Private SUP Tour in Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Views

Three and a half hours paddling in the estuarial waters facing Mendenhall Glacier, not the visitor center crowds.

A private stand-up paddleboard tour in Juneau for up to eight people, departing from the cruise port and paddling in the estuarial region directly in front of Mendenhall Glacier. The guide teaches paddleboarding from scratch, provides a dry suit so you stay warm in any weather, and includes round-trip transport, equipment, snacks and instruction. Ages 12 and up. No experience needed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Paddleboard with glacier views

• Meet guide at Juneau cruise port
• Put on dry suit with guide
• Receive paddleboarding instruction
• Paddleboard in estuarial region
• View Mendenhall Glacier from water
• Spot eagles, sea lions, seals, whales
• Enjoy provided snacks
• Return to Juneau cruise port

The experience

The tour starts with a 20-minute drive from the cruise port to the Juneau wetlands, where your guide helps you into a dry suit. A waterproof layer that goes over your clothes so you can even jump in the water and stay dry. Then you spend about two hours paddling. You can stand, sit or kneel on the board. The guide teaches you how as you go. The estuarial location gives you one of the most complete views of Mendenhall Glacier in all of Juneau, though fog can affect visibility on the day.

Wildlife sightings are part of the draw: eagles, sea lions, seals and whales pass through these waters. A light snack and bottled water are served during the paddle. The private group format, up to eight people, means you escape the cruise ship crowds and move at a pace that suits your group. Your guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Dry suit, paddleboard, paddle and personal flotation device (life vest).
• footwear.
• all instruction from your guide.
• a light snack with vegan and gluten-free options available.
• bottled water.
• round-trip transport from the cruise port.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 68 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Paddle Juneau

Is this one for you?Book this if your group is eight people or fewer and wants to paddle without the crowds that gather at the visitor center. The private format means your guide can adjust the pace and focus to what your group wants to see and do.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

14 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they 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 24h before the start.

What's the water like when you're paddleboarding in front of Mendenhall Glacier?

The tour takes place in the estuarial region directly in front of the glacier, which is further away than tours that go to the visitor center. The water is cold enough that a dry suit keeps you warm and dry. You can even swim if you want. Fog can affect how clearly you see the glacier itself on the day.

Do I need to know how to paddleboard before I book?

No experience is necessary. Your guide teaches you how to paddleboard as part of the tour, and you can stand, sit or kneel on the board depending on what feels comfortable. Some balance is required.

How long does the actual paddling take?

You paddle for around two hours. The entire tour, including the drive to the wetlands and equipment setup, takes 3.5 hours total.

What animals might I see on the water?

Eagles, sea lions, seals and whales all pass through the estuarial waters where you paddle. Sightings depend on the day and the season, but the location is known for native wildlife in their natural environment.

Does the tour pick me up from my cruise ship?

Yes, round-trip transportation from the Juneau cruise port is included. Your guide picks you up from the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau and drives you to the wetlands, then returns you to the port after the paddle.