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Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

4.82
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour the 1st Next Tour Image Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour the 2nd Next Tour Image
6 Hours Duration
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From pick-up to drop-off
Guaranteed Whales
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Bald eagles and sea lions also common
Family Friendly
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Suitable for all ages and abilities
Two Tours in One
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Juneau’s signature attractions together

Description

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.

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


What's Included

Roundtrip Transportation
Knowledgeable Guides
Light Snack
Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are on this tour?
There are two different boats used for this tour. The enclosed jet boats seat up to 28 people, and the larger catamarans can accommodate up to 49 people (if the tour is at full capacity). There is no way to request or know in advance which boat will be used for your departure.
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.
Is there a restroom on board the boat?
Yes, there is a small restroom on board the boat and also an opportunity before leaving at Auke Bay Harbor. We certainly recommend using the facilities at Auke Bay before leaving, as the onboard restrooms are quite small.
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.
How can you guarantee that we will see whales?
The captain and crew are out there everyday, and understanding the whales' patterns and behavior is their job! Whales are creatures of habit like us and prefer certain feeding locations.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
No minimum age to participate on this tour
Walkers or folding wheelchairs are allowed. Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the ramp down to the boat will be steep and may be difficult to navigate at low tide.
Either a 24-passenger jetboat for a 49-passenger catamaran. Guests cannot make requests for vessel type.
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center portion is a self-guided tour and guests WILL NOT get on/near the glacier
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

Duration
6h 00min

Adult Rate
$215

Child Rate
$200

Infant Rate
$0


Itinerary • 6h 00min • 6 activities

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Guides will meet you at the downtown cruise ship dock and direct you to your bus.

Duration
20 minutes
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Duration
30 minutes
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Once aboard your vessel, you'll enjoy 2 hours of whale watching with your captain and crew as they navigate the waters of Auke Bay.

Duration
2 hours
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Hop back on your shuttle to get to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center.

Duration
30 minutes
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Enjoy a self-guided tour of the visitors center to learn more about the glaciers that shaped the landscape and enjoy the many trails.

Duration
1 hour 15 minutes
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Proceed to the return bus stop to load the shuttle back to the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau.

Duration
50 minutes

Customer Reviews 773

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