Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip
5
Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip
By Alaska Travel Adventures
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About
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Professional guide
- Snacks
- Transportation
- Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee
What's not included- Gratuities
- Souveniers (available for purchase)
- Souvenier Photo (available for purchase)
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Start:
- Mount Roberts Tramway, 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USAOn the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5474PRTJNURAFT- Most travellers can participate
- Children must weigh at least 50 lbs (22 kg) in order to fit into required life jackets
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Please indicate your ship or hotel name when booking your tour
- Children 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5474PRTJNURAFT
From
AU$299.04
per adult
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Itinerary
- 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USAOn the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram.
- 1Your trip begins with a scenic, narrated motor coach ride to the beautiful Mendenhall Lake where you’ll gear up, board your raft and take off on an unforgettable adventure. Your experienced guide will steer you across the serene waters of the lake, where you will view the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, before your five-mile journey down the Mendenhall River. The speed of the water and level of the rapids can vary depending on the weather. Your highly trained guide will ensure you have a safe and exhilarating rafting experience. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride in our custom-made rafts, and be sure to hang on during the short section of rapids. Don’t forget to smile for the photographer along the riverbank so you will have a memento of your adventure. Want to be more active and involved? Ask for a paddle raft, where you will follow your guide's commands and power your raft through the 1-mile stretch of class III rapids. Whatever your preferred activity level, we can accommodate you. As your guide explains the natural phenomena at work in this scenic valley, you will marvel at the spectacular vistas of the towering peaks and the Mendenhall glacier as you float downstream. Be on the lookout for wildlife like arctic terns nesting on the shoreline, eagles, salmon, and sometimes, even bears. At the end of your journey, head ashore and enjoy an Alaskan snack, a warm beverage and an opportunity to purchase a photo or souvenir of your rafting experience. Your trip concludes with a short, narrated transfer back to your ship.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- juliehF3857VF0 contributionsAwesome Adventure!This was an awesome adventure!!! We were able to watch many Orcas and Humoback whales! Our guides were knowledgeable and fun! They were very knowledgeable and friendly! I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Juneau,Alaska!Written 17 September 2024
- Dream526553424660 contributionsExcellent trip and sights!Very great trip. Claire and the captain both did a great job taking us to the hot spots and explaining things along the way. Got to see a big pod of orcas and many humpbacks. Really a great time.Written 17 September 2024
- connerm6360 contributionsAmazing would recommendThis was amazing!!! Our guides Claire and Anna were amazing at helping us to see each and every animal there was to see. 10/10 would recommendWritten 17 September 2024
- 504annaleem0 contributionsJust do it !!!!! Awesome !!!!Clare and Ann were awesome very informative and friendly We came and saw both orca and humpback whales. They really tried to point out as many as they could and have us all plenty of time to enjoy the sightsWritten 17 September 2024
- mandyl9990 contributionsBest day ever!Claire and Jackie were amazing. This was my very first time to Juneau on a cruise. I decided to take this whale watching tour and let me tell you it exceeded my expectations hugely! What a fantastic crew, so knowledgeable and engaging! Highly recommend. Not to mention the whales! It was the perfect time of year to go!Written 17 September 2024
- mobsterd0 contributionsFIN- TASTICClaire and Jackie were so awesome! They are marine biologists so they can awnser any question you may have! They showed us 17 ORCAS AND 5 WHALESWritten 17 September 2024
- 104meahm0 contributionsHoneymoon w the WhalesJackie and Claire were great! We saw a huge pod of orcas and multiple humpback whales. Highly recommend! A must see. It won’t disappoint.Written 17 September 2024
- toniae2690 contributionsWhales...eagles...sun...bubble netting amazingSavannah and Jackie were awesome we seen so many whales humpbacks and orcas!! What an amazing experience and the sunshine came out as well today!! thank you so much from the Indiana girls!!Written 17 September 2024
- V395YTrayt0 contributionsRare up close visit with a glacierDalton was our guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We are not kayaking people but they made it user friendly and easy to understand. The lake was beautiful and the glacier was humbling! Pictures do not do that justice. The salmon bake at the end was also a lot of fun.Written 17 September 2024
- Mechelle B0 contributionsBus drivers matterThe food and location was wonderful! The driver David was thoughtful, polite, and entertaining. He took a mundane ride and made it enjoyable gas if the beautiful scenery wasn’t enough). I wish he would be the driver on ALL of the shuttles we get on around the world!Written 17 September 2024
- Mechelle B0 contributionsMy elderly parents were very comfortable while they watch whales and orcas from the comfort of the inside of the boat!We lost count of how many Orcas and Humpback Whales we saw! The boat is comfortable and easily accessible! Hannah’s commentary was informative and entertaining.Written 17 September 2024
- susanrM6072DP0 contributions10 STARS IF I COULD!!!What a great experience! If I could give ten stars, I would. Savannah was a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for providing us the opportunity!!!Written 16 September 2024
