Juneau Taku Glacier Exploration via Airboat and Helicopter

Photo of helicopter landing at airboat base

Please be advised this tour must begin at least 1 hour after your arrival to Juneau if traveling by cruise ship.

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!

Included: Boots and outfitting are provided.

Please note: Minimum of 2 passengers required. Persons weighing 250lbs 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. Minimum age to participate is 7.

Duration: 3.5 hours (Includes round trip transportation)

Inclusions:

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

Recommendation:

Long socks, sturdy closed-toe footwear, warm layers, gloves, and a hat
Bring your sunglasses and camera

Requirements:

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

Duration: 3.5 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

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 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.

How many passengers ride in the helicopter together?

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.

What is the seating arrangement in the helicopter?

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.

What is the temperature on the glacier?

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

Will I see any wildlife or bears on this tour?

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.

Are there any age restrictions for children?

The minimum age for this tour is 7 years old.

Can I bring a backpack?

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.

Can I bring my own food or drink?

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

Are food and drink included?

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

Are there child prices?

Adult and child prices are the same for this tour.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

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

What type of clothing should I wear?

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

Not seeing answers to your questions?

Check out other frequently asked questions here!

Customer Reviews

Aug 2023 - NElia O.

Most beautiful views and an amazing experience

Jun 2023 - Jeff M.

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.

Sep 2022 - Abby M.

The best part of my whole trip! The whole experience was amazing. The helicopter ride to the boat dock over the mountains and glacier, then landing on the dock with those amazing views. Then the airboat ride around the glacier was breathtaking, we got right up to the glacier, but also the scenery was incredible. Then we got back into the helicopter for another amazing scenic ride to the glacier. Walked around on it and rode back. The crew gave a great guided tour on both the boat and helicopter. I've already told my friends who are going on the same cruise to book this when they go. I tried to book it initially through the cruise line and it was sold out. I ended up booking directly and got tickets and saved 50$ When I booked two rides over the cruise line price. I highly recommend booking through them and not your cruise line.

Aug 2022 - Joyce C.

This was the most exhilarating excursion I have ever taken! According to our airboat guide it was a rare time to see the beautiful blue ice that had just fallen off the glacier that morning! The helicopter ride was awesome! Got a bird's eye view of the glacier and then stopping and walking on the glacier ... life changing! Highly recommend this excursion!!

Aug 2022 - Denelle B.

Hands down, by far, the best tour we ever did! Everyone, from our driver Doug to our boat captain Brian to our helicopter pilot Jake, was so friendly and informative. You can just tell that they all love what they do. If you only do one tour in the Juneau area or even on your whole Alaskan trip, this is it. Do not hesitate, you will not be disappointed. Way better than going to the glacier where the masses go! Imagine the beauty of flying and hovering over such a wonder. Words can not adequately describe the thrill and the beauty you will experience on this Taku Glacier Exploration!

Jun 2022 - Rosemary P.

This was such a great experience! Seeing the glaciers from the air, water and actually walking on it. Both the pilot and captain were wonderful, and told you the history of what you were seeing. Highly recommend this excursion!

Jun 2022 - Michael L.

The best Alaskan excursion we did while in Alaska! Everyone with this company was wonderful! You will not regret doing this excursion!

Aug 2021 - Robert R.

WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! AWESOME!!! An unforgettable journey. The entire crew from getting picked up, suited up, flying in the helicopter, speeding on the boat... was fantastic. Nice, friendly and fun! We had an unbelievable time. Meeting Bryan was like visiting a friend who lives in the middle of literally no where! His place was breathtaking. We saw so many eagles. The glaciers were unbelievable up close. We landed on the glacier!!! This was a fantastic trip that I highly recommend. Bring and empty bottle to fill up at the glacier! What a BLAST!

May 2019 - David L.

Best adventure of our cruise! Fun and exciting! All six of us loved this excursion!

Sep 2018 - Bryan J.

This tour was the highlight of our Alaska Cruise Vacation. Connor, our helicopter pilot was excellent! Brian, the airboat operator, made the ride fun and was very informative about the surrounding areas. For our kids (17 & 13) to say it was one of the best days ever, it was a grand slam!!!! The entire staff was so accommodating and friendly! Thank you for making this day so special.

Aug 2018 - Ruth R.

We have been on a three week travel adventure, and the very best excursion that we took was our most wonderful experience on our helicopter, and air boat. The glacier ,with our pilot was amazing,I could write all day and never come close to sharing our excitement of standing on the glacier thanks to you and your crew we felt safe and secure and will have a memory for a lifetime. Our thanks to all the crew

Jun 2018 - John J. H.

This excursion to the Taku Glacier was the high point of our entire trip. The guides and everyone were so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and friendly. The trip was well-organized and well worth the money. We would absolutely do it again if we ever went back to Juneau.

Jun 2018 - Lourie D.

This tour was the high light of our vacation! Highly recommend this company!

Jul 2017 - Ganesha G.

We had the most amazing time on this excursion. It was the best thing we did in Alaska! Everyone was very professional. The views were breathtaking.

Jun 2017 - Vicente M.

The experience was amazing airboating and riding a Helicopter was great, every one in the crew were nice and friendly.

Aug 2016 - Russell H.

Every aspect of our excursion was great!! Thanks to all that made this a wonderful trip.