SDJU01 Juneau – Bears, Whales & Glaciers

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Code: SDJU01

SDJU01 Juneau – Bears, Whales & Glaciers

Juneau is many things: a mountain town, a coastal community and the most scenic capital city in the U.S. A natural wonder, wildlife hotspot and cultural jewel, Juneau is rich in history, art, music and Native heritage. This 5-day tour itinerary uses Juneau as a base to explore the scenic surrounding area. From here you explore the best and most interesting places of the Inside Passage. Spend a day observing grizzly bears in the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island - one of Alaska’s most wild and remote bear viewing areas. The following day you’ll enjoy a journey through one of the most dramatic sites in the world - Tracy Arm Fjord. Witness glacier calving and take pictures of floating icebergs as your captain navigates safely through the narrow fjord as it twists and turns for over 30 miles, culminating in a spectacular view of the twin tidewater Sawyer Glaciers. The finale of this exciting tour is the overnight stay at Glacier Bay Lodge, located in Glacier Bay National Park. Glacier Bay National Park - with its high mountain peaks, ice-sculptured fjords, an abundance of marine wildlife and massive tidewater glaciers - is one of Alaska's most spectacular National Parks and best viewed during the day cruise on board the “Spirit of Adventure” catamaran.

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Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Attractions & Add-ons
Accommodation
Rental Car
Map
Information
Reviews

Juneau ( Overnight: Juneau )

Welcome to Juneau ! Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel in downtown Juneau. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is situated in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Nestled at the base of towering mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, the community's rich culture and history is displayed throughout the town. Juneau has a vibrant urban feel with great dining, shopping and lodging, while being surrounded by jaw-dropping scenic vistas. Explore the sights of Juneau including Mendenhall Glacier - a half-mile wide ice field - for many the most accessible and breathtaking glacier in Alaska. The Mount Roberts Tramway takes guests up to an observation deck, providing arguably the best picture-taking opportunities.

Juneau ( Overnight: Juneau )

Join the exciting day tour to the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island - one of Alaska’s most wild bear viewing areas. After the scenic floatplane flight from Juneau, walk on the same ground as the bears. Human visitation is limited, allowing us to enjoy a wilderness bear viewing experience. Pack Creek is ideal habitat for Alaska’s massive coastal brown bears. This tour is a premium guided and fully-outfitted package. Explore some of the most prime bear country on earth and to observe these amazing animals in the protected Kootznoowoo Wilderness on Admiralty Island. While July and August are the peak of bear activity related to salmon, Pack Creek is an excellent place to see bear activity in May, June and September as well. Included: Admiralty Island Pack Creek Bear Viewing Tour

Juneau ( Overnight: Juneau )

Journey through one of the most dramatic sites in the world - Tracy Arm Fjord. This narrow fjord twists and turns for over 30 miles, culminating in a spectacular view of the twin tidewater Sawyer Glaciers. Your captain will navigate as close as the ice floe allows, stopping for an extended stay at the face of the glacier. Watch for seals relaxing on the icebergs and bald eagles soaring above the cliffs. Learn about the natural history, glaciers and the wildlife from our onboard naturalist. Gain insights into Tlingit Native culture. Overcast days will not dampen your enjoyment as clouds and mist only heighten the drama of the fjord and intensify the glacial blue color. Included: Tracy Arm Fjords Cruise

Juneau – Flight to Gustavus ( Overnight: Glacier Bay Lodge )

Drop off your rental car at Juneau airport and enjoy the scenic flight to Gustavus. Upon arrival in Gustavus, you will be transferred to Glacier Bay Lodge where you will check into your room. Glacier Bay National Park - with its high mountain peaks, ice-sculptured fjords, an abundance of marine wildlife and massive tidewater glaciers - is one of Alaska's most spectacular National Parks. This afternoon join a whale watching cruise to Point Adolphus, the popular feeding area for the Alaska humpback and killer whales. Their unique feeding techniques, acrobatics, and vocalizations make every tour unique. Spend the remaining day to stroll the beach at Bartlett Cove or join the Park Ranger for a walk through the rainforest.

