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. YouÃll 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 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.

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk

4.9

111 reviews

Excursion Overview

Once in a life-time helicopter tour to the famous Mendenhall Glacier

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.

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
Traction overboots
Rain jacket if needed
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.
Restroom facilities are available at the helicopter base before you depart on your excursion, but there are no restrooms available during the helicopter and glacier portion of the tour.

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.

Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

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 Goldbelt 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 and cracked. Please note that the dog sledding camp is covered with snow. 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 limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. There is no storage available for motorized scooters. Please leave a comment during checkout if you plan to bring accessibility equipment on this excursion.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Guest Reviews

Robert C

On Sep 2023

Awesome adventure. They were so efficient and friendly, they even dropped us off after the tour directly at our cruise ship. The helicopter ride was smooth,safe, and had amazing views. The time on the glacier was incredible. The guides kept us safe, told informative and entertaining stories, and showed us fascinating features of the glacier. Don't miss this chance to do something amazing while you're in Alaska; you won't regret spending the money on this adventure.

Julia H

On Sep 2023

We had such a COOL time!! This was mine and my husband's highlight of our Alaska cruise. Helicopter tour (my first!) was exciting. The views were stunning and the ride was smooth. The guides on the glacier were nice, welcoming, funny, and very informative. Views there were spectacular as well. Loved every minute. Thank you!

Christopher F

On Sep 2023

So much fun. Worth the cost. Once in a lifetime. No problems getting back to our ship on time.

Joan F

On Aug 2023

Amazing experience!! Staff on the ground was helpful and informative. The guide on the glacier was friendly and knowledgeable. Really enjoyed the entire experience and would recommend the excursion to anyone.

WARREN G

On Aug 2023

Excellent excursion! Well worth it! First class, efficient operation! You won't be disappointed.

$379.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$379.00

Duration: 2.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2.5 hours

Select Date & Time *

Number of Passengers *

Infant seats selected in checkout

Passenger (Ages 2+): $379.00

Weight surcharge included

250lbs+ Passenger (Ages 2+): $529.00

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk

Excursion Overview

Once in a life-time helicopter tour to the famous Mendenhall Glacier

Reporting Accurate Weights