Kayaking in Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Views

Three and a half hours paddling past eagles, seals and the Mendenhall Glacier six miles out

Kayak the estuarial waters in front of Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau with a local guide, paddling your own single kayak through the Mendenhall Wetlands. Groups stay under eight, and you're outfitted with a dry suit, all paddling gear and footwear. Roundtrip transport from Downtown Juneau cruise docks is included. The glacier view here is one of the most complete in Juneau, though fog can obscure it. Hands-on instruction makes this suitable for first-time paddlers and experienced ones alike.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayaking tour with glacier views

• Receive dry suit and gear
• Get hands-on kayaking instruction
• Launch single kayak in wetlands
• Glide past eagles and harbor seals
• Observe sea lions or porpoises
• View Mendenhall Glacier from distance
• Return to shore and end tour

The experience

Three and a half hours on the water starts with a guide who meets you at the Downtown Juneau cruise docks and brings you to the launch point. You'll paddle your own single kayak (double kayaks are available if you ask), which gives you better control and the freedom to move at your own pace through the estuary. The Mendenhall Wetlands open up around you, and from the water you're positioned to see the glacier itself from six miles away, framed between mountain peaks. That distance is what makes this view one of the most complete in Juneau. Other tours that go closer to the visitor center see less of the full glacier.

Wildlife appears throughout the paddle: eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals hauled out on rocks, and occasionally a sea lion or porpoise in the water. A light snack and bottled water are served partway through. You're dressed in a high-quality dry suit that goes over your regular clothes and keeps you warm and dry no matter the weather. A detail that matters in Southeast Alaska. All other paddling equipment, a life vest and footwear are provided. The guide stays with the group the whole time, offering instruction and support as you go, which means first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers both find their footing here.

Fog can roll in and affect how much of the glacier you see on any given day, so the view is not guaranteed. The estuary itself (the shallow, tidal zone where the glacier's meltwater meets the ocean) is where the tour takes place, and that's where the wildlife congregates. Transport back to the cruise docks is included, so you finish where you started.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and all paddling equipment.
• high-quality dry suit and footwear.
• a light snack and bottled water partway through the paddle.
• hands-on instruction and guide support throughout the 3.5 hours.
• roundtrip transportation from Downtown Juneau cruise docks.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 29 Sep 2027

GroupPrivate

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 on the main cruise ship dock underneath a blue tent next to the Alaskan Public house (Alaskan Brewing Co.). On the other side of the tent there is a large parking garage with a mural painted on the side.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Paddle Juneau

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers instruction throughout, so the paddle works for first-time kayakers as well as experienced paddlers who want a guided experience. If you have moderate fitness and can paddle for three and a half hours, this tour fits. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

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Top questions

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.

What's the view of Mendenhall Glacier actually like from the kayak?

Mendenhall Glacier is visible from six miles away as it winds through the mountain peaks, and the estuarial position of this tour gives you one of the most complete views of it in all of Juneau. Fog can affect visibility on any given day.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle this?

No. The guide provides hands-on instruction and support throughout, so first-time kayakers are welcome. You'll paddle your own single kayak, which gives you better control and comfort as you learn.

What wildlife might I see while paddling?

Eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and occasionally sea lions or porpoises in the water are common sightings in the Mendenhall Wetlands during the paddle.

How does the dry suit work and will I stay warm?

A high-quality dry suit goes over your regular clothing and keeps you dry in all weather conditions. You should bring warm layers to wear underneath the suit, as the water and air in Southeast Alaska are cold year-round.

Is transport from my cruise ship included?

Yes. Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in Downtown Juneau is included, so you're picked up and dropped off at the same location.

How many people will be in my group?

Groups stay under eight guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience on the water. This is a private group tour, not a large public departure.