MENDENHALL GLACIER & WHALE QUEST
This approximately five-and-a-half-hour excursion combines two of Southeast Alaska’s best-known natural highlights. You’ll begin with a whale-watching cruise before continuing on land at the Mendenhall Glacier, where there’s time to explore independently.
Excursion details
Lasting around five and a half hours, this tour takes you deep into the Alaskan wilderness, with time on the water in search of marine wildlife and a self-guided visit to Mendenhall Glacier.
After meeting on the pier, take a transfer of around 30 minutes to the Allen Marine facility for your whale-spotting trip. Here, you’ll board a modern expedition-style vessel for approximately three hours, travelling through local waters known for seasonal marine activity. Humpback whales are frequently seen in this region, feeding on small fish and krill, so keep a lookout for these fantastic mammals, as well as other sea life and all kinds of birds – but please note that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed.
Following the cruise, a journey of about 15 minutes brings you to the Mendenhall Glacier area. You’ll have approximately one hour and 15 minutes of free time here to explore at your own pace. The glacier is part of the Tongass National Forest and flows from the Juneau Icefield, one of the largest in North America.
During this time, you may choose to stroll along designated trails, see the glacier and surrounding scenery from established viewpoints, walk over to Nugget Falls or spend time at the visitor centre, which features interactive exhibits on the glacier’s history and environment. Afterwards, the return journey to the port lasts around 30 minutes, concluding the excursion.
Important information: The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. It is recommended that guests dress warmly, in layers, and bring cash/credit cards for any additional purchases.
This tour is wheelchair accessible; therefore, guests should inform the Shore Excursions Desk at least 24 hours prior to tour commencement to ensure proper arrangements. The combined weight of the guest and mobility device cannot exceed 500 lbs. Mobility devices must have a maximum length of 48 inches, a maximum width of 32 inches, and minimum ground clearance of 3.5 inches. The vessel cannot accommodate an electric scooter.
