For smaller ships, youll have to book your own excursion since Juneau is often an embarkation or disembarkation port. On this excursion, youll do a five-mile river float with moderate rapids and river flow (this depends on the season and weather!). This is an exclusive opportunity to experience one of Alaska's best landmarks! The adventure ramps up as you paddle in your packraft to the edge of the glacier where you will beach your boat and slip on your micro-spikes to explore and take in the panoramic views of the Norris and Taku glaciers. 7-10 days is the most common. For a group of 4 a rental car is an option to consider. Which Juneau Helicopter Tour Should You do? Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you'll find anywhere. One-to-one relationships with our Alaska travel specialists. Best Alaska Shore Excursions | Cruise Critic Then, experience Nugget Falls, a 377-foot roaring waterfall fronting the Mendenhall Glacier. Our group of 4 consists of my wife, my mother, a family friend, and myself. This is the most in-depth glacier trekking tour includes a hike on the glacier and ice climbing. 10 Spectacular Things to Do in Juneau Cruise Port (+ Insider Port Guide) Land in treehouse platforms where you can enjoy the views and take in the scenery. Its agreat way to explore Alaskas capital city, with lots of scenery and history along the way. 163 LocationSouth Carolina Posted February 24, 2020 Ok RCB peeps.. looking for your advice again. Upload or insert images from URL. Humpback whales spend their summers in Alaska to feed before heading back to Mexico or Hawaii to live and give birth to offspring in the winter months. The first of our Alaska shore excursions was a stop in Juneau. Who Offers This Juneau Cruise Excursion? Juneau Alaska's capital has no roads connecting it to the outside world and is accessible to visitors only by air or by sea. You can also see some epic views of Mendenhall Glacier and the Tongass National Forest. You'll have plenty of time to take in the majestic views of the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Expert guides will equip you with state-of-the-art trekking and climbing equipment that will allow you to safely climb up walls of ice to explore the most pristine and remote areas of the glacier. Have other questions about visiting Juneau, taking an Alaska cruise, or choosing Alaska cruise excursions? See where thousands journeyed to during the Gold Rush in search of the precious metal. From $ 50. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. After you've struck gold, you will be escorted to the salmon bake to enjoy an Alaska style all-you-can-eat-buffet. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Or book a custom tour, like an endurance ride or a tailored city tour. Whale viewing is guaranteed! Enjoy an authentic Juneau dog sledding excursion that combines the unrivaled beauty of touring Alaska's vast winter wilderness via helicopter with standing on the runners of a dog sled as you cruise over the ice on a traditional dog-powered vehicle. Hi, Woody I personally prefer Mendenhall due to the view, but Norris is also nice! I chose them for you and put them in order based on what I know Alaska visitors will love. Then enjoy an authentic Alaskan salmon bake at Salmon Creek! Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation requests in writing. Kayak through Auke Bay with Glacierview Sea Kayaking to enjoy views of Mendenhall Glacier, wildlife, and more. Your email address will not be published. Driving Directions. Journey across Mendenhall Lake, listen to your knowledgeable guide's explanation of the breathtaking nature surrounding you, and the history and ecology of the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls while navigating the iceberg studded pristine water. Get your blood pumping then chill out on this excursion, which is a wonderfully active and delicious half-day tour. Jenna DeLaurentis Nearly all Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska include a stop in Alaska's picturesque capital city of Juneau. Fly from Juneau to aremote wilderness location, then kayak to Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Owner Midgi offers her tours to work perfectly with cruise ship timing, so you can book directly and know all the money spent goes directly to a local business. We are sailing Ovation OTS out of Seattle on May 22nd and have just under 90 days. Its impossible to visit Southeast Alaska and not learn about the Gold Rush and how important it was to the settlement of The Last Frontier. How do you combine the experiences you want to have if such a tour exists at all? You can find this quintessential Alaskan meal all across the state so where better to try it the first time (or first of many) than in the capital city of Juneau? The humpback whales spend their summers feeding in Alaska while they fill their bellies with thousands of pounds of krill a day. Whale watching is one of the top things to do in Juneau and you are 100% guaranteed to see whales. Your email address will not be published. Your guide will point out the unique glacier features such as blue ice, crevasses, pooling glacier water, and more. Here are some of our favorite spots that you can visit without joining a group outing. "Your cancellation policy is reassuring and the price is competitive. Relive Juneau's gold rush history and pan for gold in the authentic setting of Gold Creek. Mendenhall Glacier in a Traditional Canoe, 2. