Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Exploration

5.0
19 reviews

Excursion Overview

Exploration of Juneau by air, boat, and land!

This is the adventure of a lifetime - a truly unique tour that combines a helicopter flight with stunning views, as well as an electrifying airboat ride that skims along the surface of the Taku River! From beginning to end, you will not be disappointed with all there is to see by land and by air.

Once you have been picked up from the dock, the drive through the beautiful Mendenhall Valley will end at the helicopter base. Here you will get a full safety briefing and be outfitted for your flight. Get ready for take-off and for some of the most spectacular views you will ever see! Your pilot will point out deep blue crevasses, and glaciers that cling to the sides of snow-capped mountains - known as hanging glaciers. As you come in for a landing on the shores of the Taku River, watch for the welcoming crew to wave you in! Here you are in a remote country - truly untouched by most - so you'll be fully prepared in our full body 'mustang suits', designed to keep you warm and safe against any Alaskan element.

Once you're ready to go, you will load into the airboat and take off! Airboats are unique in that they only need a few inches of water to operate, which means you can maneuver right up to the face of the glacier. You will even be able to reach out and touch the ice as you zip along! Our local riverboat captains have a plethora of knowledge about Southeast Alaska, and the gorgeous area that surrounds you. The insight you will gain will be unparalleled as you tour the Taku River and the Watershed, as very few get the opportunity to visit this pristine place. You will hear and see so much of this majestic glacier that you won't be able to wait to land on it!

After returning to the river base, you'll say goodbye to the airboat captain and load back into your aircraft. It's a short flight over the water to land on the glacier itself. To capture the true ambiance of the nature that surrounds you, your pilot will shut down the helicopter. Revel in the raw beauty as you walk around and see crevasses up close, explore glacial pools, and take a sip of the purest water you'll ever taste.

The experience of seeing the glacier by air, boat, and on foot is truly rare and awe-inspiring. Your flight back to base is a wonderful time to reflect on the memories you've made and take in views of the great Alaskan wilderness one last time. Feel free to ask any additional questions on your drive back to your ship!

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