Whale Tails and Rainforest Trails

(c) Reinhard Pantke. All rights reserved.

(c) Brian Adams. All rights reserved.

Juneau's Finest Treasures

This tour is sold out for 2024

Your Juneau-based outdoor adventure begins with a hike through Alaska rainforests in Tongass National Forest followed by your own private, naturalist-guided exploration of Mendenhall Glacier.  Continue to Auke Bay to board your exclusive, private whale-watching cruise for some of the best and most reliable whale watching available in Alaska. Don’t forget to bring your camera

Your cruise excursion adventure begins here...

Day 1

Juneau is a spectacular place of diverse, natural habitats from valley glaciers, to temperate forests and natural fjords. This fully guided exploratory journey introduces you to this pristine wilderness in an intimate setting with a Certified Naturalist Guide as your leader. Whale sightings are guaranteed on this small group outing combining a marine exploration with a gentle hike at the Mendenhall Glacier on a rain forest trail.

Your trip begins with your guide sharing stories and perspectives as you travel out to the Mendenhall Glacier. A short hike takes you along a wooded path once completely covered by the massive glacier. Spend an hour exploring amid forested moraines and sweeping glacial landscapes—even track the glacier’s recession over the past 100 years. This small corner of the Tongass National Forest is home to beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines and black bears.

Following a short drive, you will climb aboard an exploration vessel specifically designed for up-close wildlife viewing. The customized covered watercraft puts you eye-to-eye with the denizens that thrive in these protected waters. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, seals and sea birds are commonly seen. Keep a camera handy as you travel from place to place or drift quietly to capture the behaviors and antics of these notable marine residents. The small group size of this tour ensures a personal and interactive atmosphere making the most of this authentic Alaska experience.

(c) Reinhard Pantke. All rights reserved.

Amenities, nearby adventures and more...

  • Services of professional naturalist/guide
  • Roundtrip private transportation from cruise ship terminal
  • Approximately 1.25-hour private guided hike
  • Approximately 2.25 hours of whale watching on a private vessel

Customize your adventure

Let's get started.

Tell us what interests you most about this itinerary and any changes you might like to see, including change in duration, activities, etc. We will personalize your activities, accommodations and destinations to your specifications, research availability, and get back to you with options for a fully-customized itinerary and associated costs.

Excursion Information

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Please indicate approximate tour dates


Who is traveling?

  • (11 and under)


Contact Information

Traveler Information

Agent Information

Contact Information

Agency Information

Traveler Info

Tour Operator Information

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

For more information on how we collect and store guest information please visit our privacy policy.

Share online

Get in touch

Contact our Travel Design team to request your custom Alaska itinerary

907 375 6582

I just wanted to thank you for making my trip to Alaska possible! What an amazing state to visit, mindblowing to say the least. I have completely fallen in love with Alaska, its people ,nature and kindness. The drivers and guides were so nice and friendly! I had an amazing time with them... Read more  

Anouk Rosenboom | Netherlands