
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 7,687 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier worth booking?
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier is a 4.5-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $249 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 7,687 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (7,687)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $249 per person
This wildlife viewing excursion takes you on a journey to see two of the major highlights in Southeast Alaska. You will be guided to the Mendenhall Glacier for a 45 minute self-exploration followed by our wildlife whale watching tour. Once you have had a chance to explore the glacier park on your own, we will take you to the whale watching harbor where you will come aboard one of our state-of-the-art vessels to search for majestic Humpback Whales and other water wildlife we may find along the way. Our expert captains and naturalists are so familiar with these amazing creatures that we can actually guarantee you will see whales in their natural habitat from a safe distance. Our boats are equipped with restrooms and heated cabins to make this journey extra comfortable. Our fleet of fast jet boats all have plenty of outdoor deck space so you can choose to watch the wildlife in the open air or from the comfort of the cabin. This is an Alaskan adventure you won't want to miss!
What you get
About this experience
This wildlife viewing excursion takes you on a journey to see two of the major highlights in Southeast Alaska. You will be guided to the Mendenhall Glacier for a 45 minute self-exploration followed by our wildlife whale watching tour. Once you have had a chance to explore the glacier park on your own, we will take you to the whale watching harbor where you will come aboard one of our state-of-the-art vessels to search for majestic Humpback Whales and other water wildlife we may find along the way. Our expert captains and naturalists are so familiar with these amazing creatures that we can actually guarantee you will see whales in their natural habitat from a safe distance. Our boats are equipped with restrooms and heated cabins to make this journey extra comfortable. Our fleet of fast jet boats all have plenty of outdoor deck space so you can choose to watch the wildlife in the open air or from the comfort of the cabin. This is an Alaskan adventure you won't want to miss!
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Roundtrip Transportation from Cruise Terminal
- Driver/guide
- Snacks
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Live commentary on board
- 100% Guarantee to see Whales
Not included
- None
- Shuttle cost to the Gold Belt Tram building ($ 3.00)
What you'll see and do
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
Mendenhall Glacier
50 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
You will find the team on the water side of the building underneath the green canopy tent.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You will find the team on the water side of the building underneath the green canopy tent.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Alaska Tales
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Collapsable Wheelchairs Only
- No Motorized Scooters
- No Motorized Wheelchairs
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7,684 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
7,684 verified traveler reviews for Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Whale watching - Alaska Tales Juneau Alaska
Ash, Sophie and Dectzn were fabulous! Ash was so enthusiastic and energetic that you couldn't help to feel the same. She also shared pictures her friend to from a boat closer to the whales. The bus driver, which unfortunately I don't remember his name. They all contributed to an amazing experience I will never forget!
via Tripadvisor
Whales with Capt. Larry and super guides Ash and Claire
Our crew of Larry, Ash, and Claire made it a lifetime experience. We learned about the whales habits and their environment. We saw a tremendous amount of whales on a marginal weather day in mid September . It was an absolute thrill to spot the blow then actually see the whales over and over again. I would recommend this excursion and crew to anybody.
via Tripadvisor
Great Day at Sea!
The entire day was great! The Mendenhall bus ride was short and comfortable, the bus driver / tour guide Fred was friendly and informative. After the glacier he drove us to the boat dock for the second part of or excursion. We were greeting at the dock by Delton (the captain), Ash and Sophie. We were given the safety briefing on the way to the area we would stop. Upon departure Ash began an explanation of what we could expect to see, this was done with passion, enthusiasm and a toy whale. When we arrived we were not disappointed, we saw sprays from approximately 5 whales. At the point we began to see dorsal fins and the backs of whale. Toward the end of the tour we were treated to a baby whale breached the surface 3 times. The highlight of the day is when a large female breached the surface. Ash’s reaction to this breach was worth the price of admission. That crew is truly an asset to the tour company. Thanks for letting us join you!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Experience, Even in Ugly Weather
Weather was UGLY! Pelting rain. We were concerned that the excursion would be cancelled and checked numerous times with Alaska Tales. They were very courteous and friendly on the phone and assured us they were accustomed to this type of weather and the excursion was "on." The bus ride to Mendenhall Glacier was fun and they gave excellent commentary while riding to the glacier. The instructions on where to meet the bus and the amount of time available to view the glacier were both perfect. We went by the same bus director to the boat for the whale watching. Larry, Sophie, and Enesyia were fantastic...especially Enesyia. The information she shared was great. She was very personable and her knowledge of the whales was immense. Larry did a great job of taking us to an area where the whales were spotted and we spent roughly 30 - 45 minutes viewing the whales. Even in the driving rain, the experience to see the Mendenhal Glacier and go whale watching (successfully I might add), was absolutely worth it. Huge shout out to Larry, Sophie, and Enesyia! We are already planning a return trip for next year and will use Alaska Tales again.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Amazing whale tour. Saw three breaches. Naturalists love their jobs. Only wish we a bit longer at Mendenhall Glacier.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2,690
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier cost?
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Prices start at $249 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 Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier take?
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Plan for about 4.5 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 Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 7,687 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier?
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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 Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier?
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Around 2,690 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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier 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, Whales and Wilderness Exploration, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. 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 Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier?
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Included: Bottled water; Roundtrip Transportation from Cruise Terminal; Driver/guide; Snacks; and Port pickup and drop-off. Not included: None; and Shuttle cost to the Gold Belt Tram building ($ 3.00). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier?
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You will find the team on the water side of the building underneath the green canopy tent. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier 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 Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier?
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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.
Is Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Collapsable Wheelchairs Only; and No Motorized Wheelchairs. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier 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 Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier?
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Across 7,687 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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