Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour

Travelers seeking a well-rounded glimpse of Juneau’s breathtaking natural wonders often find themselves drawn to this popular tour, which combines the majesty of the Mendenhall Glacier with the thrill of whale watching. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews, itinerary, and overall experience paint a picture of a memorable, family-friendly adventure that balances scenic beauty with wildlife encounters.

What we love most about this tour is its small-group vibe, which fosters a more intimate and relaxed feeling—perfect for photo ops and meaningful spotting of whales and local wildlife. The extra time at the glacier and Nugget Falls ensures you won’t feel rushed, giving you ample opportunity to take in the views and enjoy the surroundings. The family-owned nature of the operation adds a touch of authenticity and friendliness that’s hard to find with larger, corporate tours.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency—as with most outdoor adventures in Alaska, poor weather could lead to cancellations or a less optimal experience. The tour’s price point also makes it an investment, but considering the inclusions such as snacks, binoculars, and a knowledgeable guide, many travelers find it offers solid value.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive day out, blending scenic sights with wildlife viewing—perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone eager to see Juneau’s iconic landscapes and marine life without feeling overwhelmed.

Good To Know

• Small-group setting enhances the intimacy and comfort of your experience
• Extra time at Mendenhall Glacier allows for more exploration and picture-taking
• Wildlife sightings include humpback whales, orcas, and seals, with guides using local knowledge for the best chances
• Family-owned tour ensures a friendly, personalized touch and community support
• All transportation is included, with quick transfers between stops
• Weather can impact the experience; flexibility is built into the cancellation policy

Exploring Juneau’s Natural Wonders: A Complete Breakdown

The Itinerary: What You’ll Do and Why It Matters

The tour begins with a guided bus ride through downtown Juneau, offering a quick overview of the city’s layout and setting the stage for your adventure. This part lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, during which your guide will likely share interesting tidbits about Juneau’s history and local culture. It’s a gentle introduction, perfect for warming up before the day’s outdoor activities.

Next, the group heads to Nugget Falls for a roughly 40-minute easy hike. The trail is accessible for most fitness levels, and the walk through lush rainforest often surprises visitors with its peaceful serenity and vibrant greenery. As one reviewer pointed out, “the walk to Nugget Falls was very easy to travel,” making this a great option for families or travelers not keen on strenuous hikes. You’ll get close enough to the falls to hear the roaring water, and many find it a perfect spot for photos, especially with the glacier’s backdrop.

After the hike, you’ll make a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about the glacier’s history and ongoing changes, with exhibits and a viewing platform. The extra hour at this stop is a real benefit, giving you time to explore the Visitor Center, watch the ice formations, or simply soak in the sweeping views of the glacier. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with one of Alaska’s most iconic sights at your own pace.

Following this, the tour shifts gears to the main event: whale watching on a mammal-friendly jet boat. Leaving from Auke Bay Harbor, the boat ride lasts about two hours. With a maximum group size of 30, you’re part of a manageable, friendly group, which helps guides better attend to wildlife spotting. The guide’s local expertise is an asset here—one reviewer mentioned how “experienced captains use their local knowledge to show you the most exciting whales out there,” which maximizes your chances of spotting humpbacks, orcas, and even seals and sea lions.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour’s transportation is seamless, with quick transfers between stops, minimizing wait times. The small jet boats are mammal-friendly, designed to reduce disturbance to the wildlife, and their size makes for a more personal experience compared to larger boats. The guided bus ride in Juneau’s city streets is comfortable, and the entire experience is designed with convenience in mind, including binoculars and snacks (hot chocolate, coffee, and a generous snack bag).

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour’s inclusions add value: snacks keep you energized, binoculars improve wildlife viewing, and the guide ensures you get the most out of each stop. The admission tickets to the Glacier and Visitor Center are included, removing extra costs.

However, there are no audio or written guides, so if you’re a self-directed learner, you might find the information somewhat limited. Also, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level since the tour involves walking and standing for periods, though none of the activities are overly strenuous.

What Reviewers Say

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with all three reviews giving a perfect rating. One reviewer, Susanna, highlighted the friendly, happy guides and boat team, and appreciated the easy walk to Nugget Falls. She described seeing “several humpback whales, stellar seal lions, and killer whales,” making it clear that wildlife sightings are a real highlight.

Another review appreciated the small group size, which made the experience intimate and comfortable. The emphasis on local guides and staff who love Juneau shines through, often making the experience feel authentic and personal.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour special is its combination of scenic stops and wildlife encounters, all wrapped into a manageable 5-hour window. The extra time at Mendenhall Glacier means you’re not rushed to see everything, and the boat trip offers a genuine chance to witness whales in their natural environment.

The small fleet and family-owned operation lend a friendly, welcoming vibe that’s often missing from larger tours. The focus on environmental sensitivity—using mammal-friendly boats—aligns with the values of many eco-conscious travelers.

Pricing and Value

At $199 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for Alaskan excursions, but the inclusions—snacks, binoculars, multiple stops, and expert guides—add to its worth. The fact that you get extra time at the glacier and a guided wildlife tour makes it a good investment for those wanting a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning each component separately.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, families, and first-time visitors wanting a balanced, authentic taste of Juneau’s natural offerings. If you’re after whale sightings combined with glacier scenery, and prefer a small, friendly group, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate flexibility and extra time for exploration, rather than rushed, large-group excursions. Those with moderate physical fitness will find it accessible, but it’s not designed for anyone with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Juneau’s most iconic sights, wrapped into a manageable 5-hour experience. The combination of scenic rainforest hikes, stunning glacier views, and active wildlife encounters makes it a fantastic choice for those wanting to see Alaska’s wilderness up close.

The fact that it’s family-owned and small-scale means you’re likely to enjoy friendly, personalized service and more genuine interactions with guides who love sharing their knowledge of Juneau. While weather can influence the experience, the flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind.

This tour appears to strike a good balance between value and authenticity, providing plenty of memorable moments without feeling overly commercialized. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed day immersed in Alaska’s natural beauty.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 5 hours, including all stops and activities.

Are snacks provided?
Yes, a generous snack bag, along with hot chocolate and coffee, is included to keep you energized.

What wildlife might I see?
You can expect to see humpback whales, killer whales (orcas), stellar seal lions, and possibly other marine animals, depending on the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s easy hikes and small group setting make it suitable for families with children, provided they can handle moderate physical activity.

Are binoculars included?
Yes, binoculars are provided for wildlife viewing during the boat trip.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour depends on good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour combines the best of Juneau’s natural beauty with a friendly, personalized touch. Whether you’re keen on snapping photos of icy vistas or looking for your next whale sighting, this experience offers genuine value for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.