Gustavus – Flight to Juneau

Morning departure at 7:30 AM for a scenic high-speed catamaran cruise into Glacier Bay. Watch glaciers with giant towers of ice 'calve' into the water. Throughout the cruise, watch for the Park's resident wildlife: humpback, orca and minke whales; harbor seals and sea lions: bears, mountain goats and moose; and more than 200 species of birds. The "Spirit of Adventure", a spacious, comfortable catamaran, was designed for maximum viewing enjoyment with open top-deck viewing, interior seating and large picture windows. Throughout the cruise, a National Park Service Ranger explains wildlife behavior as well as the geologic features and cultural history of the park. Lunch is included. Late afternoon enjoy the scenic return flight to Juneau. The tour ends at Juneau Airport. Included: Glacier Bay Cruise

Rates in US $ / per Person

Comfort Hotel Category	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Child
May 20 - May 31	$4014	$3254	$3055	$2957	$2181
June 1 - August 31	$4324	$3409	$3158	$3035	$2181
September 1 - September 15	$4014	$3254	$3055	$2957	$2181

First Class Hotel Category	Single	Double	Triple	Quad	Child
May 20 - May 31	$4386	$3440	$3164	$3028	$2181
June 1 - August 31	$4696	$3595	$3268	$3106	$2181
September 1 - September 15	$4386	$3440	$3164	$3028	$2181

What’s included

4 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

3 Days Midsize Rental Car(For additional Upgrades and Extras Click Here)

Unlimited Free Mileage

Rental Car Licensing Fees

CFC, State & City Rental Car Sales Taxes

Admiralty Island Pack Creek Bear Tour

Bear Viewing Permit

Tracy Arm Fjords Glacier Cruise

Round Trip Flight from Juneau to Gustavus

Full Day Glacier Bay Wildlife & Glacier Cruise

Lunch & Non-Alcoholic Beverages onboard

Transfer in Gustavus

Glacier Bay National Park Fee

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Tour Departures

Daily from May 20th – September 15th

Gustavus: Whale Watching Cruise

Join the whale watching cruise into Alaska's most famous whale feeding grounds - Icy Strait and Point Adolphus. Their unique feeding techniques, acrobatics, and vocalizations make every tour unique. Observe Humpback whales, plus other marine mammals, including Minke and Orca, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, Dall and Harbor porpoises. We also observe Bald Eagles, Puffins, a variety of sea birds, and occasionally an Alaskan Brown Bear can be strolling on the beach. The boat is an ideal for observing and photographing wildlife. It is extremely stable, with large observation windows which allow for great viewing from both inside or outside on the deck. In addition, our unique hydrophone system allows us to hear the calls of the whales underwater.

More Details & Pricing

Accommodation

First Class Hotel Category (**** Hotels & Lodges)

First Class Hotels tend to provide additional amenities such as on-site restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Fireplace Seating, Fitness Facility, Swimming Pool / Hot Tub etc. All First Class Hotel Rooms are of higher category and are always equipped with a private bathroom. Most of these Category Hotels are normally located in prime downtown locations or within national parks. These include larger hotel chains are for example: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westmark Hotels, Princess Hotels and Lodges, Clarion Suites, Comfort Inn & Suite. The larger hotel chains are only available in Anchorage and Fairbanks. In case of non-availability of a larger hotel chain, we prefer to book locally owned Premium Hotels / Deluxe Cabins or Cottage for our clients. Please note that First class accommodation may not be available in small locations and in such cases we will then book the best available accommodation.

Comfort Hotel Category (*** Hotels, Motels & Lodges)

Comfort Hotels offer a good amount of essential guest services and are located in downtown locations and/or in/near national park areas. All Comfort Hotel Rooms are provided with private bathroom facilities. Example larger hotel chains for Comfort Hotel Category are: Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Guesthouse Inn, Ramada Inn, High Country Inn. As you might be aware, that these hotel chains are not available throughout Alaska. In such cases or/and when we feel that Alaskan owned hotels & lodges offer a better experience, we go with that choice. Cabins and Cottages also considered in this category to make your experience even more ‘Alaskan’. We ensure that all the Cabins & Cottages have a private bath to make your stay comfortable.

Rental Car

We have compiled a list of car rental categories that fit Alaska trips and are suitable for various budgets, trip durations, as well as group sizes. Please ask us for the category that best fits your requirements.