- cassells20240 contributionsAmazing cites and knowledgeableJack our guide and Bryan our bus driver were so knowledgeable, funny, and kind. Great time well worth the time! The snacks were local themed and tasty!Written 16 September 2024
- charlenemL1162DA0 contributionsOnce in a life timeDespite the cold temps and rain we had a 6 time on the whale watch! We attribute that to Max and Claire! Their knowledge of the mammals and the water paired with communications with other captains made for a successful viewing! We saw 3-4 different whales and (2) of them put on quite the show!Written 15 September 2024
- amandabS6806IY0 contributionsAwesome Whale ExperienceWe had an incredible time on our whale-watching trip with Clair and Max. They were both professional and fun, making the experience both informative and exciting. Clair shared great insights about the whales and the marine ecosystem, while Max made sure we were always in the best spot to see the action. The highlight of the trip was definitely seeing a humpback whale breach right in front of us—it was breathtaking. Throughout the tour, Clair and Max kept the atmosphere relaxed and engaging, making sure everyone felt comfortable and got the most out of the experience. If you’re looking for a whale-watching tour that’s both well-organized and full of unforgettable moments, Clair and Max are the guides you want. Highly recommend!Written 15 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
208 reviews
Excellent
182
Very good
16
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Winnie Q
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
July 2022
We were in the last full tour bus from cruise lines to arrive and there were other people already at the site.
We were a group of Ten(10) people reserved a rafting execurion from cruise line. On the booking, we requested to do paddle. After we put on the required gears, we went to see the head river guide. He heard we had 10 peoples and said right away we need to split into two groups to join two different rafts. He didn't have one raft available to accommodate our whole family. We said when we booked, we requested one raft for our family, which was perfect for 10. He said you guys came too late. All other peoples had already occupied all the different rafts. there wasn't a large single raft avaivalble. Since our group were the last group coming in, they had to split us to fill in the spaces of two remaining rafts.
We were very dispointed and had no choice to split us into 5 to join the paddle raft to interactive with the river guide and the remaining 5 of us just went to another raft to float down the river raft by the river guide paddling only. Although the river guide was great and fun to try entertainmenting us as much as he can, five of us felt left out.
Managment should do better organization to assign people to raft per booking request instead of first come first serve to let people make their own choice. Peole came earlier chosed their own raft, the people behind had to no choice and just filled in whatever available raft. Also, they should get more large raft so consumer able to interact with the river guide instead floating the down the river with the guide.
We were supposed to have family fun but end up with some disappointed!
We were a group of Ten(10) people reserved a rafting execurion from cruise line. On the booking, we requested to do paddle. After we put on the required gears, we went to see the head river guide. He heard we had 10 peoples and said right away we need to split into two groups to join two different rafts. He didn't have one raft available to accommodate our whole family. We said when we booked, we requested one raft for our family, which was perfect for 10. He said you guys came too late. All other peoples had already occupied all the different rafts. there wasn't a large single raft avaivalble. Since our group were the last group coming in, they had to split us to fill in the spaces of two remaining rafts.
We were very dispointed and had no choice to split us into 5 to join the paddle raft to interactive with the river guide and the remaining 5 of us just went to another raft to float down the river raft by the river guide paddling only. Although the river guide was great and fun to try entertainmenting us as much as he can, five of us felt left out.
Managment should do better organization to assign people to raft per booking request instead of first come first serve to let people make their own choice. Peole came earlier chosed their own raft, the people behind had to no choice and just filled in whatever available raft. Also, they should get more large raft so consumer able to interact with the river guide instead floating the down the river with the guide.
We were supposed to have family fun but end up with some disappointed!
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TONYA D
1 contribution
July 2022 • Couples
I recently had the experience of doing this raft trip.
The raft we had was loaded with 9 riding and one paddler . All senior citizens. The paddler was nice and personable . He took us along the glaser and explained the sights along the way . The day was sunny but cool . The water was running faster than we expected because the brochure stated the rapids would only be 1. That day he explained they were running 3-4 . The the paddler had a problem controlling the raft the entire trip . He could not get it straight so the entire trip was side ways . We came to an area where there were rocks sticking out of the water . He managed to miss one but because he couldn’t get the raft straight he hit the other rock side ways . The raft flipped up in the rock and the rushing waters prevented it from moving at that point the paddler started yelling lean left lean left which we did Filling the raft with water .He then said no I mean lean right! 1 woman fell out of the raft into the rapid flowing water while 2 others held in to her so she would be swept away . My husband was able to climb out in to the rock . Telling me to get out . When I tried to get out my leg was trapped by the ice chest they had in there that had in the raft . Just as the water was at my chest level my husband told everyone to lean to the right and the paddler was able to push the raft off the rock . We were all shook up . He then wanted to take us in an side adventure I told him no take us back !
