Alaska's Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail: Small-Group Experience
Moderate Activity
Includes snack
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What You Visit:
Mendenhall Glacier
One of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in North America is just 12 miles from downtown Juneau but feels like a million miles away from the everyday. A half-mile wide with ice up to 1,800 feet deep, it's no surprise that Mendenhall is the most visited glacier in Alaska. A naturalist will guide your small group of no more than 20 guests along a path once completely covered by the massive glacier. Spend an hour exploring the beautiful trails, breathe in the fresh air that flows off this spectacular river of ice and learn about the Tongass National Forest. Walk under a sheltered rainforest canopy and take in the wonders and the many species that make this area their home.
Whale Watching
A short drive takes you to a picturesque harbor where you'll board a specially designed safari vessel customized to afford up-close viewing of the marine wildlife. Humpback whales are plentiful and spend the summer months feeding on herring and plankton. Once whales are sighted, your captain will maneuver the boat to allow for exceptional viewing and photo opportunities. In addition, undersea listening devices may be deployed so that you can hear the whale's unusual sounds. You will receive a partial refund if a whale is not sighted on the trip during peak season.
Photo Opportunity:
The magic of Mendenhall Glacier begins with scenic views of the glacier's lake and secluded sandy shoreline; add in beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines, black bears and you'll have photos worthy of National Geographic. The call of the wild continues with photos of whales, sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and sea birds.
Snack:
A granola bar or mixed nuts, fruit leather, Peppermint Patty chocolate mint and water will be served during the day.
What You See Along The Way:
Evergreen forests, sparkling waters, a breaching whale, and a glacier creeping down the side of a mountain are just a few of the sights accompanying you during the day.
Points of interest
Mendenhall Glacier
Outdoor Adventures
Whale Watching
Schedule
Special Notes
The operator of this tour guarantees that a whale will be sighted on this excursion May 15 through September 15 or participants will receive $100 from the tour operator. To follow best practices in responsible and sustainable tourism, no guarantee is offered prior to May 15 of after September 15; however, the whale-sighting success rate is highly likely.
Walking distance is approximately 1 mile on an improved level trail. Dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Group size is limited to 20. This tour operates in all weather conditions. Tour order may vary. All tour participants are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's Capture Juneau Photo Contest.
Provided: Rain poncho, walking stick, binoculars, access to complimentary digital souvenir publication
Snack: Granola bar, trail mix and water
Liability waiver required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Includes snack
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What You Visit:
Mendenhall Glacier
One of the most beautiful and accessible glaciers in North America is just 12 miles from downtown Juneau but feels like a million miles away from the everyday. A half-mile wide with ice up to 1,800 feet deep, it's no surprise that Mendenhall is the most visited glacier in Alaska. A naturalist will guide your small group of no more than 20 guests along a path once completely covered by the massive glacier. Spend an hour exploring the beautiful trails, breathe in the fresh air that flows off this spectacular river of ice and learn about the Tongass National Forest. Walk under a sheltered rainforest canopy and take in the wonders and the many species that make this area their home.
Whale Watching
A short drive takes you to a picturesque harbor where you'll board a specially designed safari vessel customized to afford up-close viewing of the marine wildlife. Humpback whales are plentiful and spend the summer months feeding on herring and plankton. Once whales are sighted, your captain will maneuver the boat to allow for exceptional viewing and photo opportunities. In addition, undersea listening devices may be deployed so that you can hear the whale's unusual sounds. You will receive a partial refund if a whale is not sighted on the trip during peak season.
Photo Opportunity:
The magic of Mendenhall Glacier begins with scenic views of the glacier's lake and secluded sandy shoreline; add in beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines, black bears and you'll have photos worthy of National Geographic. The call of the wild continues with photos of whales, sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and sea birds.
Snack:
A granola bar or mixed nuts, fruit leather, Peppermint Patty chocolate mint and water will be served during the day.
What You See Along The Way:
Evergreen forests, sparkling waters, a breaching whale, and a glacier creeping down the side of a mountain are just a few of the sights accompanying you during the day.
Points of interest
Mendenhall Glacier
Outdoor Adventures
Whale Watching
Schedule
Special Notes
The operator of this tour guarantees that a whale will be sighted on this excursion May 15 through September 15 or participants will receive $100 from the tour operator. To follow best practices in responsible and sustainable tourism, no guarantee is offered prior to May 15 of after September 15; however, the whale-sighting success rate is highly likely.
Walking distance is approximately 1 mile on an improved level trail. Dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Group size is limited to 20. This tour operates in all weather conditions. Tour order may vary. All tour participants are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's Capture Juneau Photo Contest.
Provided: Rain poncho, walking stick, binoculars, access to complimentary digital souvenir publication
Snack: Granola bar, trail mix and water
Liability waiver required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator.