Homepage / Tours / Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip

Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip

4.77

Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip the 2nd Next Tour Image

3 ½ Hours Duration

From pick-up to drop-off

5 Mile River Float

Along scenic Mendenhall River

Some Class 3 Whitewater

No rafting experience required

Snack Provided

Alaskan-style snacks and beverages

Description

The Mendenhall Glacier River Float offers an unforgettable way to step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Alaska. This 3.5-hour rafting tour is the perfect blend of scenic wonder and gentle adventure—making it an ideal activity to fit into your time in Juneau. Your experience begins with a narrated drive to the glacier, where you’ll gear up with provided equipment and receive a thorough safety briefing before boarding your raft. From there, enjoy a peaceful float across Mendenhall Lake, passing directly in front of the glacier’s icy face before flowing into the Mendenhall River.

The five-mile journey is rich with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep watch for bald eagles, spawning salmon, and even bears along the shoreline. As the river picks up speed, your expert guide will navigate you through about one mile of exhilarating Class II–III rapids. Want to get more involved? Choose the paddling option for a more hands-on adventure. The relaxed pace allows time for photos, conversation, and insightful commentary from your guide, who brings the landscape to life with local stories and knowledge.

There’s a unique sense of connection that comes from traveling under your own power in the Alaskan wilderness. With no motor noise and only the sound of the river, the Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip offers an authentic, up-close experience with Alaska’s untamed beauty. After your adventure, enjoy a light Alaskan-style snack before hopping back on the shuttle for return transport to your ship or downtown Juneau.

Whether you’re seeking mild adventure or just a peaceful way to enjoy the glacier’s majesty, the Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip delivers the perfect mix of excitement and natural splendor. Spots fill quickly during peak season, so be sure to reserve your seat in advance!

If you prefer canoes and glaciers over whitewater rafting, take a look at the Mendenhall Glacier Paddle and Trek.

What's Included

Round Trip Transportation

Knowledgable Guides

Hearty Snack

Rain Gear & Life Jacket

Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there rapids on this tour?

Yes, there is stretch of the river that has Class 3 rapids. Your guide is very experienced, so they will guide you through smoothly.

What should we wear and bring?

This tour operates rain or shine, and rain is common as we lie in a temperate rainforest! For comfort, we typically recommend long pants, closed-toed shoes and a waterproof jacket. Some guests choose to bring a small bag or backpack along to store extra layers, a bottle of water and cameras.

What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?

We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.

What are the age and weight requirements for this tour?

Participants must weigh a minimum of 50 pounds to properly fit into a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a maximum of 300 lbs. We do not recommend children under 5 years old.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 3 years old • Minimum Weight: 50 lbs • Maximum Weight: 300 lbs

Not wheelchair accessible. Moderate to good physical condition required.

Guests must fit into a Coast Guard approved life jacket which can accommodate a maximum chest diameter of 58 inches

Children must be 50 lb or more to participate. We do not recommend children under the age of 5 years old for this tour.

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Juneau

Itinerary • 3h 30min • 5 activities

Your guides will pick you up from Mount Roberts Tramway, just a short walk from the cruise docks, for a narrated transfer to the boat launch site.

Duration

20 minutes

Once you reach Mendenhall Lake, you will be provided with rain gear, life jackets, rubber boots, and even a paddle if you'd like to participate, before running through a safety briefing and hopping in the boats.

Duration

20 minutes

You'll embark on a 5-mile, narrated float down Mendenhall River with views of the glacier at the start. This fairly mellow float includes a small stretch of class II-III rapids.

Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

At the end of the float, you'll take time to remove your gear and enjoy a snack of reindeer sausage, cheese, crackers, salmon spread, & water or hot apple cider.

Duration

15 minutes

At the end of your tour, you'll hop back in the vans for a drive back to Mount Roberts Tramway, where you can take a short walk to your cruise dock or explore downtown.

Duration

20 minutes

Customer Reviews 113

Total score

4.77