Glacier Viewing in Juneau
14 Activities
Juneau Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Combo Tour
This is an enthralling opportunity to witness two jewels in Juneau - the graceful elegance of humpback whales and the serene beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier. Our fleet of whale watching boats and glacier shuttles offer a seamless combination of two of Juneau’s favorite activities and our most popular tour. Upon check in, you will either be escorted to one of our shuttles for a narrated 25-minute drive to the glacier or to the boat harbor for whale watching. Mendenhall is the world’s only drive up glacier. You can choose to hike to Nugget Falls (1.5 hours round trip), take the Photo Point Trail (40 minutes round trip), look for wildlife along the Steep Creek trail, or stroll up the easy walk to the Visitor Center. During your time on the water, you will be accompanied by a naturalist who explains the feeding habits of these magnificent creatures and identifies the many other kinds of wildlife that share these waters. Our whale watching boats are custom made to enhance your experience – a warm heated cabin with large viewing windows, and two decks to hurry to when the captain slows after spotting the whales. A bathroom is onboard.
Glacier Shuttle Tour
Discover Alaska's capital city! Nestled between stunning mountain vistas and winding waterways, the modern city of Juneau is reminiscent of the old west. From the colorful port, along the picturesque Egan drive, this unique city has a surprise around every corner. Join us for a colorful narrated tour! The crowning point of the tour is Juneau's natural treasure, the Mendenhall Glacier. One of 38 glaciers flowing from the massive 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice field. At this stop, you have TWO HOURS to explore this glacial wonder from a variety of perspectives like Nugget Creek Falls and Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glacier's face. There you can also visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for an elevated view of the glacier as well as interactive geological exhibits explaining glacier formation. *Itinerary: - Meet us at the convenient, central pick-up location in front of the Mt. Roberts Tramway. - To find your bus, check in with one of our Dock Representatives holding a "Juneau Tours or Juneau Whale Watch" sign, sporting a smile and wearing a bright blue hat. - Enjoy commentary about Juneau’s Gold Rush history as you travel along the Gastineau Channel, past the Mendenhall Tidelands, surrounded by the evergreen expanse of the Tongass National Forest. - You'll be dropped off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center (admission price included in your ticket). The bathrooms and smoking area are nearby. Ask the driver for directions. - Explore the park. You will have TWO HOURS for this self-guided part of the tour. Forest rangers are available for suggestions but don't forget to check out Steep Creek, where salmon spawn, and sometimes bears may be found feeding. - If you want a nice walk - hike the trail to Nugget Falls. It’s an easy 45 minute round-trip walk (.8 miles each way) with plenty of time for pictures and skipping stones. * The tour route is subject to change due to the ongoing construction and seasonal availability of certain sites.
5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration from Juneau
The grandeur of Alaska’s epic glaciers will thrill and delight you on Juneau’s ONLY five glacier seaplane tour. Your adventure begins the moment your floatplane departs the waters of the historic downtown Juneau waterfront. Fly in a classic, 10 passenger, deHavilland Otter floatplane which offers each guest an individual window seat view and headset for continuous narration throughout the flight. En route, you'll soar over the lush wilderness that is the Tongass National Forest until your first glimpse of five distinctly different and majestic glaciers within the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. Glide past deep crevasses and azure blue meltwater pools of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, as well as the famous Taku Glacier. With a base of 5 miles wide, the Taku Glacier is the largest out of the entire Juneau Icefield. Seeing glaciers from the air and doing so by authentic bush plane, is a MUST DO and is the quintessential Alaskan experience!
Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery
You’re in for the journey of a lifetime! We’ve combined the best experiences of Alaska for this unique 3-hour excursion. Glacier flightseeing, the remote and historic private Taku Glacier Lodge, wilderness trails, wildlife, and to top it off a scrumptious wild Alaska salmon feast. A true Alaskan experience, your adventure begins the moment you “take off” from the heart of the Juneau waterfront. Each passenger will take pleasure in an unrestricted view of the magnificent glaciers and deep blue crevasses of the Juneau Icefield. Snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and lush forests await. A full narration allows continuous information while allowing the pilot to focus on their all important piloting duties. The Taku River will be your “runway” when landing at the Taku Glacier Lodge. This historic lodge was built in 1923 directly across from the picturesque Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier, and sits amid the untouched Tongass National Forest. Shortly after your arrival, the aroma of fresh Wild Alaska Salmon tells you the feast is about to begin. Your salmon entrée will be complimented with all homemade side dishes for either brunch, lunch or dinner, including actual glacier ice to cool your drinks. This truly Alaskan meal is presented with an elegantly rustic charm. While enjoying your meal, your host will entertain you with stories of Taku Lodges colorful past and characters like Mary Joyce with her famous 1000 mile dog sled trip that put the Taku Glacier Lodge on the Alaska map. This unique lodge is decorated with old dog sleds, hunting and trapping gear, furs and other Alaskan memorabilia. This is your Taku Glacier Lodge trip; MAKE IT WHAT YOU WANT! After your meal you may take in one of a number of options; wander the well-maintained trails of the old growth forest independently, explore on a guided interpretative nature walk, or relax with a beverage and soak in the serenity of a place scarcely touched by time. All the while keep an eye out for the black bears that can’t resist the aroma of fresh grilled Alaskan Salmon. Rain or shine this trip will be an experience of a lifetime and a true look at Mother Nature in her finest. This is the essence of what memories are made of. Everyone has a window seat!
Juneau Luxury Whale Watch
See the most breathtaking wildlife in Alaska in comfort and style aboard our luxury yachts. On this trip of a lifetime, our time together has been carefully designed to ensure you experience the very best of Alaska’s capital city and the Inside Passage. Your adventure begins dockside next to your ship where you’ll board one of our Mercedes Sprinter Land Yachts to take you on the 25-minute ride to Auke Bay. Here, you’ll board the only whale watching yacht in Alaska. Once we’re on the water, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales and other world-class wildlife like orcas, bald eagles, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and even the occasional brown or black bear. Our master captain and expert naturalist take you to the best locations and share their local knowledge on the area and its wildlife. Most guests visiting Juneau take a whale watching tour, but there is only ONE offering a truly private, first-class experience. Only with Alaska Luxury Tours, will your trip include “Alaskan” beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks, coffee, and along with top-quality snacks and appetizers. Everything is included onboard our luxury yacht, including unlimited drinks. Not only will you travel in comfort and style, we will show you the best views of Juneau, including our favorite local spots. We can also accommodate most custom requests - please ask! This is your chance to step away from the crowds and breathe in the clear Alaskan air with our private tour and relaxing ambiance. After 3 hours on the water, we’ll take the journey back to your ship. We’ll stop for a photo opportunity of the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier (weather permitting).
VIP All Access Private Heli And Yacht Charter
This 6-hour VIP adventure combines the two best ways to see Juneau - by air AND by the sea! You’ll be chauffeured via Mercedes Sprinter and delivered to the our local helicopter base for your VIP Helicopter Experience. Buckle up, because this is no ordinary helicopter tour! Climb aboard your aircraft, featuring a sleek custom painted exterior and corporate leather interior for your nearly hour-long flight with glacier landing (if there is time, you will stop at TWO different glaciers.) Your pilot will choose one to two different glacier landings among the 36 named glaciers stretched across 1,500 square miles of the Juneau Icefield; a few landing possibilities include the Herbert, Taku, Norris, Gilkey, Hole in the Wall, or the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Moments after departing the Heli-base, you will enjoy a breathtaking view only seen by a few. Your flight takes you over ice spires, deep blue crevasses, and meltwater pools. With approximately 50 minutes of helicopter time, you will have plenty of opportunities to take in views of steep alpine ridges, lush rainforest, and the incredible glaciers below. For an up-close opportunity to appreciate this ancient landscape, your pilot will land in two different locations, where you will continue the tour on foot. You will have the opportunity to explore and take photographs of the stunning untouched landscape. Once on the ice, your pilot will escort you on an informative walk on the glacier’s surface while describing the magnificent area that surrounds you. Afterward, you'll be transported to Auke Bay, where you’ll board your private yacht for the day. Onboard, you’ll find champagne, wine, local Alaskan Brewing Co. beer, charcuterie cheese board, and delicious snack treats. Once we’re on the water, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales and other world-class wildlife like orcas, bald eagles, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and even the occasional brown or black bear. Our master captain and expert naturalist take you to the best locations and share their local knowledge on the area and its wildlife. Most importantly, you can rest assured that Alaska Luxury Tours will do everything we can to make this an adventure of a lifetime.
