Excursion Taku glacier via helicopter and airboat tour at Juneau

Explore the heart of the Alaskan wilderness from three unique perspectives during this panoramic, sightseeing excursion.

The adventure begins with a van shuttle from your cruise ship dock, or other pick-up location, to our seaside base on Douglas Island. You will be outfitted with glacier overboots and a floatation device before receiving a pre-flight safety briefing and loading into one of our A-star helicopters. Your pilot will choose one of many scenic routes to fly you to Taku Point, providing stunning views of the Tongass National Forest and Juneau Icefield along the way.

Take Point, Airboat Ride, Taku River and Glacier

Upon arrival at Taku Point, you are greeted by the staff and provided with flotation jackets, hearing protection and an airboat safety briefing. This is an ideal location to capture photos of the incredible glacier landscape across the river. The captain assists you with embarking the airboat, which is covered for your comfort and protection from the elements, whilst the sides remain open for the best possible views and photo opportunities. During your approximately one-hour airboat adventure along the Taku River, marvel at up-close views of the Taku Glacier whilst cruising the five-mile (about 8 Km) terminus of the glacier.

Taku Glacier, Taku Point, Helicopter-Ride, Glacier Walk

While gazing from the river, the immense size of this glacier becomes evident as you zoom by, within arm's reach of the ice. En route, learn about the glacier and river basin it has carved over the years, and stop for photos in various locations. Once back at Taku Point, leave the airboat and re-board the helicopter for a flight to the apex of the Taku Glacier. Upon arrival, step off the helicopter for a brief glacier landing on the amazing, approximately 4,500-foot-thick (about 1,371-metre-thick) ice. This vantage point offers splendid panoramic views and photo opportunities in all directions whilst your pilot shares details about the ice field, and facts specific to the Taku Glacier. Following your visit, re-board the helicopter for the flight back to the base, then re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Juneau, Mendenhall Valley, Helicopter and Airboat Tours, Taku River and Glacier, Tongass National Forest, Juneau Ice Field, Gastineau Channel, Glacier Walk

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 meters), at times over slippery surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to board/de-board the helicopter. Guests must negotiate 2 flights of stairs to embark/disembark the airboat and get back to the helicopter. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to airsickness, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Total amount of time spent on the glacier after the helicopter landing is approximately 10 minutes. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with a hat, gloves, scarf and flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket and bottled water from the ship; rain pants, over-shoe boots and ear protection are provided. Bags and backpacks are not allowed in the helicopter and can be stored at the helicopter base. Use of IPads, selfie sticks or handheld GoPro mounts and drones are not permitted. Guests must be at least seven years old to participate on this tour. A surcharge fee of 150 USD is assessed to guests weighing 250 pounds (about 113 kilograms) or more. Guests must be at least 7 years old in order to participate. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.