Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour

The Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour promises an unforgettable adventure in Juneau, Alaska. Priced at $189 per person, this tour offers an intimate experience for up to 60 guests to witness the stunning natural wonders of the region. Travelers can look forward to complimentary refreshments, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to spot majestic whales in their natural habitat. With a 4.8-star rating from past participants, this tour has quickly become a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the area. But what makes this tour truly unique, and why should you consider adding it to your Alaskan itinerary?

Key Points

• A 4.8-rated tour that combines whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier viewing, recommended by 97% of travelers.
• Includes complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks, but is not wheelchair accessible.
• Knowledgeable guides provide insights into local wildlife and the environment during the tour.
• Meeting location is at the Goldbelt Tram in Juneau, near public transportation for easy access.
• Travelers praise the friendly staff and abundant whale sightings, but suggest more time for Mendenhall Glacier exploration.

Tour Overview and Details

The Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Juneau, Alaska.

Priced from $189 per person, this 30-review tour is recommended by 97% of travelers. With a maximum capacity of 60 guests, the tour includes coffee, tea, and snacks.

While not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Travelers meet at the Goldbelt Tram before setting out to witness the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier and search for whales.

The tour features knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the local wildlife and environment, creating a memorable and informative experience.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers meet at the Goldbelt Tram, located at 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA.

They’ll look for a representative holding a blue sign with yellow letters below the Mount Roberts Tram cables. The tour begins and ends at this meeting point.

Guests don’t need to worry about transportation, as the location is conveniently near public transit.

With a maximum capacity of 60 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience exploring Juneau’s natural wonders.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes complimentary coffee and/or tea, as well as a snack bag of prepackaged treats for participants.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour’s meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

Tour Experience and Highlights

As the tour’s main highlights, it features both whale watching and glacier viewing, providing visitors with a diverse and captivating experience.

The tour offers the chance to spot multiple whales, including breaching and tail-fluke sightings, as reported by travelers.

The scenic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls create a breathtaking backdrop.

Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary on the humpback whales and their habitat, enhancing the overall experience.

The comfortable boat offers space for movement and an enclosed viewing area, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the natural wonders.

• Whale watching and glacier viewing
• Sightings of multiple whales, including breaching and tail flukes
• Scenic views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls
• Knowledgeable guides providing insights on humpback whales
• Comfortable boat with space for movement and enclosed viewing area

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Overwhelmingly, the tour has received high praise from travelers, with an overall rating of 4.8 based on 30 reviews.

Guests repeatedly commended the friendly and knowledgeable staff, singling out Captain Nick, Rico, and Jayden for their exceptional guidance.

Travelers were thrilled by the breathtaking scenery, abundant whale sightings, and informative commentary.

While some experienced initial issues with the tour company, they praised Juneau Tours and Whale Watch for providing a memorable experience.

Several recommended allotting more time at the Mendenhall Glacier for exploration.

Exploring Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most iconic natural wonders, takes center stage as the tour ventures deeper into the region’s captivating landscapes.

Travelers are in awe as they witness the towering ice formation, its shimmering blue hues, and the thunderous roar of the Nugget Falls. The experience offers a unique glimpse into the glacier’s grandeur:

• Observe the glacier’s calving process, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the waters below.
• Admire the intricate patterns and textures carved into the glacier’s surface over time.
• Hike along the scenic trails, offering breathtaking vistas of the glacier and the surrounding wilderness.
• Learn about the glacier’s formation, history, and its role in the local ecosystem from knowledgeable guides.
• Capture the moment with stunning photographs that will forever immortalize the encounter with this natural wonder.

Whale Watching Excursion

After exploring the grandeur of Mendenhall Glacier, the tour transitions seamlessly to an exhilarating whale watching experience.

Aboard a comfortable boat, guests embark on a journey to spot humpback whales in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable guides provide insights on the whales’ behaviors and the surrounding marine ecosystem.

Travelers report sightings of multiple whales, including majestic breaching and tail fluke displays. The scenic views, combined with the thrill of observing these magnificent creatures, create an unforgettable experience.

Whether it’s a glimpse of a whale’s spout or a closer encounter, the whale watching portion of the tour leaves a lasting impression.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour, travelers should plan ahead and arrive at the designated meeting point on time.

The tour starts and ends at the Goldbelt Tram in downtown Juneau, so visitors should factor in transit time.

It’s recommended to dress in warm, layered clothing and bring the following essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses and/or hat
• Camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery
• Snacks and water, though some refreshments are provided
• Motion sickness medication, if needed, for the boat portion of the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Based on the tour details, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The information provided indicates the tour has a set schedule and duration, without mentioning any possibilities for extending the experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a snack bag of prepackaged items, but bringing additional food and beverages is permitted to enhance the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. Children of all ages can participate, making it a family-friendly activity. The only requirement is that all participants are able to board the boat safely.

Can We Request Specific Seating Arrangements on the Boat?

The tour company doesn’t offer specific seating arrangements on the boat. However, they try to accommodate guests’ needs and preferences to the best of their ability. Travelers can discuss any special requests with the staff upon arrival.

Will We Have the Opportunity to Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, the tour provides ample opportunities for taking pictures. The boat has an enclosed viewing area and space for movement, allowing travelers to capture the breathtaking scenery of whales, the Mendenhall Glacier, and Nugget Falls throughout the experience.

Recap

The Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour offers an unforgettable adventure that allows travelers to enjoy Juneau’s stunning natural beauty. With knowledgeable guides, multiple whale sightings, and breathtaking scenery, this tour is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the Mendenhall Glacier or marveling at the whales, this tour provides an intimate and memorable encounter with the wonders of Alaska.