Top Juneau Half-day Tours

Discover the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier with the Glacier “Blue Bus” Express, direct and scenic transportation from the cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau. Ideal for travelers looking to explore on their own, this immersive experience provides the perfect blend of convenience and adventure. You will enjoy captivating commentary and scenery on your way to the Mendenhall Glacier that brings to life the rich history and vibrant culture of the region. Arriving at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, you’ll have two hours to explore this stunning natural wonder. Here you can choose to wander trails, photograph the glacier from the distance, or explore the Visitor’s Center. With various walking trails available, visitors of all fitness levels can enjoy spectacular views of the glacier, Mendenhall Lake, and the untouched wilderness. Entry to the Visitor’s Center is included where you can enjoy interactive exhibits and educational presentations.

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

This tour includes two hours on the water following the whales, and a quick 15 minute peek at the Mendenhall Glacier. It is just enough time to step off the bus, take a quick picture, and then head back downtown for the rest of your Alaska adventure! This tour is recommended for those who want to see the glacier, but don't want to spend too much time exploring the surrounding recreation area. On this tour, you will take one of the tour buses from downtown Juneau on a 20-minute, narrated tour through Juneau and Mendenhall Valley to Auke Bay. In Auke Bay you will board one of the boats and head out on a 2-hour whale watching experience. Upon returning to the harbor you will be escorted back to the bus for a quick trip inland to Mendenhall Glacier. You will have 15 minutes to get out and take a quick picture, and then get back on the bus for your next adventure in Juneau.

When your cruise stops at Juneau, see whales in their natural habitat on this whale-watching boat trip, all without the fuss of organizing shore transport. Prebook to secure your place, board a comfortable boat with outdoor decks and heated cabins, and cruise Alaska’s waters to see marine life in the wild. Then, enjoy guaranteed sightings of humpback whales, with a naturalist providing commentary on their behaviors as you cruise.

Make your round-trip transfer between Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier hassle-free with this shuttle service. Discover the beauty of the glacier and its trails at a leisurely pace. Plus, during the drive each way, pick up historical fun facts and restaurant recommendations from the driver.

Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do! Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales. We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!

When your ship anchors in Juneau port, get ready for a shore excursion pumped with adventure and incredible views. First, soar by helicopter over Juneau Icefield, and then land on Herbert Glacier to explore the remote landscape by foot. Learn about the surrounding Alaskan wilderness and capture memorable shots during your icefield walk. This tour includes hotel pickup and transportation to and from the helicopter facilities.

Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, past icebergs and waterfalls, on this guided Alaskan adventure. Explore the Tongass National Forest and hike near Mendenhall Glacier with expert guides. Enjoy breathtaking views and experience wildlife up close. This small-group tour offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience.

Set out on a whale watching adventure—and leave all the logistics to someone else. After convenient transport to Auke Bay via bus from downtown Juneau, you’ll have an easy transfer to the boat. Spend several hours with a naturalist guide spotting humpback and killer whales as well as harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and black bears. Snacks, beverages, and binoculars are conveniently included.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron.

Tap into the best way to see Juneau - a brewery & city tour serving up a uniquely Juneau, uniquely Alaskan experience, nothing watered-down here! We’ll hop across town, pairing sips with the stories and sights that make Juneau one-of-a-kind. With a small group, you’ll tap into three distinctly different breweries in three different corners of Juneau, and along the way, taste the flavors of Alaska with Barnacle Foods’ kelp salsa. We’ll explore stunning scenic stops - Brotherhood Bridge with its epic Mendenhall Glacier backdrop, and Juneau’s iconic Whale on the waterfront - perfect for photos that capture the scale and beauty of the Last Frontier. We visit Alaskan Brewing Company, and Forbidden Peak Brewing on every tour! We alternate between Harbor Mountain Brewing and Devil's Club Brewing. This tour is a fun and social experience. The minimum number of guests per trip is three.

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Downtown Juneau as you depart the waters with Wings Airways en route to the Juneau Icefield and the historic Taku Glacier Lodge. With a guaranteed window seat for all and audio narration, sit back and enjoy the 25-minute flight as you soar by five massive glaciers including the largest in Juneau, the Taku! Enjoy approximately 2 hours on the lodge grounds feasting, exploring and relaxing before your return flight. With the combination of classic - 10 passenger - deHavilland Otter aircrafts, pristine glaciers, true wilderness, frequent black bear sightings, fresh Alaskan Salmon and Juneau’s only glacier view dining, this the ultimate all-in-one, 3 hour excursion and a must do!

Spend 2 hours out on the Auke Bay Harbor's waters searching for humpback whales during this boat tour from Juneau. Listen to commentary from your guide and keep a lookout for other marine animals such as orca, bald eagles, and sea lions. Cap off the cruise with a 5-minute stop to snap photos of Mendenhall Glacier. Snacks, refreshments, and round-trip transportation from the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau provided.

