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Combine the majestic spectacle of Mendenhall Glacier with an exhilarating whale watching cruise just outside Juneau. This all-in-one Alaskan adventure offers panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and accessible hiking trails for a day packed with discovery.
Combine the majestic spectacle of Mendenhall Glacier with an exhilarating whale watching cruise just outside Juneau. This all-in-one Alaskan adventure offers panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and accessible hiking trails for a day packed with discovery.
Where the icy breath of the Mendenhall Glacier meets the restless tides of Alaska’s Inside Passage, adventure unfolds in crisp, chilly harmony. Just outside Juneau, this combo tour marries the awe of glacier exploration with the thrill of whale watching—two quintessential Alaska experiences packed into one seamless outing.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Juneau Tours · Juneau, Alaska
Where the icy breath of the Mendenhall Glacier meets the restless tides of Alaska’s Inside Passage, adventure unfolds in crisp, chilly harmony. Just outside Juneau, this combo tour marries the awe of glacier exploration with the thrill of whale watching—two quintessential Alaska experiences packed into one seamless outing.
Set against a backdrop of towering snowfields and dense coastal rainforest, the journey begins under the cables of the Mount Roberts Tramway, a landmark easily recognized by bright blue-hatted guides. From here, a shuttle whisks you to Auke Bay Harbor, where a specially designed whale watch vessel awaits. Whether aboard a 24-passenger jet boat or a spacious 49-passenger catamaran, you’ll be treated to expansive wide viewing windows and outdoor decks that invite nature to come close.
The waters here challenge and charm, offering a stage for Humpback whales as they breach and play, their powerful spouts punctuating the salt-scented air. Eagles wheel overhead, while curious seals might pop up, daring you to catch a glimpse amidst the sea's shimmering surface. Between May 15th and September 15th, whale sightings are guaranteed—an assurance that adds both excitement and a sense of privilege.
Post-whale watch, the rhythm shifts as a short bus ride leads to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Glistening at the edge of the Juneau Icefield, Mendenhall is one of 38 glaciers accessible from the region—an ever-changing mass of blue-tinged ice, cracking and creaking as it calves. Beyond absorbing panoramic views from the visitor center’s vantage point, hikers can embark on a manageable 2.5-mile round-trip trek to Nugget Falls. The trail traces forested paths where spruce and hemlock whisper with each breeze, and at Steep Creek, salmon swim upstream in a determined ballet.
The area’s geology, sculpted over millennia of glacial advance and retreat, tells a story still unfolding beneath your boots. Juneau itself carries the imprint of Tlingit heritage alongside modern Alaskan life, enriching the natural spectacle with cultural depth.
This tour calls for layers—waterproof jackets to guard against frequent rain showers and sturdy slip-resistant footwear for variable terrain. Moderate walking fitness is enough for easy trails and steady boat decks. Infant seats and service animals are accommodated, making it accessible for most travelers.
Whether you’re drawn by icy wilderness or marine giants, this combo offers a concentrated slice of Southeast Alaska’s wild charm, anchored in practical comfort and expert guidance.
moderate.
5 hours total.
Suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level comfortable with a few hours of walking and standing on a boat.
The tour lasts approximately five hours, including transport, a two-hour whale watching cruise, and about 1.5 hours at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
Yes, between May 15th and September 15th, whale sightings are guaranteed on this tour.
No, the Nugget Falls trail is an easy 2.5-mile round trip, suitable for most fitness levels.
Yes, the tour accommodates infants (who must sit on an adult’s lap) and is stroller accessible for small children.
Wear waterproof layers and sturdy, slip-resistant shoes to handle changing weather and wet terrain.
You can bring a camera, but tripods are not recommended due to limited space on the boat.
The Mendenhall Glacier lies within Tongass National Forest, an area rich in Tlingit heritage with a legacy of native stewardship of these lands.
Efforts are in place to minimize boat wake impact and preserve salmon spawning habitats, ensuring sustainable wildlife viewing and hiking experiences.
Juneau Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Where the icy breath of the Mendenhall Glacier meets the restless tides of Alaska’s Inside Passage, adventure unfolds in crisp, chilly harmony. Just outside Juneau, this combo tour marries the awe of glacier exploration with the thrill of whale watching—two quintessential Alaska experiences packed into one seamless outing.
Where the icy breath of the Mendenhall Glacier meets the restless tides of Alaska’s Inside Passage, adventure unfolds in crisp, chilly harmony. Just outside Juneau, this combo tour marries the awe of glacier exploration with the thrill of whale watching—two quintessential Alaska experiences packed into one seamless outing.
Set against a backdrop of towering snowfields and dense coastal rainforest, the journey begins under the cables of the Mount Roberts Tramway, a landmark easily recognized by bright blue-hatted guides. From here, a shuttle whisks you to Auke Bay Harbor, where a specially designed whale watch vessel awaits. Whether aboard a 24-passenger jet boat or a spacious 49-passenger catamaran, you’ll be treated to expansive wide viewing windows and outdoor decks that invite nature to come close.
The waters here challenge and charm, offering a stage for Humpback whales as they breach and play, their powerful spouts punctuating the salt-scented air. Eagles wheel overhead, while curious seals might pop up, daring you to catch a glimpse amidst the sea's shimmering surface. Between May 15th and September 15th, whale sightings are guaranteed—an assurance that adds both excitement and a sense of privilege.
Post-whale watch, the rhythm shifts as a short bus ride leads to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Glistening at the edge of the Juneau Icefield, Mendenhall is one of 38 glaciers accessible from the region—an ever-changing mass of blue-tinged ice, cracking and creaking as it calves. Beyond absorbing panoramic views from the visitor center’s vantage point, hikers can embark on a manageable 2.5-mile round-trip trek to Nugget Falls. The trail traces forested paths where spruce and hemlock whisper with each breeze, and at Steep Creek, salmon swim upstream in a determined ballet.
The area’s geology, sculpted over millennia of glacial advance and retreat, tells a story still unfolding beneath your boots. Juneau itself carries the imprint of Tlingit heritage alongside modern Alaskan life, enriching the natural spectacle with cultural depth.
This tour calls for layers—waterproof jackets to guard against frequent rain showers and sturdy slip-resistant footwear for variable terrain. Moderate walking fitness is enough for easy trails and steady boat decks. Infant seats and service animals are accommodated, making it accessible for most travelers.
Whether you’re drawn by icy wilderness or marine giants, this combo offers a concentrated slice of Southeast Alaska’s wild charm, anchored in practical comfort and expert guidance.