Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour

Discover the beauty of Juneau with the Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour offered by Dolphin Jet Boat Tours. Priced at $159 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours, this tour combines the thrill of searching for majestic humpback whales with the opportunity to explore the iconic Mendenhall Glacier area. It’s an ideal choice for travelers eager for both marine wildlife adventures and scenic glacier vistas, though it requires some light walking and navigating uneven terrain. With a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 129 reviews, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances wildlife encounters, natural beauty, and educational stops.

While it excels in providing knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and close-up wildlife viewing, it also offers enough free time for a hike to Nugget Falls and exploration of the glacier’s surroundings. The tour’s value is complemented by included snacks, binoculars, and indoor seating, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for those visiting Juneau. However, it’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the tour has physical requirements, including navigating some steep ramps and gravel paths to reach the waterfall.

Key Points

• Includes both whale watching and glacier exploration in a single 5-hour tour
• Wildlife viewing guaranteed, with many whales, seals, and potential bears
• Comfortable boat with indoor seating, snacks, and binoculars provided
• Free time at Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area for hikes, photography, and wildlife spotting
• Suitable for active travelers, but not accessible for those with mobility impairments
• Price of $159 per person offers good value, especially compared to cruise ship options

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Journey from Downtown Juneau to the Mendenhall Area

This tour departs from a central meeting point in Juneau, specifically outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building. A Dolphin Jet Boat Tours representative marks the spot with a blue sign with yellow lettering. The transportation is a spacious bus that takes travelers on a scenic drive through the Juneau landscape toward the Mendenhall Valley. This initial journey offers views of the surrounding mountains and forest, setting the tone for the day’s adventure.

The comfortable bus ride helps build anticipation for the wildlife and glacier sights ahead. The logistics are straightforward, with no hotel pickup or drop-off, so travelers need to arrive at the meeting point on their own. The guide on the bus provides commentary, and reviews praise drivers like Sam for their knowledge and safety.

Whale Watching from a Comfortable Jetboat

The highlight for many is the whale watching cruise, which takes place on a jetboat cruising through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel. The boat features indoor seating, ensuring comfort regardless of weather conditions. Binoculars are available for guest use, helping spot whales at a distance.

The naturalist guide leads the wildlife search, with a high likelihood of seeing humpback whales, thanks to their growing population and ease with small boats. The reviews mention many whale sightings, including bubble-net feeding and breaching behaviors, with some guides being especially enthusiastic and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience. The trip also offers hot chocolate, coffee, and a complimentary snack aboard, making the ride both cozy and energizing.

Free Time at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

After returning from the boat, travelers have around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours of free time at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. This extra time is a major advantage over standard tours, giving visitors the chance to hike to Nugget Falls, which overlooks the glacier. The two-mile roundtrip gravel path is accessible enough for strollers, taking roughly 45 minutes, but visitors can extend their stay for more exploration.

Along With the waterfall walk, there is an educational visitors center with exhibits about glaciers, and a boardwalk over a creek where salmon spawn. The area is a prime spot for photography, and the scenery of the glacier framing Nugget Falls provides memorable images to share.

Navigating the Terrain and Accessibility

The tour involves some physical activity, including walking on a gravel path and navigating a steep ramp depending on tides, which could challenge those with mobility issues. The path to Nugget Falls is smooth enough for strollers, making it accessible for families with young children, but the overall terrain may be difficult for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as weather in Juneau can change rapidly. Since luggage or large bags are not allowed, packing light for the day is recommended.

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Practical Details and Meeting Arrangements

The meeting point is outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building, marked clearly with a blue sign. Guests should not go inside the Tramway building, as the tour staff will meet them outside. The round-trip transportation is included, but hotel pickups are not, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The tour operates in the morning and afternoon, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Booking allows for pay later, offering flexibility in planning. The maximum duration is 5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Highlights of the Guide and Crew

According to reviews, the guides and crew are a significant strength, with many guests praising their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendliness. Guides like Nia, Jay, Rio, Max, Connor, Angie, and Dustin are frequently mentioned for their engaging commentary and attention to safety and comfort. Specific guides also stand out for their humor, expertise, and personalized approach to wildlife and glacier storytelling.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers fantastic wildlife sightings, some guests note the duration of whale watching can be shorter than similar excursions—around 2 hours—which might feel limited for wildlife enthusiasts. Also, the food selection on the boat is basic, with only granola bars and drinks provided, so bringing snacks is advisable if hungry.

The tour is not suitable for individuals with back problems, mobility issues, or wheelchair users due to terrain and physical activity involved. It is designed for active participants comfortable with walking and some uneven surfaces.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Juneau

This 5-hour experience offers a balanced mix of wildlife, glacier, and scenic highlights, making it a comprehensive option for visitors wanting a taste of Alaska’s natural treasures. The included free time at Nugget Falls and the guaranteed whale sightings—or your money back—add to its appeal.

The value for money is reinforced by the small boat size for wildlife viewing, the quality of guides, and the additional hours at the glacier. While the lack of hotel pickup might be a minor inconvenience, the overall organization and positive reviews suggest this tour remains a strong choice for those seeking an authentic Juneau adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Guests meet at the designated outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building.

How long is the whale watching ride?
The whale watching portion lasts approximately 2 hours, depending on wildlife and weather conditions.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Bringing snacks and drinks can enhance the experience, especially since only light refreshments are provided.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the gravel path to Nugget Falls is stroller-friendly, but the terrain elsewhere may require some mobility. The tour is suitable for active families.

Are there guides onboard?
Yes, experienced naturalist guides lead the whale watching, providing insights into whale behavior and marine life.

Can I extend my time at Mendenhall Glacier?
The tour includes an extra hour at the glacier area, allowing for a hike to Nugget Falls or exploration of the Visitor Center.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see humpback whales, and possibly seals, spawning salmon, and black bears at Steep Creek.

How does this tour compare to others in Juneau?
This tour offers more time at Mendenhall Glacier than standard options and guarantees whale sightings, making it a highly valuable experience.

What is the physical difficulty level?
Light walking and navigating some steep ramps and gravel paths are involved; it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues.

What makes this tour good value?
The combination of whale watching, glacier exploration, free time, snacks, and binoculars at $159 makes it a comprehensive and cost-effective choice.

This Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour combines the thrill of marine wildlife encounters with the serenity of glacier scenery, providing a well-rounded Alaskan adventure with thoughtful inclusions and positive reviews highlighting its knowledgeable guides and scenic highlights.

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