Ketchikan & Juneau Explorer

There are two things you definitely need to experience while you’re in Juneau: whale watching & Mendenhall Glacier. This Juneau whale watch and glacier tour is an unbelievable way to do both in a single excursion (helping keep your Alaska shore excursions cheap)! Whale watching in Juneau Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and this tour offers guaranteed sightings of these giants of the deep. You’ll have two hours aboard a customized whale-watching vessel to view massive humpback whales breaching the surface, as well as sea lions, seals, orcas, porpoises, eagles, and innumerable other sea birds. The specially designed boats on this Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour offer uninterrupted viewing from an outdoor deck or indoor heated cabin. Then, after your amazing experience whale watching in Juneau Alaska, it’s time to head to majestic Mendenhall, the world’s only drive-up glacier. Here, you’ll be entranced by the beauty of the crystal-blue glacier and by your untamed wilderness surroundings. Plus you can explore some of the nature trails in the area at your own pace and pay a visit to the visitor center, where you’ll find a wealth of fascinating information.

Your double Juneau whale watch and glacier adventure begins with convenient pick-up near the cruise docks for a short drive to Auke Bay, with your guide providing an entertaining narrative as you drive through downtown Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Once you reach the water, it’s anchors aweigh as you head out into the Inside Passage (and prime whale watching waters!). When your captain spots a whale, the motors will be shut down and the boat allowed to drift. The whale watching boats are not allowed to directly approach the whales, but with the motors off these gentle giants often come closer of their own accord! After two hours of stunning wildlife viewing, your Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour continues with your return to harbor where you’ll step aboard a bus for the short drive to Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor’s Center, you’ll have about ver an hour for a *self-guided* exploration of this beautiful area, which includes educational information about the Juneau Icefield, binoculars to get a better view of the glacier, and a gift shop. You'll have time to walk the trail to popular Nugget Falls for even more incredible and close-up views of the face of the Mendenhall Glacier! After you’ve had your fill of exploring this natural wonder, you’ll hop aboard the bust to hitch a ride back to the cruise docks. This Juneau whale watch and glacier experience is a great value, one that helps you combine Alaska shore excursions cheap, and is a family-friendly tour everyone will enjoy! If you’re looking to go whale watching in Juneau Alaska, this budget-friendly option is the way to go!

Please note: This tour may run in reverse.

* Please note that the Visitor Center building will be closed on Saturdays during the 2025 season.  The park area, trails, and restrooms will all remain open, still providing exceptional views of Mendenhall Glacier.

For a shorter and simpler adventure, check out our Whale Watching Tour.