Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier

Question

We will be traveling in Early August. We want to do a whale watching tour and on our own visit Mendenhall Glacier. A few questions -

Is whale watching better in the morning, afternoon or no difference?

What is the best way to get to Mendenhall Glacier without being a part of a tour or renting a vehicle - taxi, uber, etc? Is there a limit on passes or a reason we wouldn't be able to get in?

I want to visit Red Dog Saloon - will a group (6 - 10 people) of us be able to get in later in the day after our excursions?

Thanks for any input or advice.

Answer

August is an excellent time to visit Juneau for both whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier. Your plan to combine an independent glacier visit with a whale tour is very doable, and below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your day smoothly.

Whale watching tours in Juneau are generally excellent at any time of day. While wildlife is never guaranteed, humpback whales in August are actively feeding and extremely predictable, so time of day doesn’t significantly affect sightings.

There are still a few differences worth noting:

Morning tours: Calmer waters are more common, which some people prefer if motion sickness is a concern. Lighting is softer for photography.
Midday/Afternoon tours: Often warmer, more comfortable temperatures. Great option if you want a slower morning.
Evening tours: Fewer crowds, beautiful golden-hour lighting, but schedules depend on your ship/arrival times.

Overall: No major difference in whale behavior by time of day, so simply choose the time that fits your schedule best.

Getting to Mendenhall Glacier independently is very easy. You do not need a tour, and there is no timed-entry restriction for the glacier area—only the Visitor Center requires a pass.

Taxi: The most reliable option. A one-way ride is typically 15–20 minutes. Taxis are lined up near the cruise docks. Expect around $35–$45 one way depending on traffic and company.
Uber/Lyft: Available but less predictable, especially during busy cruise times. Prices vary but are often similar to taxis.
Shuttle services: Several independent shuttles run from the port to Mendenhall Glacier. These are cheaper than taxis and run frequently, but they do get busy on heavy cruise days.
No rental car needed: The roads are easy and well maintained, but renting a vehicle is unnecessary unless you plan to explore beyond the glacier.

Visitor Center Access:

There is no limit on visitors entering the park grounds.
Only the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center requires an entrance pass — sold on-site.
You can always access the outdoor areas, trails, viewpoints, and Nugget Falls without a timed reservation.

Visiting Red Dog Saloon with a group of 6–10 people later in the day is completely possible.

The saloon is walk-in only—no reservations—but they are very accustomed to cruise crowds and larger parties.
Late afternoon to early evening is usually less chaotic than midday when excursions return.
If there’s a short wait, turnover is fairly quick.
Live entertainment often starts later in the day, which adds to the fun.

Helpful Timing Tips

If doing whale watching first, choose a morning or midday tour and visit Mendenhall Glacier afterward when crowds thin around 3–5 p.m.
If visiting Mendenhall first, go early (before 10 a.m.) to avoid the biggest tour groups.
Plan 1.5–2 hours at Mendenhall Glacier if you want to walk to Nugget Falls (flat and easy), or 45 minutes for just the viewpoints.

Final Thoughts

Your combination of whale watching and an independent glacier visit is one of the most classic Juneau day plans. You can comfortably fit both into a single day without rushing. Transportation is simple, the glacier does not require advance reservations, and Red Dog Saloon will happily welcome your group afterward. You’re set up for a great day!

Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier

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