Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour

Thinking about exploring Juneau’s incredible natural beauty? This Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Alaska’s majestic landscapes and wildlife. It’s a solid choice if you want to combine glacier vistas with the thrill of spotting whales in their natural environment, all wrapped into a manageable half-day experience.

What really draws us to this tour are the expert guides—they bring the landscape and wildlife to life with their knowledge—and the flexible free time at the glacier area, letting you choose your adventure. Plus, the included snacks and binoculars elevate the experience, making it more comfortable and engaging.

However, a quick heads-up: this tour isn’t ideal if you have mobility challenges, since it involves some walking on gravel paths and navigating a ramp that can be steep depending on tides. Also, if you’re traveling with very young kids or need full accessibility, you might want to consider that.

All in all, this tour is best suited for those eager to see lots of wildlife, enjoy stunning glacier scenery, and appreciate knowledgeable guides—perfect for travelers who value a mix of adventure and education.

Key Points

• Wildlife Watching: Spot humpback whales and possibly see spawning salmon and black bears.
• Flexible & Extended Free Time: Enjoy extra time at Nugget Falls and the glacier area.
• Comfort & Convenience: Indoor seating on the boat, snacks, and binoculars included.
• Informed Guides: Naturalist guides enhance the experience with their expert commentary.
• Value for Money: Combines multiple highlights at a reasonable price point.
• Not Suitable for All: Limited mobility and wheelchair accessibility may be issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour packs a lot into just five hours, making it a fantastic choice if your time in Juneau is limited but you want to maximize the natural wonders. From transportation to the glacier, whale watching to scenic hikes, here’s what you can expect and why it might be just what you’re looking for.

Convenient Pickup and Comfortable Transportation

The tour kicks off with a pickup from a central location in Juneau, outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building. You’ll see a Dolphin Jet Boat Tours representative holding a blue sign with yellow lettering that says “whale watching tour meets here.” It’s straightforward, provided you follow the instructions not to go inside the Tramway building or board without speaking to the rep first.

Once aboard the bus, you’re in for a scenic ride to the Mendenhall Valley. The bus is described as comfortable and spacious, ideal for relaxing while taking in the views. The journey itself is part of the experience, giving you a preview of the lush surroundings and setting the tone for the day.

Whale Watching at Its Best

The highlight for many is the whale watching. You’ll cruise through channels like Favorite, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel, depending on conditions. The naturalist guides on board make a significant difference—they point out wildlife and share insights into whale behavior, making the experience more meaningful.

Many reviews praise the crew’s enthusiasm and knowledge, sometimes describing the guides as “fun,” “entertaining,” and “informative.” People consistently mention the thrill of seeing humpback whales—whether breaching, tail slapping, or bubble net feeding. The inclusion of binoculars allows you to get a closer look, even at distant whales.

One reviewer marveled at seeing 11–14 whales bubble net feeding—a rare and mesmerizing sight. The crew’s skill at positioning the boat to observe these creatures up close often results in memorable moments, with many guests leaving with stunning photos.

Scenic Stop at Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls

After the boat cruise, you arrive at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Here, you’ll have approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours of free time—more than enough for a leisurely walk or a quick hike. The main attraction is the easy trail leading to Nugget Falls, a stunning waterfall that provides an iconic view overlooking the glacier.

The gravel path to Nugget Falls is about two miles roundtrip, generally smooth enough for strollers, and typically takes around 45 minutes. It’s a gentle walk, but be aware it involves some slopes and may be steep depending on the tides, so plan accordingly.

Guests can also explore the Visitor Center, which offers educational exhibits about glaciers and the environment—something that appeals if you’re curious about the science behind these ice formations. Alternatively, walking along the creek to watch spawning salmon or see black bears in season is another popular activity.

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The Value of Extra Time

Unlike some glacier tours that rush through or limit your visit, this tour emphasizes extra time at the glacier. Reviewers consistently mention that the additional hour makes a noticeable difference, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Some guests even mention that being there early, before the big tour buses arrive, significantly enhances their visit.

If you’re someone who loves taking photos, appreciating the landscape without crowds, or simply loves having flexibility, this extended access is a real perk.

Food and Refreshments

Throughout the boat tour, you’ll be treated to hot chocolate, coffee, and a complimentary snack, making the journey cozy and indulgent. Many reviews highlight the quality of these touches—adding to the sense of comfort during what can be a chilly day on the water.

Ending the Day

After exploring the glacier area, you’ll be transported back to Juneau, ending your approximately five-hour adventure. The return trip is typically smooth, and guests can reflect on the day’s wildlife sightings and glacier views.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $159 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package—combining wildlife encounters, scenic glacier views, and outdoor walks. When you consider the inclusions like transportation, boat cruise, snacks, binoculars, and extended free time, the value seems fair, especially compared to booking separate activities or paying extra at the glacier.

Many guests feel they received good value, especially given the opportunity to see multiple whales and enjoy a beautiful waterfall hike. A handful of reviews mention that booking through Dolphin Jet Boat Tours directly is less expensive than through some cruise lines, which is worth noting if you’re trying to keep costs down.

Practical Considerations

• The tour is best suited for those comfortable with walking on gravel and navigating a steep ramp, especially if you’re planning to hike to Nugget Falls.
• If you’re prone to mobility issues or have very young children, check the walkability of the trail and the physical demands.
• The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly.
• Weather can vary—bring weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.

Final Thoughts

This Juneau tour offers a solid mix of Alaska’s must-see sights: whales, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. The knowledgeable guides, especially on the whale watching part, are frequently praised for their enthusiasm and information, making the experience more engaging than just a boat ride.

The extra time at Nugget Falls and the glacier area makes this option stand out, especially if you enjoy a relaxed pace and want to avoid rushing through the scenery. Plus, the included snacks and binoculars add a layer of comfort and interaction that many travelers appreciate.

If your goal is to see whales in their natural habitat, enjoy stunning glacier views, and have some flexibility for exploring on your own, this tour hits many of those marks. It’s especially suited for travelers who value good guides and a balanced itinerary over purely quick sightseeing.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour begins with a pickup outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building in Juneau. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be walking and standing outside. Bring layers to handle changing conditions.

Can I bring luggage or large bags?
Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the tour, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the walk to Nugget Falls is stroller-friendly and the tour is family-friendly in general, it involves some walking on gravel and navigating a ramp. Very young children or those with mobility issues may want to consider that.

What if I don’t see whales?
The tour guarantees whale sightings, so if you don’t see any whales, you might be eligible for a refund, depending on the policy. Most guests report multiple sightings.

How long do I get at the glacier?
You’ll have approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, giving plenty of time for hikes, photos, or exploring the Visitor Center.

Is the boat indoor or outdoor?
You’ll be seated indoors on the boat, which offers shelter from the elements while still providing a great view.

What if the weather is bad?
Alaska weather can be unpredictable, but the boat has indoor seating, and the tour includes a naturalist guide who can adapt to conditions. Check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the walking paths and ramp navigation mean it’s not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments.

All in all, this Juneau adventure balances wildlife, glacier scenery, and outdoor exploration with comfort and flexibility, making it a fantastic choice for most travelers wanting a well-rounded Alaskan experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: