Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour
Lowest price for a round-trip tour to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port.
4.5 ★ · 759 reviews · 3 h
Includes Pick-up is at the Goldbelt Tramway · Round-trip tour to Mendenhall Glacier from Cruiseship port
Alaska, United States
Most tours are whale watching or glacier trips, with prices from $79 to over $250 per person.
Whale watching and glacier tours dominate Juneau’s 105-experience catalog, with over 70% labeled as private or luxury. Combo tours that include both activities are common, while city tours and food experiences make up a much smaller share. Most options fall in the $100–$250 range, with only 16% under $100 and over half above $200.
Juneau’s best-reviewed tours are whale watching cruises and glacier visits, many with thousands of reviews and average ratings above 4.9 stars. 89% of all tours are rated 4 stars or higher, and nearly three-quarters offer free cancellation. The highest satisfaction comes from tours that guarantee whale sightings, include transportation, and offer clear information about what’s included.
Juneau’s catalog is built around whale watching cruises and glacier visits, with over 70% of tours described as private or luxury. Out of 105 experiences, more than half cost over $200, but 16% are available for under $100. Most travelers pay between $150 and $250 for a well-reviewed whale or glacier tour, with combo options slightly higher.
The best-reviewed tours include transportation from the cruise port, a guarantee to see whales, and time at Mendenhall Glacier. Some combine both into a single outing, maximizing value and convenience. City tours and food experiences are available but limited in number.
Only 7% of Juneau’s tours are rated below 4 stars. Most lower-rated products are in the private/luxury or water tour categories. Free cancellation is standard for 73% of tours, and nearly all confirm bookings instantly.
| Private and Luxury | 74 | $250 |
Travelers looking for whale watching will find the widest range of options, with prices starting at $154 and most well-rated tours between $156 and $195 per person. These typically include round-trip transportation, a naturalist guide, and a heated cabin with wide viewing windows. Some offer snacks and a whale sighting guarantee, which reviewers value highly.
Glacier tours are usually priced from $79 for basic shuttle service to $251 for guided canoe trips. The cheapest options, like the trolley or express bus, provide simple transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier but may not include admission or a guide at the site. More expensive glacier experiences include equipment, expert guides, and time on the ice or water.
Combo tours that include both whale watching and a glacier visit cost from $189 to $249. These are popular with cruise passengers for their convenience and time efficiency, often including admission fees, transportation, and a naturalist guide. Food tours and city tours are less common and typically cost under $100, but may offer less time at the main sites.
What disappoints some travelers: Shuttle and bus tours to Mendenhall Glacier receive complaints about disorganization, long waits in the rain, and unclear communication about pickup. Some reviewers on whale watching tours mention not seeing whales as close as hoped, or feeling that time on the water was shorter than advertised. A few combo tours are criticized for rushed glacier visits or too little time at each stop. One whale watching cruise is noted for limited professionalism from the crew, and some travelers found the experience less engaging when the wildlife was distant.
Whale watching and combo tours with glacier stops are likely to sell out, especially those flagged as such on the booking page. Booking at least a few days ahead is recommended for the most popular whale and glacier experiences, as last-minute availability is limited during peak season. Free cancellation is available on most tours, making early booking low risk.
Lowest price for a round-trip tour to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port.
4.5 ★ · 759 reviews · 3 h
Includes Pick-up is at the Goldbelt Tramway · Round-trip tour to Mendenhall Glacier from Cruiseship port
Park entrance fees included, unlike other Mendenhall Glacier transfers.
4.6 ★ · 706 reviews · 3 h
Includes Driver/Guide during the Bus Tour · Narrated Roundtrip Transportation · Air-conditioned vehicle
2 h at the stops, of 3 h in total
Offers a photo stop at the glacier and flexible tour times not matched by others.
4.9 ★ · 1,178 reviews · 3 h
Includes A photo stop on the water of the Mendenhall Glacier (weather dependent) · Informative professional driver guide during transfers · Heated cabin with wide viewing windows, spacious decks for whale watching, and bathrooms o
Longest whale watching cruise on the water compared to the rest.
5.0 ★ · 1,909 reviews · 4 h 5 min
Includes Learn about the history of Juneau and its diverse marine habitat and wildlife · Luxurious double-decker vessel with enclosed cabins, two restrooms, and spacious viewing d · Dedicated stop to see the Mendenhall Glacier from the water - weather dependent
Most reviewed whale watching tour by a wide margin.
5.0 ★ · 9,298 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes Bottled water · Roundtrip Transportation from Cruise Terminal · Snacks
2 h 5 min at the stops, of 3 h 30 min in total
Crowd-skipping focus sets it apart from other whale tours.
4.9 ★ · 1,555 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes Bring your own water and snacks. Complimentary water available upon request. · Restroom on board
2 h at the stops, of 3 h 30 min in total
Longest wilderness exploration among the whale-focused tours.
5.0 ★ · 1,782 reviews · 3 h 45 min
Includes granola bar and trail mix, water also available. Guest are encouraged to bring a reusable
2 h 30 min at the stops, of 3 h 45 min in total
Combines glacier park visit and whale watching, unlike any other tour here.
4.8 ★ · 940 reviews · 5 h
Includes Informative professional driver guide during transfers · Heated cabin with wide viewing windows, spacious decks for whale watching, and bathrooms o · Water and a light snack aboard the whale boat
3 h 32 min at the stops, of 5 h in total
Only tour combining both whale watching and a guided glacier visit with high review count.
4.9 ★ · 7,545 reviews · 4 h 30 min
Includes Bottled water · Roundtrip Transportation from Cruise Terminal · Driver/guide
50 min at the stops, of 4 h 30 min in total
Only canoe tour on the glacier lake with full gear included.
5.0 ★ · 1,587 reviews · 4 h
Includes Rain Jacket, Pants, Boots, Gloves, PFD · Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage · Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau
Only whale watch tour that includes a Tracy's Crab Shack meal.
5.0 ★ · 631 reviews · 4 h 30 min
Includes Tracy's Combo Meal · Round trip transportation from port
4 h at the stops, of 4 h 30 min in total
Most expensive tour, but the only one with a glacier ice trekking adventure included.
5.0 ★ · 1,466 reviews · 5 h
Includes Transportation from downtown Juneau · Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage · Life Vest / Helmet / Trekking Pole
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 09/09/2026.
Whale watching cruises and glacier visits make up the majority of Juneau’s 105 tours. Combo tours that include both activities are also very popular.
Most whale watching and glacier tours cost between $150 and $250 per person. Over half of all tours are priced above $200, while 16% are under $100.
Many whale watching tours guarantee sightings and will state this clearly in their descriptions. Reviewers value this guarantee highly.
Basic shuttle and trolley tours may not include admission or a guide at Mendenhall Glacier. Higher-priced glacier tours usually include both.
73% of Juneau tours offer free cancellation. Always check the specific cancellation policy before booking.
The most popular whale watching and combo tours often sell out. Booking at least a few days ahead is recommended, especially in peak season.
City and food tours are available but make up a small share of the catalog. Most visitors book whale watching or glacier experiences.
Some travelers mention disorganization on shuttle tours, rushed glacier stops on combo tours, or not seeing whales up close. These issues are not widespread.
Many tours offer pickup from the cruise port or central meeting points. Hotel pickup is available on some tours, but always check the details.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.