Exploring the stunning landscapes of Juneau, Alaska, the Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour offers an unparalleled adventure. Combining the breathtaking views of the glacier with the thrill of witnessing humpback whales in their natural habitat, this 5-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Priced at $189 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable captain, and access to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, where visitors can witness spawning salmon and potentially spot black bears. With complimentary refreshments and a scenic stroll along Steep Creek, this tour provides a unique glimpse into Alaska’s remarkable natural wonders. What awaits participants, however, is a journey that will leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This 5-hour tour in Juneau provides roundtrip transportation, a boat trip with a knowledgeable captain, and access to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area for $189 per person.
- The tour highlights include viewing spawning salmon, potential black bear sightings, a whale watching cruise led by a naturalist guide, and complimentary refreshments.
- The itinerary includes glacier viewing, Visitor Center exploration, a stroll along the Steep Creek boardwalk, and a return to shore for post-cruise refreshments.
- Inclusions cover the boat trip, experienced captain, transportation, water, coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, binoculars, and a self-guided tour at Mendenhall Glacier.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 62 reviews, with positive feedback on the friendly and knowledgeable guides, exceptional whale watching experiences, and value for money.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour in Juneau provides an opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of the region.
Priced from $189.00 per person, this 5-hour tour includes roundtrip transportation, a boat trip with a knowledgeable captain, and access to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.
Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour highlights include viewing spawning salmon and potentially spotting black bears, as well as learning about the glacier and local wildlife from a naturalist guide during the whale watching cruise.
Suitable for most travelers, the tour offers a comprehensive Alaskan experience in a convenient package.
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Experience and Highlights
Explorers can enjoy the natural splendor of the Mendenhall Glacier and local waterways during this comprehensive tour.
The experience highlights include:
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Viewing the stunning Mendenhall Glacier and exploring the Visitor Center to learn about the area’s geology and ecology.
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Strolling along the Steep Creek boardwalk to observe spawning salmon and potentially spot black bears.
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Embarking on a whale watching cruise led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide to spot humpback whales in the various channels.
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Enjoying complimentary refreshments, including coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks, upon returning to shore.
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Extending the Mendenhall Glacier exploration with an additional hour for a small fee.
Itinerary
How does the tour begin? The experience starts with a departure from downtown Juneau via bus, transporting guests to the Mendenhall Valley.
Upon arrival, visitors can admire the stunning Mendenhall Glacier and explore the Visitor Center, learning about the glacier and surrounding area.
Next, guests will stroll along the boardwalk, where they may spot spawning salmon and glimpse black bears.
Afterward, everyone boards a boat at Auke Bay Harbor for the whale watching portion of the tour.
Cruising through various channels, guests benefit from the naturalist guide’s expertise, seeking out humpback whales.
Following the boat trip, the group returns to shore for refreshments before heading back to downtown Juneau.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes a boat trip, an experienced captain, roundtrip transportation, water, coffee, hot chocolate, and a snack.
However, it isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Pets, smoking, and large bags are also not allowed on the tour.
The key inclusions are:
- Boat trip
- Captain
- Roundtrip transportation
- Water, coffee, hot chocolate, and snack
- Binoculars
- Self-guided tour at Mendenhall Glacier
Participants should be prepared with appropriate clothing, as the tour involves navigating steep ramps and cooler temperatures on the water.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information and Recommendations
The meeting point for this tour is at the Dolphin Jet Boat Tours representative outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building.
Guests should come prepared for the elements, bringing a jacket, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing, including thermal layers. Due to the cooler temperatures on the water, layered clothing and rain gear are highly recommended.
Steep ramp navigation may be required, so those with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users should be aware that this tour may not be suitable for them.
Luggage and large bags are also not allowed on the tour.
With these important details in mind, visitors can enjoy a memorable Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching experience.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Based on the 62 reviews, customers have given this Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tour an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Highlights from the positive feedback include:
- Friendly and knowledgeable guides who provide excellent commentary
- Exceptional whale watching experiences, with customers often spotting multiple humpbacks
- Great care and attention from the bus driver during transportation
- The value for money being rated highly, with the tour offering a lot of included activities
- Customers appreciating the self-guided tour at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
The tour’s transportation and overall value for money are also rated very highly, at 4.6/5 and 4.5/5, respectively.
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier
Exploring the Mendenhall Glacier is a highlight of the tour, offering visitors an up-close look at this majestic natural wonder.
The tour includes a visit to the Mendenhall Visitor Center, where guests can learn about the glacier’s history and formation. From there, they’ll stroll along the boardwalk to observe the spawning salmon and potentially spot black bears.
The centerpiece of the experience is the chance to witness the Mendenhall Glacier itself, a vast expanse of ice and snow that has captivated visitors for generations.
With ample time to explore the area, guests can fully enjoy the glacier’s stunning beauty and grandeur.
Whale Watching Adventure
Watching for the majestic humpback whales is the highlight of the tour.
After exploring the Mendenhall Glacier, guests board a boat at Auke Bay Harbor for an exhilarating whale-watching excursion. The knowledgeable naturalist guide shares their expertise, helping spot these magnificent creatures in the surrounding channels. Guests may be fortunate enough to witness whales breaching, feeding, or socializing.
The tour also offers the chance to see:
- Spawning salmon in Steep Creek
- Black bears foraging along the shoreline
- Diverse marine life, including sea lions and bald eagles
- Stunning views of the rugged Alaskan landscape
- An opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing full refund. This provides flexibility to reschedule as needed without penalty. Guests can simply cancel their booking and rebook for another suitable date.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements or Accommodations?
The tour doesn’t provide any special dietary accommodations, but it does offer snacks and beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, and water. Guests should let the operators know of any dietary restrictions or allergies ahead of time.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Activity on the Tour?
The tour provides one hour at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, with an additional $10 available for two hours. The whale watching portion takes place during the boat trip, allowing guests to observe humpback whales in the various channels.
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Boat?
Guests can bring their own camera equipment on the boat, but large bags and luggage aren’t allowed. The tour provides binoculars, so guests can focus on capturing the stunning views and wildlife sightings during the whale watching portion.
Are There Any Age or Fitness Restrictions for Participants?
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. However, there aren’t any specific age or fitness restrictions, allowing most participants to enjoy the experience comfortably.
Recap
The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s natural wonders. From the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier to the thrilling whale watching experience, this 5-hour adventure provides an unforgettable exploration of the region’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. With roundtrip transportation, knowledgeable guides, and complimentary refreshments, it’s the perfect way to take in the grandeur of Alaska.
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