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489, Please email us at [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. But by all means please feel free to leave any tips and tricks you may have for Juneau or Skagway for that matter. No matter which option you choose, NorthStar Helicopters will guide you all the way, making sure you get the most out ofthis Listen for eagle calls, take a walk through the Historic Treadwell Ditch and stop at the breath-taking Fish Creek. Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, and Regent. 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. Head to websites like Cruise Critic, Trip Advisor, the book store. Shore Excursions--Ketchikan, Juneau & Skagway - Cruise Critic If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. Paddle across stunning Mendenhall Lake in a personal kayak, navigating past icebergs and beautiful Alaskan wildlife. This non-strenuous, hour-long interpretive hike led by our team of professional guides provides the opportunity to learn about the history and geology of the area as you trek across the icy terrain. We're on the Volendam NB departing late June calling at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Nestled tightly between the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia, Juneau comes from a rich history deeply rooted in Native American tradition and features the most expansive and magnificent natural landscapes in the entire country. Pack Creek Bear Tours offers fully guided adventures to Admiralty Island or Chichagof Island, each home to more than 1,500 brown bears! Glide across 7zips on this course located in the Eaglecrest Ski Area, and finish the tour withsome. A2012 Readers Digest poll chose Glacier Gardens out of thousands of entries as the Most Interesting Landmark in America! Gold Creek Salmon Bake Tour | Alaska Shore Excursions If you're feeling extra adventurous you can try your hand at driving the team. Select your cruise ship and well display only the tours that work with your Now lets dive into each one! This tour is a fun combo of history and unique activities. We offer the best customer service in the business! Visit Gold Creek and "Last Chance Basin" to learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice from your guide. The spirited dogs will be waiting to whisk you away on a mushing experience you'll not soon forget! After abeautiful 20- or 25-minute floatplane ride, youll land on aremote beach. **LIMITED DEPARTURES AVAILABLE FOR 2023** Experience two incredible glacier landing spots! Tucked inside the lush Tongass National Forest, discover an Alaskan botanical garden unlike anywhere else in theworld. But you can win, Taku Glacier Adventure by Air, Water & Ice, Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure by Segway, Skagway Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour, Private Wildlife Photo Safari, Beachcombing, and More, Private Wilds of Sitka Sound Expedition by Boat, Anchorage Helicopter Glacier Dogsled & Lower Glacier Landing, Anchorage Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour, Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Train Tour, 8 Things Your Cruise Ship Wont Tell You About Shore Excursions, In Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Anchorage, Icy Strait Point, & Denali. Canoe across alake to Mendenhall Glacier glacier, Keeping an eye out for arctic terns, mountain goats, and icebergs floating in the water. Breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier, old-growth forest, and the world's most northern rainforest are all made possible by the power of e-bikes on this ten-mile route. Your experienced captain and guide will take you to the Channel Islands State Marine Park which is home to a vast array of Alaskan marine life including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, seals and more. Amalga Distillery 8. Get a free digital copy of our Inside Passage Planner! Or ride your bike out to Douglas Island for atram ride, 1,800feet up Mt. This small group (up to 6 guests) whale and kayak tour takes guests to the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska! Combine this with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center for an excursion of a lifetime. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? For each excursion, I list which cruise companies offer that one so you can see whether your cruise is on the list. The 9 Best Juneau Shore Excursions for your Alaska Cruise in 2023 Planning your Alaska cruise for 2023? Thats why included this sea kayaking excursion on the list. Small boat whale watching tours (49 passengers max), with optional visit to Mendenhall Glacier. Alaska Travel Adventures Historic Gold Mining& We see all the excursion deals from RCI or other vendors; but from different reviews it seems that you are fairly rushed, despite having a decent amount of port time. If you have already received tickets, please call the local tour operator phone number listed on your tickets for tour-specific questions as they will be the best resource to answer unique questions. Juneau Scavenger Hunt: Juneau Journey. There are 250 miles of Juneau hiking trails, so you'll have plenty to choose from. We are sailing Ovation OTS out of Seattle on May 22nd and have just under 90 days. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Juneau cruise excursions. Choose from several options, includinga, Take aspin through Juneau on afun bike tour. