Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour

The Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour offers an exhilarating way to explore the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Paddling across the serene lake, visitors can get up close with the majestic Mendenhall Glacier and witness the power of nature. Led by experienced guides, the small-group tour ensures a personalized experience tailored to participants’ skill levels. With convenient transportation, quality gear, and a worry-free guarantee, this excursion provides an immersive and safe adventure into the heart of the Alaskan landscape. But what we love about this tour, and why might it be the perfect addition to your Alaskan itinerary?

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Juneau.

Key Points

• A 3.5-hour kayak tour across Mendenhall Lake with close-up views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.
• Small-group tours with a maximum of 12 participants, grouped by expertise level for comfortable paddling.
• Includes transportation, full rain gear, and snacks, with the tour starting and ending at the Mount Roberts Tramway.
• Moderate physical fitness required, and not recommended for those with back problems or who are unable to get in and out of a kayak.
• Cancellation allowed up to 24 hours prior with a full refund, and the tour is subject to weather conditions.

Tour Overview

The Mendenhall Lake kayak tour in Tongass National Forest is a 3.5-hour journey across the lake, allowing guests to maneuver around glaciers, see Nugget Falls, and admire the 3,000-year-old Mendenhall Glacier.

Participants are grouped by expertise level, ensuring everyone can comfortably paddle their kayak. Along the way, guests will be treated to complimentary snacks.

This small-group tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, making it a family-friendly excursion. The tour operates rain or shine, and taller guests may need to steer with their oar instead of foot pedals.

Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a beginner, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Mendenhall Lake.

Activity Details

This small-group tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, making it a family-friendly excursion. Guests can expect to be grouped by their expertise level, ensuring everyone can comfortably paddle their kayak.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and taller guests may need to steer with their oar instead of foot pedals.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, while 13-17 year-olds require signed parental consent.

Guests must meet a minimum weight requirement of 40 lbs, and the maximum weight is subject to waist size to fit the kayak cockpit.

Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, and gloves and extra socks are recommended.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems.

Meeting Point and Transportation

The tour meets at the Mount Roberts Tramway, located at 490 S Franklin St in Juneau, Alaska. From there, transportation is provided to take guests to the start of the kayak excursion, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Meeting Point	Transportation Provided
Mount Roberts Tramway, 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK	Yes
Tour Ends	Meeting Point Returned
Back at Mount Roberts Tramway	Yes

Guests can expect a smooth and convenient transportation experience, with the tour provider handling all the logistics to ensure a worry-free adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes snacks, transportation, full rain gear (pants, jacket, and boots), permits, and a worry-free shore excursion guarantee. However, gratuities aren’t included.

The package comes with:

• Snacks to refuel during the excursion
• Warm, waterproof gear to keep you comfortable in any weather
• Permits required to access the Tongass National Forest
• A worry-free guarantee, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable shore experience

While the tour covers the essentials, tips for your guide aren’t part of the overall cost. Be sure to have some cash on hand to show your appreciation for their expertise and dedication in making your Mendenhall Lake kayak adventure unforgettable.

Requirements and Recommendations

To participate in the Mendenhall Lake kayak tour, travelers must meet certain requirements and consider some recommendations.

Minimum weight is 40 lbs, but maximum weight is subject to waist size to fit the kayak cockpit. Guests should have moderate physical fitness, as the tour involves maneuvering a kayak for approximately 3.5 hours.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems. While gloves and extra socks are recommended, the tour operates in all weather conditions and provides full rain gear.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, while those 13-17 need signed parental consent.

Safety Precautions

The Mendenhall Lake kayak tour ensures participants’ well-being by providing full rain gear, including pants, jackets, and boots, to protect them from the elements. Plus, the maximum weight limit is based on the kayak cockpit size to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

The tour also has the following safety measures in place:

• Minimum weight requirement of 40 lbs to ensure a stable ride
• Tour guides’ assessment of participants’ physical fitness to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
• Parental supervision for children under 17 to prioritize their safety

The tour operates in all weather conditions, allowing the experience to continue regardless of the elements.

Cancellation Policy

Along With the comprehensive safety measures, the Mendenhall Lake kayak tour offers a flexible cancellation policy to provide peace of mind for participants. Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time and receive a full refund, no questions asked. This policy ensures that guests don’t have to worry about unexpected changes in their plans.

On top of that, the tour operator monitors weather conditions closely and will make the call to cancel or postpone the tour if necessary, with full refunds provided. This commitment to customer satisfaction is a key part of the worry-free shore excursion guarantee that comes with booking the Mendenhall Lake kayak adventure.

Guest Reviews

Travelers consistently praise the Mendenhall Lake kayak tour for its breathtaking scenery and exceptional guide service.

Recent reviews highlight:

• The guides’ extensive knowledge and ability to provide an engaging, informative experience
• The peaceful, serene atmosphere of the lake and up-close views of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier
• The well-organized tour that seamlessly transports guests and ensures their safety and comfort throughout the journey
• The overall value, with many noting the affordable price point given the quality of the tour

Guests regularly express amazement at the natural beauty of the Tongass National Forest and appreciation for the opportunity to explore this iconic Alaskan landscape up close from the vantage point of a kayak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Gear?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own kayaks or gear on this tour. All necessary equipment, including kayaks, life jackets, and rain gear, is provided by the tour operator for the group’s safety and convenience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, while those 13-17 need signed parental consent to participate in the activity.

Can I Request a Specific Kayak Model or Size?

Customers generally cannot request a specific kayak model or size on this tour. The tour operator assigns kayaks based on the group’s expertise level and fit to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort during the excursion.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring on the Tour?

The tour provider has certain restrictions on what participants can bring. Guests are allowed to bring small personal items like cameras and water bottles, but large bags or outside food/drinks are not permitted on the kayak tour.

How Much Paddling Experience Is Required for This Tour?

The tour is suitable for participants with moderate physical fitness, as it does not require prior kayaking experience. The tour guides provide instruction and assist paddlers throughout the journey.

Recap

The Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour offers an immersive and safe encounter with the stunning Alaskan wilderness.

With its small group size, complimentary snacks, and worry-free logistics, this 3.5-hour journey across the serene lake provides participants the opportunity to maneuver around glaciers and witness the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier.

The tour’s focus on safety and comfort ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for paddlers of all expertise levels.