Glacier View Sea Kayaking
Traverse the Mendenhall Wetlands and view the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier aboard two-person kayaks, enjoying narrative stories about Smuggler's Cove and the area's stunning history.
Learn how to handle a kayak from your professional guide on this Juneau excursion, then put your new skills to the test with a memorable adventure on the water. Enjoy up-close looks at wildlife and views of the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier - approximately 6 miles away. Start your shore excursion in Juneau with a narrated tour through a historic part of Juneau on your way to North Douglas Island. Receive your protective rain gear, boots, and life jacket, then learn the paddling techniques you'll need to handle your kayak. Join a friend or new traveling companion aboard your two-person craft and begin your cruise excursion adventure! Enjoy a backdrop of wooded slopes, neighboring peaks, and the Mendenhall glacier from an ocean explorer's perspective. The view of the glacier is from six miles away, allowing you to to see how the massive river of ice winds through the mountain peaks for miles. Traverse the same waters the Aleut Indians did two centuries ago. In small groups of six kayaks, quietly approaching wildlife is easy. Observe bald eagles, herons, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Occasionally, porpoise and humpback whales travel through this scenic area! If you're lucky, you might see a humpback's awesome tail fluke. Your kayak adventure will take place at a safe distance from the glacier. Visit the Mendenhall Wetlands, a protected habitat teeming with more than 140 species of birds, nearly a dozen different mammals, and an abundance of marine life. Along your Alaska kayak tour, your professional nature guide talks about local flora and fauna, explaining the history behind landmarks such as Smuggler's Cove. Back at the kayak base, you will enjoy a tasty Alaska style snack before the bus journey back to the pier. Book this Juneau shore excursion today for an incredible day kayaking the Mendenhall Wetlands, observing Mendenhall Glacier (only visible when weather permits), and enjoying the surrounding wildlife!
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Operated by
- Shore Excursions Group
- An approximate 5 to 10-minute walk, or an approximate 15 to 20-minute shuttle ride (not included, approximately $5 US per person), is required to reach your departure location. Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.
- For all Alaska tours, we recommend layers of clothing, with the top layer being water-proof. We also suggest comfortable walking shoes that may get wet. Guests should bring gloves and an extra pair of socks.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The minimum weight to participate is 40 pounds. The maximum size to fit in the kayaks is 35 inches from hip to hip, and 17 inches from front to back. Guests taller than 6' 3" will not be able to steer with foot pedals and will have to steer with the oar instead. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 13 to 17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian. Please note on overcast or foggy days, views of the glacier may be obstructed.
- Food & beverages: A tasty Alaska style snack and water is included.
Excursion purchases are fully refundable outside of 14 days prior to the tour date. Beginning on the 14th day prior to the tour date, excursion purchases are non-refundable.