Description
If you want to see the famous Mendenhall Glacier and still get some adventure in for the day, then this tour is for you. Start out with a narrated transport to Mendenhall Glacier, before you are geared up and jump into your raft. Then enjoy a 5-mile float down the Mendenhall River, where you can spot wildlife along the banks including eagles, arctic turns, goats, salmon and even bears. Your guide will steer you through 1 mile of class 3 rapids, or if you are looking for more of a challenge, you can opt-in for the paddle excursions! At the conclusion of your trip, enjoy an Alaska-style snack and be awarded your "I Shot The Mendenhall" pin to commemorate your adventure. Fully narrated by professional guides, spend your day connecting with Alaskan wilderness, and perhaps even try rafting for the first time!
This tour starts with a narrated trip to Mendenhall Glacier. Once there, you will be geared up and placed in your rafts. You will glide over Mendenhall Lake, under the instruction of your guide, to the mouth of the Mendenhall River. You may choose to paddle the raft yourself or have your guide expertly steer you down the 5 mile stretch of river, even going through 1 mile of class 3 rapids! Once you reach the bank, you can enjoy an Alaska-style snack before being transported back to your ship.
At about 3.5 hours in total duration, this tour offers guests a chance to escape from the crowds, and get in touch with natural Alaska and its magnificent glacier features. The casual pace is conducive to taking pictures, chatting with fellow travelers and absorbing the compelling information from the local guides. Occasional wildlife sightings along the path of the river offer travelers the chance to see Alaska at its best. There's something special about the connection that a motorless, self-propelled adventure can provide, bridging the gap between guests and nature and delivering that 'Alaskan experience' many are hoping to find.
Keep the fun adventures rolling throughout the Inside Passage with the Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition in Skagway and the Adventure Karts in Ketchikan!
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there rapids on this tour?
What should we wear and bring?
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 3h 30min • 5 activities
Your guides will pick you up from Mount Roberts Tramway, just a short walk from the cruise docks, for a narrated transfer to the boat launch site.
Once you reach Mendenhall Lake, you will be provided with rain gear, life jackets, rubber boots, and even a paddle if you'd like to participate, before running through a safety briefing and hopping in the boats.
You'll embark on a 5-mile, narrated float down Mendenhall River with views of the glacier at the start. This fairly mellow float includes a small stretch of class II-III rapids.
At the end of the float, you'll take time to remove your gear and enjoy a snack of reindeer sausage, cheese, crackers, salmon spread, & water or hot apple cider.
At the end of your tour, you'll hop back in the vans for a drive back to Mount Roberts Tramway, where you can take a short walk to your cruise dock or explore downtown.