Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Ultimate Whale Watch Combo

Key Points

• Affordable and Popular: Priced at $199 per person, this tour is booked 85 days in advance on average, showing strong demand.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departures and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway make it easy to fit into tight schedules, ideal for shore excursions.
• Two Major Highlights: Experience whale watching on a comfortable boat and visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for scenic views and photo opportunities.
• Well-Reviewed and Professional: With a 4.5/5 rating from 688 reviews, the tour is praised for friendly guides, modern boats, and smooth operation.
• Duration and Pace: The approximately 5-hour tour involves moderate walking and can be customized to your timing needs, especially with flexible departure options.
• Weather-Ready: The tour operates in all weather conditions, so layered, waterproof clothing is recommended, especially for outdoor activities.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Whale Watch: A Practical Guide

Meeting at Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau

The tour begins at the Goldbelt Tram location at 490 S Franklin St in Juneau. This spot is easy to spot under the tram cables, making check-in straightforward. The round-trip transportation from the tramway ensures a seamless start and finish, ideal for cruise ship passengers or those staying nearby. The check-in time is the departure time, with boats leaving within 15 to 30 minutes afterward.

The meeting point’s central location allows quick access from most accommodations or port areas, with a downtown shuttle available from some docks, like A Dock. This convenience is particularly helpful for those with tight schedules or limited time in Juneau.

Whale Watching on a Comfortable Jet Boat or Catamaran

Boarding occurs at Auke Bay Harbor, where the tour uses a 24-passenger jet boat or a 49-passenger catamaran. The boats feature heated cabins, wide viewing windows, and spacious decks—all designed for wildlife spotting and passenger comfort.

A naturalist guide accompanies the cruise, providing insightful commentary about the whales, primarily orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales. The captain announces whale sightings and slows the boat, allowing for close-up viewing and perfect photo opportunities. The crew’s attentiveness and the newer equipment they use are frequently praised in reviews.

Water and a light snack are included onboard, making the experience enjoyable even during chilly weather. This 2-hour whale watching tour is appreciated for its efficiency and quality, making it suitable for travelers with limited time in Juneau.

Exploring the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

After the whale cruise, the tour transitions to visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. This stop offers flexible departure times, so you can choose to visit when it best fits your schedule. The shuttle departs every 30 minutes from the glacier to the Mt. Roberts Tramway, ensuring smooth coordination.

At the visitor center, visitors can take photos, walk the hiking and nature trails, or simply enjoy the spectacular views of the glacier. The admission fee to the visitor center is included, and around 1 hour and 30 minutes are typically spent here, depending on the time of day.

The glacier’s scenery is described as magnificent and out of this world, with many reviews highlighting the breathtaking vistas and photo-worthy landscapes. The trails provide extra opportunities for nature walks, though no food is permitted at the glacier itself.

The Logistics of the Tour: Transportation and Timing

The entire experience hinges on round-trip transportation from the Mount Roberts Tramway, with pickups and drop-offs timed to match your preferred schedule. The multiple departures each day mean this tour can fit well into a shore excursion or a short stay in Juneau.

The bus transfer to the whale harbor and glacier is smooth, with professional guides providing commentary during transit. The moderate walking involved at the glacier and visitor center makes this suitable for most physical levels, though travelers should wear comfortable shoes.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This combo tour is ideal for those wanting a mix of wildlife viewing and scenic glacier exploration. The flexibility of departure times and the comprehensive transportation make it especially attractive for cruise passengers or visitors with limited schedules.

The modern boats and expert guides are frequently praised in reviews, confirming the professionalism of Juneau Tours. The light snack and water onboard add value to the whale watching experience, and the free time at Mendenhall Glacier allows travelers to customize their visit.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While the tour is operated in all weather conditions, travelers should prepare for variable weather by dressing in layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable slip-proof shoes. Since food is not allowed at the glacier, bringing a small snack or water bottle for the visit is advisable.

The tour is popular and often booked 85 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended to secure preferred departure times. The group size is limited to 49, ensuring a more personal experience, but it can still be busy during peak season.

Some reviews mention that larger boats might not get as close to whales compared to smaller vessels, but the experience remains highly rewarding due to the quality of guides and equipment.

Final Thoughts on the Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watch Combo

This $199 tour offers a balanced experience of Alaska’s iconic wildlife and glaciers in a roughly 5-hour window. It combines exciting whale sightings with breathtaking glacier scenery, making it a convenient and worthwhile option for visitors with limited time.

The strong reviews for professionalism, guides, and equipment support its reputation. While weather can vary, the well-maintained boats and flexible scheduling help ensure a memorable adventure.

Best suited for cruise passengers or short-stay visitors seeking high-quality wildlife viewing and scenic exploration, this tour provides great value and a well-organized experience in Juneau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from the Mt. Roberts Tramway to the whale watching harbor and glacier is included.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 5 hours, with roughly 2 hours of whale watching and 1.5 hours at the glacier.

Can I choose a departure time?
Yes, the tour offers multiple departures throughout the day, allowing you to pick a time that suits your schedule.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers, including a waterproof jacket and comfortable slip-proof shoes, because the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Is food provided?
A light snack and water are included onboard the whale boat, but food is not available at the glacier.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 49 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

What kind of whales might I see?
Most frequently, killer whales (orcas) and humpback whales are spotted during the cruise.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $199 per person, making it an accessible choice for a comprehensive day in Juneau.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult; comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.