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Looking for wildlife? Its not necessarily the case that if NCL doesnt offer the excursion you cant do it you could do the research to see if the company that offers it for other cruise lines also allows travelers to book it independently (like, for example, Juneau Food Tours, which does offer their tours to cruisers and non-cruisers alike). From the ground, enjoy a stroll along the lower level of the Taku Glacier! Keep plans flexible with our Book Now, Pay Later option. SELECT id_history FROM history WHERE session_id = '6fec6c0bd890a52d0fa2c062050a5fc5' AND id_portofcall = '86' AND id_portofcall != 0 +-+--. Juneau offers a perfect blend of extreme and relaxing activities for any visitor. 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. Take in the landscape surrounding Juneau as you travel by helicopter up to the first glacier where you'll jump onboard the dogsled. This is a must-do Alaskan experience! Your seasoned pilot will guide you for thirty minutes of flightseeing via helicopter to see the beautiful surrounding areas. Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Best Juneau Excursions & Tours | Alaska Shore Excursions 20 IDEAL Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska in 2023 - Cruise Hive Shore excursion nirvana: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise Getting There. This tour is limited by permits issued by the National Parks Service so book early for this unique experience! Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Juneau? Well be on RCI Radiance OTS in mid July. Whale viewing is guaranteed! The Jeep has five seatbelts, and all tours include the interactive digital guide, fuel, unlimited mileage . Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip. Home to 280 different species of birds, five species of salmon, black and brown bears, and awe-inspiring humpback and orca whales, the city is undoubtedly a pinnacle of America's natural wonder. In this post, I break it down: I looked at all of the Alaska shore excursions in Juneau and chose the nine I think are the best. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Start here. Like many Juneau cruise excursions, this one gives you a sample of how much the capital city has to offer. Our extended Alaska glacier tour gives you ample time for pictures and exploration while trekking with your guides next to the glacier ice itself. On this whale tour youll not only watch orcas and humpbacks breach and spout, but youll also listenin, Plenty of whale tours let you watch the orcas and humpbacks as they breach and spout from the waterbut not many also let you eavesdrop on the big mammals conversations. The best Alaska Shore Tours in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Anchorage, and Denali Book your tours with only 5% down Each booking gives back! As you prepare for your trip, you can check out the current Mendenhall Glacier weather. The Mendenhall Glacieris the only glacier that can be accessed by land via the road system, whereas many other glaciers can be experienced through helicopter and seaplane sightseeing. All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. There you have it my take on the best Alaska shore excursions in Juneau. This past July (2019) DH and DS did the Fly-out Fly Fishing excursion. This post was originally published in February 2020, and was updated in October 2022 for the coming season. Helicopter Tour + Glacier Landing + Dog Sledding = One Epic Memory, Youll get epic views of Mendenhall Glacier on your helicopter tour, then touch down to board a dog sled the huskies will give you a heck of a ride with all their energy and enthusiasm. You list Mendnhal, but is the Norris excursion roughly equivalent? You can also explore the surrounding art galleries and souvenir shops or enjoy the scenic views of the harbor and mountainscapes. The average shore excursion cost for all three ports cannot exceed $200 per person total (the key word being average as 3 of the 8 of us qualify for the reduced child rates where offered). Exceptional Value Book shore excursions with confidence! **THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2023 SEASON** The adventure for thrill-seekers of all ages! Take a quick hour-long flightseeing trip to fly over glaciers, and even land on one! This mouth watering Alaskan buffet includes signature alderwood-grilled wild salmon, cheechako chicken, Chilkoot baked beans, Tongass wild rice pilaf, hot clam chowder, a selection of side dishes, salads and homemade blueberry cake for dessert. Having choices is important, but its also vital that, Most people dont know anything about Skagway until they visit the port on their cruise ship. Please note: prices are per boat, which holds 1-14 passengers. This will be our first time going to Alaska and we immensely looking forward to it. This is a "once in a lifetime" tour. Glide across 7zips on this course located in the Eaglecrest Ski Area on Douglas Island and finish up your tour with some axe throwing. Keep a look out for wildlife such as goats, moose, bears, and eagles! Our group of 8 ranges in age from 18 months to 63 at the time of sail. This one, which broadly incorporates a helicopter tour, glacier landing, and dog sledding depending on the tour operator and cruise company, is definitely worthy of its spot in the top 3. Be sure to admire the wide-angle view of Mendenhall glacier, and learn Alaska history from your guide, too! You really cant go wrong with either if youre doing the helicopter + dogsledding tour. We offer the absolute best options for your tours and cruise shore excursions in Juneau! However, the logistics (timing, transport) are usually a lot more complicated if you try to do an excursion on your own, which is why the cruise companies discourage people from doing it. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation and change requests in writing. I also know that you can book this tour directly with Juneau Food Tours, a local operator (thats what I did after my Alaska Uncruise in 2017 and before may Alaskan Dream Cruise in 2021). Go with Pack Creek Bear Tours to see bears on Admiralty Islandan area with up to 1,500 brownbears;. Land on the glacier for 30 minutes of exploration and sights you won't want to miss. Your guide will teach you kayaking techniques, then board the two-person kayaks either with your traveling companion or a new friend. Or if you have any other thoughts or tips you feel like sharing that would be greatly appreciated! Holding up to 14 guests, you can avoid the crowded whale-watching boats and enjoy the amazing marine life Juneau has to offer. Spend your time in Juneau on an Alaskan wilderness hiking adventure as you are introduced to glacier exploration along the edge of the Mendenhall Glacier with your own Private Guide! Juneau is Alaska's capital city, but it's hardy a heady and difficult city; only around 30,000 people live here, making it small compared with other state capitals in the US. Fly-out Fly Fishing for them and tram, hiking, and Tracy's for me. I recommend reaching out to NCL to see what they suggest, then if youre really set on an excursion they dont/cant offer try to do it on your own. Instant confirmations, mobile-friendly vouchers, and everything you need to prepare for your big Alaskan adventure. Your knowledgeable crew and captain will attentively guide you throughout this exclusive and unforgettable adventure! Who Offers This Juneau Cruise Excursion? Carefully consider your comfort level, ability to prepare, and the timing on Juneau excursions. **THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2023 SEASON** Experience the perfect day sightseeing at the most popular attraction in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier, followed up by an all-you-can-eat Alaskan salmon bake. The, Weve all been guilty of over-packing at one time or another. Walk around the historic district to see well-preserved buildings from the city's gold rush era, and stop by the Juneau Visitor Center to learn about the region's history. Here are 7 rules to booking shore excursions on your own: 1. Juneau Adventures & Outdoor Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions Travel by canoe across stunning Mendenhall Lake and capture an up-close view of Mendenhall Glacier. Look no further! After your transfer to the helicopter base, you'll take off on a scenic flight over Mendenhall Lake, on your way to the dogsled camp situated atop the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Simplicity and service you expect. Any gold you find during the tour is yours to take home with you. Theres also a weight surcharge for the helicopter ride for passengers in excess of the individual weight limit.]. Each port city features amazing placesfrom the natural to the culturalthat everyone will appreciate. **THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2023 SEASON** A personalized flightseeing tour with a landing on one of the local glaciers from the Juneau Icefield. Great approach for both destinations. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Youll board a traditional Tlingit-style canoe and paddle up to the face of Mendenhall glacier; be ready to feel the cold emanating from this massive ice floe! Once on the glacier, you'll meet the dogs and take off on the ultimate thrill of riding with the dog sled team. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Once word of Juneaus natural beauty and prospecting triumphs spread, more visitors began flocking to the town and havent stopped since! This Juneau cruise excursion is great for two reasons: its delicious and its affordable. While out on the water, there is no doubt that you'll see humpback whales - this is the time of year they travel to Alaska to feed on thousands of pounds of krill a day. Finally, I added up the metrics to come up with a final score. On the water, take in the panoramic views of the largest glacier of the Juneau Icefield, cascading mountains and the pristine Taku River. This combo is the best way to make the most of your day in Juneau! Youre dispatched from your hotel and brought to acorner of the Southeast Alaska rainforest, which saw lots of activity during Alaskas GoldRush. Alaska Shore Tours Top-Rated Shore Excursions Top 10 JUNEAU Helicopter & Dogsled Glacier Excursion $ 629.00 4.90588235294 out of 5 Top 10 JUNEAU Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Trek $ 334.00 4.89915966387 out of 5 Top 10 JUNEAU Whale Watching Tour $ 145.00 4.79569892473 out of 5 JUNEAU Fly-In Glacier Hike and Packraft $ 329.00 JUNEAU Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour $ 329.00 5 out of 5 Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget! Who Offers This Juneau Cruise Excursion? Why Juneau is THE Alaska Whale Watching Destination, Remember the Yukon: A Skagway Alaska Must-Do. Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. This tour includes a brief narrated city tour as you make your way to the gold mining site that was made famous by Joe Juneau and Rich Harris.