Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure

Kayaking Adventure at Mendenhall Lake of Tongass National Forest in Juneau

4.9 / 5 | 15 Reviews Review This Tour

Price: $280.00

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Summary

Shore Excursion Size

Standard

Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Active, Water/Beach

Shore Excursion Duration 3 Hours 30 Minutes

Activity Level

Moderate

Shore Excursion Leaves From

An approximately 5 to 25 minute walk, or an approximately 5 minute shuttle ride (not included, approximately $5 US per person) is required to reach your departure location.

Food/Beverage Provided A tasty Alaska style snack and water is included.

Recommended Dress For all Alaska tours, we recommend layers of clothing, with the top layer being water-proof. We also suggest comfortable walking shoes that may get wet, gloves, and an extra pair of socks for after the tour.

Restrictions This tour is not wheelchair accessible. No prior experience necessary, however moderate to good physical health is recommended as guests must paddle for approximately 2 hours and climb in and out of the kayak with limited assistance. The minimum weight to participate on this tour is 40 pounds. The maximum weight is approximately 275 pounds and is dependent on waist size to fit in the kayak cockpit. The maximum size to fit in the kayaks is 35 inches from hip to hip, and 17 inches from front to back. Guests taller than 6' 3" will not be able to steer with foot pedals and will have to steer with the oar instead. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 13 to 17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian.

Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure in Juneau

Experience the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier up close from your own kayak trip on this excursion. An exclusive U.S. Forest Service permit allows you to explore the gorgeous setting of Mendenhall Lake in serene fashion. Depart your port on a comfortable, scenic drive to the lake. A professional, friendly guide will help you fit life jackets and rain gear before teaching you kayaking techniques.

Board your two-person kayak, either with a chosen travel companion or a new friend. Set off on your Juneau adventure tour, journeying across Mendenhall Lake in your stable kayak, navigating the iceberg-studded pristine waters, one of the prized jewels of the Tongass National Forest. Your knowledgeable guide will describe the breathtaking natural wonders around you, pointing out native wildlife and providing fascinating information about the history and the ecology of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Venture within a safe distance of the face of the massive glacier to explore the base of the beautiful Nugget Falls. After paddling back across the lake and soaking in the last views of the magnificent glacier, reward yourself with an Alaskan-style snack, reminiscing about your recent experience. This is sure to be a true highlight of your Alaska vacation.

If you've never paddled a kayak before, that's okay! Your professional guide will group you with other guests of similar skill level, ensuring you travel at a comfortable pace. Book this Juneau shore excursion today for a memorable way to experience the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier.

4.9 / 5 | 15 ReviewsReview This Tour

Amazing

May 15, 2022

We had the best day. We started off having Libby as our driver who turned out to be a whale expert and a fountain of information about the wildlife in Alaska. Mendenhall Lake is truly beautiful; rugged, wild and compelling. Our view of the mountains, icebergs and the glacier were unforgettable. We really appreciated having Nick for our kayaking guide. His knowledge of glaciers, lakes, the wildlife and ecosystem and attention to our enjoyment of this excursion made this day perfect. We felt like we really experienced the heart of Alaska. Thank you.

Reviewer: Denise Boldt

Excellent Tour

September 02, 2019

Our guides were two amazing young women. They were very informative and very engaging with the group. They were very concerned with the group's safety. It was a beautiful day to be on the kayak and the view of Mendenhall Glacier was breathtaking.

Reviewer: Claudia Brown

Exciting adventure

July 15, 2019

Awesome to get so close to the the glacier

Reviewer: Craig Sharp

Great guide, great sights, spectacular tour

January 23, 2019

Approaching a huge glacier, a waterfall, and an iceberg from water-level is totally different from hiking or seeing them from a cruise ship. Sights, sounds, and smells come at you in a more integrated, natural way. We had just a few kayaks on my early-summer tour, so it was easy to stay together. We were outfitted with good equipment that kept us dry. Our guide was very competent and a natural group leader. She explained a lot about the lake and the glacier. We went as close to the glacier as is permitted, and had views of the ice caves and crevasses. We were in spray range of the beautiful waterfall. Most exciting was kayaking close to a small iceberg, with our guide helping us stay safe. For this trip, it helps to have a bit of prior experience and endurance to paddle against wind. I am a senior woman, reasonably fit but not super-athletic, and I had no problem at all, but I have kayaked many times before. In summary, loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat!

Reviewer: Miriam Kotsonis

Great experience

September 22, 2018

Luckily it was a gorgeous morning. The driver told great stories on the way to the kayak launch site. The guides were knowledgeable. We thought we’d get much closer to the glacier but what we were able to do was an experience of a lifetime.

Reviewer: Julie

Alaskatrip2017

September 18, 2017

This trip was amazing. Even though it was cloudy and rainy the views were still breath taking. My main worry was that I would be cold, because I get cold very easy. However, we were provided with rubber boots, rubber pants, and a rubber coat. Plus the paddles had hand warmers on them. So I stayed nice and warm the whole time. Our guide was very informative, with a touch of humor. Just they way I like it. Make sure to bring your water proof camara!

Reviewer: Mariessa Abel

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