Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

Juneau
Durations- 6 to 7 hours (approx.)
Languages- English
Address- 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Seeking an all-inclusive Alaskan experience? This 6-hour tour from Juneau takes you to Mendenhall Glacier for incredible views of the ice wall. Then, board a jet boat for a whale-watching cruise in Auke Bay with a naturalist guide who gives you an in-depth look at the surrounding marine life. After spotting humpbacks, return to land and watch a Tlingit Master Carver work on 10-foot-tall totem poles and silver jewelry. Dig into a satisfying traditional salmon bake before you're returned to Juneau hotels.

  • Experience the best of Juneau in one day!
  • Get fantastic up-close views of the famous Mendenhall Glacier
  • Embark on a whale-watching adventure on a sightseeing boat around Auke Bay
  • Enjoy the aromas and flavors of a traditional Alaskan salmon bake
  • Watch a Tlingit Master Carver at work and learn about his ancestral craft
  • Pickup and drop-off from downtown Juneau hotels included

What To Expect

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Mendenhall Glacier



Enjoy a narrated transfer to the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier and its Visitor Center, where a ranger can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders there. Roam the grounds, snap photos, take in the interactive exhibits and have the chance to watch bears feast on salmon.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Auke Bay



From Mendenhall Glacier, we’ll take you to Auke Bay where you’ll board our state-of-the-art, 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching. It has extra-large windows, and an outside viewing deck.

Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and our boat captains are experts at locating them. We guarantee whale sightings; if there are no whales during your cruise, we’ll refund $100 to each adult and $50 for children. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it’s likely you’ll first hear a collective chorus of “Oohhs!” and “Ahhs!” from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback suddenly breach.

Binoculars are available for your use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to take a photo, or settle into your warm, comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows.

2 hours 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gold Creek Salmon Bake



After your whale watching cruise, you’re off to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. In a beautiful setting nestled in the rainforest, you’ll arrive with the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The all-you-can-eat buffet also includes Cheechako Chicken, Alyeska Au Gratin Potatoes, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, and other sides, salads, beverages, and blueberry cake for dessert!

After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Take your time; you can return to the dock at your leisure.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Highlight

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Please indicate your ship or hotel name when booking your tour
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Wheelchair accessible
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Stroller accessible
Children 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian
Service animals allowed
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 90 travelers

Max group – 15