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Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Exploration

5.0
19 reviews

Excursion Overview

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

This epic tour combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with jaw-dropping aerial views, followed by an exhilarating airboat journey across the stunning Taku River. From the moment you set foot on this incredible experience, you’ll be immersed in a world of natural beauty that few ever get to witness—both from the sky and up close on the ground.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the breathtaking Mendenhall Valley, ending at the helicopter base where you’ll get your safety briefing and gear up for your flight. Hold on tight as you soar high above snow-capped mountains, taking in views of sparkling blue crevasses and glaciers clinging to cliff faces. After an awe-inspiring flight, you’ll land at the edge of the Taku River, where the adventure continues! Equipped in full-body Mustang suits to protect you from the elements, you’ll climb aboard an airboat—capable of gliding across just inches of water—and zip right up to the glacier’s face. Get ready to reach out and touch the ancient ice!

As your expert riverboat captain takes you through the pristine Taku River and its surrounding wilderness, you’ll gain insights into Southeast Alaska’s hidden gems that few ever get to explore. The beauty of the glacier and its surrounding landscape is unmatched, and you’ll be able to feel the power of nature all around you. After your river adventure, you’ll board your helicopter for the short flight over to land directly on the glacier itself. Once you touch down, your pilot will cut the engines, giving you the chance to step out and experience the glacier up close—see crevasses, explore glacial pools, and even drink from the purest water you’ve ever tasted. As you fly back to base, take a moment to reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime experience and soak in the endless Alaskan wilderness stretching out before you. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!

Reporting Accurate Weights

Please report proper weights of all guests (including the weight of clothes and boots). Inputting improper weights, or selecting the wrong passenger type can lead to cancellation without refund. Please be aware that every guest is individually weighed at the helicopter base.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Headset to enjoy the pilot's narration during the tour
  • Traction overboots
  • Rain suit & pants if needed

Requirements:

  • A minimum of 2 passengers is required
  • Minimum age: 7 years old
  • Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces
  • Guests must be able to ascend two stairs to the helicopter
  • Signed liability waiver
  • Persons weighing 250 lbs or more must pay an additional $150 surcharge for safety reasons. Please purchase the "250lbs+ Adult" ticket if this is the case. Child prices are the same as adult prices.

Duration: 3.25 hours (Includes round trip transportation)

  • 15~20 minutes - transfer in a van from the dock to the heliport on Douglas Island
  • 30~40 minutes - gearing up, restroom and safety briefing
  • 15 minutes - helicopter flightseeing tour to Taku Point
  • 5 minutes - land at Taku Point and load into an airboat
  • 1 hour - glacier viewing by airboat
  • 5~10 minutes - reboard helicopter and fly to the glacier landing site
  • 10~15 minutes - guided walk
  • 10 minutes - reboard helicopter and flight back to the heliport
  • 15 minutes - arrive at heliport, de-gear and visit the gift shop
  • 15~20 minutes - transfer in a van from the heliport to dock

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in front of the Goldbelt Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum age for this tour is 7 years old.

There are two front seats and four rear seats; FAA safety guidelines require seating positions to be assigned based on weight and balance of all passengers for each helicopter.

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces.

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If your party is larger than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will take your group and land at the dog sled camp together.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour, however this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base, no food or drink is provided while on tour.

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

All bags must be stored at the helicopter base and are not allowed on tour. Due to safety protocol, we do not allow selfie sticks, iPads, or drones on this tour.

Layered clothing, hats, gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended.

The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground.

Adult and child prices are the same for this tour.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

19 total

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Greg W

On Sep 2024

The airboat and helicopter excursion was fantastic, exactly what we expected. The pilot and captain were both extremely experienced while providing a safe and enjoyable experience. The views were spectacular. We would definitely do it again.

Brad S

On Jul 2024

Do not miss this Tour it is the best ever Tour that you will experience. Landing on an ice glacier and the air boat was a real thrill too. The staff from the pick up to the Helicopter pilot to the caption of the air boat is the best. I would give it a 20 if I could.

MARIA P

On Jun 2024

The highlight of our Cruise was this excursion. The crew from the helicopter were awesome. The ride was incredible, we saw majestic mountains covered in the most amazing white snow that almost blind your eyes. The airboat ride was superb, and the driver was incredible in addition to the rest of the crew. my husband was beyond grateful that I booked it cause it was a little nervous to go but as soon as we took off, his mind was changed with the beauty before his eyes. It's worth every single penny!! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you Alaska Shore Excursions for a magnificient experience!!

NElia O

On Aug 2023

Most beautiful views and an amazing experience

Jeff M

On Jun 2023

One of the coolest things I have done in my life. The helicopter and Airboat captains were great. The weather conditions were perfect which I am sure makes all of the difference, but it was amazing. The airboat location is one of the coolest places I have ever seen. Two super cool waterfalls right where you land.

$688.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$688.00

Duration: 3.25 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3.25 hours



Under 250 lbs

Passenger (7+): $688.00

250lbs+ Passenger (7+): $838.00

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