Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching & Salmon Bake in Juneau

Watch humpbacks breach before a wild salmon feast grilled over alder wood

This full-day tour from Juneau combines three distinct Alaskan experiences: a visit to Mendenhall Glacier and its Visitor Center, a whale-watching cruise in Auke Bay aboard a 48-passenger jet boat with a whale sighting guarantee, and an all-you-can-eat salmon bake at Gold Creek in the rainforest. A naturalist guide leads the day, which runs 6 to 7 hours and includes transportation, permits, beverages and live entertainment. The tour operates subject to favorable weather. If canceled, you receive an alternative date or full refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glacier visit, whale watching, and salmon bake

• Transfer to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
• Explore glacier grounds and exhibits
• Watch bears feeding on salmon
• Travel to Auke Bay for whale watching
• Board jet boat for whale watching cruise
• Spot humpback whales and enjoy views
• Proceed to Gold Creek Salmon Bake
• Enjoy all-you-can-eat salmon buffet
• Roast marshmallows by campfire
• Visit Salmon Creek Trading Post
• Stroll to Salmon Creek waterfall

The experience

Mendenhall Glacier is the first stop. A narrated transfer takes you to the Visitor Center, where you can walk the grounds, photograph the ice and falls, and watch the interactive exhibits. Rangers are on hand to answer questions about the glacier and the landscape. The area sits where bears come to feed on salmon, so wildlife sightings are possible depending on the season.

From the glacier, you board a state-of-the-art jet boat at Auke Bay: a 48-passenger vessel with extra-large windows and an outside viewing deck, built specifically for whale watching in Juneau waters. The boat captains are experts at locating humpback whales. The region hosts around 65 whales each season that return to feed in nutrient-rich waters. The tour includes a whale sighting guarantee: if no whales appear, each adult receives $100 back and children get $50. Binoculars are available onboard. You can stay warm inside watching through the oversized windows or venture onto the deck for panoramic views and photos as whales breach and feed around you.

The day ends at Gold Creek Salmon Bake, set in the rainforest with the smell of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes Cheechako Chicken, Alyeska Au Gratin Potatoes, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, salads, beverages and blueberry cake. After the meal, you can roast marshmallows over a campfire, browse the Salmon Creek Trading Post or walk to Salmon Creek waterfall. You return to the dock at your own pace.

What’s included

Transportation from your hotel or ship, narrated transfer to Mendenhall Glacier, Visitor Center access, the 48-passenger jet boat cruise with binoculars available, the all-you-can-eat salmon bake buffet with hot and cold beverages, live entertainment, a naturalist guide in English, and all permits.

Information

Lasts 6h–7h, from US$ 279 per person and with a live guide in English.

Days and timesNext departure: 30 Apr 2027

GroupUp to 90

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to2d before

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 27 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.

Is this one for you?Six to seven hours is enough time to stand in front of the glacier, watch for whales on the water and eat a full meal in the rainforest without rushing any of it, but not enough to add a second destination to the day. Book this if you want three distinct Alaskan experiences in one outing and don't want to arrange transport or logistics between them.

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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.

What is Mendenhall Glacier like when you get there?

Mendenhall Glacier is a massive tidewater glacier with a visitor center, walking grounds and Nugget Falls nearby. You have time to explore the exhibits, take photographs and watch for bears feeding on salmon during the season. A ranger is available to answer questions about the glacier and the natural features around it.

Are whales guaranteed on the whale watching cruise?

Yes, the tour includes a whale sighting guarantee. If no whales are spotted during the cruise, each adult receives $100 back and each child gets $50. Juneau's waters host around 65 humpback whales each season, and the boat captains are trained to locate them.

What's included in the salmon bake meal?

The all-you-can-eat buffet features wild Alaskan salmon grilled over alder wood fire, Cheechako Chicken, Alyeska Au Gratin Potatoes, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, salads, hot and cold beverages, and blueberry cake for dessert. You can also roast marshmallows over a campfire afterward.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 6 to 7 hours total, including the glacier visit, whale watching cruise and salmon bake. You return to the dock at your own pace after the meal, so the end time can flex depending on how long you spend at Gold Creek.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.