Booking choice: The whales and glacier combo, from $199 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Auke Bay, where the whale boats sail from, and the Mendenhall Glacier are both north of downtown Juneau, so a whale cruise already passes close to the glacier. Combo tours use that.
There are two ways to do both: book the combo, or book a whale cruise with a glacier view stop and see the glacier from the water.
The quick answer
Book the whale and glacier combo: about five hours, a two-hour whale cruise, then the bus to the Mendenhall Glacier with the entrance fee paid. Take an early departure, because the visitor center closes at 6 PM in summer. If a photo of the glacier is enough, Harv & Marv's and Alaska Tales include a short glacier view on the way.
Can you do whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier on the same day?
Yes: the combo does both in about five hours, so check your ship's all-aboard time first.
The whale cruise takes about two hours on the water, the glacier stop gives you time for the visitor area and a short trail, and the bus links the two.
Want both without planning the logistics? The combo covers transfers and the entrance fee.
Check dates for the whales and glacier comboWhat is the difference between a glacier visit and a glacier view?
A visit means time on foot at the glacier; a view means seeing it from the water or the road for a few minutes.
| Option | Glacier time | From | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whales + glacier combo | Visit: time at the visitor area and trails | $199 | Yes |
| Harv & Marv's | View stop from the water (weather permitting) | $159 | Non-refundable |
| Alaska Tales | Short pass-by on the transfer | $177 | Yes |
How does the combo day work?
Meet at the Mount Roberts Tramway, ride to Auke Bay, spend two hours whale watching, then take the bus to the glacier and back to town.
The boat is a 24-seat jet boat or 49-seat catamaran with a heated cabin, a naturalist and a light snack. The tour ends where it began, under the tram cables.
What is the late-tour trap?
Late afternoon combos can reach the glacier just before the visitor center closes at 6 PM.
One guest on a late departure in September 2026 was dropped at the glacier at 5:40 PM and then waited in the cold for the 7 PM bus. Pick a morning or early afternoon start, and you will have the visitor center, the views and time for a walk. The listing itself warns that the 2:30 and 3:30 departures reach the park after it closes.
Avoid the trap: an early combo departure leaves time for Nugget Falls.
Explore the whales and glacier comboIs there time for Nugget Falls?
Usually yes on an early combo: guests report about 30 minutes each way on foot.
The trail runs along the lake to the waterfall beside the glacier. Bears are sometimes seen in the area, so stay on the trail and follow the rangers' advice. No food is allowed at the glacier on the combo.
How much does the glacier cost on your own?
The visitor center charges $5 per person aged 16 and over in summer; under 16 is free.
On the combo the fee is included. On your own you also need transport for the 12 miles from downtown, which is why the combo usually works out simpler on a port day.
Glacier and whales in one booking: check the times that fit your ship.
Check dates for the whales and glacier comboIs the combo worth it, or should I just whale watch?
Worth it if you have five hours and want to stand near a glacier; skip it if you only have a short port call.
On a short call, a whale cruise with a glacier view stop is the better fit. With a whole day, the Taku Lodge seaplane trip shows you five glaciers from the air. Compare the options in the tours compared.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port?
About 12 miles from downtown Juneau, on the way to Auke Bay.
Is food allowed at the Mendenhall Glacier?
Not on the combo tour: the listing notes that no food is allowed at the glacier. Eat before or after.
How long is the whale and glacier combo?
About five hours from the Mount Roberts Tramway and back.
Ready to book
Choose your cruise
Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season. Check each listing's cancellation rules before you book.
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo
- Round-trip transport from the Mount Roberts Tramway
- 2-hour whale cruise on a 24-seat jet boat or 49-seat catamaran
- Naturalist on board, water and a light snack
Harv & Marv's Whale Cruise with Glacier View
- Pickup and drop-off at your cruise ship's dock (give your ship's name)
- Whale cruise from Auke Bay with live narration, about 3 hours on the water
- Mendenhall Glacier view stop from the water (weather permitting)
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
- Round-trip shuttle from the Mount Roberts Tramway to Auke Bay
- About two hours on the water with a naturalist guide
- Boat with heated cabins and outdoor viewing decks (up to 49 guests)
