This tour combines two of the best attractions in the Juneau area — the Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching.
The Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau's biggest attraction and a humbling sight: an enormous river of ice that stretches from the Juneau Icefield, a massive ice and snow cap that covers 3,885 square kilometers. The glacier is in rapid retreat — losing more than 180 meters in 2004, more than ten times the rate of the previous decade. Displays along the walkway to the lookout point out how fast the glacier has retreated over the years. Nearby, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center affords a wonderful view of the glacier and has an excellent interpretation exhibit highlighting interesting facts on the region's glaciers, geology, flora and fauna.
The second part of your journey is a thrilling whale watching trip on Stephens Passage. The waters off the coast of Juneau are well known for the large number of humpback whales that migrate from Hawaii each summer. Departing from Auke Bay, you can expect to see humpback and orca whales, Steller sea lions and Dall's porpoise. The comfortable jet boat is fast, maneuverable and relatively quiet in the water making it the best option for seeing these giants of the deep. The tour includes return transfers from downtown Juneau as well as lunch and drinks. The total duration of the tour is approximately six hours.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Alaska specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Admiralty Island Bear Viewing
The remote wilderness area of Admiralty Island lies just 15 miles off the coast of Juneau. Locally known as "Fortress of the Bear", this large island is home to over 1,600 grizzly bears, one of the highest concentrations in the world with approximately one bear per square mile!
Glacier Landing with Dog Sledding
This trip combines the excitement of helicopter flightseeing with dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier.
Helicopter Glacier Trekking
Helicopter glacier trekking is the most exciting way to explore the scenic wonders of the glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tour below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
