The Best Juneau Independent Shore Excursions

 Juneau, Alaska, is the capital of the state and one of the few U.S. capitals that cannot be reached by road. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterways, it offers a blend of dramatic natural scenery, rich Indigenous heritage, and Gold Rush history. Cruise ships dock close to the downtown area, making it easy for visitors to explore shops, restaurants, museums, and waterfront attractions on foot.

One of Juneau's most popular attractions is the Mendenhall Glacier, located about 12 miles from downtown. Visitors can enjoy scenic viewpoints, walking trails, and a visitor center that provides information about the glacier and the surrounding environment. Wildlife is abundant throughout the region, and it is common to spot bald eagles, harbor seals, and, during the season, humpback whales in nearby waters.

For panoramic views, the Mount Roberts Tramway carries passengers from the waterfront to the mountainside, where hiking trails, cultural exhibits, and observation areas showcase the beauty of Southeast Alaska. The tramway is closed for the 2026 season but is expected to be operational again in 2027. Those interested in local history can explore Juneau's historic district, which reflects the city's Gold Rush past through preserved buildings, museums, and landmarks.

Click here for a full list of all of these excursions. Or click the title of the excursion below. This will give you more information about the excursion. If you book through this link, Trips with Angie will get a small commission and a copy of your booking. If you’ve booked your cruise through Trips with Angie, we can double check the timing and add it to your itinerary.

When your cruise stops at Juneau, see whales in their natural habitat on this whale-watching boat trip. Board a comfortable boat with outdoor decks and heated cabins. Cruise Alaska’s waters to see marine life in the wild. Then, enjoy guaranteed sightings of humpback whales as a naturalist providing commentary on their behaviors as you cruise. Pick-up is available from the main cruise terminal.

Discover the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacierwith the Glacier “Blue Bus” Express, direct and scenic transportation from the cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau. Ideal for travelers looking to explore on their own.   This immersive experience provides the perfect blend of convenience and adventure. You will enjoy commentary on your way to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Includes roundtrip transportation.

Combo Tour  Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier. On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, bald eagles, and sea lions. Round trip transportation from the cruise terminal is included.

While most visitors only see the Mendenhall Glacier from crowded viewpoints, this  Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour takes adventurous travelers on a canoe trip to the base of the glacier for a completely different perspective of the majestic ice. With canoe lessons and a guide, the tour is open to first-time paddlers. The mellow water means you can take along a camera and capture the arctic cliffs, icebergs, and pristine blue ice. Round-trip transportation from your cruise ship dock means all the logistics are covered.

When your ship anchors in Juneau port, get ready for this Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk. First, soar by helicopter over Juneau Icefield. Then, land on Herbert Glacier to explore the remote landscape by foot. Learn about the surrounding Alaskan wilderness and capture memorable shots during your icefield walk. This tour includes transportation to and from the helicopter facilities.

Step off your cruise ship and into a river raft on this 3.5-hour shore excursion along Mendenhall Glacier. An experienced guide rows your raft as you float along for six miles around the foot of the glacier. Wind through stretches of Class II and III whitewater rapids and wrap up the outing with a delicious riverside snack. Families, beginners and the more experienced all will enjoy this Mendenhall Glacier float trip. Port transport from Juneau included.

If you’re looking for a unique experience that combines history with the great outdoors, book this Juneau Underground Peterson Gold Mine and Panning Experience. Go with a guide to the old mine. After learning about the mining done there, test your skills at gold panning. The meeting spot for this tour is about a one minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Tap into the best way to Juneau - a brewery & city tour serving up a uniquely Juneau, uniquely Alaskan experience, nothing watered-down here! We’ll hop across town, pairing sips with the stories and sights that make Juneau one-of-a-kind. With a small group, you’ll tap into three distinctly different breweries in three different corners of Juneau. Along the way, taste the flavors of Alaska with Barnacle Foods’ kelp salsa. The meeting point for this tour is a 2 minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a Rainforest & Waterfalls Trek through a vast temperate rainforest that includes views of waterfalls, wildlife, and glaciers. Your private guide takes you to off-the-beaten-path photo spots.  Plus, throughout the hike, nature enthusiasts can learn about the unique ecosystem and its inhabitants. Roundtrip transportation from the cruise terminal is included.

Experience some of the best that Juneau has to offer on this full-day tour that combines whale watching and a salmon bake. Watch for the humpback whales breaching and playing in Auke Bay while learning about the ecosystem from a naturalist guide. Then, in a historic gold rush setting, enjoy freshly grilled Alaska salmon on an all-you-can-eat buffet. The meeting spot from this tour is a short walk from the cruise terminal.

While in Alaska, it can be hard to find activities for the whole family to agree on. This Musher's Camp® & Sled Dog Discovery in Juneau Alaska is the perfect solution. Kids and people of all ages are sure to be excited to visit with the husky puppies. You’ll also learn from a musher all about dog sledding in Alaska and ride down a 1-mile (1.6-kilometers) track with a team of huskies, too. The meeting spot from this tour is a short walk from the cruise terminal.

We’ve done our best to select excursions that could be fun for your family. As with all excursions, please do your own due diligence with the excursion provider, review physical requirements for the tour, and read the liability waiver carefully before signing.