This tour provides an overview of Alaska's capital city and it's scenic attractions, including one of the world's only drive-to glaciers, the Mendenhall. Your guided tour drives through Juneau's picturesque downtown waterfront. Visit Mendenhall Glacier, a moving river of ice with rugged crevasses and distinctive blue hues in the ice. Stroll the walkways to the Visitor Center and take in one of the glaciology exhibits, and interpretative talk with a Forest Ranger, or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the glacier. Afterward your drive takes you to Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. There you will learn the value of ocean ranching to Juneau's commercial and sport fishing industries and the hatchery's role in keeping the area salmon population at sustainable levels.

This tour combines the splendor of visiting Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area with a comfortable trip into the rainforest at Glacier Gardens. Your journey begins with a visit to Alaska's most accessible glacier, the Mendenhall. There you will be able to view the glacier, tour the adjacent visitor center, and explore the outlying trails and viewpoints during your 75 minute stay. Next you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate.

This tour combines the splendor of visiting Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area with a comfortable trip into the rainforest at Glacier Gardens. Your journey begins with a visit to Alaska's most accessible glacier, the Mendenhall. There you will be able to view the glacier, tour the adjacent visitor center, and explore the outlying trails and viewpoints during your 75 minute stay. Next you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate. Finally, you'll visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and learn about the facility's positive impact on Alaska's prized fishing industry through the implementation of ocean ranching.

OVERVIEW

Paddle across the placid waters of Mendenhall Lake to Mendenhall Glacier, an ever-changing river of ice that is surprisingly close to Juneau. You will paddle across the water’s surface in a 12-person canoe that will present some of the most extraordinary scenery in Alaska as the Tongass National Forest surrounds the glacially fed lake. You can expect to pass an Arctic tern nesting ground and Nugget Falls, a roaring cascade that plunges nearly 400 feet before tumbling into Mendenhall Lake. Once you round a rocky peninsula, the glacier’s sheer face will come into view, a stunning sight especially if a large block of ice calves off with a thundering crack. The guides will describe some of its features, which include deep crevasses, vertical shafts known as moulins and seracs, which are towering columns of ice.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Help paddle a 12-person canoe across the pristine waters of glacially fed Mendenhall Lake.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile river of blue-hued ice on the outskirts of Juneau.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure by flying over the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane, paddling across a pristine lake and hiking over the surface of Norris Glacier. The flight will take you over a densely forested mountainous terrain towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to the enormous Juneau Icefield. The sights will be spectacularly scenic, as will be the landing in a glacially fed lake. You will then ease into a one-person packraft, a kayak-like vessel that is easy to navigate. The guide will demonstrate the best paddling techniques so you can confidently maneuver past the icebergs that you will encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sealions and other wildlife. Upon reaching the glacier, you will don micro-spikes to improve your footing for the hike across the icy landscape. This trifecta of flying, paddling and hiking is an experience you won’t soon forget.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the rugged Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane made for adventure.
• Land in a glacially fed lake and paddle across it in a kayak-like packcraft.
• Hike across the icy terrain of Norris Glacier, a part of the massive Juneau Icefield.
• Marvel at the majestic scenery and look for wildlife such as bald eagles and sealions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy this well rounded view of Alaska's capital city as you experience the splendor of Mendenhall Glacier, and dine Alaska-style at Gold Creek Salmon Bake. First you'll have time to explore the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area -- home to Alaska's only "drive-up" glacier. Here you'll want to explore the Visitor Center, various viewpoints of the glacier, and outlying trails as your visit time permits. Take a short ride to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake where you'll dine on grilled wild Alaska salmon and a variety of side dishes as fixings under a canopy. After your meal it's a short drive via shuttle back to the ship.

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley -- home of the Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arriving at Mendenhall, your Driver-guide will point out many of the attractions that you'll want to experience during your 2 hour stay. Areas you'll want to explore include the central view from Photo Point, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center -- includes a short film telling the story of the Juneau Ice Field, several scenic trails. The duration of the stay will allow for ample time to walk out to Nugget Creek Falls where you can stand along the shore as a large glacier fed waterfall terminates nearby. This same shore provides the closest view of Mendenhall Glacier without standing on the ice. Other area trails include Steep Creek -- where sockeye salmon can be seen spawning from mid-July through September, and the Moraine Ecology Trail. Each of these trails meanders through the Tongass National Forest, and many offer different viewpoints of the glacier in the background. Due to occasional bear activity, food consumption is prohibited in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.

This tour visits Juneau's hallmark attractions, the Mendenhall Glacier and Mt. Roberts Tramway. Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley -- home of the Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arriving at the glacier, your Driver-guide will point out many of the attractions you'll want to experience so you can make the most of your time during the 90 minute visit. Be sure to venture out to Photo Point for a central view of Mendenhall Lake with the glacier in the background. Inside the Visitor Center you'll want to make time to view the short film on the Juneau Ice Field and it's 37 glacier (one of which is Mendenhall). The area boasts several self-guided trails that allow you to get out and explore the beauty of the Tongass National Forest. Next you're off to Mount Roberts Tramway and it's terminus at the 1800 foot level of Mount Roberts above downtown Juneau. Enjoy a stroll along one of the alpine trails and gaze at the vistas and distant waterways and islands. Visit the Nature Center and learn about the surrounding alpine ecosystem -- which includes a nearby raptor center. Inside the tram's main building you'll enjoy Native Alaskan arts and crafts for sale. Downstairs in the theater you can view a local documentary called "Seeing Daylight" or try local fair at an added cost at the tram's cafe'. The Tram will always be your last stop, so you can take the provided transport back to your ship after the 90 minute visit, or stay as long as your port time allows.

This sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale watching! Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and deer.

The operators of this tour guarantee that you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour! To fully enjoy the sights and sounds of a close encounter with wildlife, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck and don’t forget your camera! A souvenir wildlife guide and map are provided, along with a complimentary snack and beverage. less

Experience Alaska’s premier attractions glaciers and wildlife, from two very different vantage points, by land and by sea. A narrated motorcoach ride takes you to view and photograph the famous Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor Center you’ll have the opportunity to talk with Forest Service interpreters, and through interactive exhibits, learn about the awesome force of glacial ice. Back aboard the motorcoach you’ll take the scenic route through the Mendenhall Valley. At Auke Bay you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage.

Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. The operators of this tour guarantee you will see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the tour vessel. Souvenir route maps are provided along with complimentary snacks and beverages. To fully enjoy this excursion, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket and don’t forget your camera!

Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a waterjet-powered vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin, surrounded by large windows, as you ply the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. This area is world-renowned as a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities, as these graceful giants slowly arc their massive tail flukes into the air. Don’t forget your camera, and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. The whales are often close enough to hear them breathe! An onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. Then take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore on beautiful Colt Island and enjoy an Alaskan Surf & Turf meal at Orca Point Lodge. The sustainably crafted meal includes Allen Marine’s specialty chowder, locally sourced Alaskan fish, wild Alaskan game, and a variety of delicious sides. A traditional Alaskan dessert will be served with local jams, jellies, and honey. The lodge offers peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in a remote wilderness setting. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll along the beach before boarding the vessel for your return cruise to Auke Bay.

Juneau is a spectacular place of diverse, natural habitats from valley glaciers, to temperate forests and natural fjords. Traveling in a small group, this exploratory journey introduces you to this pristine wilderness with a certified Naturalist Guide as your leader. Whale sightings are guaranteed on this small group outing combining a marine exploration with a gentle hike on a secluded rainforest trail. Your trip begins with your guide sharing stories as you travel out to the trail head on North Douglas Island. A short hike takes you through old growth forest, musk keg, and out to a scenic beach. Spend an hour exploring under forested canopies and sweeping glacial landscapes. This small corner of the Tongass National Forest is home to beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines and black bears. Following a short drive and a picture stop with the Mendenhall Glacier in the distance, you’ll climb aboard an exploration vessel specifically designed for up close wildlife viewing. The customized covered watercraft puts you eye-to-eye with the marine life that thrive in these protected waters. With fully opening panel windows, perimeter seating and an open bow and stern you're sure to capture all of the action. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, seals and sea birds are commonly seen. Keep a camera handy to capture the behaviors of these marine residents.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk through a primeval rainforest while learning about the flora and fauna.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Cruise a bay where humpback whales and other marine creatures are commonly seen.
• Receive a free publication commemorating your experience on land and sea.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.