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 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
Choosing Departure Time: For the time option, please select which ship you are on. For the Departure Time Range, please select either 'Request Morning Departure (between 8:15am - 11:45am)' or 'Request Afternoon Departure (between 12:15pm - 5:45pm).' Once your order is received, we will contact you via email with all options within your preference to finalize the reservation.
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 weather and conditions. Children under 2 can ride for free on adult's lap.
Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal. Flight time: 30 minutes. Glacier time: 20-25 minutes.)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation
- Traction overboots
- Rain jacket if needed
- Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base
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.
Duration: 2.5 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 15-20 minutes transportation to heli-base
- 30 minutes preflight safety briefing and preparation
- 15 minutes glacier flightseeing via helicopter
- 20-25 minutes guided walk on glacier with guides
- 15 minutes helicopter time back to heli-base
- 15 minutes at base to de-gear and visit gift shop
- 15-20 minutes transportation back to 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 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, through 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 accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.
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 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.
Can I bring a backpack?
All bags must be stored at the helicopter base. Carry-on bags (including purses, backpacks and camera/video bags), GoPro Extension poles, selfie-sticks, any tablet device (including iPads and iPad minis), Drones and animal of any kind are not permitted 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. There is no charge for infants under 2 years old. Infants will be required to ride on a guardian's lap.
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.
Are there restrooms available during this tour?
There are restroom facilities at the helicopter base before 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: https://alaskashoreexcursions.com/blog/alaska-helicopter-tours!
