
Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 355 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure worth booking?
Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure is a 3.5-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $209 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 355 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (355)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $209 per person
A must-see sight while in port in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier and on this exciting 3.5-hour white-water rafting tour, you'll get up close to this impressive natural wonder! Sit back and have fun as your guide paddles you through Class II and III rapids at the foot of the glacier. While you float along the 6-mile (9.6-km) route, take in the amazing sights of the glacier, the sheer mountains and the abundant wildlife. No rafting experience is required and this tour is suitable for the whole family. Want to be more active and involved? Ask for a paddle raft, where you will follow your guide's commands and power your raft through the 1-mile stretch of class II rapids. Whatever your preferred activity level, we can accommodate you.
What you get
About this experience
A must-see sight while in port in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier and on this exciting 3.5-hour white-water rafting tour, you'll get up close to this impressive natural wonder! Sit back and have fun as your guide paddles you through Class II and III rapids at the foot of the glacier. While you float along the 6-mile (9.6-km) route, take in the amazing sights of the glacier, the sheer mountains and the abundant wildlife. No rafting experience is required and this tour is suitable for the whole family. Want to be more active and involved? Ask for a paddle raft, where you will follow your guide's commands and power your raft through the 1-mile stretch of class II rapids. Whatever your preferred activity level, we can accommodate you.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Snacks
- Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Transportation
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souveniers (available for purchase)
- Souvenier Photo (available for purchase)
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Your trip begins with a scenic, narrated motor coach ride to the beautiful Mendenhall Lake where you’ll gear up, board your raft and take off on an unforgettable adventure. Your experienced guide will steer you across the serene waters of the lake, where you will view the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, before your five-mile journey down the Mendenhall River. The speed of the water and level of the rapids can vary depending on the weather. Your highly trained guide will ensure you have a safe and exhilarating rafting experience. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride in our custom-made rafts, and be sure to hang on during the short section of rapids. Don’t forget to smile for the photographer along the riverbank so you will have a memento of your adventure. Want to be more active and involved? Ask for a paddle raft, where you will follow your guide's commands and power your raft through the 1-mile stretch of class III rapids. Whatever your preferred activity level, we can accommodate you. As your guide explains the natural phenomena at work in this scenic valley, you will marvel at the spectacular vistas of the towering peaks and the Mendenhall glacier as you float downstream. Be on the lookout for wildlife like arctic terns nesting on the shoreline, eagles, salmon, and sometimes, even bears. At the end of your journey, head ashore and enjoy an Alaskan snack, a warm beverage and an opportunity to purchase a photo or souvenir of your rafting experience. Your trip concludes with a short, narrated transfer back to your ship.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram -15 minutes prior to tour departure. Once at the meeting area, look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative. They will be wearing a red jacket/shirt, with the Caribou logo.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram -15 minutes prior to tour departure. Once at the meeting area, look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative. They will be wearing a red jacket/shirt, with the Caribou logo.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must weigh at least 50 lbs (22 kg) in order to fit into required life jackets
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Please indicate your ship or hotel name when booking your tour
- Children 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 354 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
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
354 verified traveler reviews for Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cancelled because river was too low
Unfortunately it was cancelled because the river was too low.
via Tripadvisor
Rafting at its best
A great experience, the lake is beautiful and so peaceful, then it’s down the rapids of the river, which is exhilarating! Our guide, Gavin was excellent and very knowledgeable.
via Tripadvisor
An Outstanding Experience
My wife/I chose this excursion through Royal Caribbean Cruises. My wife, 65, was a little anxious when the tour said rapids. After listening to the instructions from our raft guide, Caden, she was much more at ease. Caden was very experienced as a guide as well as professional, communicative, and funny. This trip is a must if you want to experience the wonders of Mendenhall Glacier and the ecosystem that surrounds it. All of the guides were exceptional, but, if you can get Caden, you've got someone special.
via Tripadvisor
Do NOT recommend
I do NOT recommend this excursion. It starts off on a lovely lake but the river then winds through a residential area. Even if the weather would have been great it still wouldn’t have been even close to worth it. Don’t waste your time and money with this. Go get a burger and beer and explore Juneau or do literally anything else. The only good thing was our guide, Sophie.
via Viator
Book this now!!
such a great experience. super cold lol They provide the gear. Great instructions. Instructors are VERY helpful.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- 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
- 124
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc., who run 16 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.7.
See everything Alaska Travel Adventures Inc. runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $209 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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure 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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 355 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure 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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure?
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Around 124 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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure 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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure?
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Included: Professional guide; Snacks; Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee; and Transportation. Not included: Gratuities; Souveniers (available for purchase); Souvenier Photo (available for purchase); and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure?
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JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram -15 minutes prior to tour departure. Once at the meeting area, look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure 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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure?
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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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure 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 Mendenhall Glacier White-Water Rafting & Scenic Float Adventure?
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Across 355 reviews averaging 4.5 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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