Juneau: Sea Kayaking & Mendenhall Glacier Views, Small Group

Paddle Past Eagles & Seals With the Glacier in View

You paddle your own single kayak through Mendenhall Wetlands with a guide and seven others max, watching for eagles and seals while the glacier stays visible on the horizon. The tour includes pickup from the cruise docks, a dry suit, all gear, a beach break with snack, and two hours on the water. The whole outing takes three and a half hours, and fog can affect the glacier view but won't cancel the paddle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sea kayaking with glacier views

• Arrive at Mendenhall estuary
• Receive dry suit and gear
• Get kayaking instruction from guide
• Launch single kayak on water
• Kayak through Mendenhall Wetlands
• Observe eagles, seals, and sea lions
• View Mendenhall Glacier from distance
• Return to shore and end tour

The experience

You're not going to get closer to Mendenhall Glacier by paddling straight at it. The best view is actually from six miles back, in the estuary where the water opens up and the whole thing comes into frame between the peaks. That's where this tour takes you. The boat leaves the cruise ship docks with no more than eight people, which means you're not jockeying for position or waiting for someone else's paddle to clear the frame. You get your own single kayak, a paddle, a life vest, and a dry suit that actually keeps the cold water off your skin, not just your clothes.

The drive from Downtown Juneau to the North Douglas boat launch takes twenty minutes. Once you're there, the guides walk through the equipment and safety stuff. Nothing rushed, and they're clear about what to expect if you've never kayaked before. Then you're on the water for two hours, and that's where it gets real. Eagles are actually perched in the trees along the shoreline, not somewhere you have to squint to see. Harbor seals haul out on rocks. The guides know where to paddle to catch the light right, and they'll point out a sea lion or porpoise if one swims past. The glacier sits there the whole time, white and distant, and you can actually see how it's carved the valley.

There's a beach walk partway through and a light snack (vegan and gluten-free options are there if you need them), and then back in the kayaks. The whole thing, from pickup to drop-off at the cruise docks, is three and a half hours. Fog can roll in and soften the glacier view, which is just how it is in Southeast Alaska, but the estuary itself doesn't disappear. You're still paddling through something real.

What’s included

Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in Downtown Juneau, a dry suit, kayak, paddle, personal flotation device (life vest), all other kayaking equipment, footwear, a light snack with vegan and gluten-free options, and bottled water. Your guide provides instruction and support throughout the two-hour paddle.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Paddle Juneau

Is this one for you?Right for cruise passengers who want to paddle on their own and see wildlife and the glacier without a long commute inland. The three-and-a-half-hour window fits a port day, and the moderate fitness requirement is honest. You're paddling for two hours, so you need to be ready for that.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

119 verified traveler reviews

5 ★113

4 ★4

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

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 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this tour and kayaking closer to the glacier?

This tour launches from the estuary six miles away, which gives you the most complete view of the glacier's full span. Tours that go to or around the visitor center are closer to the ice but see less of the overall glacier shape.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The guides provide hands-on instruction and support. The tour is designed for first-time kayakers as well as experienced paddlers. You need moderate physical fitness.

What if I can't fit in a single kayak?

Double kayaks are available on request. Let the operator know when you book.

Is the dry suit really necessary?

Yes. It keeps you warm and dry in Southeast Alaska water, which stays cold year-round. It goes over your regular clothes.

How long are we actually paddling?

Two hours on the water, including a beach walk and snack break. The entire tour from pickup to drop-off is three and a half hours.

What's included in the snack?

A light snack and bottled water. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

What if fog blocks the glacier view?

Fog can affect visibility of the glacier, but it doesn't cancel the paddle. You're still in the estuary with eagles, seals, and the full kayaking experience.

Do you pick up from the cruise ship?

Yes. Pickup is from the cruise ship docks in Downtown Juneau, and you're driven twenty minutes to the boat launch. Return transport to the docks is included.