Written by Chillie Falls, June 4, 2022
On a recent cruise to Alaska, I inquired at the excursion desk about accessible tours or excursions in Juneau, and found none other than the Mt Roberts Tramway. And, I already knew I could get my Mt Roberts ticket directly and save a considerable amount than the ship’s prices. So, I was disappointed.
Imagine my surprise when, unfortunately after my trip, I discovered Humpback Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau. And it is fully handicapped accessible. The tour is a five hour excursion offered by Juneau Tours and Whale Watch where one can grasp the enthralling opportunity to witness two jewels in Juneau: the graceful elegance of humpback whales and the serene beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier. Benefit from a custom-made boat with a warm heated cabin and an onboard naturalist guide.
Combine two of Juneau’s favorite activities on this whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier tour. Marvel at majestic humpback whales in the company of a naturalist guide, and select from a range of trails to discover Mendenhall Glacier, the world’s only drive-up glacier. Upon check-in, you will either be escorted to one of the shuttles for a narrated 25-minute drive to the glacier, or to the boat harbor for whale watching. On the glacier section of the tour, you can choose to hike to Nugget Falls (1.5 hours round trip), take the Photo Point Trail (40 minutes round trip), look for wildlife along the Steep Creek trail, or stroll up the easy walk to the Visitor Center. Take your time at the glacier with flexible shuttles back to town every 30 minutes. During your time on the water whale watching, your naturalist guide will explain the feeding habits of these magnificent creatures and identify the many other kinds of wildlife that share these waters. Enjoy an enhanced experience on a custom-built boat with a warm heated cabin with large viewing windows, and two decks to hurry to when the captain slows after spotting the whales. There is a bathroom onboard and snacks are also provided.
Check in is under the cables of the Mount Roberts Tramway. Representatives will be wearing bright blue hats and holding signs with the local partner’s name on them. Please arrive at the check-in location 5 minutes before the check-in time.
Your ticket will include entrance fees to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, snacks on the whale watching vessel, naturalist guide on the whale watching vessel, roundtrip transportation from the Mount Roberts Tramway, a guide at the Glacier and gratuities.
Since the weather is so unpredictable, and the tour goes rain or shine, wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and bring rain gear. Don’t forget your camera or cell phone. And keep in mind even though this is a wheelchair accessible tour, the bus drop off is about 200 yards from the boat with a wooden ramp that can be rather steep depending on the tide.
The current cost is $165.00 per person. I know for sure I will be there on my next trip to Juneau.