Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour
Overview
Be one of the lucky few to experience the majestic Mendenhall Glacier up close, as you travel by kayak, under a very limited U.S. Forest Service permit. Journey across Mendenhall Lake in your stable two-person kayak, navigating the iceberg studded pristine water that is truly one of the jewels of the Tongass National Forest. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the breathtaking nature surrounding you, pointing out native wildlife and fascinating you with the history and ecology of the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier. Venture within a safe distance of the massive, awe-inspiring face of the glacier and skirt the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls. After paddling back across the lake and taking in the last views of this extraordinary glacier, refuel with a snack of Alaskan-style fare and reminisce about the experience that is sure to be a highlight of your Alaska vacation.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Full rain gear included (pants/jacket/boots)
- Permits
- Transportation
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
490 South Franklin Street
Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Mendenhall Lake
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Gloves and an extra pair of socks are recommended
- Minimum weight: 40lbs
- Maximum weight: Subject to waist size required to fit in the kayak cockpit. Cockpits are 16.5" X 10"
- Guests taller than 6' 3" will not be able to steer with foot pedals and will have to steer with the oar instead. Guests can still participate, it is just a guideline to take note of.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 13 to 17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate without a parent or guardian.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5474P36
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.49 out of 5 stars based on 51 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Alaska customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Alaska’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks.
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee.
- Full rain gear included (pants/jacket/boots).
- Permits.
- Transportation.
- Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Alaska. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Snacks
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Full rain gear included (pants/jacket/boots)
- Permits
- Transportation
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Gloves and an extra pair of socks are recommended
- Minimum weight: 40lbs
- Maximum weight: Subject to waist size required to fit in the kayak cockpit. Cockpits are 16.5" X 10"
- Guests taller than 6' 3" will not be able to steer with foot pedals and will have to steer with the oar instead. Guests can still participate, it is just a guideline to take note of.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 13 to 17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate without a parent or guardian.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
