Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour
ID: GYG485454-859095
Category:
Country: United States
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Embark on a half-day adventure through Alaska's unblemished natural beauty. View the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, watch for bears, and explore local waters to watch for humpback whales.
On this four hour excursion from Juneau, visit the scenic Mendenhall Glacier and a nearby salmon run. Later, sail through Auke Bay Harbor and nearby waterways to watch for magnificent humpback whales. During your tour, benefit from the knowledge of a local naturalist guide.
To begin your tour, depart from downtown Juneau by bus. Enjoy the scenic route from Juneau to the Mendenhall Valley, where you'll stop to admire the glacier. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and learn about the area as you take in the stunning views.
Continue with a stroll along the boardwalk. Feel the brisk air on your cheeks as you peer over the railing at a creek where salmon spawn. As you watch nature at work, you may spot a bear waiting patiently for a fresh catch.
At Auke Bay Harbor board a boat with one of our expirienced captains, and learn about your surroundings with our naturalist. With binoculars in hand, scan the waves for whales in Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel. The towering mountains provide a perfect backdrop for whale watching.
After cruising through Alaska's waterways, head back to shore and warm up with coffee, hot chocolate, water, and a small snack. Return to downtown Juneau to complete your tour.
This tour offers a shorter stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. If you want an extra hour, check out our Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour for only $10 more!
Highlights
- Marvel at the Mendenhall Glacier's raw natural beauty in the Alaskan wilderness
- Look for spawning salmon and black bears from the boardwalk over Steep Creek
- Learn about the glacier and the surrounding area at Mendenhall's Visitor Center
- Peer through your binoculars over the waves to see magnificent humpback whales
- Discover the habits of whales from your naturalist guide while you cruise
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour requires navigating a ramp that can be steep, depending on tides.
As temperatures are often cooler on the water, layered clothing and rain gear are recommended.
Look for a Dolphin Jet Boat Tours representative outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building, directly below the cable lines. They will have a blue sign with yellow letters that says "whale watching tour meets here".
Please do not go inside the Tramway building to inquire about this tour, or try to board any buses without first speaking to a representative.
INCLUDED
- Boat trip
- Roundtrip transportation from meeting point
- Water
- Coffee and hot chocolate
- Snack
- Use of binoculars
- Self-guided tour at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
