Taku Glacier Helicopter and Airboat Adventure

Imagine soaring above the vast Juneau Icefield, then cruising inches from the face of an ancient glacier—all in one exhilarating tour. The Taku Glacier Helicopter and Airboat Adventure offers a blend of high-flying vistas and close-up encounters with Alaska’s majestic ice formations. While it’s a premium experience—costing $688 per person—it promises unforgettable views and a unique perspective on the wilderness.

What we love about this tour is how it combines different modes of transport to give a comprehensive look at Juneau’s icy landscape. The scenic helicopter flight over the Tongass National Forest and Juneau Icefield is breathtaking, and the airboat cruise along the glacier’s face adds a tangible sense of closeness to nature. Plus, the glacier landing is a rare opportunity to step onto ice that’s been shaped over thousands of years—an authentic Arctic-like experience.

A potential consideration for travelers is the price, which might seem steep, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. However, when you factor in the variety of activities, the exclusivity of the experience, and the quality of views, it begins to make sense for those seeking a truly memorable adventure. Also, the tour is limited to five travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience—perfect for those who prefer small-group explorations rather than large bus rides.

This adventure is best suited for adventure enthusiasts, photography lovers, and wilderness explorers who want to see Alaska from a truly unique angle. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to combine scenic flights with hands-on encounters with glaciers—without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Key Points

• Stunning Aerial Views: The helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield and Tongass National Forest is a highlight that offers spectacular, sweeping perspectives.
• Close-up Glacier Experience: The airboat ride brings you within feet of the ancient Taku Glacier, providing a tangible connection with nature.
• Authentic Glacier Landing: Standing on the glacier itself is an extraordinary moment, ideal for photography and awe-inspiring scenery.
• Limited Group Size: With only five travelers, expect personalized attention and fewer crowds, enhancing the experience.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour’s success hinges on good weather; poor conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
• Cost and Value: While at $688, this is a premium price, the variety of activities and exclusive access justify the expense for many adventurers.

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive

Starting Point in Downtown Juneau

Your journey begins with a van transfer from downtown Juneau to the Helicport on Douglas Island. This short 15-minute ride is a convenient way to kick off the adventure, giving you a quick look at Juneau’s scenery en route. It’s a free transfer, making the logistics straightforward, and sets a relaxed tone before the excitement begins.

NorthStar Helicopters and Safety Briefing

Once at the helicopter base, you’ll get a chance to gear up and take a restroom break. The staff provides a safety briefing—a necessary reminder that even in high adventure, safety is prioritized. It’s a good moment to ask questions and get comfortable with your equipment.

Scenic Flyover of Tongass National Forest and Juneau Icefield

The flight over the Tongass National Forest, Taku Inlet, and Juneau Icefield is a major highlight. Expect about 15 minutes of soaring above lush forests and rugged coastlines, gradually giving way to the icy expanse. This segment is where you realize just how vast and untouched this wilderness is. Many reviews praise the “breathtaking views,” pointing out that this aerial perspective really puts into context the scale of Alaska’s wilderness.

Taku Point and Airboat Cruise

At Taku Point, you’ll switch to an airboat for about an hour-long cruise along the five-mile face of the Taku Glacier. The boat’s close proximity to the ice allows for incredible photography opportunities and a visceral sense of how dynamic glaciers are. Travelers frequently mention how remarkably close they get to the glacier—some say it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime chance to see ice that’s been there for thousands of years.” The Mustang jacket and rain pants provided help keep you dry and warm, considering the weather can be unpredictable.

Helicopter Landing on the Glacier

The big moment arrives when your helicopter reboards for a five-minute flight to land on the glacier. Touching down amidst this icy landscape is an experience that often exceeds expectations. The pilot leads a short walk to take in sweeping views of the glacier’s ridges and crevasses, which are strikingly beautiful yet humbling. Several reviews describe this as “a surreal, almost otherworldly experience,” perfect for photography and reflection.

Exploring the Taku Glacier

Once on the ice, you’ll be led by your pilot to take in the vastness of the glacier. Expect about 10 minutes on the ice—enough to snap photos, soak in the silence, and marvel at the scale of this frozen wilderness. The immense size and pristine condition of the glacier stand as a testament to the raw power of nature.

Return Flight over the Juneau Icefield

After your glacier walk, the helicopter lifts off again for a 15-minute scenic flight over the Juneau Icefield. This final aerial segment offers more panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and forested landscapes, providing a fitting climax to the adventure.

Back to Douglas Island and Downtown Juneau

Your journey concludes with a 15-minute transfer back to NorthStar Helicopters and a final drive to downtown Juneau. Many travelers express how the relaxing return gives time to reflect on the incredible sights they’ve seen.

Practical Insights for Travelers

Transportation and timing are straightforward but worth noting. Make sure your cruise ship arrives at least an hour before your scheduled departure to avoid rushing, especially since the tour’s timing is tight and weather-dependent. The maximum weight per passenger is 500 lbs, so larger travelers should plan accordingly, and there’s an extra surcharge for guests over 250 lbs.

Dress warmly—expect about a 10-15°F decrease from sea level to the glacier. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, long socks, and sunglasses are recommended. The tour supplies over boots and rain pants for the glacier walk, but you should come prepared for the weather to be variable.

The small group size (max five travelers) ensures a more personal experience, but it means booking well in advance is necessary—on average, trips are reserved about 210 days ahead.

Cancellation policy is flexible with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. However, the tour is weather-dependent; if poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Authentic Traveler Experience

Though we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews highlight the stunning views as the most praised feature. Travelers often remark on how the scenic helicopter flights deliver unparalleled vistas, and some mention that the glacier landing is a “dream come true” for nature lovers. The airboat cruise is frequently described as “remarkably close” to the ice, giving a sense of intimacy with the environment that larger boat tours can’t match.

A common thread in reviews is the value of the small-group format, which fosters a more relaxed, personal experience and allows for better engagement with the guide and pilot. The professionalism of NorthStar Trekking and their attention to safety also come up often, reassuring those concerned about flying or icy landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts, this tour offers a chance to see Alaska’s wilderness from multiple perspectives—air, land, and water—something that few other excursions provide. The scenery alone justifies the cost for many, with breathtaking views that will likely be the highlight of your trip to Juneau.

However, it’s essential to recognize that this is a premium experience. The price reflects not just the activities but also the exclusivity and quality of the sights. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to see Juneau’s glaciers, other options might be more suitable, but they won’t match the personalized, multi-modal adventure that this tour offers.

This tour is ideal for those who value unique, authentic experiences that involve a bit of an adrenaline rush and a lot of awe. If you’re prepared for the weather, book in advance, and are comfortable with the costs, it’s undoubtedly a memorable way to explore the stunning wilderness of Alaska.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, including transportation, flights, and glacier exploration.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour has a flexible cancellation policy. If the weather cancels your trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes, the total weight per passenger is 500 lbs. There is a surcharge of $150 for guests over 250 lbs, paid at the helicopter base.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers with sturdy shoes, long socks, and sunglasses. Expect temperatures to decrease by about 10-15°F from downtown to the glacier.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transfers between downtown Juneau and the helicopter base are included, along with a return trip after the tour.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level and is limited to five travelers, making it best for adults or older children comfortable with flying and cold environments.

To sum it up, the Taku Glacier Helicopter and Airboat Adventure offers a rare chance to see Alaska’s stunning glaciers from the air and ice—an adventure packed with awe-inspiring sights and authentic wilderness moments. It’s well-suited for those eager to combine scenic flights with up-close glacier encounters, and it promises unforgettable memories for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.