Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour

If you’re considering a trip to Juneau, Alaska, chances are you’re after breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife sightings, and authentic local experiences. This Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour from Dolphin Jet Boat Tours promises just that — a well-rounded day that combines the stunning scenery of glaciers and waterfalls with the thrill of spotting whales in their natural habitat. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, gathering insights from reviews and detailed descriptions helps paint a clear picture of what you can expect.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small group size and family-owned vibe create an intimate, personalized experience. Second, the extended time at Mendenhall Glacier — nearly double the usual hours — means you can explore at a relaxed pace, soaking in the views. Third, the mammal-friendly jet boats ensure a respectful, eco-conscious approach to whale watching. The only potential consideration? The tour’s 5-hour length might feel a bit long for those with limited time, but it’s a small trade-off for the depth of experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value authenticity, local knowledge, and quality wildlife sightings. If you’re eager to see glaciers, waterfalls, and whales without the crowds or overly commercialized tours, this experience could be a highlight of your Juneau trip.

Good To Know

• Small, family-owned operation offers a more personalized, friendly atmosphere.
• Extended glacier time allows for a more relaxed exploration of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.
• Wildlife sightings include humpback whales, killer whales, and seals, with expert guides using local knowledge.
• Eco-conscious fleet ensures mammal-friendly boat rides with minimal disturbance to wildlife.
• Inclusive amenities like snacks, hot drinks, and binoculars enhance the comfort and viewing experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy and easy booking process add peace of mind.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Juneau City Drive

Your adventure kicks off with a guided bus tour through downtown Juneau. This is a practical and scenic way to get an overview of the city’s layout, history, and local flavor, all while staying comfortable. The guide offers commentary that hints at the area’s fascinating history and natural features, making the subsequent stops more meaningful. Plus, this part of the tour is free, and you gain a sense of the town’s unique charm, set against towering mountains and lush greenery.

Stop 2: Nugget Falls Hike

Next, you’ll hop onto a relatively easy 45-minute round trip hike leading you to the foot of Nugget Falls. This waterfall plummets from the glacier itself, creating a misty, thunderous spectacle that’s perfect for photos and peaceful moments. Reviewers mention how accessible and straightforward this walk is — “The walk to Nugget Falls was very easy to travel,” says Susanna_J, one of the reviewers. The trail is ideal for most fitness levels, but if you’re a slow hiker or like to take your time with photos, you’ll appreciate the extra flexibility.

Stop 3: Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

The tour grants approximately an hour at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, giving you ample opportunity to explore exhibits, learn about glacier formation, or simply stand in awe of the ice mass. One reviewer highlights the value of this extended visit, noting it was “more time at the glacier to look at salmon, visit the Visitor’s Center, and enjoy Nugget Falls.” The glacier itself is a captivating sight, especially when framed by the surrounding rainforest — a true testament to Alaska’s wild beauty.

Stop 4: Whale Watching from Auke Bay

The grand finale is a two-hour boat ride in Auke Bay, where expert captains, familiar with local whale patterns, seek out humpbacks, orcas, and seals. These smaller, mammal-friendly jet boats provide a more respectful approach to wildlife, increasing your chances of close, unobtrusive sightings. Multiple reviewers described the experience as “very nice,” with one mentioning they saw several humpbacks, killer whales, and stellar seals — “Small group made it very nice,” said Susanna_J.

The boat ride also includes binoculars and snacks, making it a comfortable and engaging experience. The guides’ local knowledge, combined with the boat’s ability to quickly navigate to promising whale hotspots, maximizes your chances of memorable encounters.

Why the Small Group and Family-Owned Approach Matter

Unlike large commercial tours, this company operates with a maximum of 30 travelers, which fosters a more intimate atmosphere. Reviewers particularly appreciated how “the small group” made the trip more personal and less rushed. The guides’ enthusiasm and local insights also shine through, making each stop feel meaningful rather than just a checklist.

Eco-conscious and Respectful Wildlife Viewing

The fleet’s mammal-friendly jet boats are designed to minimize disturbance, a significant benefit for eco-conscious travelers. This respectful approach allows you to observe whales and seals in their natural environment without feeling like you’re intruding or disturbing their routine.

Value for Money: Is It Worth $199?

At $199 per person, this tour offers a multi-faceted experience — city sights, glacier exploration, waterfalls, and whale watching — all within a manageable five-hour window. When you consider the included amenities such as snacks, hot drinks, binoculars, and an expert guide, the value rises. Plus, the extended glacier visit and small group setting mean fewer crowds and a more personalized experience compared to larger, rushed tours.

On top of that, the flexible cancellation policy — free up to 24 hours before — adds an extra layer of peace of mind, especially when weather in Alaska can be unpredictable.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is ideal for most physical fitness levels, it does require moderate activity, like walking to Nugget Falls. The timing is fixed, so be prepared for a full, engaging day. It’s recommended to wear layered clothing, as weather can change quickly, especially around glaciers and the water.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Reviewers consistently mention the stunning views and the friendly, engaged guides. One noted, “The walk to Nugget Falls was very easy to travel,” emphasizing the accessibility of the hike. Others appreciated the wildlife sightings, with one saying, “Saw several humpback whales, stellar seal lions and killer whales,” highlighting the tour’s success in wildlife viewing.

The small group size and personalized service are often praised, with one reviewer stating, “the small group made it very nice.” This indicates a more relaxed, unhurried experience, ideal for travelers seeking genuine connection with guides.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, authentic taste of Juneau’s natural wonders without the crowds. It suits travelers who appreciate flexibility, wildlife, and scenic beauty, and who prefer a smaller, family-run operation over the big tour companies. The combination of glacier, waterfall, and whale watching makes it a well-rounded option for nature lovers and families alike.

The Sum Up

In essence, this Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and wildlife encounters. The extended glacier visit allows for meaningful exploration, while the small boat trips increase your chances of quiet, respectful whale sightings. The inclusion of snacks, binoculars, and friendly guides adds to the overall value.

For travelers eager to experience Juneau’s awe-inspiring landscapes and marine life in an authentic and intimate setting, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for those who prioritize quality, genuine connections, and sustainable tourism practices.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the hike to Nugget Falls is described as easy, and most people can enjoy the walk without difficulty. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, but it’s not strenuous.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers guided transportation, admission to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center, a boat ride for whale watching, snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, and binoculars.

How long do I spend at each stop?
You’ll have about 1 hour at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, 40 minutes for the Nugget Falls hike, and approximately 2 hours for whale watching.

What wildlife might I see?
Whale sightings often include humpbacks and killer whales, while seals and stellar sea lions are common in the area.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour date, providing flexibility if weather or other circumstances change.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Goldbelt Tram, 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK, with options for drop-off at your cruise ship or other locations.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, the fleet uses mammal-friendly jet boats designed to minimize disturbance to wildlife, emphasizing respectful viewing practices.

This tour offers a well-crafted blend of scenery, wildlife, and cultural insights, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting a genuine Juneau adventure.