Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Float

Paddle or Float Past Mendenhall Glacier in One Afternoon

You board a raft at Mendenhall Lake and float five miles downriver past the glacier, either relaxing in a guide-led boat or paddling your own through Class III rapids. The tour includes a photographer on the bank, wildlife spotting, snacks, and a return transfer to your ship. All within 3.5 hours, so you're back before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mendenhall Glacier rafting adventure

• Scenic motor coach to Mendenhall Lake
• Gear up and board the raft
• Raft across Mendenhall Lake
• View Mendenhall Glacier and mountains
• Float five miles down Mendenhall River
• Navigate Class II and III rapids
• Spot wildlife along the river
• Stop for photos by the riverbank
• Enjoy Alaskan snack and warm beverage
• Purchase photo or souvenir
• Return transfer to ship

The experience

So you're standing on the deck thinking you've got maybe four hours before the ship leaves, and your guide's already loading you into a raft at the base of Mendenhall Glacier. The motor coach ride from port takes you straight to Mendenhall Lake, where you gear up and push off into water that's cold enough to keep you awake. The glacier sits right there: massive, pale blue, the kind of thing you can't quite believe is real until you're floating toward it.

The route covers about five miles down the Mendenhall River, and it splits into two versions depending on what you want to do. If you'd rather sit back and let the guide handle the paddle, you're in a custom-made raft that moves through the Class II and III rapids at a pace that feels fast without being out of control. The water speed changes with the weather, so some days it's more float than rush, other days it's genuinely exciting. If you want to paddle yourself, you get a one-mile stretch of Class III where you follow commands and actually power the raft. That's the version people talk about afterward. Either way, a photographer shoots from the riverbank, so you leave with proof it happened.

The wildlife shows up if it wants to. Eagles, arctic terns nesting on the rocks, salmon moving upstream, and occasionally bears. Your guide knows what to look for and will point things out as you drift. The mountains rise straight up on both sides, and Nugget Falls drops in the distance. You're not fighting to see anything. It's all just there while you float. After the river section, you pull ashore for an Alaskan snack and something warm to drink, then a short narrated ride back to the ship.

What’s included

Your tour includes professional guide services, all rafting gear and life jackets, transportation via narrated motor coach to Mendenhall Lake and back to your ship, a five-mile float down the Mendenhall River with Class II and III rapids, wildlife viewing, a photographer on the riverbank, Alaskan snacks and a warm beverage at the end, and the option to purchase photos or souvenirs of your experience.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram -15 minutes prior to tour departure. Once at the meeting area, look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative.”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 48h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked in Juneau for a few hours and want to see the glacier without arranging your own transport or timing. The fixed 3.5-hour schedule is built around ship departures, and you choose between relaxing or paddling depending on how active you want to be.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Do I need rafting experience?

No. The tour is designed for all fitness levels. You choose between a guide-paddled raft or a paddle raft where you follow commands. Either way, the guide handles safety and navigation.

What's the difference between the guide-led and paddle raft options?

In the guide-led raft, you sit back and the guide steers through the rapids. In the paddle raft, you paddle yourself through a one-mile stretch of Class III rapids following the guide's commands.

Will I see wildlife?

Eagles, arctic terns, salmon and occasionally bears are present in the area. Sightings depend on the season and time of day, but your guide will point out what appears.

What if the weather is bad?

The speed and intensity of the rapids vary with weather and water conditions. Your guide adjusts the pace to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.

How long is the whole tour?

3.5 hours total, including the motor coach ride to the lake, the five-mile river float, snacks, and the return transfer to your ship.

Do I get a photo?

A photographer shoots from the riverbank during the float. You can purchase prints or digital copies at the end of the tour.

Is this a shore excursion?

Yes. It's designed for cruise passengers. Include your ship name when booking, and the return transfer is timed to get you back before departure.

What's included?

Professional guide, all gear, snacks, a warm beverage, transportation to and from the lake, and the Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee.