Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
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!
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
We offer a snack bag of various prepackaged snacks to hold you over until you get back to your ship!
Coffee and/or Tea
Audio and written guides are not included. Just in person!
What To Expect
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
You will be dropped off at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area for a self guided stop. You will be able to overlook the glacier from Photo Point Outlook, and stop by educational displays at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. If you walk down the board walk over the salmon streams, you might get a chance to see spawning salmon, or even a bear!
Juneau
Take a mammal friendly jet boat out of Auke Bay Harbor, and explore the waters surrounding Juneau in search of the majestic humpback whale! This tour includes two hours on the water where an experienced captain will take you to where ever the whales are hanging out that day!
Options
Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour
Reviews
139 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience and amazing guides
Amanda B,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience, especially after it got off to an unexpected rocky start that could have turned out very disastrous and disappointing, but to the absolute credit and respect of the manager or owner (not sure of her exact title) Summer, she stepped up and made it right in every way possible. I can’t thank Summer enough for going above and beyond to to the right thing in a situation that was unfortunate at first, but in the end turned out fantastic and a truly wonderful and memorable day. Summer showed how to run an operation and show true hospitality to customers in a moment that wasn’t in any way her fault at all. I truly believe that what matters in a business is not what goes wrong, because that is inevitable and that is going to happen, it is how you handle it, and she showed exactly how to be a leader and master at customer service and grace. Thanks to Summer we had a great day after all and got to see the one and only goal of seeing whales on our trip in the end. The glacier tour was nice and beautiful. The weather and waters were rough, but we had absolute experts at the hands of Captain Jay and his right hand helper Rio onboard the boat to guide us over the very rough waters and straight to an amazing whale watching experience. Captain Jay was so skilled and nice and determined to give everyone the experience they came for. Rio was obviously very passionate about whales and his knowledge and expertise came through in his teachings. They made sure everyone were safe and taken care of from start to finish. The whole thing was a total dream come true.
Whale watching in the rain
Mark P,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the size of the boat (I think it holds about 20-30). The enclosed area of the boat was very comfortable. The naturalist and the boat captain were excellent and kept us informed and entertained during the whole trip. The bus driver that took us to the glacier was a lot of fun and made the time go fast. I would book this company again if we ever return to Juneau.
Glaciers & Whales
Lee S,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00A really wonderful experience! The glacier, spectacular! The captain (Captain Joe) and his assistant knew exactly where to go look for whales! Their skills were phenomenal and It was a breathtaking experience!
To see in Juneau
Gaetane H,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
4.00Two places to see in one excursion, that is to do. Whales, don't have too much expectation because we can be disappointed, for us we have seen some.
Whales and Glacier -a Terrific Day!
Karen B,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour with a small group. Only 14 so we never felt like we were waiting or rushed. Bus driver-Charlie so accommodating! Whale watching tour guides and pilot amazing and so engaged with us throughout the tour. Mendenhall portion was on our own and gave us plenty of time to do as much as we wanted.
Related Experiences
Operated by Dolphin Jet Boat Tours