Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

Discover the Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

The Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk offers a remarkable mix of adventure and natural beauty. For $425.65 per person, this 2.5-hour experience takes you high above the Juneau Icefield on a narrated helicopter flight, followed by a guided walk on Herbert Glacier. With a perfect rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 532 reviews, this tour is highly recommended—94% of participants endorse it.

This excursion is perfect for those eager to see Alaska’s stunning glacial landscapes from above and explore their untouched terrain on foot. The tour combines breathtaking aerial views, informative commentary, and hands-on glacier exploration, making it ideal for adventurers and photography enthusiasts alike. Keep in mind that weather conditions can influence the experience, so flexibility is advised.

Key Points

• Price: $425.65 per person, including helicopter flight and guided glacier walk
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, with 27 minutes of flight time
• Highlights: Fly over the Juneau Icefield, land on Herbert Glacier, and walk on the glacier with an expert guide
• Group Size: Limited to 12 travelers for a personalized experience
• Accessibility: ADA lift available for guests with mobility needs, with certain restrictions
• Weather-dependent: Tours may be canceled due to poor weather, with options for rescheduling or full refunds

Starting Point and Transportation in Juneau

This excursion begins either with pickup from the Juneau cruise port or at a nearby central meeting point. The shuttle service operates one hour before the scheduled flight, ensuring timely arrival at the coastal heliport. The van transportation is included in the package, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

The pickup and drop-off service is designed to suit cruise ship schedules, allowing you to maximize your time in Juneau. If the weather cancels the tour, the company offers full refunds or alternative times, emphasizing their commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.

The Helicopter Flight Over Juneau Icefield

The centerpiece of this adventure is a 27-minute narrated helicopter flight departing from the coastal heliport. As the helicopter begins its ascent, you gain a birds-eye view of icefalls, rock formations, and expansive glaciers, all set against the rugged Alaskan wilderness.

Your pilot-guide shares insights into Alaska’s natural history and meteorology, adding educational value during the flight. The scenic vistas provide plenty of opportunities for photography, with large windows and a small group size ensuring everyone gets a clear view.

Land on Herbert Glacier for a Guided Walk

Following the aerial tour, the helicopter lands directly on Herbert Glacier, an experience few visitors get to enjoy. During the guided walk, your pilot acts as a guide, pointing out notable landmarks and geological features.

On the glacier surface, you’ll have the chance to drink the fresh glacier water, explore the snow and ice terrain, and marvel at the serene, remote landscape. The walk typically lasts around 22 minutes, providing enough time for photos, exploration, and taking in the surreal scenery.

What Makes the Herbert Glacier Stop Unique?

This is the only tour that includes a landing and guided walk on Herbert Glacier. The experience enables close-up views of the glacial surface, with snow-covered peaks in the background. Your pilot serves as a knowledgeable guide, explaining the local geology and glacial features, which enhances the educational aspect of the walk.

Guests can also enjoy drinking glacier water directly from the melt streams, adding a sensory element to the adventure. The surrounding landscape is free of crowds, offering a peaceful and immersive connection with nature.

The Juneau Icefield: A Glacial Panorama

On the return flight to Juneau, the helicopter flies over the massive Juneau Icefield. This aerial perspective reveals the vast scale of the icefield, with its layers of snow and ice extending for miles.

The narration from the pilot-guide enriches your understanding of Alaska’s glaciers and weather patterns. The 15-minute flight over the icefield is filled with stunning views that are perfect for photography and capturing the majestic Alaskan wilderness.

Included in the Tour: Safety Gear and Transportation

Participants receive boots and raincoats, if needed, ensuring comfort and safety during the glacier walk. The round-trip helicopter flight is arranged for maximum safety and visibility, with a small group to optimize the experience.

Transportation to and from the heliport is included, simplifying planning. The adherence to weight restrictions helps maintain safety, with each passenger weighed at the facilities. ADA accommodations are available for those with mobility needs, with a maximum lift weight of 250 lbs.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This tour is suitable for most travelers, but there are some considerations. The total weight per passenger cannot exceed 500 lbs, and lap children are not allowed. Comfortable, layered clothing and rubber-soled shoes are recommended for the glacier walk.

People with limited mobility should inform the tour provider in advance, as the ADA lift allows access but requires guests to stay inside the helicopter on the glacier. The tour can be canceled in case of adverse weather, with options for rescheduling or refunds.

The Experience of a Lifetime: Strengths and Limitations

The experience offers stunning aerial views of Alaska’s glaciers, a rare opportunity to walk directly on Herbert Glacier, and the expertise of knowledgeable pilot-guides. The small group size enhances personalized attention, with a maximum of 12 travelers.

However, the weather dependency means cancellations are possible, and the duration is relatively short, focusing on the flight and glacier walk. The price reflects the premium nature of the experience, but many reviews highlight it as worth every penny.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion suits adventurers, photography enthusiasts, and geology buffs eager for an up-close glacier experience. It’s ideal for those comfortable with helicopter travel and outdoor walking on snow and ice. The small group setting and personalized guides make it a memorable, intimate encounter with Alaska’s icy wilderness.

Final Thoughts on the Juneau Helicopter and Glacier Walk Tour

The Juneau Shore Excursion combines spectacular helicopter vistas with an authentic glacier walk on Herbert Glacier. Its top rating and high recommendation rate reflect the quality of the guides, safety standards, and unmatched scenery.

While weather can impact the experience, the tour provider’s flexible policies and safety-first approach offer peace of mind. This tour appeals most to nature lovers seeking a unique, hands-on adventure in Alaska’s incredible landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the helicopter flight last?
The helicopter flight is approximately 27 minutes, providing ample time to see glaciers and icefalls.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a round-trip helicopter flight, guided glacier walk, transportation, and boots and raincoats if needed.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but weight limits and mobility considerations apply. No lap children are allowed, and guests should wear layered clothing and rubber-soled shoes.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?
Tours canceled due to poor weather are either rescheduled or fully refunded.

Can I bring my camera?
Yes, bringing a camera, film, and binoculars is encouraged to capture the stunning scenery.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Is the glacier walk safe?
Yes, under the guidance of an expert pilot-guide who explains the geology and ensures safety during the walk.

What are the ADA accommodations?
The ADA lift assists guests with mobility needs, with the restriction that the lift can support up to 250 lbs, and guests must stay inside the helicopter on the glacier.

How should I dress for the tour?
Dress warmly in layers, wear rubber-soled shoes, and be prepared for potentially wet conditions with raincoats provided.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
The experience is non-refundable, but in case of cancellation due to weather, options for rescheduling or refunds are available.