Adventure Collective
Experience the Best of Juneau: Glacier Views, Whale Watching & Alaskan Flavors - Juneau

Experience the Best of Juneau: Glacier Views, Whale Watching & Alaskan Flavors

Juneaumoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

6–8 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness required for light hiking and boat travel stability.

Overview

Discover Juneau’s top natural highlights from the giant Mendenhall Glacier to thrilling humpback whale encounters and a delicious salmon feast. This one-day adventure perfectly blends wildlife, glaciers, and local flavors.

Juneau, Alaska

Best of Juneau

6.25 Hours • All Ages

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About This Adventure

Experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier, thrilling humpback whale sightings, and a delicious all-you-can-eat salmon buffet. Enjoy a narrated journey, explore interactive exhibits, and savor grilled salmon in a stunning rainforest setting, complete with campfire marshmallows and scenic strolls to a picturesque waterfall.

A triple treat complete with whales, glaciers and an Alaskan buffet!

Duration

Approximately 6.25 Hours

About

Come face-to-face with a glacier, marvel at huge humpback whales and top this excitement off with a scrumptious meal featuring wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an alder wood fire. You'll call this combination amazing; we call it the Best of Juneau®.

Enjoy a narrated transfer to the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier and its Visitor Center, where a ranger can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders there. Roam the grounds, snap photos and take in the interactive exhibits.

From Mendenhall Glacier, we’ll take you to Auke Bay where you’ll board our state-of-the-art, 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching. It has extra-large windows, and an outside viewing deck.

Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and our boat captains are experts at locating them. We guarantee whale sightings; if there are no whales during your cruise, we'll refund $100 to each adult and $50 for children. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it’s likely you'll first hear a collective chorus of ""Oohhs!"" and ""Ahhs!"" from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback suddenly breach.

Binoculars are available for your use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to take a photo, or settle into your warm, comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows.

After your whale watching cruise, you're off to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. In a beautiful setting nestled in the rainforest, you'll arrive with the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The all-you-can-eat buffet also includes Bonanza barbequed Ribs, Alyeska Au Gratin Potatoes, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, and other sides, salads, beverages, and blueberry cake for dessert!

After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Take your time; you can return to the dock at your leisure.

What's Included

Narrated transfer to Mendenhall Glacier and self-guided tour; whale watching cruise with an onboard naturalist; wild Alaskan salmon and all-you-can-eat buffet at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake; transfer back to the dock.

Additional Information

  • Sequence of tour features may vary. Suitable for all ages. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form if traveling without a parent or guardian. This tour operates under a special use permit with the USDA Forest Service and is and equal opportunity provider.
  • There are multiple daily departures late April through mid-October at times to accommodate cruise ship or tour schedules.

Adventure Tips

Bring layered clothing

Alaskan weather can shift rapidly; wear moisture-wicking layers to stay comfortable from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons.

Use binoculars for wildlife

Carry binoculars to enhance whale and bird watching experiences out on the water.

Stay on marked trails at Mendenhall Glacier

Protect fragile glacial ecosystems by sticking to designated paths and viewing platforms.

Book early for peak season

Summer months fill quickly—reserve your spot well in advance to guarantee availability.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Humpback whales
  • Bald eagles

History

Juneau was founded during the gold rush in 1880 and has grown around its rich natural resources and indigenous Tlingit culture.

Conservation

Local operators follow strict wildlife viewing guidelines and promote sustainable tourism to preserve sensitive habitats around Juneau.

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Adventure Hotspots in Juneau

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Keeps you dry during coastal rain showers and mist from glaciers.

summer specific

Comfortable hiking shoes

Essential

Needed for walking on uneven trails around Mendenhall Glacier.

summer specific

Camera with zoom lens

Captures distant wildlife and expansive glacier views with clarity.

summer specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated throughout the tour with eco-friendly water.