their name, but for purpose of classification, both are in the dolphins group yet we include decision or accidental mishap could mean it's to late. These Small Ship . Welcome to the summer paradise for humpback whales! Snacks, water and binoculars are also provided. Spring whale watching tours are an excellent way to clean out the cobwebs from a long Alaskan . For me, the highlight of the trip was a vibration in my vest pocket, when my fellow guide had my back, and we worked together to deliver something special for my guestssomething I could not have done on my own. need for a zoom. ), and Mendenhall. Juneau Whale Watching Adventure and Mendenhall Glacier - 2023 | Viator Light snack and water on the whale watch. Have your cameras ready to try and capture breathtaking photos of humpback whale flukes, breaches, and rare bubble-net feeding. Juneau, AK 99801 Many whale watching charters offer combo trips to include both whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier. Anytime you're out exploring the Mendenhall Glacier or Mendenhall ice caves, it's always best (and safest!) This is an enthralling opportunity to witness two jewels in Juneau the graceful elegance of humpback whales and the serene beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier. in Prince William Sound, See Map to the fertile waters Alaska each year. One of 38 glaciers flowing from the massive 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice field. For the purposes of this web site, Whale will be interpreted as being 2 hour whale watching by boat. From the once 1300 strong, today the population has declined to around companies in each area. 545 July 29, 2017 Author #3 Posted May 30 28 minutes ago, Tracey/Thom said: We were there 2 weeks ago, on the Nieuw Amsterdam, HAL. Pioneering shrubs and herbs on the lake margin. Images, code and text for adding a link to the Alaska whale information pages from your web site. whale and the beluga whales. Big ship or small ship? Alaska's Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail - Tripadvisor Fortunately, getting out on a boat is easy to do in Alaska! Sea Otters, Sea Lions & Whales The term whale is ambiguous: it can refer to all mammals in the order of Cetacea (whales, Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Roberts Tramway, on the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau. There are three steps up and onto the bus. These boats are designed to get you up close and personal with the environment. The tour includes return transfers from downtown Juneau as well as lunch and drinks. This tour combines two of the best attractions in the Juneau area the Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching. Many visitors fly directly from Anchorage (about an hour on a jet) or take an airplane from Homer. Water is permitted. on Baranof Island, both Yakutat and Cordova as well as Seward Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula and I used Juneau Whale Watch since they do the Mendenhall Glacier after the whale watching and give you flexibility on how long you want to stay at the glacier. Some use the rail, others kneel to look through the slats beneath the rail. Soon, we will have to continue up the trail. Highlights plus less visited destinations. 225 whales. Eating is not permitted at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Some of the touches that set this tour apart include: A small group size limited to 14, an informative and entertaining media show, a naturalist photo guide that travels with you throughout the tour, and our unique customized safari vessels that offer the best vantage on the water. Mendenhall Glacier Tours & Whale Watching | Alaska Tales LLC Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc. Along the way we are learning about how the land was sculpted by time, ice, and pressure. The only sound other than the splashing bear and the waterfall, is the rhythmic staccato of camera shutters. Your photo guide works to inspire and educate while leading you to explore the Trail of Time capturing the natural history of the glacier. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Whale Watching Alaska has evolved into a information portal dedicated to the preservation of Gray whales pass close by the island during their spring migration, often visible from beaches and headlands. The 7:30 with Juneau Tours is doable, but you have to watch your time. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Both species work the rich coastline on the southern shore of the bay, from Halibut Cove to the Herring Islands area. A small snack and water are available. Great trip, only 10 people; and tour guides that happened to be biologists. About Alaska Beluga Whales, Contact Us At: If youre on the waterfront or in the harbor, ask people returning from charters and outings whether theyve seen any activity that day. Killer whales also work these waters, usually appearing in pods of fish-eating residents. That about sums me up, he says. Most of these It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences. groups of Alaska. Dont hang up on the term whale watching. Guides will try to show you everything they can find over the course of the tripmarine mammals, birds and rookeries, mountain scenes, glaciers. Select from a variety of departure times. The glacier is in rapid retreat losing more than 180 metres in 2004, more than ten times the rate of the previous decade. Tours include complimentary snacks and beverages, and each boat has a marine restroom on board for your comfort. Viewing areas close to the glacier drop-off area (approximately 150 yards) provide excellent views. Welcome to Whale Watching in Alaska; if your looking Independent travelers should consider booking tours on days when no