Your adventure begins with a short drive to a scenic harbor. Here, you will board a mammal friendly jet boat equipped with water jet drives to ensure a quiet underwater operation without dangerous propellers that may frighten or harm the animals. The boats have an enclosed and heated cabin, complete with indoor plumbing. In addition, the boat only holds a maximum of 40 guests and there are large viewing windows and an outdoor viewing deck that provides an up close and personal experience while observing and photographing the animals in their natural surroundings.
You will be on the boat for approximately two hours in an area that the whales return to every summer.
Returning to land, you will travel further into the valley to see the only "drive up" Glacier in S.E. Alaska. Once you arrive at the Visitor's Center, (entrance included) you will have approximately 45 minutes to explore on your own. You can walk around the visitor center, which has an elevated view of the glacier across the Mendenhall Lake, view exhibits as well as a short film about the Juneau Ice Fields. For those guests feeling more adventurous, there are several hiking paths around the lake area including Photo Point Trail which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glacier face. At the appointed time, meet your guide for the trip back to town.