Private Group Paddle board tour in Juneau with Glacier views

Exploring Juneau from the Water: A Deep Dive into the Private Paddleboard Tour with Glacier Views

If you’re dreaming of seeing Juneau’s incredible wilderness away from the crowds, this private paddleboard tour might just be the perfect way to do it. We haven’t personally tried it ourselves, but based on the reviews and detailed info, it offers a compelling, personalized way to enjoy the stunning scenery, wildlife, and tranquility of Alaska’s outdoors.

What really catches the eye is how intimate and flexible this experience can be—only your group, with a maximum of 8 guests, so you’re not lost in a sea of strangers. Plus, the promise of professional guides, dry suits, and the chance to see eagles, sea lions, seals, and whales makes it sound like an adventure packed with nature at its best. That said, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but considering the all-inclusive approach, it seems to deliver solid value if you’re eager for a unique, hands-on experience.

One thing to note is that some balance is required—so it’s probably best suited for those comfortable on their feet and with a bit of physical activity. Also, weather can influence the views, especially the visibility of the glacier. But overall, this tour appears to be a smart choice for travelers craving a personal, active encounter with Juneau’s wild side.

If you’re into outdoor adventures, wildlife sightings, and scenic vistas, this paddleboard trip could be a highlight of your Alaska trip. Let’s get into all the details so you can see if it’s the right fit for your travel plans.

Key Points

• Small, private group setting offers a more personalized experience.
• No experience needed, guides teach you how to paddle and use the equipment.
• Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including eagles, sea lions, seals, and whales.
• All equipment, instruction, snacks, and transport are included, simplifying logistics.
• Weather can affect glacier views, so flexibility and patience help.
• Moderate physical activity required; some balance needed.

An In-Depth Look at the Juneau Paddleboard Experience

What is this tour all about?

This private paddleboard tour in Juneau is designed for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska from a different perspective. It’s set in the estuarial waters directly in front of the Mendenhall Glacier, offering what’s described as one of the most complete views of the glacier available from Juneau. The tour lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes, with roughly 2 hours on the water, and includes round-trip transportation from the cruise port.

Who would enjoy this tour?

If you love outdoor activities and are comfortable with moderate physical effort, this experience suits you well. It’s a good pick for travelers aged 12 and over, with some balance strength needed because paddleboarding requires a bit of coordination. Families with older kids or groups of friends looking for a personalized, quieter adventure away from busy tour crowds will find this a rewarding option.

What makes this experience stand out?

One of the biggest benefits is the small group size—only up to 8 people—which guarantees a more relaxed, personalized vibe. The guides are experienced and friendly, focusing on your safety and enjoyment while providing excellent instruction. Plus, the inclusion of dry suits ensures you’re warm and dry, regardless of the weather, which is a thoughtful touch for the often unpredictable Alaskan climate.

The tour also offers the chance to see iconic wildlife like eagles soaring above, sea lions basking on rocks, seals lounging in the water, and even whales, depending on the season and luck. The fact that you can jump in the water and stay dry adds an extra layer of flexibility, making it feel less intimidating for beginners or those unsure about getting completely wet.

The itinerary explained

The tour kicks off with pickup from the Juneau cruise port, followed by a roughly 20-minute drive to the wetlands area in Juneau. There, your guides will help you don dry suits—these waterproof suits go over your clothing, keeping you warm and dry even if you decide to get into the water. They also make paddleboarding more comfortable, especially in colder weather, by offering a dry experience.

Once suited up, you’ll receive a quick briefing and instruction on how to paddleboard—no prior experience is necessary. Guides are there to support you every step of the way, whether you prefer to sit, kneel, or stand on your board.

After orientation, you’ll paddle in front of the Mendenhall Glacier, a stunning backdrop that offers some of the best views in Juneau. While the glacier itself can sometimes be clouded by fog, the overall landscape—fjords, wildlife, and ice—is captivating. The guides often point out eagles or marine mammals, making it not just an active outing but an educational one as well.

What’s included?

This tour offers a comprehensive package:
– Paddleboard, paddle, and PFD (life vest)
– Dry suit and footwear
– Snacks (including vegan and gluten-free options)
– Bottled water
– Roundtrip transportation from the cruise docks

All these details make the experience more seamless—you don’t need to worry about gear or logistics, which can be a relief for travelers eager to focus on the scenery and wildlife.

What about the cost?

At $1,100 for up to 8 people, this works out to roughly $137.50 per person, which isn’t cheap. But considering that all equipment, instruction, snacks, and transportation are included, it’s a reasonable price for a private, guided outdoor adventure like this. If you’re someone who values personalized service and wants to avoid large tour groups, the price pays off in comfort and quality.

The wildlife and scenic highlights

One of the main reasons people choose this tour is the chance to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. Expect to see eagles, perhaps soaring overhead, sea lions drifting lazily on rocks, seals popping their heads up, and possibly whales, which are an especially memorable sight.

The views of the glacier from the water are quite special, especially because you’re further out than those sticking close to the visitor’s center, giving you a more expansive perspective. However, keep in mind that weather and fog can sometimes obscure the glacier, which is a common consideration in Alaska.

The experience reviews

The lone review so far gives this tour a perfect 5 out of 5. The reviewer described it as their favorite activity on a week-long cruise, highlighting guide Nigel’s friendliness and knowledge. They called the experience “magical,” emphasizing how much the guide enhanced the day. It’s encouraging that even one guest’s experience was so positive, especially with a guide who made the journey memorable.

Considerations and tips

• Moderate physical fitness required—if balance or light activity is an issue, this might be less suitable.
• Weather can impact glacier visibility, so be prepared for potentially cloudy or foggy conditions.
• Dress in layers, particularly as you’ll be in a dry suit—though it keeps you dry, layering helps with comfort.
• Book in advance, as this is a popular activity, often booked 6 days ahead.
• Cancellation policy is flexible, with free cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour, which is reassuring given weather variability.

Who is this tour best for?

This paddleboard excursion suits travelers who enjoy active outdoor adventures, wildlife, and scenic views. It’s particularly appealing if you want a more intimate, controlled environment—say, for a small family, friends, or solo travelers who prefer a guided experience. It’s not designed for kids under 12 or those uncomfortable balancing on a board, but for outdoorsy folks, it offers a chance to see Juneau’s wilderness from a fresh perspective.

This tour would be ideal for those who value personalized service and expert guidance and are happy to pay a bit extra for a private experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic boat ride, this might not be the best choice—it’s more active, meaning you’ll be paddling and moving around.

Final thoughts

This private paddleboard tour in Juneau pairs Alaska’s stunning scenery with the thrill of being on the water in a small, guided group. The inclusion of dry suits, snacks, and transportation makes it convenient, and the potential for wildlife sightings adds a bonus layer of excitement. If you’re someone who appreciates hands-on experiences, connecting with nature, and avoiding the crowded tourist spots, this could stand out as a memorable part of your trip.

While the price might seem high at first, the personalized nature, quality gear, and knowledgeable guides seem to justify it—especially if you’re eager for a unique, active way to see glaciers and wildlife. Just remember to be prepared for weather variability, and you’ll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable views and moments.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, no previous paddleboarding experience is needed. Guides will teach you how to paddle, and you can choose to sit, kneel, or stand on your board.

What should I wear under the dry suit?
While the tour includes waterproof suits to keep you dry, it’s advisable to wear layers underneath. Dress in comfortable, quick-drying clothes suitable for outdoor activity.

How long do we paddle during the tour?
The entire water portion lasts about 2 hours, with additional time for prep, instruction, and transfer. The full experience from pickup to drop-off is around 3.5 hours.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions cause cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect chances to see eagles, sea lions, seals, and possibly whales, depending on the season and conditions.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at 388 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, with pickup from the cruise ship port included.

If you’re craving an active, small-group adventure that combines jaw-dropping scenery with wildlife encounters, this paddleboard trip ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a chance to see Juneau from a unique perspective, with the comfort of expert guides and all gear included. Just be prepared for variable weather and some physical activity—then you’re set for a memorable Alaskan day.