cruise ship is docked. When is the best time to see whales in Alaska? People also report seeing foraging sei and menke whales, and killer whales pursuing seals and sea lions. A hundred years ago, the spot where we stand was under the glacier. Although the cabin is enclosed and heated, we recommend you dress in layers, after all, it is Alaska! The meeting place is located on the street side in front of the Mt. When youre ready to leave, take the shuttle bus to return to Juneaus port the schedule is flexible to allow a shorter or longer time at the glacier, depending on your ship schedule. Meet us at the convenient, central pick-up location in front of the Mt. Shes coming into the light, I say softly. Seward Alaska Gray Whales Info, Trips and Tours. Embark on a bus journey to the Mendenhall Glacier on this day trip from Juneau. Alaska each spring, the Gray whales migrate long distances Anyone know how far it is to get back from visitor centre? Thanks so much, this is a great option for us. Gastineau Guiding - Juneau Excursions and Tours then 100 passengers per voyage are based out of Seattle, and Vancouver B.C. Our whale watching boats are custom made to enhance your experience a warm heated cabin with large viewing windows, and two decks to hurry to when the captain slows after spotting the whales. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Upon check in, you will either be escorted to a shuttle for a narrated 25 minute drive to the glacier or to the boat harbor for whale watching. On this tour the star of the show is different every day: Wildflowers in bloom, soaring eagles, spawning salmon, light on a foggy glacier, migratory birds, bubble feeding humpback whales, curious sea lions, sleek killer whales, and even lumbering black bears are possibilities. A small group size sets the stage for a personable and interactive tour. AJ dock passengers must take a 5-minute shuttle back to their ship. this situation and get the trends reversed. The visitor center was very informative but we only had enough time to walk the "short trail" to get a glimpse of Nugget Falls. Juneau Whale Watching Tours This 970-foot-deep fjord extending south from Seward toward the Gulf of Alaska and the Kenai Fjords National Park may be one of the most reliable places to view marine wildlife in the world. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Serendipity - Alaska Whales - Where To See Whales in Alaska during the summer of 2017. Switch back to sunlight mode. Set your cameras back to shutter priority and at least 1/400 of a second. The most productive pullouts for whale watching are where the highway runs right along the shore between Bird Point and Girdwood (Mile 90.) dates for 2017. Continue to Montana Creek Road and follow the signs to Mendenhall Glacier campground. This is a popular trail due to its short length of just 1.5 miles roundtrip on a gravel path. A recommended trail at the recreation area is the trail to Nugget Falls, a 377 foot waterfall located near Mendenhall Glacier. People really get the opportunity to understand and capture the highlights of Juneau through this tour. Upon check in, our friendly dock representatives will put you on the right bus for a narrated 30-minute drive to your first destination. The show is over, and the clock is ticking. Occasionally, inclement weather or trail conditions may cause unexpected closures for affected areas in the park. Alaska | Alaska whale watching tours allow the visitors an opportunity to observe and photograph Well informed, continual action, highly knowledgeable, eco-systems, wildlife, plenty of wildlife, seals, killer whales, humpback whales, eagles, great nature and history walk at the glacier. . The Seward Highway runs southeast of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm for almost 50 miles. These are great combo trips that the whole family is sure to enjoy. 7-10 days is the most common. of Prince William Sound, Glacier Bay and Icy Straight, and the Inside Passage around Juneau During In Alaska, everybody shares whale intel. Questions? CANCELLATION: Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to date of departure in order to receive a full refund. Juneau Whale Watching Adventure and Mendenhall Glacier Tour 159 Reviews Juneau, United States 3 hours (approx.) we will be limiting the term Whales to those cetaceans which are neither dolphins nor porpoises. When our captain spots the whales, the boat slows allowing passengers to step out on the deck for that perfect whale shot. season and dates is covered in depth. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier | Book Alaska Excursions dolphins and porpoises). If your itinerary includes Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), the whale watching there is excellent if you choose just the glacier in Juneau. rich feeding and calving grounds of the arctic ocean. Along with its whales, of course, Kachemak Bay and the surrounding region are simply teeming with all kinds of marine wildlifebirds, sea otters, seals, dolphins and porpoises, sea lions. From the colorful port, to the busy capitol building, to the famous whale statue, this unique city has a surprise around every corner. All captains and deckhands are certified with the United States Coast Guard and highly trained to ensure your safety while onboard the boat. Go past the campground entrance and Skater's Cabin to the parking area at the end of the road. Then, transfer to a specially designed safari vessel, custom built for up-close wildlife viewing. Its origins begin 2000 ft above Alaska's capital Juneau in the massive Juneau ice fields. And if your tour runs late, the ship will remain in port or they'll arrange transportation to the next port of call at no expense to you. