From Cache

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk

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

Soar through the air via helicopter over rainforest, lakes, and ice where no alpine ridge or mountain peak escapes your view. These sights and Alaskan grandeur will pave your journey as you fly over and land directly on the famous Mendenhall Glacier.

From the air, you will be able to see the deep blue crevasses, glacial pools, and streams of the mighty Mendenhall. You will hear how glaciers form and carve the landscape around you. Before the pilot lands on the ice, you will fly past the Mendenhall Towers - the rock sentinels that leave you in awe as they extend over 7,000 feet into the sky.

Once you've landed, you will be greeted by a tour guide who will take you on a short glacier walk. You will have the opportunity to take photos, explore the surface of the ice, and ask your guide questions. You may catch a glimpse of some Alaskan wildlife, so make sure to scan the ridges around you! At the end of your guided experience on the glacier, you will take off for your return flight back to the heliport and then return to town. This Juneau Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour is one you will always remember.


Included: Waterproof Boots

Please note: Guests weighing 250lbs or more, with all clothing and camera, are required to purchase a seat surcharge. Extra space will be reserved on the helicopter. Guests are not able to stay on the helicopter at the glacier. Please dress appropriately for the weather and conditions.

Infants under 2 years old are free and do not require a ticket. Please indicate that you are traveling with an infant during checkout.


FAQ
Is a Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour worth it?
Yes! A helicopter tour over Mendenhall Glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our helicopter tour was even featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA. You will fly over amazing scenery then land and walk on top of the glacier.

Will I get to walk on Mendenhall Glacier?
Yes! After flying over glaciers and streams, you will fly past Mendenhall Towers and then land for a short glacier walk where you will be able to take photos, explore, ask questions, and even spot wildlife.

What is the minimum age for a helicopter tour?
This helicopter tour does not have a minimum age. Infants under 2 years old are free and do not require a ticket.

Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal. Flight time: 30 minutes. Glacier time: 20-25 minutes.)

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Traction overboots
  • Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base
  • Infants under 2 years old are free and do not require a ticket. Please indicate that you are traveling with an infant during checkout.

Requirements:

  • Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces
  • Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for passenger safety and comfort, as well as weight and balance calculations for flight manifesting. Any passenger whose weight is 250 pounds (113 kilograms) or more fully clothed at the time of departure will have a surcharge fee added to the ticket price at the time of booking.
  • Guests should wear appropriate clothing for glacier temperatures (15-20°F cooler than ground level) and wear close-toed shoes. See FAQ for further details.

Duration: 2.5 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

  • 15~20 minutes - transportation to the heliport
  • 30 minutes - preflight safety briefing and preparation
  • 15 minutes - glacier flightseeing via helicopter
  • 20~25 minutes - guided walk on the glacier with guides
  • 15 minutes - helicopter time back to the heliport
  • 15 minutes - arrive at the base to de-gear and visit the gift shop
  • 15~20 minutes - transportation back to the port area

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 limited mobility accessible. Guests who use wheelchairs or scooters must be able to walk approximately 100 feet to and from the helicopters and be able to navigate the 18-inch steps into the helicopter mostly unassisted. The natural surface of the glacier can be uneven, cracked and snowy. Due to liability reasons, our employees cannot lift guests in or out of the helicopter. Staff will be there to lend a helping hand, though ultimately guests are responsible for navigating these steps on their own. There is no storage available for collapsible wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Please contact us with any further questions. 

How many passengers ride in the helicopter together?

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If there are more than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will fly at the same time and land on the glacier together. 

What is provided on this tour?

You will be outfitted with NEOS brand overboots that slip over your shoes. They are large boots with traction soles, available in sizes XS - XXL. They fit U.S. Men's sizes 3-17 and U.S. Women's sizes 4.5-15. For EU sizing information, please reach out to us! Snow boots are provided for children to wear instead of their current footwear.

For guests whose feet will not fit in the overboots, Yaktrax brand elastic traction cleats are provided. If you think you may need this option, please be sure to wear thick socks and close-toed shoes that can be exposed to ice and snow.

What can I bring on this tour?

You may bring a bag with personal items, but all bags will have to be left at the base in a locked container during the tour. The following items are not permitted on the aircraft: 

  • Carry-on bags of any kind (incl. camera bags, purses, backpacks)
  • GoPro extension poles or selfie sticks
  • iPads, iPad minis, or any other tablets
  • Drones
  • Animals of any kind (incl. service animals)
  • Food or beverages
  • Any smoking products including e-cigarettes 

Can I bring my own walking stick or cane?

Personal walking sticks are not allowed on this tour as they tend to slip on the ice. We have glacier trekking poles with spiked bottoms available for use upon request. 

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, you can bring your camera. Camera bags are not allowed and we recommend having a neck strap.

How should I carry my baby on the glacier?

Most guests choose to utilize a baby carrier. If your baby is walking, small boots will be provided for them! 

Can I bring a diaper bag?

No, no bags are allowed in the aircraft. Any necessary items for the baby will need to be stored in someone's pockets. 

Are headphones provided for babies?

Yes, noise-blocking headsets are provided for all guests, including babies.

What should I wear?

Layers are always key in Southeast Alaska during the summer. This should include waterproof outerwear, long pants, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. We strongly encourage bringing sunglasses as well; the sun's glare off the ice and snow is much stronger than you might expect (even on an overcast day).

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?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children under 2 are free and must sit on an adult's lap. On a child's second birthday they become a ticketed passenger and need their own ticket. This policy is set by Federal Aviation Administration regulations. 

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 service animals allowed on this tour?

For safety reasons, service animals are not allowed on this tour. 

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

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

Are there restrooms available during this tour?

There are restroom facilities at the helicopter base before and after you depart on your tour, but there are no restrooms available on the glacier. 

Not seeing answers to your questions?

Check out other frequently asked questions here!

Want to learn more about our glacier tours?

Check out our blog for more details on all of the glacier tours we offer: Alaska Helicopter Tours!

 
Customer Reviews
Sep 2022 - David H.

Great excursion! Every part was done professionally and enjoyable from pick up at dock to safety crew and flight as well as on glacier staff. I would recommend this excursion to everyone. Good job!

Sep 2022 - James G.

The best excursion we took on our vacation. The view from the helicopter ride and walking on the glacier was exciting and beautiful. Also, had a chance to taste the glacier water.

Aug 2022 - Anita D.

By far and away the highlight of our trip to Alaska! Seamless process from time of pickup, the drive to the airstrip where we boarded the helicopter (and a bonus when our driver spotted a few bears playing in a nearby field), delightful helicopter ride to and from the glacier, drinking the glacier water - everything was done well, and definitely worth the price of the trip. Thank you so much!

Aug 2022 - John G.

This was an amazing life changing experience. Besides walking on the centuries old ice, we were allowed, even encouraged to drink the pure glacier water.

Aug 2022 - Denise S.

Amazing! Up close on a glacier was an experience we will never forget. A highlight on our Alaska trip. Highly recommend this tour group. Well organized, friendly staff, safety was a top priority. Everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful. These types of tours are pricey but so worth it!

Aug 2022 - Kevin F.

Tremendous experience, not to be missed. Once in a lifetime thrill. Very efficient and safety was a major priority.

Aug 2022 - Gregory D.

We really enjoyed this excursion!! It was definitely the highlight of our trip. It was absolutely amazing to be able to walk on a glacier. I couldn't believe the pretty blue color of the ice. I highly recommend this excursion!

Jul 2022 - Amy M.

It was an experience of a lifetime! It's a beautiful site and worth it!

Sep 2021 - Denise K.

We loved the helicopter ride to the glacier, wish we had more time on the glacier itself to explore more. Seemed so short 15 minutes or 20 max.

Aug 2021 - Rosalina A.

It was an amazing experience. I had a great time seeing everything from the sky. Gives a different perspective.

Aug 2021 - Peter R.

Just excellent and memorable. Ground crew, pilot, the aircraft, everything was great.

Jul 2021 - Elliot K.

Absolutely great and worth the money

Jul 2021 - Linda O.

Great tour, exciting to be on the glacier. Amount of time we spent on glacier was less than expected.

Jul 2021 - Deborah W.

What a fabulous experience!!! Highly recommend seeing the majesty and beauty of Mendenhall Glacier in this manner. Words can't describe enough.

Jul 2020 - Stanatasia C.

This is a must do tour of the glacier. Such a beautiful sight to see and the staff were great!

Sep 2019 - Julie T.

Definitely a highlight of our Alaska trip! Everyone from the shuttle driver to the training staff to the helicopter pilot and glacier guides were friendly, informative and even took great photos for us that we will cherish forever. The timing for this excursion gave us plenty of time to shop and eat delicious king crab legs prior to getting back on the boat. Highly recommended!

Sep 2019 - Dennis G.

The highlight of our Alaskan vacation! Spectacular scenery and informative guide Madison made for an unforgettable experience!

Sep 2019 - Courtney M.

This was a wonderful experience. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and informative. The scenery was beautiful. Highly recommend this tour and this company.

Sep 2019 - Manuel David F.

Very good

Sep 2019 - Michelle G.

Loved this excursion !!!

Sep 2019 - Sergio B.

It definately is a wonderful experience, never been on a chopper before, the only downside i see is you only spend 20 minutes on the glacier and in an area no mode than a 100 meter to walk, its understandable its for safety issues.

Sep 2019 - Sheryl J.

It was awesome but one several things could have made it better. 1. The pilot never told us how to talk back and forth to each other through the headsets. So we couldn't ask questions. 2. Other helicopter excursions I have been on videotape it and this can be purchased at the end. I was disappointed this wasn't available.

Sep 2019 - John D.

Fantastic! We had a perfectly sunny day, excellent views of everything, and a wonderful guide on the glacier to educate us on its formation, etc.

Sep 2019 - Stuart M.

This trip really made our holiday to Alaska. What an experience to see the Glacier from the air then to actually walk on a Glacier but to actually taste the freshness of the water has to be done - it was amazing! Again everything was very well organised with this tour company. Than you

Sep 2019 - Ann C.

Alaska Shore Excursions provided a wonderful glacier experience. We enjoyed majestic views, informative guides and friendly assistance.

Sep 2019 - Lori I.

We booked this excursion for our NCL Cruise to Alaska last week. NCL's prices were INSANE for the same exact trip. Sometimes when you can find a cheaper price, there is a reason for it. However, by far, this the best money we have ever spent on an excursion. To experience not only the flight over the mountains and glaciers, to sip glacier water, to get "glacial facials"... we can't even describe what an experience this was. We 100% recommend this excursion to everyone and if we are ever back in Juneau we will be doing this again!

Sep 2019 - Alan H.

The helicopter ride was great. The company was very professional and very friendly. The glacier walk was disappointing as our walking time was short and not much to see.

Aug 2019 - Dennis B.

The absolute best excursion I have been on in 5 cruises! Breathtaking, exhilarating, and truly amazing! Great, friendly staff that was so helpful and informative. A must do!

Aug 2019 - Bhikhu P.

Well organised friendly staff good value. Recommended

Aug 2019 - Turabali M.

Excellent trip. Very good staff at port to guide us. Very friendly staff at airport for helicopter flight. Superb pilot, made us feel very easy on the flight. Very good pilot guide on glacier excellent as well explained all very professional and informative re glacier humorous as well. Overall an excellent trip worth recommending to friends

Aug 2019 - Ted L A.

Absolutely beautiful day and one of the top five things I've ever done in my life. Had a wonderful time! Ted Albrecht, Michigan

Aug 2019 - Gerardo L.

Expensive but it was worth the ride, if you are in Alaska a Helicopter ride to the glacier is a must.

Aug 2019 - Rebecca L.

However short the excursion was, it was quite spectacular. The heli pilot was great and very informative. My mom and daughters, who had never been on a helicopter before, had a great time, given the skill of our pilot. We have recommended that excursion to friends who are going to Alaska.

Aug 2019 - Rita C.

Just a little comment from the pilot about what we were seeing would have been nice. We had none, it was just a shuttle to the glacier. The tour guide on the glacier was great though. Overall we enjoyed it.

Jul 2019 - Seonah C.

It was so fun, unique experience.

Jul 2019 - Lisa S.

Beautiful with good information.

Jul 2019 - Yun Chan M.

Amazing experience. Guides on the ice were very helpful.

Jul 2019 - Deborah N.

Unbelievable experience. Great ride.

Jul 2019 - Gary K.

Fantastic! So amazing! I did think it was supposed to be 2-5 hrs and it was only 2! The young man that pick us up was great- pointing out important things, helicopter pilot was great! The girl guide on the glacier did a great job! Loved it all!! Would like to have flown around a little more!!

Jul 2019 - Vipul P.

Good experience.

Jul 2019 - Dori R.

One of the coolest excursions I've ever experienced!! Getting to the glacier via helicopter was awesome, the views were amazing and our pilot and guide were so knowledgeable. Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see if you go to Juneau.

