small group paddleboard tour with stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier, including 2 hours of paddling and 20 minutes of transportation.
Maximum of 8 travelers for an intimate experience, with all necessary equipment, snacks, water, and transportation provided.
Pickup from the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal area, with a guide leading the group to the launch site.
Moderate physical fitness level required, with health concerns to be discussed before booking.
Opportunity to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, sea lions, and black bears during the paddleboard adventure.

Tour Overview and Details

This small group paddleboard adventure provides visitors with stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier.

The 3.5-hour tour includes 2 hours of paddling and approximately 20 minutes of transportation. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the experience offers an intimate and personalized encounter.

Priced at $225 per person, the tour includes all necessary equipment, snacks, water, and roundtrip transportation from the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal.

Participants are advised to wear warm layers under the provided dry suits. While the activity requires a moderate fitness level, the dry suits ensure participants stay warm and dry, even in cold conditions.

Looking for more options in Juneau? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Included Amenities

The paddleboard adventure includes a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Participants will be provided with snacks, including vegan and gluten-free options, as well as bottled water to stay hydrated.

Plus, the tour includes all necessary equipment, such as a paddleboard, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD).

To keep participants warm and dry, a waterproof dry suit is provided. Proper footwear is also included.

Roundtrip transportation from the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal and gratuities for the guide are also covered.

Warm layers under the dry suit are recommended for optimal comfort during the paddling portion of the tour.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Participants will be picked up at the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal Area, located at 470 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801.

The guide will meet the group under the Goldbelt Tram cables, holding a Paddle Juneau sign. This central location allows for easy access to the starting point of the paddleboard adventure.

Participants should look for the guide and follow them to the paddleboard launch site. The tour provider emphasizes the convenience of this pickup location, making it simple for guests to find the meeting spot and begin their exciting glacial paddleboard experience.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Physical limitations and health considerations are important factors to be aware of for this paddleboard adventure. This experience is not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

A moderate physical fitness level is required, as the activity can be physically demanding. Plus, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, so guests must be able to board the paddleboards and move around comfortably.

Not suitable for those with limited mobility or stamina.
Participants should be prepared for cold, wet conditions.
Those with medical concerns should consult a doctor before booking.

Customer Experiences and Reviews

What do customer reviews say about this paddleboard adventure? Overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the unique and breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding wildlife.

Travelers praise the guides for their patience, local insights, and accommodating tour preferences. Despite paddling in cold conditions, participants felt warm and dry, even after taking a swim.

The experience is described as fun, active, and beautiful, with many recommending the tour as a must-do activity during a visit to Juneau.

The combination of stunning natural scenery and a well-organized, guided adventure makes this paddleboard excursion a top-rated attraction.

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Preparing for the Adventure

Preparing for the adventure requires some thoughtful packing and planning.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, participants should:

Dress in warm, layered clothing that can get wet. Even with the provided dry suits, staying warm and dry is crucial.
Wear sturdy, water-resistant footwear that can get submerged. Proper footwear will protect the feet and provide traction on the paddleboard.
Bring any necessary personal items, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning glacier views and potential wildlife sightings.

Exploring the Mendenhall Glacier

The paddleboard journey takes participants across the tranquil waters of Mendenhall Lake, offering breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier. As paddlers navigate the glacial lake, they encounter the sheer, icy face of the glacier, which extends over 12 miles long. The tour provides ample opportunities to observe the glacier’s dynamic changes and witness the calving of massive chunks of ice.

Feature	Description
Glacier Size	12 miles long
Glacier Movement	Constantly changing, with visible calving events
Paddleboard Experience	Serene, with stunning glacier vistas

Paddlers can marvel at the power and grandeur of this natural wonder, an experience that truly highlights the beauty and wonder of Alaska’s glacial landscapes.

Unique Wildlife Sightings

While paddling across Mendenhall Lake, tour participants often have the chance to spot an array of wildlife unique to the Alaskan landscape.

Majestic bald eagles soar overhead, their keen eyes scanning the waters for an unsuspecting fish. Curious sea lions occasionally poke their heads out of the water, their dark eyes and whiskers intriguing onlookers.

Even the elusive black bear may make an appearance, foraging along the shoreline.

These sightings add an extra layer of excitement and wonder to the paddleboard adventure, immersing guests in the natural beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Paddleboard Equipment?

Participants are not permitted to bring their own paddleboard equipment. The tour provides all necessary gear, including paddleboards, paddles, and personal flotation devices. This ensures the equipment meets safety standards and enables a seamless group experience.

Are There Any Weight or Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour does not appear to have specific weight or age restrictions. However, a moderate physical fitness level is required, and the activity may not be suitable for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

The tour operator does not appear to offer an option to upgrade to a private tour. The small group size is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers per tour, which is the only tour configuration available.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

Swimming ability is not required for this paddleboarding tour, as participants are provided with life jackets and dry suits to ensure safety. The activity is suitable for beginners with moderate physical fitness.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration Beyond 3.5 Hours?

The tour duration is fixed at approximately 3.5 hours. Extending the time beyond this is not an option. The tour package includes roundtrip transportation and all necessary equipment for the 2-hour paddleboarding activity.

The Sum Up

Set out on a small group paddleboard adventure to experience the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier up close. With stunning views, diverse wildlife, and all necessary equipment provided, this 3.5-hour tour offers a memorable and safe outdoor experience in Juneau. Suitable for all skill levels, this intimate exploration on the serene waters is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the area.