Traveling to Juneau offers a unique chance to experience some of Alaska’s most iconic sights — from towering glaciers to majestic whales. This combined day trip from Juneau, offered by Alaska Tales Whale Watching, promises a memorable half-day adventure that balances natural beauty with marine wildlife encounters. While it’s not a full-day tour, it packs enough highlights to satisfy nature lovers and curious travelers alike.
What truly stands out about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who bring the scenery to life, and the opportunity to see whales and glaciers in the same trip — a rare combination that maximizes your time in this stunning corner of Alaska. A potential drawback is the relatively short time at Mendenhall Glacier (about 45 minutes), which might leave some wishing for a little more time to explore. Still, for those valuing a well-organized, educational, and visually impressive outing, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for cruise passengers, first-timers, or anyone wanting a compact but comprehensive view of Juneau’s natural wonders.
Key Points
- Balanced itinerary with glacier exploration and whale watching in one trip
- Expert naturalist guides enhance understanding of the environment and wildlife
- Comfortable transportation, including an air-conditioned bus and a boat designed for whale viewing
- Good value for money, considering the inclusion of snacks, beverages, and guided commentary
- Flexibility with free time at Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls for personal exploration
- Authentic wildlife sightings of whales, eagles, sea lions, and possibly bears
The Itinerary: What to Expect on This Juneau Adventure
This tour begins with a straightforward, hassle-free meeting at the cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau, at a spot designated for Alaska Tales Whale Watching. The large, red Gold Belt Tramway building’s water-side area becomes your starting point, where friendly staff greet you with clear instructions. Since the tour is designed for cruise passengers or those with flexible plans, it’s worth noting that if you’re staying outside downtown, you can arrange to meet directly at the harbor — just check with the provider for details.
You can also read our reviews of more whale watching tours in Juneau Alaska
Comfortable Bus Ride to Mendenhall Glacier
After meeting your guides, you’ll settle into a spacious, air-conditioned bus for the approximately 45-minute drive through scenic Juneau and the lush, green countryside. This part of the journey offers a chance to see Alaska’s landscape up close, with commentary from your driver about local sights and wildlife. Reviews emphasize the professionalism and friendly nature of the staff, with some noting the bus itself is a bit older — but clean and functional.
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier
Once at Mendenhall, you’re given about 45 minutes of free time to explore at your own pace. This is a highlight for many travelers, offering a snapshot of Alaska’s icy majesty. You can visit the visitor center, which provides informative exhibits, or walk toward Nugget Falls — a powerful waterfall that crashes down right next to the glacier. Many appreciate the easy trails, and some reviews mention catching a glimpse of black bears fishing for salmon in streams nearby.
While some found the glacier time to be a little short — “way too long” for many — most agree that the scenery is worth it. The panoramic views of Mendenhall Lake and the glacier itself are incredible photo opportunities. Be sure to take plenty of shots, as the landscape makes a perfect backdrop for social media or a travel album.
Wildlife Viewing on the Boat
Next, it’s time to board the specially designed whale-watching boat. The vessel offers excellent viewing points, with open decks at the front and back, plus ample space for everyone to enjoy the ride comfortably. During the cruise, your naturalist guide points out marine and bird life, sharing fascinating details about the animals you encounter.
Expect to see humpback whales, with plenty of opportunities for stunning shots of breaching or flukes. Some lucky travelers have also reported spotting orcas, whales traveling in pods, although sightings can be unpredictable. Sea lions often lounge on Benjamin Island or float lazily on buoys, and bald eagles soar overhead, giving you that quintessential Alaskan wildlife experience.
Many reviews praise the crew’s professionalism, noting that they are attentive and well-informed. “The crew made sure everyone was safe and comfortable,” says one traveler, emphasizing the importance of experienced guides. The boat is also praised for its stability and good visibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacle.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Return
After the boat ride, you’ll return to Juneau’s harbor, with a final chance to snap photos of Mendenhall Glacier from the dock. The entire trip lasts about 4.5 hours, making it a digestible excursion that doesn’t eat up your whole day but still delivers a wealth of memorable sights.
