Homepage / Tours / Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip

Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip

4.77
Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip the 1st Next Tour Image Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip the 2nd Next Tour Image
3 ½ Hours Duration
Description feature image 0
From pick-up to drop-off
5 Mile River Float
Description feature image 1
Along scenic Mendenhall River
Some Class 3 Whitewater
Description feature image 2
No rafting experience required
Snack Provided
Description feature image 3
Alaskan-style snacks and beverages

Description

Escape the crowds and experience the best of Alaska’s wilderness on the Mendenhall Glacier River Float—a 3.5-hour guided rafting excursion that offers both relaxation and adventure. After a narrated drive from Juneau, you'll arrive at the glacier and gear up with all the necessary equipment provided. Following a detailed safety briefing, step into your raft and begin your journey across Mendenhall Lake, where you’ll float past the glacier’s brilliant blue face before drifting into the glacier-fed Mendenhall River.

This five-mile float offers incredible opportunities to observe wildlife along the way, from bald eagles circling overhead to salmon swimming beneath the surface and even bears patrolling the shoreline. As the pace picks up, your expert guide will navigate about one mile of fun, splashy Class II–III rapids. Looking for a bit more excitement? Opt to paddle the raft yourself under the guidance of your captain. The overall pace remains casual, allowing time to snap photos, take in the views, and enjoy the natural sounds of Alaska’s river landscapes.

There’s something truly rewarding about exploring by raft—no engines, just the rhythm of the water and the quiet immersion into nature. The Mendenhall Glacier River Float Trip is a chance to slow down and connect with the landscape in a way few other tours offer. After coming ashore, you’ll be treated to a light Alaskan-style snack before heading back to downtown Juneau or your cruise ship.

The Mendehall Glacier River Float Trip is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a balance of scenic beauty, soft adventure, and local storytelling. It’s accessible to most ages and experience levels, and with limited space during peak cruise season, early booking is highly recommended.

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

Round Trip Transportation
Knowledgable Guides
Hearty Snack
Rain Gear & Life Jacket
Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there rapids on this tour?
Yes, there is stretch of the river that has Class 3 rapids. Your guide is very experienced, so they will guide you through smoothly.
What should we wear and bring?
This tour operates rain or shine, and rain is common as we lie in a temperate rainforest! For comfort, we typically recommend long pants, closed-toed shoes and a waterproof jacket. Some guests choose to bring a small bag or backpack along to store extra layers, a bottle of water and cameras.
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.
What are the age and weight requirements for this tour?

Participants must weigh a minimum of 50 pounds to properly fit into a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a maximum of 300 lbs. We do not recommend children under 5 years old. 


Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 3 years old • Minimum Weight: 50 lbs • Maximum Weight: 300 lbs
Not wheelchair accessible. Moderate to good physical condition required.
Guests must fit into a Coast Guard approved life jacket which can accommodate a maximum chest diameter of 58 inches
Children must be 50 lb or more to participate. We do not recommend children under the age of 5 years old for this tour.
Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Juneau

Duration
3h 30min

Adult Rate
$229

Child Rate
$164


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.

Duration
20 minutes

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.

Duration
20 minutes

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.

Duration
1 hour 45 minutes

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.

Duration
15 minutes

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.

Duration
20 minutes

Customer Reviews 113

Total score
4.77
5
94
4
12
3
7
2
0
1
0