Planning a trip to Juneau and wondering what the best way to experience its natural wonders is? This tour from Dolphin Jet Boat Tours combines the awe of glaciers with the thrill of whale watching, offering an immersive day in Alaska’s wilderness. It’s an activity packed with scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and opportunities for independent exploration.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides ensure you get the most out of each stop. Second, the opportunity to see whales in their natural environment is genuinely impressive—many guests report close-up sightings. Third, the flexibility at Mendenhall Glacier, with extra time for hiking and exploring, adds a personalized touch. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour involves some steep ramps and gravel paths, which could be challenging for those with mobility limitations. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who love outdoor adventures, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
Good To Know
- Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see humpback whales and possibly other marine life thanks to expert guides and the small boat setup.
- Flexible Glacier Time: You get around 1.5 to 2 hours at Mendenhall Glacier, enough for a leisurely hike, photos, or exploring the Visitors Center.
- Comfortable Transport: Round-trip transportation from a central meeting point in Juneau and indoor boat seating make for a relaxed experience.
- Authentic Experiences: Get a genuine feel for Alaska’s wilderness beyond the typical tourist spots.
- Value for Money: Compared to cruise line excursions, this tour offers more personalized service at a competitive price.
- Highly Rated Guides: Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make wildlife sightings memorable.
This tour offers a well-balanced mix of land and sea adventures, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive Juneau experience. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and why it’s a popular choice.
You can check if your dates are available here:Starting Point and Transportation
Your day begins with a pickup from a designated meeting spot outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building, marked by a blue sign reading “whale watching tour meets here.” If you’re staying in Juneau or arriving via cruise, this central location makes it easy to join. The transfer to the boat and glacier sites is smooth, with comfortable indoor seating on the boat ensuring you stay warm and dry, even if the weather turns unpredictable.
Guests have lauded the efficiency of the pickup system. One reviewer mentioned, “Pickup was super easy at the port,” emphasizing how hassle-free the start is. The bus ride through the scenic Juneau landscape sets the tone for the day, with knowledgeable drivers providing commentary along the way.
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Whale Watching Experience
The boat tour is the highlight for many. You cruise through areas like Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel, depending on conditions. The naturalist guides are a major asset—guests note their enthusiasm, expertise, and ability to spot whales. As one reviewer shared, “Our guides were all fantastic,” and another raved about a guide named Nia and Jay, calling them “the best possible guides.”
Wildlife sightings are plentiful, with many guests reporting seeing multiple whales, including breaching and bubble net feeding. The use of binoculars included in the tour helps you get a closer look, but many find that the whales often come surprisingly close, reducing the need to strain your eyes. The experience of seeing humpbacks in action, sometimes just a few feet from the boat, makes this a memorable outing.
Onboard amenities further enhance the trip: guests enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and a complimentary snack while taking in the stunning scenery. The wildlife encounters are so impressive that one guest described the whales as “coming right up to our boat,” and others note the guides’ lively commentary adds a lot of fun to the trip.
Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls
After the sea adventure, your group heads to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Here, you’ll have around 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes of free time, enough to explore at your own pace. The easiest hike is a gravel, two-mile roundtrip walk to Nugget Falls, which most guests find manageable—even with strollers, thanks to the smooth surface.
Guests consistently praise the glacier’s visual impact and the chance to snap photos of the river, ice, and surrounding wilderness. One reviewer highlighted, “Getting to the glacier early before the big tour buses arrive made it much more pleasant.” You can also spend time at the Visitors Center, where exhibits deepen your understanding of glacier dynamics and local ecology.
For nature lovers, the creek walk over looking spawning salmon is a highlight. Visitors often spot black bears in the area, adding an extra layer of excitement. Several reviewers mention the value of having this extra time, with one saying, “We had enough time to walk to Nugget Falls and still catch the earlier bus back.”
Additional Considerations
While the tour is highly praised, it’s important to note that it involves some steep ramps at the glacier and gravel paths, which could present challenges for those with mobility issues. The gravel trail to Nugget Falls is gentle enough for strollers, but the steep ramp down to the boat dock or the terrain around the glacier may require effort.
The tour’s value is often highlighted in reviews. Compared to cruise ship options, guests find it offers more personal attention and flexibility for a similar price—$159 per person. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and binoculars adds to the overall experience, making it feel like a good deal for what you get.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyGuides and Overall Atmosphere
Dolphin Jet Boat Tours is praised for its friendly, professional staff. Guests often mention guides like Angie, who provided humor and useful information, and “Dustin, Hayle & Morgan,” who made the wildlife spotting exciting. Many reviews describe the guides as enthusiastic, well-informed, and eager to share their love of Alaska’s natural splendors.
One reviewer noted that “the staff couldn’t have been kinder” and that “everyone in our party as young as 22 months had a wonderful time.” The small boat setting creates a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for better wildlife viewing and personal interaction.
This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts who crave authentic wildlife encounters and scenic vistas. It’s also suited for travelers who want some independence at the glacier—whether hiking to Nugget Falls or exploring the Visitors Center. The combination of boat and land adventures makes it a flexible, well-rounded experience.
However, if you’re looking for a very short excursion or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider the shorter, standard tour option. But for those wanting a full, immersive day that balances adventure, education, and wildlife, this experience hits the mark.
For $159, you’re getting a lot of value. The chance to see humpback whales close up, combined with a scenic glacier hike, offers a comprehensive taste of Juneau’s natural wonders. The knowledgeable guides and flexible timing at Mendenhall Glacier set this apart from many other tours.
This experience particularly benefits those who want a personal, engaging day in Alaska’s wilderness without feeling rushed. The high review scores reflect its consistent quality, guided by friendly staff who love sharing their passion.
Who Should Book This Tour?
If you’re an outdoor lover, wildlife enthusiast, or interested in getting a good mix of sea and land activities, this is a smart choice. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate expert guides, scenic photography opportunities, and the freedom to explore at their own pace. Families with children comfortable on gravel paths will also find it suitable, especially with the extra time at Nugget Falls.
Travelers seeking a more exclusive, personalized experience at a reasonable price will find this tour offers excellent value—and plenty of memorable moments.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins from a designated meeting point outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you may spend time outdoors at the glacier and on the boat.
Can I see whales on this tour?
Yes, with a high likelihood, thanks to the naturalist guides and the small boat setup. Many guests have described seeing multiple whales, sometimes very close.
How much time do I get at Mendenhall Glacier?
You’ll have approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes for exploring, hiking, and sightseeing.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but be aware of the gravel paths and steep ramps. The gravel trail to Nugget Falls is stroller-friendly, but other terrains may be more challenging for mobility-impaired guests.
What is the price included?
Round-trip transportation, boat tour with indoor seating, snacks, refreshments, binoculars, and free time at the glacier are included.
What if I want a shorter experience?
There is a standard Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching tour available, which offers less time at the glacier but still includes whale sightings.
Are there any restrictions?
This tour is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This Juneau tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, glacier scenery, and independent exploration at Nugget Falls. The knowledgeable guides and the personalized feel make it a top choice for those wanting an authentic Alaskan adventure. Whether you’re eager to see whales breach or want to snap photos of the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, this tour delivers on both fronts at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers who value expert insight, flexible timing, and memorable, off-the-beaten-path moments in the wilds of Alaska.
You can check if your dates are available here: