Start with one question: Would you rather scan the water for humpbacks or spend your time at Mendenhall Glacier?
Juneau's two most popular excursions offer very different experiences. The Whale Watching Adventure takes guests out into Stephens Passage and Favorite Channel, where humpback whales feed through much of the season. The Mendenhall Glacier experience brings guests to the glacier grounds and visitor center, with views across Mendenhall Lake. Alaska Travel Adventures has operated both through its Juneau day tour lineup since 1978, and the Best of Juneau tour combines both with the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in 6.25 hours.
What Is the Whale Watching Experience Like?
On the Whale Watching Adventure, the route and sightings change with each departure. The tour runs approximately 3.75 hours aboard a custom 48-passenger jet boat with an outdoor viewing deck and a heated enclosed cabin — guests can move between the two as conditions change. Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises, and bald eagles may be seen along the route.
The sighting guarantee is specific: if no whales appear, adults receive a $100 refund and children receive $50.
What Is the Mendenhall Glacier Experience Like?
The Mendenhall Glacier experience offers a slower pace. Guests spend time on the glacier grounds with views across the lake, and inside the visitor center, exhibits and ranger programs explain the glacier and the surrounding landscape. Cloud cover can obscure parts of the surrounding mountains, so views vary with the weather.
The Mendenhall Glacier visit is included as part of the Best of Juneau tour, which ATA rates Easy. Guests with specific accessibility needs should confirm requirements before booking.
Comparing the Two Experiences
| Whale Watching | Mendenhall Glacier | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Open water, Stephens Passage | Glacier grounds and lake views |
| Pace | Active, vessel-based | Relaxed, self-guided grounds |
| Weather exposure | Outdoor deck and heated cabin | Outdoor grounds, views vary by weather |
| Sightseeing Highlights | Humpbacks, sea lions, eagles may be seen | Glacial landscape; surrounding forest |
| Best for | Wildlife-first travelers | Landscape-first travelers |
Can You Do Both in One Day?
The Best of Juneau tour includes the Mendenhall Glacier grounds, the whale-watching cruise in Stephens Passage, and an all-you-can-eat wild salmon bake at Gold Creek. The tour includes transportation between Mendenhall Glacier, Auke Bay, Gold Creek, and the cruise terminal. The full itinerary runs 6.25 hours.
If you don't want to choose between the two experiences, the Best of Juneau tour lets you experience both in a single guided excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best excursion to do in Juneau?
In Juneau, whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier are among the most visited experiences. The Best of Juneau tour combines both with the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in a 6.25-hour guided day, with transportation between all three stops included.
What should I not miss in Juneau, Alaska?
Whale watching in Stephens Passage, the Mendenhall Glacier grounds and visitor center, and the Gold Creek Salmon Bake are among the most visited Juneau experiences. All three are available together on the Best of Juneau tour.
How long is the whale watching tour in Juneau?
The Whale Watching Adventure runs approximately 3.75 hours. The vessel has an outdoor viewing deck and a heated enclosed cabin.
Is Mendenhall Glacier worth visiting?
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most visited glacier experiences in Southeast Alaska. The grounds include views across Mendenhall Lake and an on-site visitor center. Guests with specific accessibility needs should confirm details before booking.
Can you do whale watching and a glacier tour in the same day?
Yes. The Best of Juneau tour covers Mendenhall Glacier, the whale-watching cruise in Stephens Passage, and the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in 6.25 hours, with transportation between all stops included.
What if I don’t see any whales on the Juneau tour?
Alaska Travel Adventures offers a whale sighting guarantee: if no whales appear, adults receive a $100 refund and children receive $50.
