Juneau: Helicopter & Glacier Walk Shore Excursion

Thirty minutes in the air, twenty on the ice: a two-part glimpse of Alaska's scale

You board a helicopter at Juneau airport, fly 25–30 minutes over the Juneau Icefield with a pilot-guide, land on Herbert Glacier for a 20–25 minute walk on the ice, drink fresh glacier melt, and return by air. Transport from your hotel or airport area is included, as are boots and raincoats. The whole excursion fits the ship's port window, and weather cancellations come with a full refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour and glacier walk

• Depart airport for Herbert Glacier
• Explore glacier and drink fresh water
• Helicopter tour back to heliport

The experience

The helicopter lifts off the tarmac and the town drops away. Below, the Juneau Icefield spreads out in white and shadow, crevasses cutting through the surface like a map nobody drew. You're airborne for 25 to 30 minutes, and the pilot narrates as you go: pointing out ridges, telling you what you're seeing, making the vastness legible. Then the skids touch down on Herbert Glacier itself, and the sound changes. Wind, ice, the crunch of your boots on ground that's been frozen for centuries.

The walk on the glacier lasts 20 to 25 minutes, and it's not a hike. It's a slow wander with the pilot still acting as your guide. You can drink fresh glacier water straight from the melt, touch the ice, stand in a place where the horizon is just white and sky. Nugget Falls is visible from here, a ribbon of water falling from the ridge above. The air is cold enough that you notice it in your lungs. The company provides boots and raincoats if you need them, and most people do. You're not climbing. You're standing still and taking it in.

The return flight retraces the route over the icefield, and by then you've seen it twice, once from above, once from the middle of it. The whole thing, from pickup at your hotel or the airport area to landing back at the heliport, is built around the ship's schedule. You're back in port with time to spare. The no-bag policy means you leave everything at the office. Just you, a camera if you brought one, and whatever layers you wore. Weight gets checked at the facility. The company takes that seriously because the helicopter's balance depends on it, and they'll ask you to confirm your actual weight when you book.

Book through your cruise line's shore excursion desk or directly with the operator. Weather can cancel the flight, but if it does, you get a full refund or a reschedule. Dress in layers, wear hiking boots or athletic shoes with rubber soles, and bring binoculars if you have them. The helicopter holds a small group, and families usually fly together, though the company can't guarantee it until everyone's weighed in at check-in.

What’s included

Your tour includes a round-trip helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield, a guided walk on Herbert Glacier with your pilot as guide, boots and raincoats provided as needed, and transport to and from the heliport or airport area hotels. The pilot narrates both the flight and the glacier stop, and you have time to drink fresh glacier water and explore the ice on foot.

Options for this experience

3 options

Passenger Type: StandardGuide in English · Available from 26 Apr 2027Passengers weighing 1 lb to 259 lb: This option is for those weighing 259 lb or less. It secures 1 standard seat in the helicopter. Pickup is included.

Standard Plus passenger categoryGuide in English · Available from 26 Apr 2027Passengers weighing 260 lb to 299 lb: Select this option for passengers weighing 260 lb to 299 lb. It secures an additional half seat in the helicopter. Pickup is included.

Passenger Type: PremiumGuide in English · Available from 26 Apr 2027Passengers weighing 300 lb or more: Select this option for those weighing 300 lb or more. It secures a second seat in the helicopter. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Coastal Helicopters

Is this one for you?Right for cruise passengers with a few hours in Juneau who want to see the Icefield without arranging their own transport or timing. The 25–30 minute flight plus 20–25 minute glacier walk fits the ship's port window, and weather cancellations come with a full refund, so the risk is on the operator, not you.

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Top questions

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 72 h before the start.

How long is the helicopter flight?

25 to 30 minutes in the air, plus 20 to 25 minutes on the glacier.

What's included in the tour?

Round-trip helicopter flight, guided glacier walk, pilot-guide narration, boots and raincoats if needed, and transport to and from your hotel or airport area.

Can I bring a bag or camera?

No bags are allowed on the flight. They're stored at the tour office. Cameras are fine and encouraged.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours are subject to weather. If canceled, you get a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Do I need to be fit to walk on the glacier?

The glacier walk is 20–25 minutes at a slow pace. It's suitable for most fitness levels, though you should wear proper footwear and dress warmly in layers.

Is this accessible for people with limited mobility?

Yes. An ADA lift assists guests into and out of the helicopter. If you use the lift, you stay in the helicopter on the glacier, but the pilot opens the doors so you can see, hear and smell the ice. Notify the operator at booking if you need the lift.

Can families sit together on the helicopter?

The company tries to keep families together, but seating is based on weight and balance. This is confirmed at check-in once all passengers are weighed.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly in layers and wear rubber-soled hiking boots or athletic shoes. The company provides raincoats and overshoes if needed.

How does the weight check work?

Each passenger is weighed at the facility before boarding. Accurate weight is required for helicopter balance and safety. Misreported weights can cause delays or cancellations without refund.

How do I get to the helicopter from the cruise ship?

Transport to and from the heliport and airport area hotels is included in the tour. Confirm your pickup location when you book.