
Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 119 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views worth booking?
Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views is a 3.5-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $189 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 119 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (119)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $189 per person
Explore Juneau’s incredible coastline on this small-group kayaking adventure through the beautiful Mendenhall Wetlands. Keep your camera ready as you glide past eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and maybe even a curious sea lion or porpoise swimming nearby. From your kayak, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, visible from six miles away as it winds through mountain peaks. This tour is intentionally limited to no more than 8 guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience. Unlike other tours, each guest paddles their own single kayak , allowing for better control, comfort, and opportunity to explore. (Double kayaks available on request) You’ll be fully outfitted with a high-quality dry suit, keeping you warm and dry in all weather conditions. Our experienced local guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the tour, making this adventure ideal for first-time kayakers as well as those with prior experience.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Juneau’s incredible coastline on this small-group kayaking adventure through the beautiful Mendenhall Wetlands. Keep your camera ready as you glide past eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and maybe even a curious sea lion or porpoise swimming nearby. From your kayak, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, visible from six miles away as it winds through mountain peaks. This tour is intentionally limited to no more than 8 guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience. Unlike other tours, each guest paddles their own single kayak , allowing for better control, comfort, and opportunity to explore. (Double kayaks available on request) You’ll be fully outfitted with a high-quality dry suit, keeping you warm and dry in all weather conditions. Our experienced local guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the tour, making this adventure ideal for first-time kayakers as well as those with prior experience.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in Downtown Juneau
- Dry Suit (a waterproof suit that goes over your clothing and keeps you dry while swimming)
- Kayak, Paddle, PFD (Life Vest), all other Kayaking Equipment
- Footwear
Not included
- Gratuities for your guide
- Warm layers to wear under your drysuit
What you'll see and do
Mendenhall Glacier
Our tour takes place in the estuarial region directly in front of the Mendenhall glacier. The view that you get on our tour is one of the most complete views of the glacier in all of Juneau. You will be further away from the glacier than tours that go to or around the visitors center. Fog can affect the view of the Mendenhall Glacier.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Paddle Juneau
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We will pick you up from the cruise ship port and then drive for 20 minutes to the North Douglas boat launch ramp. We will introduce equipment, go over safety protocols, and get everyone suited up and in their kayaks. We will be on the water for 2 hours, including a beach walk and snack break. The entire tour will take 3.5 hours.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 119 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
119 verified traveler reviews for Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The kayak trip was...
The kayak trip was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and did not rush us. I would highly recommend you book this kayak trip.
via Viator
Great guide, gorgeous views, and right level of exertion
Jacob was the best combination of knowledgeable, helpful guide and fun storyteller. The kayaking was pristine thanks to excellent weather. The right level of enjoyment and exercise to view the glacier from a unique perspective.
via Viator
Perfect Alaskan Adventure
What a great adventure! Jordan lead us on a fun few hours of paddling with views of the Mendenhall glacier. She was very informative and knew some amazing facts! We stopped on an island on the middle of the paddle to stretch our legs and have some snacks. Unfortunately it rained the whole time but that made it even more of an Alaskan experience. Jordan was the best tour guide! Highly recommend if you like kayaking and learning fun facts of the Juneau area.
via Viator
Great kayaking experience...
Great kayaking experience with Jacob! We had never done seakayaking before or worn drysuits so we didnt know what to expect. They went easily over our existing clothes and kept us nice and dry throughout the tour! We got gloves and waterproof phone pouches attached to the suits as well. We had a great view of the glacier. And saw seals and Eagles along the way as well. The 3 hours flew by quickly! Highly recommended for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town
via Viator
Great time! Definitely would do it again!
Great time and a great tour by Jacob!! It was a beautiful day out on the water and a welcome reprieve from the cruise ship :) For anyone who may be nervous or hesitant about booking something like this not through the cruise lines... don't be! Plenty of time alotted for pick ups, drop offs, etc. We would do this again in a heartbeat, and would recommend it to anyone visiting Juneau.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 42
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Paddle Juneau, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.3.
See everything Paddle Juneau runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views cost?
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Prices start at $189 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.
Is Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 119 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views?
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Around 42 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Juneau?
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Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whales and Wilderness Exploration. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Juneau?
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May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Juneau?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views?
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Included: Snacks; Bottled water; Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in Downtown Juneau; Dry Suit (a waterproof suit that goes over your clothing and keeps you dry while swimming); and Kayak, Paddle, PFD (Life Vest), all other Kayaking Equipment. Not included: Gratuities for your guide; and Warm layers to wear under your drysuit. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Juneau Small Group Sea Kayaking with Mendenhall Glacier Views?
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Across 119 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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