Mid Size Car (included - part of the tour package / additional day $150)

Generally, midsize cars measure between 180 to 195 inches in length but can vary depending on specific models. Mid-size cars, also commonly known as intermediate or standard cars, are four-door sedans that are more spacious than compact cars while still being fuel-efficient. They can fit 3 or sometimes 4 bags depending on the model. They feature more interior space compared to compact cars and offer comfortable seating for four to five passengers.

Sample Models: Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Prius Hybrid or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 1 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-Conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Full Size Car (upgrade $8 per day / additional day $160)

Full Size cars are what many people would describe as large cars. A full-size car typically refers to a vehicle that offers more extensive interior space, comfort, and power compared to smaller vehicles such as compact or midsize cars. These cars usually have larger dimensions, including length, width, and height. They commonly feature roomy interiors with ample seating for five or more passengers along with expanded trunk capacity for luggage or cargo. Historically, full-size cars were synonymous with large sedans boasting V8 engines and body-on-frame construction. While this has changed over time due to evolving industry trends and technological advancements, what remains consistent is the emphasis on spaciousness, comfort, and performance these vehicles provide.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Kia Elantra, Buick LaCrosse or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 2 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission - Adjustable Steering - Cruise Control

Standard Size SUV (upgrade $55 per day / additional day $210)

SUVs (short for sport or suburban utility vehicles) are good-sized vehicles with a rugged look, set higher off the road than normal cars. In an SUV, the description of “standard” generally refers to the size of the SUV. The standard SUV is larger than the intermediate or compact versions. These full-size models are more powerful, like a truck, and they are usually more equipped to handle a wider variety of terrains and road conditions as well. In addition to being powerful, their size also means that they typically have more seating capacity than the smaller SUVs. They can seat more passengers and have more cargo space for transporting luggage and equipment.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Sorento, Mazda Cx-9, Toyota 4 Runner or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Premium SUV (upgrade $170 per day / additional day $325)

A favorite of weekend warriors and full-time adventurers, this sturdy SUV rental boasts versatile interior and strong performance. A premium SUV is a high-quality, extra-large sport utility vehicle made to seat 7 or 8 passengers in three rows of seating. They also have powerhouse engines and room for plenty of cargo. The result is a smooth and spacious ride. Premium SUVs are suitable for different types of terrain and great for all types of travelers and occasions. Book from this vehicle group to enjoy a safe, strong, family-friendly SUV with extra space and premium features. The following models included in the premium SUV vehicle group will make you happy to hit the road.

Sample Models: Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Mini Van (upgrade $90 per day / additional day $250)

This roomy mini van is your ticket to family adventures and travel memories on your next rental. More spacious than a full-size car, and with better gas mileage than an SUV, a minivan is a 7-passenger van that provides unbeatable comfort and convenience. By providing leg and luggage room, configurable seating and storage layouts, easy in-and-out, competitive fuel efficiency, and high-performance drive—all without sacrificing style—minivans accommodate every kind of group outing, from lengthy family vacations to quick business trips. Did somebody say “road trip”?

Sample Models: Toyota Sienna, KIA Sedona or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 7 Passengers- Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

11 Passenger Van (upgrade $250 per day / additional day $400)

Choose a 11-person passenger van so that no one gets left behind on your road trip or vacation. Instead of trying to coordinate a car pool; save time, resources, and gas money by putting everyone together in one clean and comfortable van. You'll find each passenger has much more leg room.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Express, Fort Transit or similar

Sample Features: 3 Doors –10 to 11 Passengers- 6 Large Suitcases - Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Information

Customizing Tours

All of our tours are flexible and you can add, modify or exchange nights in destinations to suit your timetable and preferred routing. Thus, sometimes it will be necessary to observe ferry schedules, national park opening/closing dates etc. to match certain dates and/or departures. Please check also each itinerary online.

Included Services

Please refer to the appropriate tour page for a listing of included services. Our service generally includes the rental car, accommodation, applicable local taxes, ferry trips as scheduled, sightseeing as per itinerary, a detailed tour description, highway or road logs. Not included are: Meals, tunnel tolls, gasoline, entrance fees, additional sightseeing tours. The rental of a compact car (automatic) is always included in our flexible self drive tour packages. Additional rental days or upgrade to a Mid and Full Size Car, Mini Van or Sport Utility Vehicles (4x4) are available. The displayed upgrade rental rates are always per car (not per person) - and of course for the total length of the tour package. Our advertised rates include all local taxes, licensing fee, airport fee, road tax and unlimited mileage. Rental Car insurance is not included as most US guests can use their own private insurance. A valid driver license and a valid major credit card are mandatory for all individual vehicle rentals and/or tour packages including vehicle rentals. Driving on gravel roads/highways is at own risk. The rental car insurance is void on the following highways Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and all other gravel roads. You will be responsible for any damages. Drivers have to be more than 25 years of age. Contact us if you are below 25 years of age.

