From Cache

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

4.8
864 reviews

Excursion Overview

Want to get out onto the open Alaskan waters?

Our captains and naturalists will take you in search of humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoises and so much more! Your Juneau whale-watching journey will take you through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel, all popular spots for spotting some of Southeast Alaska's finest wildlife. Take a guided bus ride from downtown Juneau out to Auke Bay, where you will board one of our specially designed boats with large windows, heated cabins, and outdoor decks.

Come aboard for up-close viewing of Alaska's most incredible creatures, while listening to a naturalist and experienced guide. There is a 100% guarantee or your money back to see the majestic humpback whales that travel to Alaska for feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Once a whale is spotted, our captain will slow down and passengers are allowed out on the decks for a truly unique and up-close experience. With plenty of time out on the water, you're sure to see an array of spouts, tails, breaches, and more from these magnificent whales!

Coupled with this tour is a stop at the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier!

Take in the massive and mighty glacier, an explosive river of ice with rugged crevasses and vibrant blue color. At the glacier visitor center, you will have approximately 45 minutes to explore the walking paths and the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center. Make sure you have your camera ready to snap photos of the famous Black Bears feeding on Wild Alaskan Salmon as you walk along raised trails over salmon spawning streams. It's truly a wild experience! This tour operation is under permit with the Tongass National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
  • 100% Guaranteed whale sightings or a full refund for the whale watching portion of your tour
  • Beverages and light snacks
  • Restrooms available while onboard the boat
  • Admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center

Requirements:

  • There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 4.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

  • 30 minutes - transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
  • 45 minutes - open exploration at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
  • 30 minutes - transportation to Auke Bay for whale watching
  • 2 hours - whale watching onboard a boat
  • 30 minutes - transportation back to the cruise ship terminal

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in the back 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 must be able to climb 4 steps into and out of the bus. 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.

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 boats hold 49 guests. Compare this with the boats used by the cruise lines which hold up to 150 guests at once!

Every boat has open seating as well as outside viewing areas when permitted.

The interior of the boat is heated when needed due to weather conditions to keep a comfortable environment.

Yes, the boat has a restroom.

Humpback whales and other sea animals are protected species and a safe distance of at least 100 yards must be maintained at all times according to NOAA regulations.

Sightings are guaranteed or you'll receive a full refund for the whale watching portion of your tour.

Air temperature can drop as much as 20F with the wind chill factor when viewing whales outside.

The maximum capacity for this tour is 51 guests.

There is open seating on the tour bus, however if you require a certain seat due to physical impairment then please inform your tour guide.

No, unless you can walk 2 miles within 45 minutes. Nugget Falls is located about 1 mile from the Visitor Center and can be seen from the parking lot and various walking trails and view points around the Visitor Center building.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. Bears are often seen near the glacier during the late summer salmon spawning season, however this is not a designated bear watching tour and nothing can be guaranteed!

Walking on or getting up close to the glacier is not possible during this tour.

Yes, admission is included.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable containters and snacks are allowed on tour.

Beverages, bottled water and a light snack (granola bar) are included.

 

Guest Reviews

4.8

864 total

81%
15%
4%
0%
0%

Jeff H

On Oct 2024

The team that took us out consisted of Cpt Brian, Ashley, and I'm so sorry, I tried to remember the other young ladies name, but Ashley was the one who spoke to us about the whales. She was very engaging and knowledgeable and answered all the questions we had about the whales. Brian got us where we needed to be to see them and oh what a sight it was. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would definitely do it again and again. I would recommend this company over and over again.

Hugh H

On Oct 2024

Absolutely phenomenal excursion. You will not believe how close you get to the whales and see them in their natural habitat. The knowledge of the guides makes the excursion five star. The Mendenhall glacier and nugget falls are just spectacular.

Christi B

On Oct 2024

Fantastic tour with knowledgeable driver & guides! We enjoyed Mendenhall Glacier and had plenty of time to walk around & explore, take pictures and visit the museum. The whale watching tour was the highlight - excellent staff, large boat with room for everyone, lots & lots of whale fins/tails. Despite the weather, we had a wonderful time & would highly recommend Alaska Shore Excursions to anyone visiting!

Stephanie R

On Sep 2024

We really enjoyed this excursion. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw lots of whales and learned about their behaviors. We did not get to see one breach but it was still amazing to see them.

Mary G

On Sep 2024

Well worth doing. Very informative and once whales were spotted there was plenty of time on deck to take photos.

$239.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$239.00

Duration: 4.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4.5 hours



Adult (13+): $239.00

Child (2-12): $199.00

Infant (Under 2): $0.00

From Cache -BTN