Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

Enjoy a narrated transfer to the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier and its Visitor Center, where a ranger can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders there. Roam the grounds, snap photos, take in the interactive exhibits and have the chance to watch bears feast on salmon.

From Mendenhall Glacier, we’ll take you to Auke Bay where you’ll board our state-of-the-art, 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching. It has extra-large windows, and an outside viewing deck. Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and our boat captains are experts at locating them. We guarantee whale sightings; if there are no whales during your cruise, we'll refund $100 to each adult and $50 for children. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it’s likely you'll first hear a collective chorus of "Oohhs!" and "Ahhs!" from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback suddenly breach. Binoculars are available for your use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to take a photo, or settle into your warm, comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows.

After your whale watching cruise, you're off to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. In a beautiful setting nestled in the rainforest, you'll arrive with the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The all-you-can-eat buffet also includes Cheechako Chicken, Alyeska Au Gratin Potatoes, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, and other sides, salads, beverages, and blueberry cake for dessert! After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Take your time; you can return to the dock at your leisure.