NCL excursion: Alaska's Whales & Rainforest Trails-reviews?

Question

Hi all -

I'll be on the NCL Jade in Juneau on September 4th and considering this excursion as it is recommended by the Cousteau society. Small group, 20 ppl, we hike the easy rainforest trail at the Mendenhall Glacier (pretty sure it's the Trail of Time) with a naturalist interpreter then cruise Auke Bay for whales & wildlife. I will have already done a whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point but IMO you can never see too many whales... plus, I'm a birder/wildlife watcher/general nature nerd. Has anyone done this excursion, or if not do you have a great recommendation? We want to see critters... bears would be great, orcas would be amazing, anything is cool to us landlubbers from Texas. Thanks for reading!

Answer

The NCL excursion “Alaska’s Whales & Rainforest Trails” in Juneau is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and those interested in wildlife watching. The combination of a small-group rainforest hike and a whale and wildlife cruise offers a well-rounded experience that balances land and sea exploration.

Here’s what you can expect from this excursion:

Rainforest Trail Hike: The hike is typically on the Trail of Time near Mendenhall Glacier, which is relatively easy and suitable for all fitness levels. A naturalist interpreter accompanies the group, pointing out native flora, birds, and smaller wildlife along the trail.
Wildlife Cruise: After the hike, the excursion continues with a boat cruise through Auke Bay and surrounding waters. The cruise provides opportunities to spot humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and other marine wildlife.
Group Size: The tour is small, usually around 20 people, which allows for a more personalized and intimate experience with better chances of seeing wildlife without being crowded.

Additional recommendations and tips for maximizing your experience:

Even if you’ve already done whale watching in Icy Strait Point, the Juneau waters can provide sightings of different pods and additional wildlife like sea otters or bald eagles.
Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom, especially for birds and distant whales.
Dress in layers and bring rain gear, as the weather in September can be variable, especially in the rainforest sections.
Comfortable walking shoes are important for the trail portion, and a jacket or windbreaker is useful for the boat ride.
While bear sightings are rare in this particular excursion, the naturalist may point out tracks or other signs of local wildlife.

If you’re a birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast, or simply enjoy nature and photography, this excursion is a strong choice. It combines the accessibility of a moderate hike with the excitement of a small-group wildlife cruise, making it a great way to see a variety of Alaskan species even in a short visit to Juneau.

NCL excursion: Alaska's Whales & Rainforest Trails-reviews?

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