Advance Reservation

If you travel during the high season from the middle/end of June until the end of August we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointments with sold out situations in highly frequented national parks and gateways - because the northern tour season is very short. The same applies in/around national holidays. Any hotel accommodation, rentals cars and ferry space must be definitely booked well in advance. Thus, tour operator such as our company may still have space on a short notice. Accordingly it is well worth to contact us.

Travel Month

The last two weeks of May, June and September are perfect months for a vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is usually stable and sunny with almost 24 hours of daylight. July and August are prime travel months and are obviously very busy.

Emergency Assistance

You can contact us in case of an emergency. We have a dedicated 24/7 helpline available for our guests.

Available Room Occupancy / Bed Configuration

Single: A room assigned to one person. Room with one bed (double, queen, king size)

Double: A room assigned to two people. Room with two double/queen beds or a king size bed.

Triple: A room assigned to three people. Room with two double/queen beds

Quad: A room assigned to four people. Room with two double/queen beds The maximum occupancy per room is four. Please request if you require a roll-a-way bed.

We can arrange our self drive tours including 2 rooms and 1 rental car if your group is larger than 4.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Option

We can substitute the overnight in a hotel with the overnight in a Bed and Breakfast. In this case breakfast is included. The rate of the first class / comfort hotel class will remain the same. We can only exchange some of the hotels since B&B’s are not available in all locations.

Northern Lights Observation

Because of the long daylight hours it is uncommon to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) displays from mid May until mid August. The Aurora occurs mainly during the fall / winter months from September – April. Please refer also to our winter touring program.

VISA / Identification

The Visa/entry requirements do change frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information however you will definitely need your passport to cross the US/Canadian Border. Please ask us if your self drive tour enters Canada.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover: cancellation fees associated with an outing as well as airfare or other nonrefundable expense in the event you need to cancel a trip; medical expenses incurred on a trip; and the cost of a possible medical evacuation from a trip, canceled flights due to weather. We have made arrangements with our trusted travel insurance provider for you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Please contact us for details

Cynthia, GA: How beautiful Juneau and the surrounding area is ! So many highlights, it is hard to describe - the floatplane flight to Admiralty island and seeing brown bears immediately upon landing. It is also a great place to watch the eagles as they also feast on the spawning salmon. Another great tour was the Tracy Arm cruise. I have never seen so many glaciers before. I can't find enough words to describe it.

Road Trips

Road Trips A - H

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Skagway

From Haines

Road Trips J - W

From Juneau

From Whitehorse

From Whittier

Railroad Tours

Alaska Railroad All

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Seward

From Whittier

Rail Combo Tours

Railroad & Self Drive Combo

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Haines

From Juneau

Rail Combo Tours S-W

From Skagway

From Seward

From Whittier

Railroad & Motorcoach Combo Tours

From Anchorage

From Fairbanks

From Seward

From Whittier

Speciality Tours

Speciality Tours List One

Escorted Group Tours

Culture & Heritage Tours

Speciality Tours List Two

Bear Viewing Lodges

National Park Lodges

Activities

Activities A - G

Activities G - K

Activities S - W

Winter

Winter Tours

Northern Lights Tours

Northern Lights Railroad Tours

Iditarod Tours

Winter Self Drive Tours

Winter Activities

SDJU01 Juneau – Bears, Whales & Glaciers

SDJU01 Juneau – Bears, Whales & Glaciers

Itinerary

Prices & Dates

Attractions & Add-ons

Accommodation

Rental Car

Map

Information

Reviews

Juneau ( Overnight: Juneau )

Juneau ( Overnight: Juneau )

Juneau ( Overnight: Juneau )

Juneau – Flight to Gustavus ( Overnight: Glacier Bay Lodge )

Gustavus – Flight to Juneau

Rates in US $ / per Person

What’s included

Tour Departures

Gustavus: Whale Watching Cruise