Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Trip: A Detailed Review

So, you are thinking about heading to Juneau and seeing some whales and a glacier? Pretty good choices! Taking a combined whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier day trip might be just the ticket. You know, I’ve explored Juneau and the surrounding areas more than a few times, and I’m ready to share what those trips are usually like, covering what’s worth your time and maybe what’s not. I am going to lay out the full picture to see if this type of tour is what you are wanting.

Why Choose a Combined Tour of Juneau?

Often folks wonder, “Is packing both whale watching and a glacier visit into just one day too much?” Well, here’s the lowdown: Juneau makes it relatively simple to do both. Lots of the combined tours are very conscious about the travel times and overall logistics. It seems to be really great if you’re sort of tight on time. Plus, you will get what are almost like two very classic Alaskan experiences in a single day. You will witness huge marine creatures in their natural habitat, after that, you could be standing near a gigantic river of ice. It gives your trip what feels like a broader experience than sticking to only just one type of attraction. So, in a way, it’s like an Alaska sampler platter, I guess. You have got the ocean and ice all ticked off in pretty quick time!

What to Expect on the Water: Whale Watching

Okay, whale watching is typically the big draw. When you hop on a boat, you should expect a couple things, you know. First, there are typically a lot of other people. A very fair number of tours operate on what feel like sizable vessels so that it won’t be an totally isolated experience unless you specifically book a private tour. Secondly, guides normally work pretty hard to find the whales. That is good, obviously! These guys are usually in communication with other boats, almost sharing locations to improve the chances for everybody.

Now, what kinds of whales will you be checking out? Mostly you will see humpbacks. So too, they are rather amazing! It is almost like they are putting on a show when they breach (jump out of the water). And you might very easily spot orcas, also referred to as killer whales. You may get to witness the whales bubble-net feeding which is where they circle fish then blow bubbles to kind of herd the fish into a group prior to going right up through the middle for a big mouthful. Very neat indeed! I recall on one outing, we hung out with a pod of humpbacks for a great bit, and it certainly didn’t get old!

Here’s just a tiny tip: bring binoculars. Some tours hand them out, yet having your very own could really enhance just how closely you might observe the whales. And naturally, layer up your garments! It gets very cool out on the water, so being ready to put on or remove apparel as required is key to remaining cozy. Also too it helps to consider that that you’re outside so the weather might be fairly variable, even on a pleasant day.

Mendenhall Glacier: Up Close and Personal

Alright, after you have had your fill of whale sightings, it’s common to go check out the Mendenhall Glacier. It is, by any measure, an absolutely gigantic ice structure! Usually, tours include transportation to and from the glacier, rendering it almost a piece of cake to get there.

You may access thephoto spots at the Visitor Center. Also too, you will see loads of people here, as this location delivers a classic, really simple snapshot of the glacier. However I would certainly advise that you consider walking some of the trails! TheNugget Falls Trail is particularly rewarding since it leads you to a waterfall right close to the glacier. The trail really isn’t hard at all, and the view of the glacier from beyond the waterfall is just magnificent.

If you might be up for more excitement, see if you may squeeze in akayak tour! Quite a few operators present kayak excursions that take you out on Mendenhall Lake for a much more intimate experience of the glacier. Keep in mind, these commonly get booked up quickly so you might want to book beforehand.

Tour Operators: What to Look For

Picking the best tour operator makes all the difference. You may see tons of options, from smaller independent businesses to larger, much more well-known businesses. I propose doing a little research ahead. You should check reviews on web pages. Focus in on comments about the guide’s knowledge, how crowded the boat is, and what people say concerning the overall business.

When it comes to whale watching, make certain to ask about the business’s success rate at spotting whales. Nearly all operators have a great track record, though it’s still better to check. See, when considering glacier tours, confirm how close you could potentially get to the glacier. Can you walk to it, or maybe is it just viewed from the visitor center?

Also, it’s nearly always an outstanding idea to ask about what is included in the rate. A few tours incorporate meals, drinks, or even hotel pick-up and drop-off, and this might truly influence which choice delivers you the most effective value.

Making the Most of Your Trip: Tips and Tricks

Alright, so you want to basically maximize your Juneau day trip? First, keep a very sharp eye on the weather! Juneau weather may change rapidly, so packaging layers is virtually a must. Having awater-resistant coat can make you quite comfortable. Too it’s nearly always advisable to put on sunglasses, even if it seems like it might be overcast to avoid any glare coming off the water and/or ice.

If you tend to get seasick, taking some form of seasickness medicine beforehand may also be just plain sensible. You would like to definitely enjoy the whale watching component without being totally miserable! These could be bought over-the-counter at just about any drugstore. In some respects, it is really the only thing standing in the way between you and seeing those gigantic animals. You will probably want to pack a small backpack for keeping additional clothing, snacks, as well as your camera. It just may be simpler to have everything at your fingertips as you are moving from location to location. And on that camera, be sure you actually have ample battery power and empty memory cards!

Is It Worth It?: The Final Verdict

Therefore, the big question: Is a Juneau whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier tour worth your precious time and money? Normally, yes. Especially if you intend to hit those really popular spots while you happen to be visiting Alaska, but have just limited time, then this style of excursion provides a fantastic method to do just that. You will experience many very unique aspects of Alaskan nature without totally draining the bank on individual tours.

However, consider your individual priorities. You may find it more fulfilling to dedicate additional time exclusively to whale watching or go for some more intense hiking experience near the glacier if you prefer a lot slower pace or more in-depth experience with either action.

Here’s What You Need to Keep in Mind

• Efficiency: Excellent in the event that you’re on a very tight schedule to see both of the major attractions.
• Weather Preparedness: So pack those layers and be all set for rapidly shifting conditions.
• Operator Selection: Select a reputable tour operator for the best experience.
• Personal Preferences: Make certain that this kind of double-whammy excursion matches your travel taste.

At the end of the day, a combined whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier day trip out of Juneau, you know, offers a wonderful mix of adventure and landscape. So, it allows you to sample a number of what Alaska provides. Just make certain that you arrive ready and do your homework to make your trip remarkable!

Have a blast in Alaska!

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