Juneau: Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo Tour

Summary

Whale watching in Alaska’s Inside Passage and walking to Mendenhall Glacier with time for Nugget Falls

You’ll watch humpback whales glide through Alaska’s Inside Passage from a heated boat with wide windows, then ride out to Mendenhall Glacier for walks along icy trails or down to Nugget Falls—all with local guides who know their stuff. Expect real wildlife moments, salty air, and just enough time at each stop to feel you’ve really been there.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the dock creaked under my boots—kind of echoed out over Auke Bay while we waited for our whale watching boat. Our guide, Sarah, handed out these bright blue rain jackets (I’d already layered up but took one anyway) and joked that “Alaska weather has a mind of its own.” She wasn’t kidding. The air smelled sharp and salty, and there was this low chatter from the other folks—nervous energy, I guess. When we finally boarded, the cabin was warm enough that my glasses fogged up for a second.

I’d never seen humpback whales before—at least not like this. There was this sudden hush when someone spotted the first spout off port side, and then everyone rushed to the wide windows or out on deck. It’s hard to explain what it feels like seeing something that big move so quietly through water. One of the naturalists pointed out bubble nets and explained how they hunt—she even showed us on a little whiteboard (which made me laugh because it felt like school, but in a good way). We also saw sea lions lounging on some rocks; they barely moved except to bark at each other.

Afterwards, we rode the bus out toward Mendenhall Glacier. The drive itself is kind of a blur—I remember condensation on the windows and someone behind me unwrapping a snack bar that smelled faintly sweet. At the park, Sarah gave us tips: “Don’t feed anything—even if it begs,” she said, grinning at a bold squirrel nearby. We had about an hour and a half there; enough time to walk down to Nugget Falls (the spray is colder than you’d think) and peek inside the visitor center where you can touch this chunk of ancient blue ice in a display case. I tried taking photos but honestly none of them do it justice.

On the way back I kept thinking about that first whale sighting—the quiet before everyone gasped—and how small I felt next to all that space and ice. If you’re wondering if two hours is enough for whale watching near Juneau or if 1.5 hours at Mendenhall Glacier feels rushed… somehow it just works. You don’t really want to leave either place but it’s enough to carry home in your head for a long time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and glacier visit

• Meet under aerial gondola cables
• Bus to Auke Bay Harbor
• Whale watching tour for 2 hours
• Bus to Mendenhall Glacier park
• Hike and visit visitor center for 1.5 hours

Top questions

How long is the whale watching tour near Juneau?

The whale watching portion lasts about 2 hours on the water.

Is transportation included from Juneau port?

Yes, round-trip transportation between port and boat harbor is included.

How much time do you get at Mendenhall Glacier?

You get approximately 1.5 hours at Mendenhall Glacier Park.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

A light snack and water are provided aboard the whale watching boat.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed.

Will I see whales on this day trip?

Whale sightings are guaranteed between May 15th and September 15th.

What should I wear for this tour?

Dress in warm layers with waterproof jackets and slip-proof shoes due to likely rain.

Can I bring food into Mendenhall Glacier Park?

No food is allowed at Mendenhall Glacier Park itself.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting under Mt. Roberts Tramway cables in Juneau, round-trip bus transfers between port and Auke Bay Harbor plus onward to Mendenhall Glacier Park, entrance fees covered, two hours of whale watching aboard heated boats with bathrooms (and naturalist guides), water and snacks during your cruise, plus 1.5 hours free time at Mendenhall Glacier before returning downtown.