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Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest
Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest
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Port
Juneau, Alaska, US
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
14,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$264.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
5½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Experience Alaska's glaciers and wildlife from two very different vantage points -- by land and by sea.
A narrated motorcoach tour takes you to view and photograph Alaska's most famous river of ice, the Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor Center, you'll have the opportunity to talk with Forest Service interpreters and, through interactive exhibits, learn about the tremendous force of glaciers.
Back aboard the motorcoach, you'll take the scenic route through the Mendenhall Valley to Auke Bay, where you'll board a water-jet-powered expedition vessel specifically designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin surrounded by large windows as you ply the island-studded waters of Stephens Passage -- world-renowned as a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales.
Once whales have been sighted, your captain will gently maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photo opportunities as these graceful ocean giants slowly arc their massive tail flukes into the air. The whales are often close enough to hear them breathe.
An on-board 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 Sitka black-tail deer.
Notes:
Bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. The operator of this tour guarantees that a whale will be sighted on this excursion in June, July and August, with participants receiving a $100 cash refund from the tour operator if a whale is not sighted. In all other months, no guarantee is offered; however, the tour operator's whale-sighting success rate remains at 99%. The vessel is restroom-equipped. Time at the glacier is approximately 75 minutes. Tour sequence may vary. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center's 2025 opening hours are 10am-5pm Sunday through Friday; closed on Saturdays. It may be closed during your visit. Restrooms are open every day.