Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching Jet Boat Tour

Glacier views and whale hunts in one Juneau morning

You spend an hour at Mendenhall Glacier with self-guided access to Photo Point Outlook and the Visitor Center, then board a small jet boat for two hours searching for humpback whales in Auke Bay. Snacks and hot drinks are included, and the company handles all transfers from your cruise ship so you don't have to arrange transport or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glacier visit and whale watching

• Bus ride from cruise ship
• Visit Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
• Overlook glacier at Photo Point Outlook
• Explore Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
• Walk boardwalk over salmon streams
• Take mammal-friendly jet boat from Auke Bay
• Whale watching for two hours

The experience

You're standing at Photo Point Outlook looking at Mendenhall Glacier, and it hits you that you've never actually seen a glacier before, not in person. The ice is massive and still, and Nugget Falls drops straight down beside it. The Visitor Center has displays that explain what you're looking at, and if you walk the boardwalk over the salmon streams, you might catch spawning salmon or even a bear moving through. It's self-guided, so you set the pace, but most people spend an hour here before heading to the harbor.

Then you're on a jet boat out of Auke Bay Harbor with an experienced captain who knows where the humpback whales have been that day. The boat is small. That's the whole point. The company has been running whale-watching tours since 1994, and they've kept the fleet mammal-friendly and the groups intimate so the whales stay calm and you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. Two hours on the water, and the captain goes wherever the whales are hanging out. Some days that's close. Some days it's a bit of a ride. Either way, you're actually looking for them, not just hoping.

The whole operation moves fast between stops. You get picked up from your cruise ship, dropped at the glacier, then transferred to the boat without sitting around waiting. They hand you a snack bag, prepackaged stuff to hold you over, and coffee or tea so you're not hungry or thirsty while you're out on the water. The guides are local hires who actually love Juneau, which means they know the water and the wildlife, not just the script. By the time you're back at the ship, you've seen two completely different sides of Southeast Alaska in one morning.

What’s included

Your tour includes a self-guided stop at Mendenhall Glacier with access to Photo Point Outlook and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, a two-hour whale-watching jet boat excursion from Auke Bay Harbor, all transfers from your cruise ship, a snack bag, and coffee or tea.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We meet directly below the cables of the Mount Robert's Tram. Look for a representative with a blue sign with yellow letters.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dolphin Jet Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Right for cruise passengers on a short Juneau stop who want both glacier and whale-watching without arranging separate transport or timing: the fixed schedule and included transfers mean you're back at the ship on time. The small jet boats and two-hour search window are what make finding whales realistic in a few hours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

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 24h before the start.

How long is the whole tour from ship to ship?

The glacier stop and whale-watching boat together take roughly four to five hours, including transfers. Check your ship's all-aboard time when booking.

What if we don't see whales?

The tour goes out regardless of sightings. Humpbacks are in Juneau waters during summer season, but no tour guarantees a sighting. The captain knows where they've been spotted that day and adjusts the route accordingly.

Is the jet boat ride rough?

Jet boats are designed to handle Alaska waters smoothly. The ride is faster and more maneuverable than larger tour boats, but you're still on the ocean. Dress warmly and bring a light jacket.

What's included in the snack bag?

Prepackaged snacks and your choice of coffee or tea. Bring your own water bottle if you prefer.

Do we need to book in advance?

Yes, especially during peak cruise season. The boats are small and fill up quickly. Book through your cruise line or directly with the operator.