Jul 2019 - Sridevi G.

I wished i could spend more time in glacier. But the tour was great.

Jun 2019 - Julie B.

Outstanding experience! Both our pilot Rasmus and our glacier guide Sal were AWESOME. Trip of a lifetime. The boots for walking on the glacier made the task a snap. No need to worry about traction. Great safety orientation. Lots of phenomenal photos. This is a must-do excursion!

Jun 2019 - Paul C.

This was our highlight tour of the entire Alaska trip. Great people from the pick up at the ship and in between. Great prices also

May 2019 - Yujie T.

It is definitely worth it

May 2019 - Rick M.

Great tour. The glacier was spectacular and we learned much about it. The crew was very professional and kept our safety in mind, yet were fun. Highly recommend.

May 2019 - Shaun G.

What can say? Awesome! The tour operator was fabulous. I was picked up at cruise terminal and taken to the airport. After the safety briefing and over boots, it was up to the Glacier. A "bucket list" for me, ride and land on the glacier. 45 mins safe walk-about with tutorial and then watch the helicopters fly in and pick us up. Outstanding and never to be forgotten. Fellow cruisers, I booked direct and saved loads of cash! -Shaun, Dover UK

May 2019 - GWEN O.

This was a wonderful experience. Dillinger was our guide and was funny and informative. The helicopter portion was scary for me, but thanks to their safety talk and their attention to safety, I was put at ease. Walking on a glacier is a not to be missed experience. Highly recommend!

May 2019 - Dana F.

This was an amazing experience. The helpful tips on the ticket prepared us for the cold and the boots provided made walking on the ice a safer experience. I think the ride to the landing spot could have been a little longer and more scenic with some emphasis on what we were passing over, but overall, I'm glad we did this one. A once in a lifetime experience and worth the cost.

Sep 2018 - Jill B.

Wonderful experience. The staff were great. Very helpful and informative. Appreciate their efforts to preserve the beautiful glaciers.

Sep 2018 - Tamara B.

Wonderful time. Guides were awesome.

Sep 2018 - Roger W.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this excursion

Sep 2018 - Randall P.

Absolutely wonderful experience. right from the pick up near the ship (which included great local historical information from our driver), to the ground crew, the pilot, and staff up on the glacier! If your Alaskan cruise is a bucket lister (as ours was), this is a MUST SEE, and I would recommend this company in a heartbeat!

Sep 2018 - Anthony E.

Beautiful! Just wish it lasted longer. First class pilots and equipment.

Sep 2018 - Robert T.

Once in a lifetime experience. Professional, yet entertaining staff! A+++

Aug 2018 - Nayan T.

Awesome tour and worth every penny! Can't be missed

Aug 2018 - Dudley Edward C.

What an experience. Well done Alaska Shore Excurions. So professional these guys, highly recommend booking only with them. 10/10

Aug 2018 - Leanna W.

Cool Worth the money

Aug 2018 - Dean W.

Excellent excursion. Booked direct not through the cruise ship. Mike was an excellent pilot and guide on the glacier I have been on over 20 cruises and many excursions this by far is one of the best.

Aug 2018 - Alessandra L.

Once in a lifetime experience!

Aug 2018 - Pat E.

Wow. What an exhilerating experience of a lifetime! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a breathtaking helicopter ride that actually lands on a glacier! Staff was very knowledgeable, scenery was beautiful and we even did an "Alaskan push-up" to drink glacial water! Thanks again!!

Aug 2018 - Jeffrey P.

everything was fantastic! the guide on the glacier was very personable as was the van driver. The pilot was quiet and not as outgoing but as long as he flew the helicopter safely I was fine with it. Our first time in a helicopter so we were a little nervous but it was great! Would definitely reccommend this to everyone.

Jul 2018 - Chris K.

Fantastic experience

Jul 2018 - Julie P.

Great company! Smooth ride up to the glacier. Pilots were friendly and informative! Tour guides on glacier were very attentive! Thanks to Ryan who stayed with us and helped us around!!!

Jul 2018 - Joseph B.

Great trip. It is a must do.

Jul 2018 - Jay J.

One of the best excursion we had. I highly recommend this tour. The staff was very friendley and knowledgeable. Me and my family like to Thank the staff for making our trip memorable.

Jul 2018 - Hemanth K.

This was excellent ! Our Pilot Robbie was just awesome. Highly recommend this excursion.

Jun 2018 - Andre P.

This was our favorite excursion by far. What a cool opportunity to go to the top of the glacier and the views from the helicopter are second to none.

Jun 2018 - Molly D.

This is a life changer! A must do if at all possible! Walk on the glaciers while they still exist, take a sip from a glacier stream, feel the sense of awe st being in such a magnificent place! Great tour! Great guides!

Jun 2018 - Loren O.

A very enjoyable trip! A once in a lifetime experience actually stepping foot in a glacier and being taught the history and dynamics of them while there. Tasting the ice cold, fresh water was a treat and the helicopter ride itself was a unique experience. I recommend taking this tour at one of your Alaska stops!

Jun 2018 - Terence W.

We had a great time on this tour, got great pictures and would definitely recommend this to others. We were picked up at the Mt Roberts Tramway station, which was right at the entrance of town from where our cruise ship had docked (Royal Caribbean). We were driven by bus to the airport. Another group got us into our gear (overboots that slipped over our shoes), given instructions and then we got onto the helicopters (5 people per helicopter). We flew over the glacier and then landed on the glacier. There, we had plenty of time to take pictures and hear lots of interesting things about the glacier from our guide. And then it was time to go back. We had a great time on this tour and would definitely recommend it to others.

Jun 2018 - Kathryn R.

We had a wonderful experience!! Everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable!!

Jun 2018 - Jill W.

This was an awesome experience! The helicopter ride was breathtaking. The guides on the glacier were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful if you needed any assistance. I highly recommend this one!

Jun 2018 - John H.

Great experience. Smooth helicopter ride.

May 2018 - BA B.

Mendenhall glacier tour was fantastic. People were very friendly and helpful. Helicopter ride was out of this world. Guided walk was an amazing experience. A bright and sunny day enhanced the glacier experience. Overall 5 star rating.

Aug 2017 - Rae Ann P.

Excellent experience. From our van driver, to safety-talk lead, to the pilot and tour lead, the staff were amazing. Great value.

Aug 2017 - Paul D.

Amazing doesn't even come close to describing this adventure.

Jul 2017 - Kathy S B.

The tour was great and well organized. Tami was a wonderful driver offering lots of Alaskan information. The scheduling works out perfectly!

Jul 2017 - Joanne R.

This was an excellent experience! The helicopter ride was amazing and walking on the glacier was great! The guides were friendly and informative! We loved it!

Jul 2017 - Kevin J.

Awesome helicopter ride to the glacier. The views are amazing and walking on the glacier was a great experience.

Jul 2017 - Nancy T.

Well organized. Very upbeat, enthusiastic and energetic staff.

Jul 2017 - Jan B.

This trip was awesome! They had several guides at the glacier to answer all you questions. The staff was great.

Jun 2017 - Stephen S.

Great views and plenty to learn from friendly, informative staff. We strongly recommend the trip and the provider.

Jun 2017 - Gregory S.

I found the tour very interesting because I remember studying glaciers in 6-8th grade. I was fascinated about the natural wonders of our environment. The helicopter ride was a thrill. Going up so high over the mountains and descending so quick seemed like a roller coaster ride. I wished the helicopter could have spun a 360 degree over the mountain sheep with kids. This is a natural wildlife sighting that less people will ever experience, than a glacier. My 85 year father-in-law was angry that he didn't see the sheep, and he was seated by the front door. I am 64 and shall remember the tour forever. Oh, it was good to see how the youthful helpers on the ground helped the elderly get ready. I smeared the mud on my face and drank the glacier water. I couldn't have experienced more, in such a short time.

Sep 2016 - Patrick G.

Breathtaking and surreal

Sep 2016 - Margaret A R.

we did have a great time. it was awesome. the glacier was something to see.it was cold and raining but i would do it all over again

Aug 2016 - Barrett E.

Highly recommend this. Seeing the glacier from a distance doesn't do them justice. You do not realize the magnitude of them till you stand on one. The folks were very knowledgeable as the group ask questions.

BEST PRICE Guarantee!

$359.00

BEST PRICE Guarantee!

Duration: 2.5 hours



Number of Passengers *

Infant seats selected in checkout

Passenger(s) (Ages 2+): $359.00

Weight surcharge included

250lbs+ Passenger(s) (Ages 2+): $509.00

Total
$0.00
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