Juneau: Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Day Trip

If you’re heading to Juneau and looking for a balanced experience that combines wildlife sightings, breathtaking scenery, and a taste of Alaskan wilderness, this Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier day trip offers just that. For around four and a half hours, you’ll hop between a scenic bus ride, a boat cruise, and self-guided exploration—making it a well-rounded way to get a taste of Alaska’s rugged beauty.

One thing we especially love about this tour is the emphasis on educational guides and wildlife spotting, which turn a sightseeing trip into a mini adventure. However, some reviews suggest that the timing at the glacier can feel a bit rushed, so if you’re eager for longer hikes or more in-depth glacier exploring, it might be worth considering how this fits into your Alaska plans.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of wildlife encounters and glacier views without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions on their own. It suits those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a good balance of structured activities and free time.

Key Points

• Wildlife and scenery: Expect to see humpback whales, orcas, eagles, sea lions, and potentially black bears.
• Expert guides: Naturalists and captains provide insightful commentary, making the experience more enriching.
• Flexible exploration: You get 45 minutes at Mendenhall Glacier for self-guided walks, photos, and enjoying the views.
• Comfort and convenience: Air-conditioned bus, snacks, bottled water, and professional crew ensure a smooth experience.
• Timing and duration: The 4.5-hour tour balances travel and activity, but some find the glacier visit slightly brief.
• Authentic experience: Real reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the chance to see whales bubble-net feeding and breaches.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting from downtown Juneau, the tour kicks off with a comfortable bus ride on an air-conditioned vehicle. The drive itself is a treat, passing through lush Alaskan countryside and giving you a glimpse of the rugged coastline that makes Juneau so captivating. The journey to Mendenhall Glacier typically takes around 45 minutes, during which your naturalist guide shares interesting facts about the local landscape and wildlife—creating a calm anticipation for what’s ahead.

Exploring Mendenhall Glacier and Surroundings

Upon arrival at Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll have around 45 minutes of free time—a window that many reviewers feel is a little tight for full exploration. The glacier itself is awe-inspiring, with sheer ice walls and a backdrop that’s perfect for pictures. You can visit the visitor center, walk toward Nugget Falls, or take a quick hike along the East Glacier Loop Trail.

One reviewer, Betty, mentioned that guides like Rich, who was described as very professional and personable, made the visit more engaging. She also expressed a wish for more time to enjoy the waterfalls and glacier—something to keep in mind if you’re eager for a more immersive hike or photography session.

Wildlife Viewing from the Shore

After the glacier visit, you board a specially designed whale-watching boat and set sail along the Alaskan coast. The boat cruise is where the experience really comes alive. Expect to see sea lions basking on Benjamin Island or naps on ocean buoys, bald eagles soaring overhead, and, of course, the chance to spot humpback whales—sometimes breaching or bubble-net feeding, which is a rare and exciting sight.

Based on reviews, guides like Sophie, James, and Greg are on the lookout for whales and are eager to share their knowledge. Some travelers, like the reviewer who watched a whale come within 20 feet and do a tail flip, found the encounters truly memorable. The captain and crew are certified and trained for safety, giving you peace of mind while you focus on snapping photos or just marveling at the wildlife.

The Highlights of the Boat Ride

The boat cruise typically lasts about two hours and provides a good opportunity for wildlife photography. Keep your cameras ready for moments like breaching whales or a pod of orcas passing by. The naturalist onboard explains what you’re seeing, adding context to the experience—from whale behaviors to local marine ecosystems.

Returning and Final Views

Back at the dock, you’re encouraged to snap a final photo of the glacier in the background—an iconic Alaskan shot. Reviewers have noted that guides like Olive are excellent at identifying whales and sharing stories about them, which enriches the experience.

The tour ends back at the starting point in downtown Juneau, leaving you with lasting memories of your wildlife sightings and glacier views.

The Value of This Tour

At $200 per person, the price includes bus transportation, a whale-watching cruise, a naturalist guide, and snacks, which makes it a solid deal considering the diversity of experiences packed into just a few hours. The convenience of having transportation and guides organized means you won’t need to worry about logistics or finding the best spots—it’s all taken care of.

While some reviewers feel the glacier visit could be longer, the overall value lies in combining wildlife encounters with iconic glacier scenery in a single trip. Plus, the opportunity to see whales bubble-net feeding or breach is worth the price alone for many travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a balanced introduction to Juneau’s wilderness—with a mix of wildlife, glacier sights, and educational guides. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a structured tour with a mix of free time and guided activities, rather than independent exploration.

It’s also a great option for travelers who want to maximize their time and focus on wildlife and scenery without the stress of organizing multiple separate activities. However, if you’re after a longer glacier hike or more time at the glacier, you might find this tour slightly brief.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Juneau offers a well-rounded snapshot of Alaska’s natural beauty. The combination of wildlife sightings, glacier views, and knowledgeable guides makes it a worthwhile choice for travelers wanting an authentic experience that balances adventure and comfort.

Expect to leave with stunning photos, new wildlife facts, and a deeper appreciation for the rugged Juneau landscape. While the glacier stop is relatively brief, the whale watching—especially with guides who know their whales—is often the highlight. It’s a tour that delivers good value, expert commentary, and plenty of memorable moments.

Whether you’re an avid wildlife watcher or simply want to experience Alaska’s iconic scenery in a single day, this tour is a dependable option that offers both excitement and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour? The tour includes bus transportation to Mendenhall Glacier, a 2-hour whale watching cruise, a naturalist guide, a captain, and snacks and beverages onboard.

• Is hotel pickup available? No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at the water-side of the large red Gold Belt Tramway building at the cruise ship terminal.

• How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including transportation, glacier exploration, and whale watching.

• What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps binoculars if you want better wildlife viewing.

• Can I see bears during this tour? While some reviews mention black bears fishing for salmon in streams nearby, the bus driver didn’t stop for pictures during one trip, which was disappointing for some.

• Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, the tour is family-friendly, especially for those interested in wildlife and glaciers, but keep in mind the walk at the glacier might be short and easy.

• What if it rains? The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly. The bus and boat are covered, but outdoor walking sections may get wet.

• How do I find the meeting point? Meet your Alaska Tales representative at the main cruise ship terminal, under the green canopy tent with signs.

• Will I have enough time at Mendenhall Glacier? You get about 45 minutes, which some travelers find brief for hikes or detailed exploration. Consider your priorities.

• How likely am I to see whales? Many travelers report successful sightings, including breaching whales and bubble-net feeding. Guides are skilled at spotting and identifying whales.

This tour offers a memorable way to experience some of Juneau’s most iconic sights, blending wildlife, glaciers, and expert guides into a single, enjoyable day.