Alaska Whales & Science Adventure

Alaska Whales & Science Adventure

• Board your transportation and travel approximately 30 minutes through town and by the Mendenhall Wetlands to the glacier trailhead.
• Enjoy an approximate 1-hour walk at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area on a permitted trail. Note: This leisurely walk is approximately 0.5 miles, most of which is on a paved path.
• Next, travel in a custom built safari vessel offering an eye-to-eye view with wildlife. These are the only vessels in Juneau with large opening panel windows, a covered cabin protecting you from the wind and rain, perimeter seating and open decks to give you that safari-like experience with Alaska's most notable marine mammals.
• Spend approximately 2.5 hours on the waters of the Stephens Passage viewing the likes of whales, seals, sea lions, porpoise, eagles and sea birds, all in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy a snack and be on the lookout for the invasive European Green Crab. Each trip will pull a research trap to see what animals can be found on the ocean floor. Record the species and quantity while getting a chance to touch some of Alaska's more unique sea dwellers. Any invasive species found will be sent for further study by Alaska's Marine Advisory Program.
• Make a difference by contributing to and participating in hands on research benefiting the following nonprofit organizations: Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, Project Budburst, University of Alaska and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Activities include: Looking at how changes in climate can affect the annual growth stages of plants (this baseline data is gathered at the Mendenhall Glacier), phytoplankton sampling and microscopic observation and species identification, water temperature and salinity readings, and whale and other marine mammal observations and identification.
• Learn from a qualified Citizen Science Guide & Intern team that accompanies you from the start of the tour to its conclusion. At that time, receive further information to keep you up to date with current research findings, links to supporting non-profit partners and participant field notes. Each child may enter the 2011 Citizen Science Essay Contest.

• Whales are sighted every trip, but the operator offers a $100 cash refund at the end of the tour if whales are not sighted.
• Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
• Guests should dress warmly and in layers.
• All equipment is provided, including rain ponchos and binoculars on the boat.
• Bottled water and a snack pack that includes chocolate, assorted nuts, fruit leather and a granola bar are provided.
• Guests are encouraged to bring currency and credit cards to purchase extras such as souvenirs or snacks.
• Due to the extremely limited availability of this shore excursion, Guests are encouraged to book early.
• You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.