Description
This Glacier Shuttle Tour is a simple, relaxed way to visit Mendenhall Glacier, one of Juneau’s most accessible natural wonders, without worrying about transportation or timing. If you want solid glacier views, time to explore on your own, and an easy return to town, this tour does exactly that.
You’ll meet your driver near downtown Juneau and hop into the shuttle for the ride out to the glacier area. On the way, you’ll hear some local insight about Juneau, the landscape, and what to expect once you arrive. It’s not a long lecture, just helpful context so you know where you’re going and how to make the most of your time.
Once at Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll have about two full hours to explore at your own pace. Most guests spend time at the main viewpoints, walking the easy trails, and taking photos of the glacier and the lake. If you’re up for a short walk, you can head toward Nugget Falls, where you’ll feel the mist from the waterfall and get up close to Mendenhall Lake. Restrooms, glacier views, and trail access are available at the Visitor's Center.
There’s no rushing and no group schedule once you’re there. You decide how much walking you want to do and where you want to spend your time.
After your glacier visit, you’ll meet back at the shuttle and ride back to the cruise docks or downtown area, with timing planned to work smoothly with cruise ship schedules. It’s straightforward, flexible, and focused on giving you real time at one of Juneau’s most famous spots.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly do we meet?
You will meet your driver-guide near the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau at a clearly designated pickup location. Full meeting instructions are provided after booking to ensure an easy and stress-free start.
How much time do we get at the glacier?
Guests enjoy approximately two full hours at the Mendenhall Glacier area. This allows time to explore the visitor center, walk to Nugget Falls, or enjoy glacier views at your own pace.
What should we wear and bring?
This tour runs rain or shine. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a waterproof jacket; a small bag for layers, water, and a camera helps.
Is this tour suitable for children or guests with limited mobility?
While this tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is well-suited for families and guests who prefer a relaxed experience. After arriving, guests may choose how much or how little exploring and walking they do at the glacier.
What if my cruise ship is delayed?
This tour is scheduled with cruise ship schedules in mind and includes built-in timing flexibility. If your ship is significantly delayed, local staff will do their best to accommodate when possible.
Why don't I see any tours available for my travel dates?
If you’ve entered your travel date and group size and do not see any tours available, the tours are most likely sold out, not operating that day, or the schedule has not yet been released for booking. If the specific tour you wanted is missing from the results, that usually means it is not available for your selected date, time, or group size.
Popular Alaska shore excursions like this one can sell out months in advance, especially during peak season. If you’re visiting by cruise ship, many tours also require a 45–60 minute buffer to ensure you make it to and from your ship on time, so departures too close to your arrival or all-aboard time won’t appear. For the best chance of securing your preferred tour, date, and departure time, we recommend booking as soon as your travel itinerary is confirmed.
Our live availability calendar is the most accurate and up-to-date source for open departures. If no options appear after you enter your details, we recommend checking other available tour types for your port or adjusting your group size if your party can split across separate departures or activities.
For future-season travel, schedules are released gradually, most often in the fall as cruise schedules are finalized. If you’re searching for next season and do not see availability yet, that usually means those departures have not been released, not that they are already sold out. We recommend checking back later as more schedules become available.