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Shuttles run regularly from the cruise port to the visitor center at Mendenhall Glacier, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska, and for good reason. The glacier is located just a short drive from Juneau, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. If conditions allow, consider joining a guided tour to explore the magical ice caves within the glacier. These remarkable formations offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you walk through translucent blue ice tunnels and witness the captivating light play. It’s important to note that access to the ice caves is subject to safety and environmental conditions, so be sure to check with local authorities or tour operators for availability.
Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
I'm a budget traveler, and here are 10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise - Royal Caribbean Blog
I'm a budget traveler, and here are 10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise.
Posted: Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you want to get a bird’s-eye view of the glacier, you can take a flightseeing tour. Flightseeing tours typically last about 30 minutes and take you over the glacier and the surrounding mountains. The other perk of chartering a helicopter tour is that you’ll be able to get an aerial view of the glacier.
Option 4: Guided Tour
You can simply hail one on the street or call for pick-up at designated taxi stands. Taxis offer a comfortable and hassle-free way to reach your destination. Safety is paramount throughout our expedition; adhere to guidelines and heed cautionary signs.
Best Alaska Helicopter Tours
Most tours will give you 1.5 to 2 hours at the glacier, depending on the rest of the tour stops. Just ask how much time there is at the glacier and make sure it matches what you want to do. You can always choose the shuttle instead of a tour if you want to be flexible about the time.
Take a tour shuttle from the port ($25-$45 each)
Guides are well-versed in the history, geology, and wildlife of the area, providing fascinating insights and enriching your understanding of the glacier. Using public transportation to reach Mendenhall Glacier offers an affordable option compared to other transportation methods. The fare for the Glacier Shuttle is typically nominal, allowing you to save money while experiencing the beauty of the glacier. Keep in mind that taxi and rideshare fares can add up, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time at the glacier.
Choosing Your Excursion
Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. However, you’ll experience an unforgettable one as you see Mendenhall Glacier up close and, depending on the tour, even land on the glacier and walk around a bit. If you are booking through a tour company, admission to Mendenhall Glacier is typically included in the price.
Nugget Falls is about a mile from the visitor center on a flat and wide trail. Give yourself an hour to walk there and back, plus however long you want to spent soaking up the waterfall (which might be awhile!). The visitor center has done an excellent job of sharing the impact of climate change on Alaska’s glaciers and the Mendenhall Glacier in particular. The Visitor Center is about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, where Juneau’s cruise ship docks are located.
Make your decision about whether or not to do it and then let fate (or weather) make the final call! You can also book a tour on the dock if there is still space available, but if it’s important to you to get to the glacier I recommend booking in advance. I first visited Mendenhall Glacier in 1994 and have been many times since, both as a former Alaskan and a frequent visitor. Getting to Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port is a piece of cake. Secondly, always carry bear spray and know how to use it properly in case of a wildlife encounter.
This reveals a stunning landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. With a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway, prepare to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring views of the glacier from above. However, the glacier is also beautiful during the winter months, when it is covered in snow. For our most cost-effective method, Capital Transit (the city bus) will give you a ride most of the way for only $2 per person each way. If you want to be at the glacier for 30 minutes or five hours, you can choose. Buses depart half-hourly from both points, provided you have a reservation.
It’s important to follow guidelines and regulations to protect both the animals and yourself. Binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens can enhance your wildlife viewing experience without intruding on their natural habitat. While exploring the Mendenhall Glacier area, keep an eye out for marine wildlife in Mendenhall Lake.
Do not approach or feed any animals you encounter, including black bears and eagles. If you spot a bear, make noise to alert them to your presence and slowly back away. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and observe wildlife from a safe standpoint.
Mendenhall Glacier’s surrounding wilderness is also inhabited by a variety of other wildlife. Keep an eye out for Sitka black-tailed deer, marmots, and snowshoe hares. You may even spot smaller mammals like squirrels and shrews scurrying along the trails.
The accumulation of plastic debris not only harms these organisms but also disrupts ecosystems and food chains. It is alarming to know that plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, causing long-term damage to our environment. Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be a challenge for chefs both on land and at sea.
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