When we got back we were all soaked from the freezing water 32 degrees . No towels were offered they said they had silver blankets but when they went to get them there were none to be had !
The bus was late getting to us . So their we set in soaking clothing freezing no ride back and when it did show up 25 min ride back to the ship .
Happened to have my phone in a waterproof case hung from my neck the recorded the entire trip including the incident until the water got so high it fell inside my suit then you can still hear the audio .
I felt his lack of experience over loaded raft too much weigh on it . And his inability to ever straighten the raft out caused the incident .
O yes my leg is injured. Swollen could not bend my knee I missed our last port Ketachan because I couldn’t walk comfortably.
The raft we had was loaded with 9 riding and one paddler . All senior citizens. The paddler was nice and personable . He took us along the glaser and explained the sights along the way . The day was sunny but cool . The water was running faster than we expected because the brochure stated the rapids would only be 1. That day he explained they were running 3-4 . The the paddler had a problem controlling the raft the entire trip . He could not get it straight so the entire trip was side ways . We came to an area where there were rocks sticking out of the water . He managed to miss one but because he couldn’t get the raft straight he hit the other rock side ways . The raft flipped up in the rock and the rushing waters prevented it from moving at that point the paddler started yelling lean left lean left which we did Filling the raft with water .He then said no I mean lean right! 1 woman fell out of the raft into the rapid flowing water while 2 others held in to her so she would be swept away . My husband was able to climb out in to the rock . Telling me to get out . When I tried to get out my leg was trapped by the ice chest they had in there that had in the raft . Just as the water was at my chest level my husband told everyone to lean to the right and the paddler was able to push the raft off the rock . We were all shook up . He then wanted to take us in an side adventure I told him no take us back !
When we got back we were all soaked from the freezing water 32 degrees . No towels were offered they said they had silver blankets but when they went to get them there were none to be had !
The bus was late getting to us . So their we set in soaking clothing freezing no ride back and when it did show up 25 min ride back to the ship .
Happened to have my phone in a waterproof case hung from my neck the recorded the entire trip including the incident until the water got so high it fell inside my suit then you can still hear the audio .
I felt his lack of experience over loaded raft too much weigh on it . And his inability to ever straighten the raft out caused the incident .
O yes my leg is injured. Swollen could not bend my knee I missed our last port Ketachan because I couldn’t walk comfortably.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelyn H
1 contribution
July 2023 • Family
My husband and I really enjoyed this excursion. Our river guide, Larson (a.k.a. Mr. Incredible), was very adept at guiding us safely down the river and through the rapids and his stories and jokes kept us entertained along the way. (Hi, Larson's mom!) Shane was also a big help getting our boat to shore at the end.
I would recommend you make sure to wear socks as you have to change into hip waders, boots and a life vest before getting in the boat. Bare feet in rubber boots = not the best feeling! Also, the boots are quite narrow around the top - not meant for curvy girls with larger calves. There are also a couple of different styles that are different heights so you may have to size up and try a couple pairs before finding one that works.
I agree with another review that having some hand sanitizer available would have been great to have at the end when we were having our snack.
But it was a fun time and we would definitely recommend it.
I would recommend you make sure to wear socks as you have to change into hip waders, boots and a life vest before getting in the boat. Bare feet in rubber boots = not the best feeling! Also, the boots are quite narrow around the top - not meant for curvy girls with larger calves. There are also a couple of different styles that are different heights so you may have to size up and try a couple pairs before finding one that works.
I agree with another review that having some hand sanitizer available would have been great to have at the end when we were having our snack.
But it was a fun time and we would definitely recommend it.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Therese K
Littleton, CO49 contributions
Our rafting guide, Jason, was terrific! Lots of geology, conservation and history delivered with humor and eloquence. He couldn’t take credit for the perfect sunny day, but he helped us appreciate our luck by describing the typical weather on the glacial lake and the Mendenhall river. It was heartwarming to hear about how the rafting guides are working to clean up debris swept into the river by the recent flood. At the end of the float, Capt Johnson helped us off and Beck graciously helped family groups get photos with Jason.
If you are in the front of the raft, you WILL get wet. My husband and I volunteered because we had jackets. Lesson learned: zip up neck and sleeves before the white water!
