Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching

Duration: 5.75 Hours

This adventure combines the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier and world-class whale watching all in one excursion! Your driver will share local history and points of interest as you make your way through downtown Juneau to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Mendenhall Glacier is the largest, road-accessible glacier in North America. At the visitor center, US Forest Service interpreters are eager to share facts and answer questions related to the natural forces that form these great rivers of ice. Be sure to watch the short video about the Juneau icefield or simply tour the interactive exhibits and view the glacier from this prime vantage point.

Afterwards, join your driver once again for a short motorcoach ride to Auke Bay, where you depart on a whale watching and wildlife viewing experience. Relax in warm comfort while cruising through Stephens Passage – an area known for a high abundance of humpback whales.  Your naturalist and crew will explain the behavior and unique habits of whales and other wildlife you may encounter.  Enjoy complimentary refreshments and feel free to look for wildlife inside the boat’s cabin or venture out under our covered decks. With a PA system inside and outside each vessel, you won’t miss any stories or natural history that our knowledgeable naturalist and crew share. With complimentary wildlife guides and use of binoculars, you’ll be able to spot the wildlife just as well as the crew does! Humpback and killer whales, Stellar sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and bald eagles are common sights. Snow covered mountains and lush, green rainforests serves the perfect backdrop to your many photo opportunities.

The crew will point out at least one whale, or you will receive $100.00 cash ($50.00 refund per child) as you disembark the vessel. To fully enjoy this excursion, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring along a warm, waterproof jacket…and, don’t forget your camera! This cruise portion is approximately 3 hours. Note: Tour itinerary may operate in reverse order.