Juneau: Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier with Pickup

Summary

Whale watching near Juneau plus time at Mendenhall Glacier with cruise pickup

You’ll wander by Mendenhall Glacier’s blue ice before heading out from Juneau on a whale watching tour with guaranteed sightings. Expect friendly guides, snacks on board, and time both inside a warm cabin and out in Alaska’s sharp air. The moments are quiet but stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver, Mark, waving us onto the shuttle at the Juneau cruise terminal — he had this big red beard and a habit of calling everyone “friend.” He handed out bottled water (which was nice because I always forget to bring some), and as we drove out toward Mendenhall Glacier, he told us how his dad used to fish these waters. The bus windows fogged up from all our chatter and the damp air outside. You could smell rain on the pavement — not heavy, just that mossy Alaskan kind that hangs around your shoes.

At the glacier, we had about 45 minutes to wander. I walked down a gravel path where the wind picked up tiny bits of ice from the lake’s edge. There were ravens hopping around picnic tables, eyeing my granola bar like they’d mug me if they could. I tried to get close enough for a photo but ended up just staring at the blue cracks in the ice — it’s quieter than you’d think out there. Someone next to me whispered “it looks fake,” which made me laugh because yeah, it does.

Back on the bus, we headed for Auke Bay harbor for our whale watching tour. Our captain, Jess, knew exactly where to look — she kept pointing out little ripples before anyone else saw them. The boat had a heated cabin (thank god) but most of us ended up on deck anyway once someone yelled “there!” A humpback surfaced so close you could hear its breath — like an old bellows or maybe a giant sigh. I didn’t expect to feel that small. Jess said they guarantee whales here; I guess she was right.

I still think about that first cold rush when the whale broke the surface. It’s not dramatic every second — sometimes you’re just standing there with strangers and a cup of weak coffee, waiting for something wild to happen. But when it does, you remember it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Glacier and Whale Watching

• Visit Mendenhall Glacier for 45 minutes
• Travel to whale watching harbor
• Board vessel for whale watching tour
• Observe Humpback Whales and wildlife
• Enjoy heated cabin or outdoor deck

Top questions

How long do you spend at Mendenhall Glacier?

You have about 45 minutes for self-exploration at Mendenhall Glacier before heading to whale watching.

Is transportation included from Juneau cruise port?

Yes, roundtrip transportation from the cruise terminal is included in your booking.

Are whale sightings guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, whale sightings are 100% guaranteed by the local team during your tour.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included while onboard.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, all boats have restrooms and heated cabins for comfort.

Can children join this day trip?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants may sit on laps or use strollers.

Are wheelchairs allowed on this tour?

Only collapsible wheelchairs are permitted; no motorized scooters or wheelchairs allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip pickup and drop-off from Juneau’s cruise terminal, entry to Mendenhall Glacier for self-guided exploring time, bottled water and snacks along the way, live commentary from your guide or captain onboard state-of-the-art jet boats (with restrooms and heated cabins), plus a guarantee you’ll see whales before returning to port.