Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do!
This tour offers an additional hour at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. This gives you an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours to look at salmon, visit the Visitor's Center, and make the hike to Nugget Falls!
Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales.
We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Juneau
Drive through the city of Juneau on a guided bus ride.
Nugget Falls
Take an easy hike out to Nugget Falls to really immerse yourself in our rainforest! It takes most people about 45 minutes round trip, but if you are a slower hiker, or you want to stop and take pictures, this is the tour for you!
Options
Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour
What‘s Included
Binoculars are provided
English Guide
We include a generous snack bag, along with hot chocolate and coffee.
Audio and written guides are not included. Just in person!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
94 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whale Tail
Roy B,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized, nice clean boat, very knowledgeable guide and awesome captain. Shuttle bus clean and drivers knowledgeable .
We did the whale watching...
Kim D,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did the whale watching then hike to nugget falls/ mendenhall glacier. I was initially concerned about motion sickness on boat and cold temps. Boat is covered, climate controlled, with ability to walk onto front or back deck. If you want to stay seated, can also stay inside cabin and open a window. I did not need meds for motion sickness. We wore layers… boggans, fleece lined leggings, cuddle dud shirt with layered long sleeved fleece and vest. This was perfect for boat ride in June. For the hike, it was warm enough to shed a layer. Overall, a great excursion. Will, was our shuttle driver. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and entertaining. The boat crew was excellent. We had up close encounter with whales. We will never forget it!! Highly recommend!!
Don’t miss this tour!
Angie O,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jade & Libby made our whale watching adventure memorable! They are so knowledgeable, energetic & so willingly share their love of the area. We had the pleasure of viewing many whales. Our driver, William, was exceptional! It was a fantastic day in Juneau!
Alaska Dream
galek2026,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00the excursion was what they advertised but there was a couple of incidents where we felt they were not sure of who was suppose to be a part of which group. Other than that it was good.
Great experience. We also...
Rajesh G,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. We also saw a breach during the whale watching . We did miss our scheduled time and tour accommodated us on the same day . Thank you !!!
Awesome tour while in port for the day.
Ann T,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an awesome tour while in port for the day off our cruise ship. So organized with great directions. We boarded the bus and headed to our whale watching boat. Our Captain, Simon and our naturalist Libbie were terrific. We saw a few orcas but the highlight was a humpback whale breach multiple times. Simon did a terrific job navigating the boat to all these great spots. We knew how special this day was because even Libbie got excited! She was a wealth of information. Also snacks and hot chocolate were provided. Then after this exciting time, we headed to Mendenhall glacier and Nugget Falls. What a terrific day!
Transportation weakness
Cynthia S,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The transportation from one event to the other is not dependable. The driver was late and claimed he had been caught in a parade in the morning and later in the day. His lateness caused us to miss our taxi.
The perfect excursion for...
Sarah F,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The perfect excursion for Juneau. We enjoyed whale watching so much and Mendenhall glacier didn’t disappoint.
Excursion while on a cruise
945chrish,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed the combination tour. Saw several orca's and humpbacks, though from a distance due to 100 yard rule. Very nice that after the whale watch boat trip we were taken directly to the glacier for a nice hike, then the return trip to the ship. All the guides were excellent and the lady who took us to the glacier was very knowledgeable about the area.
Whales, whales, whales
Greta M,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was fabulous! We saw orcas, humpbacks, seals, Eagles, way more than we expected. Our tour guide was both entertaining and very knowledgeable! The waterfall was amazing and was the glacier. Loved it. Awesome day!
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