If you are in the front of the raft, you WILL get wet. My husband and I volunteered because we had jackets. Lesson learned: zip up neck and sleeves before the white water!
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connie H
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
We had an awesome time with Schuyler. His enthusiasm, kindness and informative manner added to a very positive experience. The raft ride allowed a close view of the glacier and the resulting affects of erosion and flooding. Schuyler was quick to answer questions and to point out seals and an enormous amount of bald eagles. He was an effective communicator, carefully explaining all safety guidelines and engaging in a fun banter with all guests, thereby ensuring that we had a great time. The equipment, warm cider and snacks were a nice touch.
We would highly recommend this tour and this young man who was the icing on the cake!!
We would highly recommend this tour and this young man who was the icing on the cake!!
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale AGP
Torremolinos, Spain22 contributions
A great day out for my partner and I. The trip was well organised with a timely pick up from our cruise ship, guided tour to the lake, supply of wet weather gear and boarding our boat. The number one thing about our trip was the Beck the guy rowing the boat. Lots of information & a great sense of humour. We really enjoyed this excursion.
The only negative is we paid $25 for a digital photo that never arrived. I've emailed the company twice but had no reply! A real shame as I really wanted our photo. I recommend saving your $25 if you try the excursion!
The only negative is we paid $25 for a digital photo that never arrived. I've emailed the company twice but had no reply! A real shame as I really wanted our photo. I recommend saving your $25 if you try the excursion!
Written 13 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casey H
1 contribution
July 2022 • Friends
You’re doing it wrong if you don’t request Simon Friday to be your rafter!!! The best raft guide there is! He was very humorous and able to put everyone at ease while we navigated moderate rapids. Very fun and beautiful experience, worth every penny. 10/10 would raft here again!
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca W
10 contributions
We did the Mendenhall Float Trip with Andy on 6/8/24 - my husband and I plus two teenage boys, ages 15 and 17. It was FANTASTIC!!! I’m a little afraid of water but Skylar did a great job of explaining what was going to happen and the whole crew helped us with safety gear that felt very secure. We’re now at the end of our trip and I can safely say these were some of the most amazing photos we took the entire trip - which is tough to do! Skylar did a great job of sharing information about the waterway, the mountains, the plant life and the locals - all while keeping us incredibly safe. He had the boys laughing and engaging the whole time. In fact, both my boys now want to come back to Alaska through Cool Works to work tours such as this one in the future. Even if you don’t like water much, this trip is worth it 100 times over! Highly recommend the trip with Skylar!
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gord L
Victoria, Canada5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
My wife and I had an amazing experience with a knowledgeable and perky guide. Sue, whom we referred to as SusieQ was brilliant with a warm, welcoming personality that immediately put everyone at ease. She tackled the turbulent waters with ease all the while providing fun commentary. I would whole heartedly recommend this fun, family oriented experience for anyone looking for a little adventure. If you read this Susie, thanks for a great time. Well worth the money!
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
3 contributions
Aug 2023
This was a wonderful and unique experience to see the Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding scenery and wildlife. Our guide Larsen was both fun and funny to hang out with. Just prior to entry into one of the rapids he asked us if we wanted to get wet or take a gentler approach. My two kids who were sitting up front immediately shouted “get wet!”, which he abided and gave us a big splash, which was actually kind of fun. On a more serious note, he also showed us what happened to the area due to the recent devastating flood. It is heartwarming to hear that the Tour company actually stopped operation for a few days to help the locals with cleanup efforts!
During our journey we saw a couple of bald eagles flying overhead, some salmons, and a black bear. Funny thing was Larson was just as excited at seeing the bear as we were since apparently that is a pretty rare event, and that was also the first time he has seen a bear down the river this summer.
After the trip we had caribou sausages with crackers and salmon spread. Overall a great experience and highly recommended.
During our journey we saw a couple of bald eagles flying overhead, some salmons, and a black bear. Funny thing was Larson was just as excited at seeing the bear as we were since apparently that is a pretty rare event, and that was also the first time he has seen a bear down the river this summer.
After the trip we had caribou sausages with crackers and salmon spread. Overall a great experience and highly recommended.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our ship doesn't dock until 1:00 pm. Will we still have time to take the tour?
Written 25 July 2019
We will be traveling in May. Will the water be too cold during the rafting experience (or does the water temp never really change?)
Written 8 May 2019
Is full rain gear provided regardless of rain? jacket, pants, boots? Looking at July 3rd tour next week.
Written 26 June 2018
You get bibs and boots- bring your own jacket. You will wear a life vest over the jacket.
Written 5 July 2018
can we be picked up from our hotel in juneau?
Written 9 May 2018
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