Mendenhall Glacier & Wildlife Quest Juneau

cherylroy · #1 (**permalink**) April 25th, 2005, 09:47 PM

Has anyone done this excursion? Is it worth the price per person? Thanks. There are soooooo many excursions to choose from (and many to break the pocketbook)...lol. Thanks for any input. We will be there Sept 14-21.

Karen16 · #2 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2005, 06:40 AM

This is a whale watch, with humpbacks seen 100% of the trips, you will also sail by sea lions on a buey.

Probably some eagles too. I go on these boat tours every trip.

As for Mendenhall- this is a fixed time tour. If you have the desire for a longer stay and some hiking, consider instead of booking Orca Enterprises and see if they can drop off/pick up at Mendenhal with their tour? Then you would just take the $5 shuttle back to downtown.

cherylroy · #3 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2005, 09:27 AM

Not to much into hiking -- have you been on this excursion before?

mjmcajun · #4 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2005, 07:13 PM

I did this excursion in mid Sept. 04. It was my first cruise/first time to Alaska. Was a very good experence. Book it; it's worth it. Even though the Mendenhall Glacier segment is a fixed time tour...there is plenty of time to soak it all in before reboarding bus.

cherylroy · #5 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2005, 10:12 PM

Thanks to all -- mgcajun..you went in september (I'm going in September). Can you give me info of any kind on what the weather was like? What animals you saw? Any tips? Where did you go at ports?? Thank

Karen16 · #6 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2005, 07:25 AM

I have been on many Juneau whale watches, the listings are above of the averages. Mid Sept is a very iffy time to go. Last 2 seasons were exceptional with great weather, but highly abnormal. Usual for that time frame is average 3 days of rain, temps 40-50's, cold, damp. Necessary is to be well prepared for the worse case. Early Sept, is better but again preparation is the key.

Mid Sept has dusk by 7pm so plan port time carefully. Possible northern lights- be out from 1am on clear nights for a look. Sometimes, you can get a bridge call?? Inquire if this is possible. For any "animals" you need tours.