Juneau: Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Day Trip

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a scenic destination that offers a captivating blend of natural wonders. The Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Day Trip provides an opportunity to take in the region’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. From exploring the iconic Mendenhall Glacier to embarking on a thrilling whale-watching cruise, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With knowledgeable guides and a well-planned itinerary, visitors can uncover the hidden gems that make Juneau a must-visit destination.

Key Points

• The tour offers a 4.5-hour experience that includes a visit to Mendenhall Glacier and a 2-hour whale watching cruise.
• Visitors can explore the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center, hike the East Glacier Loop Trail, and photograph the glacial lake.
• The whale watching cruise provides opportunities to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide who provides information and answers questions throughout the experience.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 47 reviews, with praise for its informative and well-organized nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Juneau: Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Day Trip offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Alaska.

Priced from $229.95 per person, the 4.5-hour tour provides an English-language experience. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An English-language experience priced from $229.95 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier and a 2-hour whale watching cruise. Throughout the experience, a naturalist guide will share information and answer questions.

Travelers can look forward to sighting humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bald eagles, and possibly black bears.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a journey by air-conditioned bus to the Mendenhall Glacier, where guests enjoy 45 minutes of free time for exploration. During this time, visitors can tour the visitor center, walk to Nugget Falls, hike the East Glacier Loop Trail, and photograph the stunning Mendenhall Lake.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Mendenhall Glacier Visit | 45 minutes |

| Tour Visitor Center | – |

| Walk to Nugget Falls | – |

| Hike East Glacier Loop Trail | – |

| Photograph Mendenhall Lake | – |

After the glacier visit, guests board a specially designed boat for a 2-hour whale watching cruise, where they can observe wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bald eagles, and possibly black bears.

Activities at Mendenhall Glacier

Visitors can explore several activities during their 45-minute stop at the Mendenhall Glacier. They can tour the visitor center to learn about the glacier’s formation and the local wildlife.

Guests can then walk to Nugget Falls, a stunning 377-foot waterfall, and photograph the glacial lake. For the more adventurous, the East Glacier Loop Trail offers a chance to hike along the glacier’s edge, providing breathtaking views.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable naturalist guide is available to share information and answer questions, enhancing the overall educational and enjoyable experience at the Mendenhall Glacier.

Whale Watching Cruise

After exploring the Mendenhall Glacier, guests board a specially designed boat for a 2-hour whale watching tour.

The tour promises sightings of humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles, with the possibility of seeing black bears.

The captain and deckhands are certified by the United States Coast Guard, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

Complimentary snacks and bottled water are provided during the cruise.

A naturalist guide is present throughout the tour to provide information and answer any questions.

The whale watching experience is a highlight of the day, allowing visitors to witness the majestic marine life of Juneau.

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Wildlife Sightings

Humpback whales, the focal point of the whale watching tour, are commonly spotted during the cruise. The specially designed boat provides excellent viewing opportunities, and passengers have a high chance of seeing these majestic creatures up close.

Along With humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles are also frequently observed. Occasionally, passengers may even spot black bears along the shoreline.

The naturalist guide on board provides valuable information about the wildlife and their behaviors, enhancing the overall experience. With a bit of luck, visitors can witness the awe-inspiring display of these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Safety and Comfort

While on the tour, visitors are accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide who provides information and answers questions throughout the experience. Plus, the captain and deckhands of the specially designed boat are certified by the United States Coast Guard, ensuring the safety of all passengers.

| Amenities | Description |

| — | — |

| Snacks | Complimentary snacks provided during the boat trip |

| Water | Complimentary bottled water provided during the boat trip |

| Comfort | Seating and shelter on the boat to ensure a comfortable experience |

| Safety | Certified crew and specially designed vessel for whale watching tours |

| Guidance | Knowledgeable naturalist guide present throughout the tour |

The combination of experienced crew, safety-focused amenities, and knowledgeable guidance ensures a comfortable and enjoyable tour for all participants.

Meeting and Transportation

The tour meeting point is at the Gold Belt Tramway building in the main Cruise Ship Terminal, where an Alaska Tales representative is stationed.

Cruise ship passengers can take the shuttle to the meeting point. Those with their own transportation can meet the group directly at the harbor.

The tour company provides flexible options to accommodate different traveler needs.

Whether you arrive by shuttle or on your own, the Alaska Tales staff will be ready to greet you and ensure a smooth start to your Juneau adventure of whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier exploration.

Customer Feedback

Based on the 47 reviews, customers have rated the Juneau: Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Day Trip with an impressive overall score of 4.7 out of 5.

Travelers have praised the tour for being informative, well-organized, and providing an enjoyable wildlife experience.

However, some guests have suggested allowing more time at the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. A few customers also expressed disappointment about missed wildlife sightings during the bus transit.

Ask Away

Are Cameras and Binoculars Recommended for the Tour?

Cameras and binoculars are highly recommended for this tour. They’ll allow visitors to capture stunning photographs of the whales, glaciers, and other wildlife, and enhance the overall experience of observing the natural surroundings.

What Happens if the Whale Watching Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the whale watching tour is canceled due to weather, customers will be fully refunded or given the option to reschedule for another day. The tour provider prioritizes guest safety and will not operate in unsafe conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers are permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, complimentary snacks and bottled water are already provided during the whale watching cruise portion of the excursion.

Is There Wheelchair Accessibility for the Bus and Boat?

Yes, the tour offers wheelchair accessibility. The air-conditioned bus and the whale watching boat are equipped to accommodate wheelchair users. Guests with mobility needs are advised to notify the operator in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point to Explore on My Own?

Participants can generally leave the tour group at any point to explore on their own. However, they should inform the guide and ensure they can rejoin the group at the scheduled time and location.

Final Words

This Juneau adventure provides an unparalleled chance to witness the grandeur of Mendenhall Glacier and the splendor of marine life. From the scenic bus ride to the whale watching cruise, travelers will be captivated by the natural wonders of Alaska. With knowledgeable guides, ample activities, and top-notch safety, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that’s well worth the price.

You can check availability for your dates here: