OVERVIEW

Discover the wonders of Mendenhall Glacier at its visitor center and cruise a purpose-built vessel through waters where humpback whales and other marine creatures are commonly spotted. The glacier is the only one in Southeast Alaska accessible by road, just one of the facts you will learn while browsing the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The glacier is 13 miles long and is part of the massive Juneau Icefield, a remnant of the last ice age. Time permitting, you can stroll the glacier-view path at the center or watch salmon in a nearby stream before driving on to Auke Bay. Here, you will embark a catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Humpback whales are the star attractions in these waters, but you may also spot orcas, sea lions and bald eagles. To enhance the experience, the vessel is outfitted with a hydrophone that may allow you to hear the sounds of the whales below. Throughout the cruise, your onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Mendenhall Glacier from its enlightening visitor center.
• Cruise a catamaran through waters where humpback whales are commonly seen.
• Watch for other marine animals and bald eagles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. Bring a rainproof jacket.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable adventure into Alaska’s stunning wilderness with a family-owned, Tlingit operated company. For over 50 years, we’ve proudly shared Southeast Alaska with guests from around the world. Cruise into the pristine waters off Juneau, an ideal area to spot humpback whales voraciously feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south. After settling into a spacious catamaran that has been specially designed with large windows for wildlife viewing, you will cruise into the island-studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will describe the habits of the wildlife you may encounter, including humpback whales, the main attraction in these waters. Chances are, you will see these majestic creatures breaching the water’s surface and waving their flukes up and down as they dive for food. You may even spot the whales bubble-net feeding, a curious technique in which they force small fish upwards by blowing bubbles beneath them, which makes for easy feeding. Other frequently seen wildlife includes orcas, Stellar sea lions, Dall’s porpoise and bald eagles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch humpback whales gorging on food at the water’s surface.
• Look for other marine creatures including orcas and harbor seals.
• Scan the shoreline for bears and Sitka blacktail deer.
• Listen to an onboard naturalist describe the animals’ behaviors.
• Explore with the locals. For over 50 years this tour operator has proudly shared Southeast Alaska with guests from all over.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles.

OVERVIEW

Embark on this memorable adventure with a scenic drive through downtown Juneau and along the Gastineau Channel, where your guide will entertain you with engaging stories and share highlights of the city’s rich history and notable landmarks en-route to Juneau’s star attraction – The Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arrival, soak in the striking 1.5-mile-wide glacier which flows down from the expansive Juneau Icefield. After your glacier adventure, indulge in a satisfying feast at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, nestled in the tranquil rainforest. Here, you'll savor wild Alaskan salmon along with a variety of mouthwatering side dishes. Enjoy your meal at your own pace, with convenient shuttles available to transport you back to your ship when you’re ready.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy scenic ride though downtown Juneau and along the Gastineau Channel.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.
• Indulge in a satisfying feast at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Flying high above alpine ridges and lush rainforests, you’ll gain new appreciation for this rugged land as your pilot shares a lively narrative. As you approach the icefield and its many glaciers, you’ll marvel at the twisted spires, deep blue crevasses and carved peaks that make up this ancient landscape. Soaring even higher, you may pass the Mendenhall Towers, jagged rock sentinels that climb more than 7,000 feet and the spectacular icefalls that overflow to form the Mendenhall Glacier. View icefalls, spires, and the many hanging glaciers suspended on the surrounding mountainsides before a gentle landing on this slowly moving river of ice. Continue your adventure on foot as you explore the glacier's surface with your expert glacier guide. See and understand how glaciers form, flow and carve out the landscape. Following your glacier landing and guided walk, you’ll depart for a stunning flight back to civilization. Leaving the glacier behind, take memories that will last a life-time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a helicopter over the pristine wilderness that borders Juneau.
• See the soaring peaks of Mendenhall Towers.
• Walk across the icy terrain of Mendenhall Glacier with a mountaineering expert.
• Gain a firsthand understanding of glaciers and how they creep across the landscape.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly, in layers, in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat, sturdy and comfortable close-toe shoes.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly over the Juneau Icefield in a floatplane and land at historical Taku Lodge for a salmon bake and a leisurely walk through Tongass National Forest. Once you are airborne, you will enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest and the ancient glaciers that are slowly carving their ways through the icefield. A classic Alaskan mode of transportation, a floatplane allows you to access remote wilderness areas that other planes can’t. In time, you will land in the river that fronts the beautifully rustic lodge, which was built directly across from the Hole-In-The- Wall Glacier in 1923. While your hosts entertain you with tales of adventurers that stayed at Taku Lodge, you will feast on wild Alaska salmon and all sorts of side dishes. Feel free to stretch your legs afterwards on one of the well-maintained trails that wind through the forest. Or simply sit back and relax in front of the lodge’s crackling fire.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soar over the Juneau Icefield in a floatplane.
• Land in a river directly in front of the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier.
• Feast on freshly caught wild salmon and other dishes.
• Relax in rustic Taku Lodge, a 1923-built landmark.
• Walk the nature trails in the surrounding national forest.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

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 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.
• Enjoy alpine view of surrounding mountains from the platform at magnificent Glacier Gardens.
• Visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau, highlighting the city’s landmarks and rich cultural past as you head towards the Mendenhall Valley. Your first stop is the historic Brotherhood Bridge, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley and, weather permitting, the Mendenhall Glacier off in the distance. This bridge holds significant cultural and historical importance, symbolizing the bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native communities and overcoming racial tensions. Adorned with ten bronze medallions featuring the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) crest, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. in honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary, the bridge depicts the two great Tlingit moieties—Eagle and Raven—emphasizing the ANB’s foundational role in their shared heritage. 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. From the Gardens, it's a short drive back to your ship along Juneau's waterfront.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Experience up-close views of the stunning Dawes Glacier while exploring Endicott Arm in comfort aboard a high-speed expedition vessel. The adventure begins as soon as your board our custom-built expedition vessel directly from your cruise ship. The vessel will travers the rugged glacier carved arm studded with towering cliffs and waterfalls while learning about the Fords Terror Wilderness and its unique ecosystem. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced captain guides you past shimmering icebergs. The singular maneuverability of this vessel will allow you to get as close as possible to the ever-changing face of the Dawes Glacier. From the topside observation decks, you will be able to enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. While exploring the length of this ice-carved fjord you will cruise beneath cliffs that rise high above the jade-colored waters. There will be stops along the way to view and photograph wildlife when present. Species you might see include, harbor seals, bald eagles, mountain goats and the occasional bear.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Cruise into beautiful Auke Bay looking for humpback whales feeding and breaching the water’s surface, and then enjoy a traditional Alaskan salmon bake. Humpback whales are often spotted there, even close to shore, and the sight is breathtaking. You may see these majestic creatures breaching the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive, and feeding voraciously to fatten up for their winter migration south. You might even spot them bubble-net feeding, a unique technique in which several whales swim in an ever-shrinking circle while blowing bubbles below a school of fish. The bubbles force the fish upwards and cluster them into a column, presenting the perfect opportunity for the whales to gorge themselves. It is a mesmerizing sight you will not soon forget. Following the whale-watching adventure, you will dine at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. The Alaskan salmon will be grilled over a fragrant Alderwood fire, imparting the fish with a unique taste.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise a jet-powered catamaran around Auke Bay, looking for humpback whales.
• Observe the whales breaching the water’s surface as they feed voraciously.
• Feast at an Alaskan salmon bake with abundant side dishes and desserts.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

In your intimate group setting, watch for humpback whales while cruising Stephens Passage and walk a scenic trail near Mendenhall Glacier accompanied by an expert nature photographer as your guide. You will meander down the Trail of Time, a gentle path that passes waterfalls, wildflowers and beaver dams, offering a multitude of excellent photo opportunities, including shots of the glacier. The guide will show you the best vantage points for taking pictures and provide tips to enhance your images, if you wish. More natural wonders await you while cruising Stephens Passage aboard a covered exploration vessel with large windows that provide panoramic views of the surroundings. The wildlife seen varies cruise to cruise, but you can expect to spot Humpback Whales breaching the water’s surface, Sea Lions and possibly Orca. The surrounding landscape is equally photo worthy, as it may include blue-hued glaciers, rugged mountains and foggy channels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In an intimate group setting, cruise Stephens Passage, a waterway where humpback whales are commonly seen.
• Walk a nature trail that offers extraordinary photo opportunities.
• Enhance your photos with tips from a nature photography expert.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• Bring along a camera with plenty of film or storage to capture every moment.
• A snack including water is provided during the tour.

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau, highlighting the city’s landmarks and rich cultural past as you head towards the Mendenhall Valley. Your first stop is the historic Brotherhood Bridge, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley and, weather permitting, the Mendenhall Glacier off in the distance. This bridge holds significant cultural and historical importance, symbolizing the bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native communities and overcoming racial tensions. Adorned with ten bronze medallions featuring the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) crest, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. in honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary, the bridge depicts the two great Tlingit moieties—Eagle and Raven—emphasizing the ANB’s foundational role in their shared heritage. 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.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Look for whales and other marine life while cruising through the pristine waters not far off from port, a luxury that most other destinations can’t offer. The bays, channels and passages within just minutes of Juneau are teeming with marine life, none more spectacular to watch than humpback whales. They put on quite the show while feeding on massive amounts of shrimp-like krill, their favorite food. A single humpback whale can eat a literal ton of these tiny creatures in one day using its baleen – a sort of strainer attached to its upper jaw – to separate the krill from the water. Sometimes, several humpback whales work together in a behavior known as bubble-net feeding to push the krill into a giant ball before consuming them from underneath right before breaching the water’s surface. It is a spectacular display of the power, beauty and ingenuity of these extraordinary marine mammals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into the waters just off Juneau and look for marine life, especially humpback whales.
• Hear commentary about the animals that inhabit the waters surrounding Juneau.
• Enjoy whale watching in a time frame that allows for exploration of other areas in Juneau.

HELPFUL HINTS

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