The Best Juneau Shore Excursions of 2025

Alaska, the Last Frontier, has captured the hearts and minds of people for decades. Depicted in many imaginations as an untouched and unspoiled landscape filled with beautiful (and dangerous) animals, it's also seen as a place where people strike it rich by finding gold. We take what we see in the movies and spin a mysterious and mystical aurora around what life is like in Alaska.

While Alaska has a rich and fascinating history, it offers so much more than mountains and gold, and its future is just as bright as its past.

Located in Southeast ALaska, Juneau is roughly the size of Rhode Island (where I live) and Delaware combined! That makes it the largest state capital by land area in all of the USA—a fitting title for the capital of the largest state in the USA.

It’s also big on hospitality, as the locals welcome upwards of 15,000 cruise travelers per day during the peak cruise season, which generally runs from April to September. Needless to say, there are a plethora of shore tours to choose from, and you will be in great hands while exploring Juneau.

Choosing The Right Shore Tour

Juneau is a traveler’s paradise—there is truly a shore tour for every type of person. If you are an animal lover, Juneau is one of the world's top locations for whale watching. In addition to the extensive marine life, Juneau is home to over 280 bird species with an estimated bald eagle population near 15,000.

Perhaps you’re more interested in experiencing the natural beauty of the Juneau Icefield and the Mendenhall Glacier. Just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, and easily accessible by tour bus or car, you can marvel at the 13 miles of frozen ice perched above Mendenhall Lake.

Now that you know Juneau is the destination for you, the next step is determining your time frame. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or just a few hours, the experts at Juneau Shore Tours will find the best tour for you.

Below, you will find my personal favorites, and I look forward to helping you book your dream Alaskan adventure!

My Recommendations for the Best Juneau Shore Tours

Whale Watching & The Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Can you get much better than combining two of Juneau’s shining stars—Whale Watching and the Mendenhall Glacier? I can’t think of a better combination for a shore tour.

During this 5-hour tour, you’ll be accompanied by a naturalist while onboard, learning all about the famous locals: humpback whales. Keep your eyes open for other favorite locals like sea lions, harbor seals, and maybe even a pod of killer whales!

After a thrilling 2 hours on the water, you’ll transfer by bus to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for a self-guided educational tour about the Juneau Icefield. I recommend walking down the trail to Nugget Falls for an up-close view of the powerful waterfalls and the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier.

This Alaskan whale watch and Mendenhall Glacier experience is a great value, an excellent use of time, and is a family-friendly tour everyone will enjoy!

Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

Hands down, this is one of my dream excursions—combining my favorite water sport, kayaking, with the possibility of gliding alongside whales. This shore tour is what makes Alaska, well... Alaska!

Getting outdoors, taking in the fresh air, and getting up close and personal with the wildlife are key elements of this exclusive experience. You’ll explore the uninhabited Channel Islands by kayak and private charter boat, with your experienced guide by your side.

This eco-adventure offers a real sense of exploring the great Alaskan outdoors, all just a stone's throw away from Juneau. After 2 hours of paddling, you’ll have time to explore the remote beaches and rainforest of the Channel Islands Marine Park and enjoy the delicious snacks provided (snacks are always my favorite part!).

Once your kayak adventure wraps up, hop back onto your private charter with new memories and an unforgettable experience on this Juneau Shore Tour!

Helicopter Glacier Trek

Flying in a helicopter is truly an unbelievable experience. The moment the helicopter lifts off and soars through the air, you can’t help but feel like a bird.

Excellent views of Juneau, the Icefield, and beyond await as you glide through the air. Upon arriving at the Juneau Icefield, it feels as if you’ve been transported to another world. The snow-covered mountains and glassy glaciers are nothing short of breathtaking.

But the real fun begins once you land on the glacier! For the next two hours, your pilot will guide you across the icy landscape, exploring deep crevasses and crystal-clear rivers. I recommend taking a sip of water straight from the glacier river—it might just be the best water you’ll ever drink!

Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, and sense of adventure for this unforgettable Helicopter Glacier Trek!

Juneau Sled Dog Discovery

As an animal lover, experiencing the Juneau Sled Dog Discovery shore tour was a true highlight of my time in Alaska.

I’ve always appreciated the sport of dog mushing, but this tour gave me a deeper understanding of its history and importance in Alaska. Witnessing the bond between musher and dogs was particularly moving—it’s a relationship built on trust, love, and respect, which are essential for navigating Alaska’s remote and challenging terrain.

This tour is perfect for visitors of all ages and should be added to your list of must-see experiences!

Taku Glacier Lodge Feast & 5 Glacier Seaplane Exploration

I love combination tours, and this one is no exception! The Taku Glacier Lodge Feast & 5 Glacier Seaplane Exploration lets you experience a flightseeing tour of a lifetime and enjoy delicious seafood at a remote lodge.

Starting with a seaplane takeoff from downtown Juneau, you’ll soar over magnificent glaciers and snow-covered peaks, with narration from your pilot. The flight alone is incredible, but the adventure continues as you land at the Taku Lodge.

Set in a stunning location overlooking Taku Glacier, the lodge serves a traditional Alaskan feast featuring fresh salmon and sourdough bread. Once your appetite is satisfied, the narrated return flight offers even more opportunities to take in the breathtaking scenery.

This combination tour is a must-do for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Juneau!