Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Sea Kayak & Wildlife Tour

Summary

Kayak past Juneau’s wild shores for glacier views and wildlife

You’ll paddle from Juneau’s shoreline with a local guide, gliding past forested slopes toward distant views of Mendenhall Glacier. Expect close-up moments with wildlife—maybe eagles or curious seals—and time exploring peaceful wetlands by kayak. All gear is included, plus snacks to warm you up after your adventure. This is one of those days you’ll keep replaying long after you’re home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea kayaking and glacier viewing

• Receive life jackets and rain gear
• Learn kayaking techniques from guide
• Board two-person kayaks
• Explore Mendenhall Wetlands by kayak
• View Mendenhall Glacier from water
• Spot wildlife like eagles and whales
• Listen to guide's local stories
• Enjoy Alaska style snack ashore

Top questions

How far is Mendenhall Glacier from where you kayak?

The glacier is about six miles away from where you paddle in Fritz Cove—you see it from a distance framed by mountain peaks.

Is all kayaking equipment provided?

Yes, all equipment including rain gear, boots, spray skirt, life jackets, and kayaks is provided as part of your booking.

Do you get close to wildlife on this tour?

You may spot bald eagles, seals, porpoises, sea lions, herons or even whales while kayaking—sightings vary with conditions.

How long do you spend paddling during the tour?

You’ll be kayaking for approximately 2 hours as part of your day trip from Juneau.

Are snacks included after kayaking?

Yes—Alaska-style snacks and beverages are served once you’re back onshore before returning to Juneau.

Is transportation included from Juneau?

Transportation between downtown Juneau (or cruise pier) and the kayaking site is included in your tour booking.

Can kids join this sea kayak tour?

Children ages 7-12 can participate if accompanied by an adult; teens 13-17 need signed parental consent if unaccompanied.

What should I wear for this kayaking trip?

You should dress appropriately for Alaskan weather; rain gear and boots are provided but layering is recommended underneath.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Juneau or your cruise ship pier, all necessary kayaking equipment like rain gear and life jackets, guidance from a professional local guide throughout your paddle near Mendenhall Glacier and through wetlands teeming with wildlife, plus Alaska-style snacks and drinks served after you return to shore before heading back into town.

What’s the experience like?

Paddle blade dips in, cold water slides off — I’m still figuring out the rhythm when our guide, Jamie, grins back at us from her own kayak. She’s already pointing to a bald eagle perched up on a snag, so close you can see its feathers ruffling in the wind. The air smells like salt and wet spruce. I didn’t expect to feel this small (in a good way) out here in Fritz Cove, with nothing but the hush of water and the occasional gull yelling overhead.

We’d started out bundled in rain gear they handed us at the dock — honestly, I was grateful for the extra layers. Jamie ran through how to steer (my partner took charge of that, which was probably wise), then we slid into these two-person sea kayaks that felt surprisingly steady. The Mendenhall Glacier was off in the distance, about six miles away — not right up close, but you could see it winding between peaks like some slow-moving river of blue ice. It’s wild thinking how long it’s been there. Jamie told us stories about Smugglers Cove and pointed out seals popping their heads up now and then. At one point I swear we heard a whale blow somewhere across the bay, but maybe that was wishful thinking.

The best part? Just drifting through the Mendenhall Wetlands — quiet except for our paddles and some ducks arguing nearby. My hands were cold but I didn’t care; watching an eagle swoop low over the water made me forget everything else for a second. When we finally got back on shore my arms were tired but happy (if that makes sense). They had snacks waiting — smoked salmon and something sweet I can’t remember now — and everyone just stood around swapping stories before heading back toward Juneau.