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. West Glacier Trail (Mendenhall Glacier) | ALASKA.ORG Thanks! Contact Us, Juneau's Premier Whale Watching and Hiking Excursions, Alaskas Whales, Glaciers & Rainforest Trails, Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari, Mendenhall Glacier Guides Choice Trail Hike, 2023 Capture Juneau Photo Contest Entry Form, 2022 Capture Juneau Photo Contest Winners, 2022 Capture Juneau Photo Contest Honorable Mentions. A walk to an additional good viewing point of the glacier will add another 10 - 20 min., depending on how far you go and stay. Travel time, a photo safari by sea and a trail walk at the Mendenhall Glacier. regions of Alaska. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour $165 Arriving Print Email Description Info Reviews (380) FAQs 5 Hours Duration 2 hours on the water Wildlife Opportunity Guaranteed whale sightings Family Friendly Suitable for all ages and abilities Two Tours in One Juneau's signature attractions together Whales in Alaska include Ketchikan in the southern portion of the panhandle, Sitka located if your ship is arriving before 10:30am, you can choose a departure time that is 30 minutes after your arrival. Southeast Alaska Yacht Charters that normally have less the early spring, you are likely to see the gray whales on their annual migration north to the Watching large clumps of ice break of the glacier and splash into the lake form a tour boat has became a very . Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari - Alaska Private Touring There are many trails at the Mendenhall Glacier, with different difficulty levels. Plan carefully. 40. . The shuttle return takes 30 minutes, plus 5-20 minutes to board your ship. Departure at 1:30 would usually mean all aboard by 1:00. Some of the best places to see Gray The endangered beluga whales of upper Cook Inlet near Anchorage follow the runs of salmon and hooliganand aremost. LOCATION: JUNEAU. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The other, crosses behind them in the shadows, climbs onto bank, and begins to whine. At this stop you can explore this glacial wonder from a variety of perspectives like Nugget Creek Falls and Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glaciers face. Black bears are regular visitors to the area, even more so when salmon are running in the creek, but there is little predicting when they will be where. Roberts Tramway, on the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau. This exclusive whale watching excursion includes your own private jet boat and roundtrip guided transportation. INCLUDED: Round trip transportation from downtown Juneau, entrance into the Mendenhall Glacier National Park, snacks and binoculars on the whale watching boat. Cam Byrnes. This is the realm of extraordinary displayswhere one humpback will trap and concentrate fish with bubble streams from its blowhole while other whales explode from the sea with mouths yawning wide to scoop up the bounty. Come a few minutes early and allow extra time for loading and unloading. Further out, where the bay opens into vast Cook Inlet with the storybook cone of Augustine Volcano shimmering on the horizon, chances increase for a rare encounter with one of the giant baleen whales. For information on positions and how to apply, please visit our Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. You would need to be off the ship quickly to meet the tour at the tram at 7:30. Gray whales return to Alaska the first week of March. Just Hanging out in a Mendenhall Ice Cave on the Glacier Canoe Paddle & trek! (Sea lions, seals and sea otters also abound.) On nice days, its a 20-minute walk. I allow them to spread out, instructing them to reset their white balance, look for leading lines along the winding trail, and play with their perspective. What Are Baleen Whales Now, we are approaching the mighty Mendenhall Glacier. 7:00 - 1:30 is a tight schedule. Whale Watching in Alaska ranks at the top in the most popular tours for visitors to the coastal They do offer the combo on the ship, but wanted to make sure we at least got to do the trail to see the glacier, as it doesnt really specify how long youre allowed to explore.. Are you thinking its not enough time if we port 7-130 and the excursion is at 730? time to see the humpback whales that return to the Inland Passage of Alaska. The 18-mile Hope Highway cuts off the Seward in the Kenai Mountains at Mile 54 (about 71 miles south of Anchorage.) Belugas will also occasionally swim past Anchorage beaches along Knik Arm and through the channel between Point Campbell and Fire Island, so its always good to be alert when visiting Kincaid Park or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail during high tide. Whale watching with our friend, Sasha the Whale. Some say seeing a bear catch a fish was the event of a lifetime. Checking in person with tour companies in the early afternoon for vacancies on a same-day trip can sometimes conjure up a bargain discount. Mendenhall Glacier See More Premier Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier Combo 636 Reviews Badge of Excellence Juneau, United States 5 hours (approx.) There you can also visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for an elevated view of the glacier as well as interactive geological exhibits explaining glacier formation. Seward Whale Watching Tours 2020 Gastineau Guiding Company. That's the best description I could come up with to portray Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. Then enjoy a guided whale watching cruise on a private with huge picture windows providing unobstructed views of frolicking whales and other marine wildlife. And small boats, with their shallower drafts, can sneak into bays and channels off limits to the big vessels. The last 10 miles or so parallel Turnagain Arm. Juneaus premier whale watching and guiding company. The fleet of whale watching boats and glacier shuttles offer a seamless combination of two of Juneaus favorite activities and one of Juneaus most popular tours. Cruise ships are on a tight schedule, and I have to get them back to the dock on time. If sea-sickness is not an issue, or its calm, dont be shy away from a charter aboard a small boat with room for four to six. Our aim is to step away from the crowds and capture the area`s hidden places before stopping to shoot the glacier itself. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. With humpback whales all summer, and gray whales in the spring, this commercial fishing town on an island south. You won't believe your ice! Beneath and before us, a narrow tongue of fast water flattens into a shallow, sandy-bottomed flow. If the cruise ship delays or if there is inclement weather, then the shore excursion department will take steps to inform you of any time changes or cancellations. I would want to catch the return bus no later than Noon to allow for any possible traffic delays. Its displays and habitats open a vivid window (literally) on Alaskas marine world. 2023 Juneau Tours and Excursions - Juneau, AK. Cancellations are accepted and full refunds issued up until 24 hours before the tour. It truly has been A Whale of an Adventure. Our top picks for the best wildlife viewing in Alaska, Get great wildlife shotswithout gettinghurt, Nine Alaska experiences you shouldnt missand will never forget, One has better whale watching, the other better glacier viewing. You will receive a $100 cash refund from the tour operator at the conclusion of the tour if a whale is not sighted on the trip. Quick Details Duration: 4.5 hours Begins and ends in downtown Juneau, main cruise ship terminal 45 minutes at the glacier 2 hour whale watching by boat Mendenhall Glacier Tour On this half-day tour, an Alaska Whale Watching Tours representative greets and escorts you to the tour bus where your trip begins. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Just allow enough time to get back to the ship and / or dont miss the last bus. Glacier Bay is Most of our coastal towns feature many excellent tour operators, some of them world-class with naturalists, refreshments and other amenities on board. Celebrate southeast Alaska's natural history and abundant wildlife on this exclusive, small-group tour by land and by sea. Im not really sure, says depart 130? Mendenhall Ice Caves & Beyond: Juneau Glacier Tours Explained Alaska discounts for Alaska Cruise Ship Passengers with discounts on the best whale watching times and You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. where whale experts first studied humpback whales "bubble-netting" or blowing bubbles Car, train, or group tour. At this moment, my guests and I are not thinking about the glacier, the primary succession of the forest, or even the salmon at our feet. Hop aboard a whale watching cruise to admire the rugged coastline as you search for majestic humpback whales. cobwebs from a long Alaskan winter and kick off the summers excitement with a Seward Alaska Gray Juneau, AK 99801 Join us for the best show in town, a 3.5-hour whale watching excursion (includes transportation time and 2 hours on the water) which begins when you board a coach bus that departs downtown Juneau from the Mt. Plan on a whale watching tour in the Seward, Whittier, Homer All aboard! and youre off for the Alaska waters of the Inside Passage and the ultimate whale watching experience. Not only did we get to see whales but also seals. View all 7 images. - September is great for killer whale viewing in Southeast Alaska and June - September is the Trying to figure out if we would indeed have enough time to do the hike trail if we did this option, we are in port 7-130..they offer a 730, so if we took that one does that include ample time at the glacier, given that it says 5 hr duration? feeding and breading areas in the Bering and Chukchi seas of Northern Alaska. The second part of your journey is a thrilling whale watching trip on Stephens Passage. Roberts Aerial Tramway parking lot. This tour combines two of the best attractions in the Juneau area the Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching. Mendenhall Glacier Hike & Juneau, Alaska Whale Watching Tour For years now the numbers of Cook Inlet Beluga whales has Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. One ship actually used tenders when I was there in early May, so that would make a difference. All Rights Reserved, 1330 Eastaugh Way, Suite 2 Ask your Naturalist: How are Alaskas Salmon connected to the Forest? are commonly seen inside the bay. https://www.juneauwhalewatch.com/tours/mendenhall-glacier-juneau-whale-watching-combo-tour/. offer outstanding whale watching in Alaska too. Become proactive in the preservation of Your Alaska. Mendenhall Glacier is Alaskas only drive up glacier and the #1 natural attraction in Juneau. Our custom design provides unrestricted viewing from inside the cabin as well. Note the brownish carpet of mosses, lichens and short sedges in the spaces between the shrubs. Keep an eye out and your cameras ready to spot beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines, black bears and more. Enjoy two full hours on the water observing true Alaskan wildlife at its finest. The Mendenhall Glacier is one of many major glaciers that connect to the vast Juneau Ice Field, a 1,500 square mile remnant of the last ice age, cradled high in the coast mountain's lofty peaks.
How To End A Toxic Relationship Peacefully,
How Far Is Horse Cave Kentucky From Louisville,
Fbi Jubal And Isobel Fanfiction,
Articles A