Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 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!
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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!
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
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worthwhile expedition to find whales at the end of the season
Carol R,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00The guide on our whale-watching boat was excellent, very enthusiastic and entertaining. We were all told to manage our expectations, this being the end of the season before the whales migrate south, but our terrific captain kept searching, way to the north, then followed beside a mother and her calf way to the south again. Exciting, and there was some stamina needed as the boat slapped along the choppy sea. Fun snacks were provided. We arrived at the glacier after the visitor center was closed, so there was not much time to see much by 6:00, although our terrific bus driver returned to pick up those with energy to walk to the Falls at 7:00. Really fun excursion.
Unfortunately, our ship...
LeighAnn D,
Sep 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Unfortunately, our ship wasn’t able to dock due to weather. We did dock much later than planned so we missed our excursion. They called to check on us and when we told them our issue they immediately gave us a full refund!
Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall and Whale Watching Tour
Diane C,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00We loved this tour! We were in the rare group that got to see orcas! We also saw lots of humpback whales. The naturalist on our boat was awesome and shared a wealth of information about whales and their habits. The second part of the tour was the stop at Mendenhall Glacier which was equally enjoyable. This tour was one of our favorite things we did while in Alaska!
Spectacular Nature Tour
MauiArt,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a great small group tour that avoids the cruise ship crowds! The whale watch was expertly guided by Nia with a bonus jet boat ride back to the dock with Captain Jay. Sam took us directly to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center. I had read how some have to walk some distance. The glacier and Nugget Falls are naturally spectacular. At the end, our guide/driver Sam dropped us right at the ship. That was a big bonus since rain was just beginning to fall. It was a great excursion.
Sam was our guide as well...
Troy L,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Sam was our guide as well as driver. He did a great job letting us know about the area and history and then explaining everything to us while we out whale watching. After leaving there he let us know what to expect at the glacier and we were not disappointed. Great experience seeing whales and porpoises.
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