We knew from the beginning that whale watching was our top priority in Juneau. We also knew that we wanted a small boat, which eliminated booking through Disney as their excursions averaged around 50 people per boat. We had 10 people, which was actually too many for some small private boats so I had to search around for just the right size tour.
We also wanted to visit Mendenhall Glacier. With 10 hours of port time and whale watching tours typically lasting only 4-5 hours, we had plenty of time to add that on to our day. Figuring out how to get there was the tricky part.
I had read about lots of people who rent cars and drive themselves to Mendenhall, beating the crowds and remaining on their own schedule. But with 10-13 people, that sounded a little too logistically challenging. There is a shuttle from town but at $45 per person, that didn’t seem economical for a large group. I had also read about whale watching companies dropping you off at the glacier on your way back from the harbor, but apparently that is no longer allowed.
Then I found out that a limited number of tour companies have guiding permits for the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (granted by the US Forest Service). Alaska Galore Tours was one of those companies. They had a boat for up to 13 guests and a permit to guide us to Nugget Falls on the way back. It was perfect!
The private whale watching tour was $1785 (we had 10 guests but the price was for up to 13 guests) and the guided hike at the glacier was only an additional $15 per person. So for just under $200 per person, we had a private excursion combining the two activities we wanted most. Disney’s equivalent excursion cost $194 per person, would have been with a large group, and only included the Visitors Center at Mendenhall, not the hike. This seemed like a steal for a private excursion.
And we were thrilled with the experience. On the boat, Andrea, our naturalist, and Captain Mickey were both fantastic. They were an amazing team, scanning the surface together and quickly guiding us to the most active spots on the water. They were also both extremely knowledgeable and taught us so much about whales and other animals in the area. And they were patient with our kids. I was worried that 3 hours on the water would be long for the kids, but they really kept them engaged.
And Corey, our Mendenhall guide, was great as well. He was personable and knowledgeable and struck the right balance between commentating on the hike and just leading the way. My mother had some mobility issues due to a back injury and he was wonderful setting a pace that worked for everyone in the group and continuously checking up on her, even offering to carry her walker through the sections she didn’t need it. He was a young recent college grad, and I was impressed with his passion for his job, his knowledge, and his rapport with customers.
Overall we were really happy with Alaska Galore Tours. Everything went smoothly from end to end. Booking was easy. Pickup and transportation between the sites was smooth. The boat (and the shuttle) was clean, spacious, and in great shape. The tour guides were fantastic. Both sites – the whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier – were phenomenal and the tours themselves only enhanced the experience. I highly recommend booking with Alaska Galore Tours, especially as a private group.
A few notes…
- While researching, I found that several whale watching companies did not allow kids under a certain age (some as high as 13) on their group tours, requiring those families to make private bookings.
- The boat we were on would not have been ideal for young kids. We had 4 boys ages 8-11 on board, but our 4 year old niece did not join us. I think that was probably for the best because the outdoor area was not easy for young kids to navigate. In order to get to the front of the boat, you had to squeeze along a narrow pathway on the side of the ship, and there was a small, unprotected opening to the water at the start of the pathway. Even with the older kids I watched them closely as they made their way to the front. I imagine this was specific to this particular boat, as the boats in their fleet varied in size and design. If you are taking young children, you might want to ask for pictures of the specific boat you will be on. (We were on Kaytos.)
- In my extensive research of whale watching companies, Harv and Marv’s came up consistently as one of the most highly rated companies. My inquiries to them were actually answered by Alaska Galore Tours. They recently purchased Harv and Marv’s and seem to operate them interchangeably. The boat we were on is pictured on both companies’ websites and my understanding is that the captains simply change their T-shirts based on which company you purchased your tour from.
- Not all tour companies can take you to Mendenhall Glacier. They must hold a permit from the US Forest Service. Most of the permits require the company to also guide you, but there is one company that has a transportation-only permit that would allow you to explore on your own. Juneau Tours runs the Glacier Shuttle from the base of Mount Roberts Tramway for $45 (one way or roundtrip).