The Experience: Why It Works
This tour is well-conceived for travelers who want a multi-sensory encounter with Alaska’s wildlife and glaciers without spending an entire day on the road. The combination of land and sea allows you to appreciate the scale and beauty of Juneau’s environment from different angles.
The naturalist guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to answer questions — transforming a simple sightseeing trip into an educational experience. The boat’s design, with multiple viewing decks, ensures you don’t miss a moment of whale activity. When whales breach or lobtail, cameras are ready — many reviews mention capturing “some of the best pictures ever.”
The included snacks and bottled water are a thoughtful touch, especially considering the length of the trip. It’s a chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and soak in the views without having to worry about additional purchases.
The Value for Money
At $230 per person, this tour offers a lot: transportation, guided commentary, wildlife watching, glacier exploration, and snacks. While some might find the glacier stop short, the inclusion of a naturalist guide and the high likelihood of whale sightings make it a good deal for travelers eager to see Alaska’s iconic sights in a single outing. Some reviews mention that spending money separately on glacier entry or whale tours might be possible but could complicate logistics and reduce the convenience factor.
What Could Be Better?
A few travelers have noted that the glacier time is limited — “30 minutes would be enough,” one person suggests. If you’re the type who loves hiking or exploring every trail, this might feel rushed. Also, the bus, while comfortable, is described by some as an older model with limited legroom, although it gets the job done.
Weather can be unpredictable, so packing layers and waterproof gear is advised. Tours operate rain or shine, so be prepared. A few reviews mention the possibility of seeing fewer whales, which is simply part of the unpredictability of wildlife excursions.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is perfect for cruise passengers wanting an efficient yet immersive experience. It’s also great for first-time visitors eager to see whales and glaciers without doing multiple excursions or navigating unfamiliar transportation. Nature lovers who appreciate guided insights and wildlife sightings will find it especially rewarding.
However, if you’re seeking an in-depth glacier hike or want to spend hours exploring the glacier area, you might want to look into separate options. Similarly, if you prefer smaller groups or more personalized experiences, this tour’s larger, organized nature might be a consideration.
The Sum Up
In essence, the Juneau Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Day Trip offers a well-balanced, visually stunning snapshot of Alaska’s wilderness. With knowledgeable guides, a comfortable boat, and the chance to see whales and glaciers in one morning, it provides excellent value for travelers eager to experience Juneau’s natural highlights.
It shines brightest for those who want a comprehensive yet efficient tour packed with wildlife, scenery, and educational insights. The mix of land and sea, topped with enthusiastic guides, makes it an engaging way to spend half a day in Alaska’s capital.
While the short glacier visit might leave some wishing for more time on the ice, the overall experience delivers beautiful views, exciting wildlife encounters, and a genuine sense of the wild. For travelers looking for a dependable, well-organized tour that captures the essence of Juneau, this is a solid choice.
FAQ
How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including transportation, glacier exploration, and whale watching.
Where do I meet the tour?
You meet your Alaska Tales representative on the water-side of the large red Gold Belt Tramway building at Juneau’s cruise ship terminal, under a green canopy tent.
Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, the tour provides complimentary snacks and bottled water to keep your energy up during the adventure.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier and to the boat is included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll have the chance to see humpback whales, orcas (occasionally), sea lions, bald eagles, and possibly black bears fishing for salmon.
What’s the best time to go?
The tour operates rain or shine year-round, so dress appropriately for weather. Many reviews highlight sightings during the cruise, which can vary, so flexibility helps.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible choice for uncertain schedules.
This tour combines the thrill of marine wildlife with the majesty of a glacier, making it a worthwhile addition to any Juneau visit. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, the blend of scenery and animals will leave lasting memories.
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