Enjoy the intimacy of just your group, up to 5 (maybe 6 - read further), on a private scenic tour of Juneau in a luxury Grand Highlander. Tour has unguided and guided parts. First, the unguided part. All will be dropped 1/4 mile from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (VC). ALL MUST WALK 0.25 MILE ON SIDEWALK THERE, AND 0.25 MILE BACK TO DROPOFF. No split parties. We will agree on a time to be spent there, depending on whether some walk to Nugget Falls. Next, the guided part. After pickup from the spot near the VC, we'll head to the shrine and hatchery. More beauty and knowledge to soak up! Time permitting, we'll explore more, before I return you to your desired dropoff. Guide is a local family man, who has lived in town for years. Start times are 9 and 2, but flexible. If your group has 6, I may be able to take them, no charge beyond 5. I have 6 passenger belts. Look at the back third row of my SUV in the photos - if 3 people can fit comfortably, I can take 6.

While most visitors only see the Mendenhall Glacier from crowded viewpoints, this tour takes adventurous travelers on a canoe trip to the base of the glacier for a completely different perspective of the majestic ice. With canoe lessons and a guide, the tour is open to first-time paddlers and the mellow water means you can take along a camera and capture the arctic cliffs, icebergs, and pristine blue ice.

Be immersed in a classic Alaskan experience: an all-you-can-eat salmon bake feast. Fill up on grilled wild salmon, blueberry cake, and other local delicacies as local entertainers play music, then roast marshmallows by the campfire. Vegetarians and gluten-free travelers will also have options. After, visit the nearby Wagner Mine to glimpse mining relics, walk to Salmon Creek Falls, and pick up original Tlingit works of art from the Trading Post.

Step off your cruise ship and into a river raft on this 3.5-hour shore excursion along Mendenhall Glacier. An experienced guide rows your raft, allowing you to soak up the gorgeous mountain scenery as you float along for six miles around the foot of the glacier. Wind through stretches of Class II and III whitewater rapids and wrap up the outing with a delicious riverside snack. Families, beginners and the more experienced all will enjoy this Mendenhall Glacier float trip. Port transport from Juneau included.

The two most popular things to do in Juneau are whale watching and a stop at Tracy's Crab Shack. Lock in a good crab market rate and an unforgettable whale watch experience in one booking.

Explore Juneau’s incredible coastline on this small-group kayaking adventure through the beautiful Mendenhall Wetlands. Keep your camera ready as you glide past eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and maybe even a curious sea lion or porpoise swimming nearby. From your kayak, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, visible from six miles away as it winds through mountain peaks. This tour is intentionally limited to no more than 8 guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience. Unlike other tours, each guest paddles their own single kayak , allowing for better control, comfort, and opportunity to explore. (Double kayaks available on request) You’ll be fully outfitted with a high-quality dry suit, keeping you warm and dry in all weather conditions. Our experienced local guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the tour, making this adventure ideal for first-time kayakers as well as those with prior experience.

Segways aren’t just for sidewalks, and Alaska’s trails aren’t just for avid outdoorsmen. On this small-group tour, you’ll meet your guide, hop on a quick shuttle ride up the coast, and get fitted for your Segway wilderness adventure. Riding your way down the Nordic ski trail, you’ll zoom along—while learning about—alpine meadows, through groves of Sitka spruce and old-growth forests, and under snow-capped mountains.

Bikes, Glacier Views, and Microbrews begins with a 20 minute van ride out of historic downtown Juneau out to the Mendenhall Valley, where you'll be outfitted with bikes, helmets, and rain gear if necessary. The ride starts at the eastern side of the Mendenhall Glacier, with a 4 mile ride over to the western shore of Mendenhall Lake. Here, you'll enjoy a brief break and scenic view of the lake. Next, you'll hop back on the bikes and ride 4 miles back to the eastern side of the glacier, riding through two beautiful trails in the Tongass National Forest. After the ride, your guide will walk you to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you will have 45 minutes of independent exploration. View the glacier, enjoy the trails, and learn about the history of the area. Upon returning to the van, you will take a short drive to Forbidden Peak Brewery and taste a custom flight of local beers and enjoy views of Auke Bay. Your guide will then drive you back downtown at the end of the tour.

With this incredible tour, you’ll start with a helicopter flight over the ancient glaciers of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. After seeing this marvel of Mother Nature from above, you’ll land at a remote glacier camp for yet another ride on the wild side: zooming across the Alaskan tundra—high, rugged mountains surrounding you—pulled by a rambunctious group of Alaskan huskies. It’s truly an only-in-Alaska experience.

This is more than a sightseeing tour. Alaska Forest & Feast is a small group experience designed to help you slow down and experience Southeast Alaska through its forests, shoreline, stories, and flavors. You’ll explore the temperate rainforest while learning about native plants, seasonal foraging, traditional uses of the forest, and the deep relationship between local cultures and the land. Along the way, you’ll take in beautiful glacier and mountain views before arriving at a quiet beach for a mindfulness experience surrounded by ocean, forest, and mountains. The experience ends with locally inspired food that brings the flavors of Alaska into the journey, connecting what you have seen and learned in the forest with what you taste at the table. With a small group, a slower pace, and a focus on connection rather than checking off attractions, this experience offers a more personal and meaningful way to discover Juneau.