Exploring Juneau, Alaska: Glaciers, Wildlife & More | Virgin Voyages
What can you experience in one day in Juneau, Alaska? In Episode 6 of our Alaska series, Billy and Michelle explore Alaska’s capital by land and water, starting at Mendenhall Glacier, where you can walk toward the ice without ever stepping into a helicopter, before heading onto Saginaw Channel for an unforgettable afternoon of humpback whale watching. Along the way, they discover the stories behind Juneau’s changing landscape, learn how individual whales can be identified by their flukes, and see why this busy Alaska cruise port still manages to surprise. Juneau, Alaska is known for glaciers, wildlife and some of Alaska’s most popular whale-watching experiences. This episode visits Mendenhall Glacier and features Whales & Wine: A Tasteful Adventure Tour, a small-group whale-watching experience on Saginaw Channel with Gastineau Guiding. From hiking and waterfalls near Mendenhall to spotting humpback whales on the water, Juneau brings together two of the experiences travelers often look for when planning an Alaska cruise — glaciers and wildlife in a single port day. FAQ What are some things to do in Juneau, Alaska on a cruise? This episode features two major Juneau experiences: visiting Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching on Saginaw Channel. Downtown Juneau also offers shopping, restaurants and additional Shore Things. Can you visit Mendenhall Glacier without a helicopter? Yes. Billy and Michelle visit Mendenhall Glacier independently from the visitor center, with walking trails, waterfalls and views toward the glacier. Guided options are also available for travelers looking for a different experience. Can you see humpback whales in Juneau? Yes. The Whales & Wine experience featured in this episode heads onto Saginaw Channel in search of humpback whales with a naturalist guide and captain. Wildlife sightings can vary. How can you identify individual humpback whales? The underside of each humpback whale’s tail, or fluke, has a unique pattern of pigmentation, scars and markings. Researchers and guides can use these patterns to identify and track individual whales. What is Whales & Wine in Juneau? Whales & Wine: A Tasteful Adventure Tour is a small-group experience operated with Gastineau Guiding. The approximately 3.75-hour Shore Thing includes around 2.5 hours on the water, naturalist-led whale watching, two glasses of wine and light bites. Guests must be 21+ to drink. What should you wear in Juneau, Alaska? Warm, waterproof layers are recommended. Juneau weather can be wet and changeable — the local pro-tip from this episode is simple: skip the umbrella and bring a proper raincoat. Explore more: → Book Whales & Wine: https://www.virginvoyages.com/shore-thing?shoreThingId=JNUH2O00001 → Explore Juneau Shore Things: https://www.virginvoyages.com/shore-excursions?portId=b186d90c-3b50-435a-9c35-ed204e14fb7f&portName=Juneau,%20Alaska → Explore Virgin Voyages Alaska sailings: https://www.virginvoyages.com/destinations/alaska-cruises → Watch the full Alaska YouTube series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBjlgoOGDtYU-cLHbTW0Nl7x6Se-CZQ1F&si=nklBZe3cIu2J5O7q Video Chapters: 0:15 Arriving in Juneau: a tender call in one of Alaska’s busiest ports 0:34 Easy ashore: a ~10–12 minute tender into historic downtown 0:57 Downtown Juneau: shopping, eateries & lunch at Hangar on the Bay 1:07 Mendenhall Glacier: the most accessible glacier in Alaska (no helicopter needed) 1:49 The Tlingit name for Mendenhall & a language that tracks the land 2:26 Out on Saginaw Channel: whale watching begins 3:14 A conservation success: humpbacks back from the brink 4:30 Daniel from Gastineau Guiding & Captain Rob on how the tours work 5:20 70+ vessels, strict rules: watching whales responsibly 5:50 Every fluke a fingerprint: identifying individual whales 6:36 Whale watching at (almost) every Alaska port 7:09 Rain? Act like a local: the Juneau pro-tip