Juneau: 5-Glacier Seaplane Tour & Taku Glacier Views

Five Glaciers in Forty Minutes Over Alaska's Icefield

You board a floatplane in downtown Juneau and spend 40 minutes flying over five glaciers, including the massive Taku, with a guaranteed window seat and narration included. The flight departs from the water, saving you travel time, and the small group size keeps the cabin from feeling crowded. You return to downtown with the afternoon still ahead of you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Five glacier seaplane flightseeing tour

• Depart from Downtown Juneau
• Board deHavilland Otter floatplane
• Fly over Norris Glacier
• View Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier
• See East Twin and West Twin Glaciers
• Fly past the Taku Glacier
• Return to Juneau waterfront

The experience

The floatplane lifts off the water faster than you'd expect, and suddenly the downtown noise of Juneau drops away completely. You're in a deHavilland Otter with nine other people, and every single seat has a window: that part matters more than it sounds when you're trying to photograph the Taku Glacier, the largest glacier in the entire Juneau Icefield, sliding past below you. The 40-minute flight doesn't waste time on long drives to an airstrip. You leave from the water right there in town, which means more of your day stays yours.

The route follows the Taku River and banks past five glaciers in sequence: Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East Twin, West Twin, and then the Taku itself, which is the one that stops conversation in the cabin. You get audio narration and a flight map so you're not just looking at ice. You know what you're seeing. The blue crevasses are real, the scale is real, and the wilderness in every direction is the kind of thing that doesn't translate well in photos, which is why being there matters. Weather can shift plans around, so the route isn't guaranteed to be identical every day, but the five-glacier focus is what sets this tour apart from the standard glacier flightseeing in Juneau.

Wings Airways keeps groups small (ten passengers per plane, with up to five aircraft available per departure), so it doesn't feel like a cattle run. You'll want layered clothing and a camera that's ready to go. The light off the ice changes fast, and you won't want to fumble with settings when the Taku comes into view. Infants under two fly free on an adult's lap, and the plane is wheelchair accessible, though the boarding from the dock is something to plan for if mobility is a consideration.

What’s included

Your tour includes the 40-minute seaplane flight with guaranteed window seat, audio and written narration, a flight map, and views of five glaciers (Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East Twin, West Twin, and the Taku) across the Juneau Icefield and Taku River wilderness. Pickup and drop-off are at the downtown water departure point, so no additional transport is needed.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wings Airways & The Taku Glacier Lodge

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see Alaska's largest glaciers without spending hours on the ground or arranging your own transportation: the 40-minute flight and downtown departure mean you keep the rest of your day free. The small group size and guaranteed window seats make it worth booking ahead, especially during peak season.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual flight time?

Approximately 40 minutes in the air, viewing the five glaciers and Taku River wilderness.

Is a window seat guaranteed?

Yes. The deHavilland Otter seats 10 passengers, and every seat has a window.

What if the weather is bad?

All flights are subject to change due to weather. The operator will work with you on rescheduling if conditions prevent departure.

Do I need to travel to an airstrip?

No. The seaplane departs from the water in downtown Juneau, so there's no additional transportation needed.

Can infants fly on this tour?

Yes. Infants under 2 years old can fly at no cost as "lap babies," sitting on an adult's lap. Children ages 2–12 have child rates.

What should I bring?

Layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and sunglasses. The light and temperature change quickly at altitude.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The plane itself is wheelchair accessible, though boarding from the dock requires some mobility. Contact the operator about your specific needs.

What is the maximum passenger weight?

The maximum per-passenger weight for aviation balance is 300 pounds.