Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour

Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour offers an exhilarating 5-hour adventure. Guests embark on a scenic bus ride to Nugget Falls, where they can explore the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The highlight is a 2-hour whale watching cruise, providing a chance to spot humpback whales and other wildlife. With knowledgeable guides and complimentary snacks, this tour promises breathtaking views and a well-rounded experience. But to truly understand the thrill of this tour, one must…

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Key Points

This 5-hour tour combines a visit to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls with a 2-hour whale watching cruise, offering a comprehensive Juneau experience.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, complimentary snacks and drinks, and free time to explore the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.
Participants have the opportunity to see humpback whales, spawning salmon, and black bears, as well as capture stunning photographs of the glacier and surrounding scenery.
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who enhances the wildlife and scenic immersion, providing a knowledgeable and guided experience.
The tour is not recommended for individuals with back problems or mobility impairments due to the steep ramp navigation and uneven terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour is titled "Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour" and costs from $199.00 per person.

It lasts 5 hours and has an English-speaking live guide. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Booking allows paying later.

The tour starts in downtown Juneau and includes a bus/coach ride to Nugget Falls, a 2-hour whale watching cruise, and free time at Mendenhall Glacier.

This Juneau tour includes a bus ride to Nugget Falls, a 2-hour whale watching cruise, and free time at Mendenhall Glacier.

Amenities like indoor seating, snacks, and binoculars are provided. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.

Customers rate the tour highly for transportation, value, and the knowledgeable staff.

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Itinerary and Activities

The tour starts at 490 S Franklin St in downtown Juneau.

From there, guests board a bus for a 30-minute ride to Nugget Falls. They’ll have 105 minutes to explore the waterfall and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Next, it’s a 15-minute drive to Auke Bay to board the whale watching boat. The 2-hour cruise takes guests through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel in search of humpback whales. Binoculars are provided for better spotting.

The tour then returns to the starting point, with an optional 30-minute stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.

Wildlife and Scenic Highlights

As visitors explore the area, they can search for humpback whales in their natural environment. The tour provides binoculars to aid in whale spotting.

Plus, there may be opportunities to see:

Spawning salmon
Black bears at Steep Creek
Stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding mountains.

The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area offers the chance to capture breathtaking photographs of the natural wonders.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable tour, guests can enjoy the abundant wildlife and scenic beauty of Juneau.

Amenities and Inclusions

Round-trip transportation from the meeting point in Juneau is included in the tour.

Once aboard the boat, you’ll find indoor seating, providing a comfortable setting to enjoy the scenic whale watching experience. The tour also includes complimentary snacks and refreshments, such as hot chocolate and coffee, to keep you energized.

Cozy indoor seating and complimentary snacks and drinks to keep you fueled during the scenic whale watching tour.

Guests will also have free time to explore the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area on their own.

With these amenities and inclusions, the tour ensures a well-rounded and seamless adventure in Juneau.

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Important Information and Tips

To prepare for the tour, visitors should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

The tour requires navigating a ramp that can be steep, depending on tides. The two-mile (3.2 km) roundtrip gravel path to Nugget Falls is stroller-friendly.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Visitors should look for a representative outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building to meet for the tour.

Plus, the tour offers a whale sighting guarantee – if no whales are seen, guests receive a full refund.

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Customer Reviews Summary

Travelers have overwhelmingly positive experiences with this Juneau tour, according to the 49 reviews.

The tour earns an impressive 4.6/5 overall rating, with high marks for transportation (4.7/5) and value for money (4.4/5). Reviewers praise the knowledgeable staff, frequent whale sightings, and the tour’s overall quality.

Many highlight the convenient transportation and free time to explore the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. The tour’s whale sighting guarantee, which provides a refund if no whales are seen, further reassures customers.

This highly-rated excursion offers an immersive Alaskan experience that seems to delight most who embark on it.

Exploring the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area offers visitors a chance to marvel at the stunning Mendenhall Glacier up close.

Visitors can explore the area through:

A free shuttle service that takes them to the Visitor Center and various hiking trails.
Two-mile roundtrip hikes to the Nugget Falls, offering views of the glacier and its cascading waterfall.
Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including spawning salmon and black bears, along the Steep Creek Trail.

With free time to wander the area, travelers can capture the glacier’s grandeur and learn about its formation and environmental impact at the Visitor Center.

Whale Watching in Juneau’s Scenic Waterways

After exploring the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, the tour takes visitors on a thrilling whale watching cruise through Juneau’s scenic waterways.

The 2-hour boat ride explores Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel, renowned for their abundant humpback whale populations. Passengers use provided binoculars to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The tour also offers the chance to see spawning salmon and black bears at Steep Creek. With indoor seating, snacks, and a knowledgeable guide, this whale watching excursion promises an unforgettable wildlife encounter in Juneau’s stunning coastal landscapes.

Ask Away

Are Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

Yes, the tour offers snacks and refreshments, including complimentary items. Travelers with dietary restrictions can likely be accommodated, but it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs will be met.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour also provides complimentary snacks and refreshments like hot chocolate and coffee. Bringing personal items is an option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Is the Tour Operated in Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is provided in English only. No other languages are offered. Guests who require translation services would need to arrange for their own interpreter to accompany them on the tour.

How Do I Retrieve My Money if I Don’t See Any Whales?

If no whales are spotted, the tour offers a money-back guarantee. Guests simply need to speak with the tour staff at the end of the excursion to request a refund. This guarantee ensures visitors have a satisfying whale watching experience.

What Happens if the Weather Is Poor on the Day of My Tour?

If the weather is poor on the tour day, the operator will cancel the trip and provide a full refund. Customers are encouraged to monitor the weather forecast and contact the operator if they have any concerns prior to the scheduled departure.

Final Words

The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour offers an unforgettable 5-hour adventure. Guests will enjoy a scenic bus ride, explore the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, and embark on a 2-hour whale watching cruise. With complimentary snacks and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises breathtaking views and a well-rounded experience exploring Juneau’s natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: