Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
About this activity
- Your booking is confirmed instantly
- This activity is in your language
- This option has FREE cancellation: book it without any risk!
Experience Highlights
Discover the best of Juneau in a single day that combines the majesty of the Mendenhall Glacier with the thrill of a whale watching cruise. Board a comfortable minibus at the harbour, get up close and personal with the impressive tongue of ice, then cruise through the Inside Passage to see humpback whales in action.
This 5 h 30 min (approx.) excursion includes free time at the Glacier Visitor Centre and an air-conditioned cabin cruise with panoramic deck. With a maximum of 38 passengers on board, the experience offers narration in English, Spanish and other languages so you won't miss a thing.
- Book in advance and secure your place on highly demanded departures.
- Guaranteed whalewatching: if you don't see whales, you'll be invited on another cruise.
- Enjoy it hassle-free: transfers, guide and access to the glacier included
What’s included
- Transfer to and from the port and activities
- Entrance to the Mendenhall Glacier and access to the Visitor Centre
- Whale watching cruise by air-conditioned catamaran
- Guide and naturalist on board (Spanish/English)
Select participants and date
Step by Step
Meet your guide at the Mt. Roberts Tramway and depart by scenic minibus for the Mendenhall Glacier, jewel of the Tongass National Forest. Along the way, your guide shares the geological history of the glacial valley and the wildlife that surrounds it. Upon arrival, you'll have approximately 1h30 min to explore the viewpoints, walk the marked trails and visit the Interpretive Centre, where interactive panels and rangers answer your questions.
Back on the bus, a short transfer takes you to Auke Bay to board a catamaran designed for marine wildlife viewing. The crew point out the feeding grounds of humpback whales, famous for their spectacular leaps and tails. Keep your camera ready - it's not uncommon to spot orcas cruising or groups of sea lions resting on the buoys.
The outside deck offers unobstructed 360° views, while the glassed-in, air-conditioned interior cabin allows for comfortable viewing if the weather changes. A naturalist on board explains migratory patterns, bubble-feeding techniques and the crucial role of the Inside Passage as a nursery for cetaceans.
A small sweet or savoury snack accompanied by water or coffee is served halfway through the crossing. After about two hours on the water, you will return to port with plenty of time to continue exploring Juneau or return to your cruise.
