Hiking & Glaciers
Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip
$124 Per Person (Flat Rate)3.5 hours
3.5 Hours • Must Be 50lbs or More
← Juneau excursions
Authorized USFS Access · 13 Miles from Cruise Docks
Mendenhall Glacier tours from Juneau cruise port
Mendenhall Glacier is located 13 miles northwest of the downtown Juneau cruise docks. Compare authorized commercial shuttles, lake canoe and kayak paddles, guided West Glacier hikes, and float trips departing directly from the cruise docks with guaranteed USFS permits and return timing.
⚡ Direct Cruise Answer • Alaska Local Intel
How do you get to Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau cruise port?
Mendenhall Glacier is located 12 miles northwest of downtown Juneau (a 20-to-25 minute drive). Because city buses and standard rideshares have strict commercial zone limits at the US Forest Service recreation area, the most reliable transport is via an authorized excursion shuttle, canoe/kayak paddle tour, or combined whale-and-glacier tour meeting directly at the cruise docks.
Access & Tour Cost$45–$95 shuttle/tour • $5 USFS Visitor Center pass
Transit & Recreation Time20–25 min drive • 2–3 hours on-site recommended
Cruise Terminal PickupDowntown Juneau Tram Parking Lot / Tour bus loading zone
All-Aboard ProtectionDirect return shuttle • 60–90 min buffer before cruise departure
Compare before you book
How to experience Mendenhall Glacier on a port day
Because the US Forest Service strictly caps commercial visitor permits, booking an authorized tour in advance is essential.
Authorized shuttle & visitor center
2.5 to 3 hours total. Includes USFS pass, Visitor Center exhibits, photo points, and the popular 2-mile (45 min) flat walk to Nugget Falls.
Mendenhall Lake canoe & kayak paddle
Paddle across the iceberg-filled lake in stable voyageur canoes or kayaks to reach within yards of the glacier face and Nugget Falls.
Whale watching + Mendenhall combo
5 to 5.5 hours total. Covers both signature Juneau highlights in one coordinated booking with guaranteed ship-return timing.
Connected inventory
Compare the current catalog
All excursions display verified flat-rate pricing with no hidden checkout fees. Select your departure date and party size to view real-time calendar rates.
Adventures
Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure
$165 Per Person (Flat Rate)4.0 hours
4.0 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More
Adventures
Mendenhall Lake Kayaking Adventure
$173 Per Person (Flat Rate)3.5 hours
3.5 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More
Adventures
Mendenhall Lake Kayak & Salmon Bake
$190 Per Person (Flat Rate)5 hours
5 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More
Whale Watching
Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
$199 Per Person (Flat Rate)4.5 hours
• 4.5 hours
Hiking & Glaciers
Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike
$209 Per Person (Flat Rate)6 hours
Customer Favorite! From $209 per Person | Difficulty: Strenuous| 6 Hours | 10+
Hiking & Glaciers
Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike
$349 Per Person (Flat Rate)5.5 hours
From $349 per Person | 5.5 Hours | Most Popular Tour to visit Mendenhall Glacier! | 12+
Hiking & Glaciers
Mendenhall Glacier and Guided Walk
$449 Per Person (Flat Rate)2 hrs 15 mins
$409 | All Ages | 2 Hours 15 Minutes | Bucket List Worthy Adventure!
Dog Sledding
Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier
$759 Per Person (Flat Rate)2 hrs 45 mins
$699 | All Ages | 2 Hours 45 Minutes | Helicopters, Huskies, and Glaciers!
Whale Watching
Private Charter Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
$3,500 Private Charter (Flat Rate)4.5 hours
description: ##Rate Private Charter (up to 14 people): $2,100.00 _________________ ##Duration 4.5 hours ______________ ##About This exclusive whale watching excursion includes your own private jet boat and roundtrip guided transportation. Your professional and dedicated crew will make sure you are comfortable while searching for the best wildlife sightings on the water. With a capacity of 14 guests, you can bring your closest friends or have the entire boat just for your family. As a private charter, the ocean is yours to explore and search for the majestic humpback and orca whales found in the wild surrounding Juneau. We are so confident you will see whales we guarantee it! This adventure begins in downtown Juneau as you are guided in a private transfer to the Mendenhall Glacier. You will have 45 minutes to explore the glacier park on your own. The area is a host of walking and hiking trails, salmon spawning streams, interpretive center, and magnificent sights. You will then be whisked away to Auke Bay harbor where you will board your private boat for 2 hours on the water finding whales and other water wildlife.
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Practical answers
Questions cruise passengers ask
How far is Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau cruise port?+
Mendenhall Glacier is 13 miles northwest of downtown Juneau, taking 20 to 25 minutes by excursion shuttle from the Mt. Roberts Tram parking lot.
Can I take a taxi, Uber, or city bus to Mendenhall Glacier?+
Taxis and Ubers can drop off at Mendenhall, but cellular reception is weak and driver shortages make finding a return ride very risky. The city bus drops passengers 1.5 miles away along the highway. Authorized tour shuttles guarantee your return seat.
Can you walk to Nugget Falls?+
Yes. The Nugget Falls trail is a mostly flat, gravel 2-mile round-trip walk (about 45 minutes walking time) leading right to the cascading waterfall and shoreline views of the glacier terminus.
Are US Forest Service entrance passes included?+
Yes. All organized commercial shuttles and guided excursions include your USFS Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area permit and Visitor Center admission.