
Best Mendenhall Glacier Kayak Tours in Juneau
Navigate the serene waters of Mendenhall Lake and glide alongside the majestic Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. This unforgettable Alaska adventure offers travelers a unique perspective on towering ice formations, calving glaciers, and pristine wilderness. Paddling provides an intimate connection with nature, allowing you to witness wildlife and dramatic landscapes up close. Compare top-rated kayak tours from various local operators to find the perfect experience for your skill level and schedule. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, these guided excursions ensure safety while delivering breathtaking views and lasting memories. Book your spot to explore one of Juneau’s most iconic natural attractions and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Alaskan frontier.
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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 ka...
- 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
- Gratuities for your guide
- Warm layers to wear under your drysuit
- Mendenhall Glacier
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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 ow...
- Roundtrip Transportation from Cruise Terminal
- Driver/guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Live commentary on board
- 100% Guarantee to see Whales
- None
- Shuttle cost to the Gold Belt Tram building ($ 3.00)
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Paddleboard in one of the most unique areas of Juneau with amazing views of the Mendenhall Glacier, opportunities for seeing eagles, sea lions, seals, and whales. Escape the cruise ship crowds. This is an opportunity to get away from the crowds and book a private tour with up to 8 people. This will ...
- 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)
- Footwear
- Paddleboard, Paddle, PFD (Life Vest)
- Gratuities for your guide
- Warm layers to wear under your drysuit
- Mendenhall Glacier
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Discover the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier with the Glacier “Blue Bus” Express, direct and scenic transportation from the cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau. Ideal for travelers looking to explore on their own, this immersive experience provides the perfect blend of convenience and adventure....
- Driver/Guide during the Bus Tour
- Narrated Roundtrip Transportation
- Park Entrance Fees
- A tour guide while at the Glacier is not allowed per USFS Permit.
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Nugget Falls
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.Across the 30 options we compare on booking platforms, prices generally range from $199 to $554, with a median around $255. You may occasionally see listings outside this spread (from about $160 up to $1,106), but most standard tours fall within that core band. Private experiences tend to sit at the higher end of that range.
Yes, flexibility is common. Roughly 63% of the tours we compare (about 19 of the 30 options) offer free cancellation. This makes it easy to book ahead while keeping your plans open in case weather or schedule changes occur. Always check the specific terms of the listing you choose, as policies can vary by provider.
Most tours last between 4 and 5 hours, with a median duration of 4 hours. The experience is highly guided; 93% of the options we compare are led by professional guides. While group tours are an option, 13% of the listings are private tours, which allow for a more personalized pace and itinerary tailored to your group.
Tours are available in English and Spanish. Transportation logistics vary by provider: 67% of the options include boat transport to the glacier, while 43% involve walking, and a smaller share uses vans or buses. About 60% of all listed tours include transportation, so you can often skip the hassle of arranging your own transfer from Juneau.
The experience is heavily nature-focused (100% of options tag as Nature-themed), and 57% are specifically tagged as eco-friendly, reflecting the region's conservation efforts. However, only 7% of the options are explicitly labeled family-friendly, so if you are traveling with young children, it is worth checking the age restrictions and physical demands of the specific tour you select.
The tours are exceptionally well reviewed, holding an average rating of 4.83 stars across 13,492 pooled reviews. Travelers frequently highlight the guides and wildlife, with common phrases including "amazing," "best experience," and "ton of humpback whales." The overwhelmingly positive sentiment suggests high consistency in service quality across different providers.
Booking ahead is advisable, as 10% of the options (about 3 tours) are flagged likely to sell out. When you book, you can typically expect a guide (93%), provided equipment (77%), and often snacks (30%) or light meals (27%). Instant confirmation is also widely available, with 83% of the options offering immediate booking verification.
Fly directly or take a ferry. No roads connect Juneau to other cities.
No, Juneau is isolated by mountains and glaciers. Use air or sea travel only.
Most places accept cards. Carry small bills for tips and local tours.