Juneau Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk
Take in all the beauty Southeast Alaska has to offer on this once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour to the Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll soar through the lush green of the Tongass National Forest, over deep crevasses, past hanging icefalls and around jagged spires to bring you to the glacier where you will explore its surface with our expert glacier guides. Your tour begins with a short transfer to our comfortable and spacious heli-base. Here you will be geared up with glacier boots and given a safety briefing by our tour attendants. Load up into our state of the art helicopters and begin your bucket-list worthy adventure. Our highly-trained pilots will lift you off the ground and safely transport you over some of the most breathtaking sights you have ever seen. Lush green rainforests, alpine ridges, and glacier valleys pass beneath you as you make your way to the main attraction, the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Before touching down, you will have a birds-eye view of the awe-inspiring blue glacier ice, deep crevasses, spectacular ice falls and the jagged peaks of the Mendenhall Towers. Once you have safely landed on the glacier you will be welcomed by our team of expert glacier guides. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a tour of Mendenhall Glacier. During the 25 minutes you spend on the glacier you will learn how glaciers are formed and what makes them so spectacular. The tour will allow you to explore melt-water pools, feel glacial silt, and capture all of the beauty on your camera. The adventure isn’t over yet; join your pilot in the helicopter for a ride back to our base to take in the Alaskan beauty from the air one last time. Leaving the glacier behind you will take with you memories that will last a life-time.
Juneau Dog Sledding On The Mendenhall Glacier
Enjoy two exciting rides across the Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter and by dog sledding. Take in views of deep blue crevasses and glacier carved peaks as you ascend 4,000 feet to our Dog Camp on the Mendenhall Glacier. Mush like the Iditarod winners as you take in the still beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau Icefields. Enjoy time with our professional mushers and their Alaskan sled dogs. Chat about camp life with our experienced dog mushers and cuddle with Alaska husky puppies! What’s on your Alaskan bucket list? Flying high above breathtaking views of Alaskan landscapes? Walking on the famed Mendenhall Glacier? Zipping through the snow on a sled pulled by a team of Alaskan huskies? This tour offers all this and more. You begin at our comfortable heli-base where you will be outfitted in glacier boots and given a safety briefing by our friendly tour attendants. From here you will load up into our state of the art helicopters and be whisked away to begin your dog sledding adventure. Our highly trained pilots will narrate the scenic helicopter ride on your way to the main attraction, the mighty Mendenhall Glacier. During your flight you will have a bird’s eye view of the lush Tongass Rainforest, soaring mountain peaks, and the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier. As you touch down at our authentic dog mushing camp, you will be greeted by professional dog mushers and their energetic companions, the Alaskan Huskies! Experience the unique thrill as these athletes pull you through the snow that blankets the Mendenhall Glacier. Take turns directing the dogs with your musher and relaxing in the sled. After your exhilarating sledding experience, you will have time to cuddle with puppies and chat with your dog musher before boarding your helicopter to return to the heli-base. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and check off that item on your bucket list.
Juneau Helicopter Pilot's Choice Tour
Moments after departing the heli-base, you will enjoy a breathtaking view only seen by few. Your flight takes you over ice spires, deep blue crevasses, and meltwater pools. After arriving at the heliport, you will be outfitted in glacier boots and given a safety briefing by our friendly tour attendants. Your pilot will choose two different glacier landings among the 36 named glaciers stretched across 1,500 square miles of the Juneau Icefield; a few landing possibilities include the Herbert, Taku, Norris, Gilkey, Hole in the Wall or the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Moments after departing the heli-base, you will enjoy a breathtaking view only seen by few. Your flight takes you over ice spires, deep blue crevasses, and meltwater pools. With approximately 50 minutes of helicopter time you will have plenty of opportunities to take in views of steep alpine ridges, lush rainforest, and the incredible glaciers below. For an up-close opportunity to appreciate this ancient landscape, your pilot will land in two different locations, where you will continue the tour on foot for approximately 15 minutes at each location. You will have the opportunity to explore and take photographs of the stunning untouched landscape. Once on the ice, your pilot will escort you on an informative walk on the glacier’s surface while describing the magnificent area that surrounds you. The Pilot’s Choice tour is an incomparable dynamic journey of discovery, a once-in-a-lifetime experience sure to provide enduring memories of Southeast Alaska. This tour enables you to see the most remote and ancient peaks and glaciers in the Juneau Icefields. Your pilot will be your guide for two different helicopter landings, so you can have a unique and personalized experience. This tour offers reduced passenger capacity and a flexible flight itinerary making this tour the pinnacle of flightseeing tours. With two different glacier landings and the pilot as your guide, this tour is a one-of-a-kind experience!
Available Timing
Icefield Excursion
This helicopter flightseeing tour with glacier landing will fly you over the Juneau Icefield where you will see spectacular rock formations and icefalls. Your experienced pilot will be your glacier guide while viewing awe-inspiring moulins, crevasses, icefalls, ponds, and streams on the Herbert Glacier. Your helicopter flight will be narrated by our knowledgeable pilot-guide and upon reaching your destination your pilot-guide will shut down the helicopter and escort you on an informative, relaxing walk while describing the area that surrounds you.
Dog Sled Tour
True Alaskan Experience! Take a helicopter flightseeing tour and experience dogsledding on the Herbert Glacier with Alaska Icefield Expeditions. FEEL THE EXCITEMENT as a team of 10 to 12 sled dogs pull a combination sled configuration made up of two sleds accommodating up to groups of four. We pride ourselves on providing personal service to every guest, keeping your experience one of a kind with small group sizes and excellent mushers.
Dog Sled with Additional Glacier Landing
You will get the full experience at the dog camp as well as an incredible walkabout at the toe of the glacier with your Pilot-Guide. This EXCLUSIVE tour accommodates up to six guests per departure.
Private Icefield Excursion
Take a flight to the glacier and be awed as you soar over Alaska’s natural wilderness. Touch down on a beautiful glacier for your walkabout of a lifetime! This helicopter flightseeing tour with glacier landing will fly you over the Juneau Icefield where you will see spectacular rock formations and icefalls. Your experienced pilot will be your glacier guide while viewing awe-inspiring moulins, crevasses, icefalls, ponds, and streams on the Herbert Glacier. Your helicopter flight will be narrated by our knowledgeable pilot-guide and upon reaching your destination your pilot-guide will shut down the helicopter and escort you on an informative, relaxing walk while describing the area that surrounds you.
Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest
Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure with our family-owned, Tlingit-operated company. With over 50 years of experience, enjoy the best of Southeast Alaska—up-close whale watching aboard a custom expedition vessel followed by time to explore the iconic Mendenhall Glacier. - Board a motorcoach directly from your cruise ship dock for a scenic ride to the whale-watching facility. Along the way, enjoy fascinating insights into Juneau’s history and culture. - Upon arrival at the whale watching facility, board one of our custom-built expedition vessels, crafted in our Sitka shipyard. As you explore our skilled crew—including an experienced captain, a knowledgeable naturalist, and a welcoming team. - Keep your eyes peeled for iconic Alaskan wildlife: humpback and orca whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals, and bald eagles may be spotted on your journey. - Relax in a heated cabin with wrap-around windows, an outdoor viewing deck, and a galley gift shop. - Travel to the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier, where you’ll have time to explore the Visitor Center’s interactive exhibits, stroll along scenic viewpoint trails, and witness the breathtaking Nugget Falls. - Conclude your adventure with a comfortable coach ride back to your cruise ship, taking in more of Alaska’s stunning wilderness along the way.
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