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Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Exploration

5.0
16 reviews

Excursion Overview

Exploration of Juneau by air, boat, and land!

This is the adventure of a lifetime - a truly unique tour that combines a helicopter flight with stunning views, as well as an electrifying airboat ride that skims along the surface of the Taku River! From beginning to end, you will not be disappointed with all there is to see by land and by air.

Once you have been picked up from the dock, the drive through the beautiful Mendenhall Valley will end at the helicopter base. Here you will get a full safety briefing and be outfitted for your flight. Get ready for take-off and for some of the most spectacular views you will ever see! Your pilot will point out deep blue crevasses, and glaciers that cling to the sides of snow-capped mountains - known as hanging glaciers. As you come in for a landing on the shores of the Taku River, watch for the welcoming crew to wave you in!

Here you are in a remote country - truly untouched by most - so you'll be fully prepared in our full body 'mustang suits', designed to keep you warm and safe against any Alaskan element. Once you're ready to go, you will load into the airboat and take off! Airboats are unique in that they only need a few inches of water to operate, which means you can maneuver right up to the face of the glacier. You will even be able to reach out and touch the ice as you zip along!

Our local riverboat captains have a plethora of knowledge about Southeast Alaska, and the gorgeous area that surrounds you. The insight you will gain will be unparalleled as you tour the Taku River and the Watershed, as very few get the opportunity to visit this pristine place. You will hear and see so much of this majestic glacier that you won't be able to wait to land on it!

After returning to the river base, you'll say goodbye to the airboat captain and load back into your aircraft. It's a short flight over the water to land on the glacier itself. To capture the true ambiance of the nature that surrounds you, your pilot will shut down the helicopter. Revel in the raw beauty as you walk around and see crevasses up close, explore glacial pools, and take a sip of the purest water you'll ever taste. The experience of seeing the glacier by air, boat, and on foot is truly rare and awe-inspiring.

Your flight back to base is a wonderful time to reflect on the memories you've made and take in views of the great Alaskan wilderness one last time. Feel free to ask any additional questions on your drive back to your ship!

Reporting Accurate Weights

Please report proper weights of all guests (including the weight of clothes and boots). Inputting improper weights, or selecting the wrong passenger type can lead to cancellation without refund. Please be aware that every guest is individually weighed at the helicopter base.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Headset to enjoy the pilot's narration during the tour
  • Traction overboots
  • Rain suit & pants if needed

Requirements:

  • A minimum of 2 passengers is required
  • Minimum age: 7 years old
  • Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces
  • Guests must be able to ascend two stairs to the helicopter
  • Signed liability waiver
  • Persons weighing 250 lbs or more must pay an additional $150 surcharge for safety reasons. Please purchase the "250lbs+ Adult" ticket if this is the case. Child prices are the same as adult prices.

Duration: 3.5 hours (Includes round trip transportation)

  • 15~20 minutes - transfer in a van from the dock to the heliport on Douglas Island
  • 30~40 minutes - gearing up, restroom and safety briefing
  • 15 minutes - helicopter flightseeing tour to Taku Point
  • 5 minutes - land at Taku Point and load into an airboat
  • 1 hour - glacier viewing by airboat
  • 5~10 minutes - reboard helicopter and fly to the glacier landing site
  • 10~15 minutes - guided walk
  • 10 minutes - reboard helicopter and flight back to the heliport
  • 15 minutes - arrive at heliport, de-gear and visit the gift shop
  • 15~20 minutes - transfer in a van from the heliport to dock

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in front of the Goldbelt Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If your party is larger than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will take your group and land at the dog sled camp together.

There are two front seats and four rear seats; FAA safety guidelines require seating positions to be assigned based on weight and balance of all passengers for each helicopter.

The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour, however this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

The minimum age for this tour is 7 years old.

All bags must be stored at the helicopter base and are not allowed on tour. Due to safety protocol, we do not allow selfie sticks, iPads, or drones on this tour.

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base, no food or drink is provided while on tour.

Adult and child prices are the same for this tour.

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces.

Layered clothing, hats, gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

16 total

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NElia O

On Aug 2023

Most beautiful views and an amazing experience

Jeff M

On Jun 2023

One of the coolest things I have done in my life. The helicopter and Airboat captains were great. The weather conditions were perfect which I am sure makes all of the difference, but it was amazing. The airboat location is one of the coolest places I have ever seen. Two super cool waterfalls right where you land.

Abby M

On Sep 2022

The best part of my whole trip! The whole experience was amazing. The helicopter ride to the boat dock over the mountains and glacier, then landing on the dock with those amazing views. Then the airboat ride around the glacier was breathtaking, we got right up to the glacier, but also the scenery was incredible. Then we got back into the helicopter for another amazing scenic ride to the glacier. Walked around on it and rode back. The crew gave a great guided tour on both the boat and helicopter. I've already told my friends who are going on the same cruise to book this when they go. I tried to book it initially through the cruise line and it was sold out. I ended up booking directly and got tickets and saved 50$ When I booked two rides over the cruise line price. I highly recommend booking through them and not your cruise line.

Joyce C

On Aug 2022

This was the most exhilarating excursion I have ever taken! According to our airboat guide it was a rare time to see the beautiful blue ice that had just fallen off the glacier that morning! The helicopter ride was awesome! Got a bird's eye view of the glacier and then stopping and walking on the glacier ... life changing! Highly recommend this excursion!!

Denelle B

On Aug 2022

Hands down, by far, the best tour we ever did! Everyone, from our driver Doug to our boat captain Brian to our helicopter pilot Jake, was so friendly and informative. You can just tell that they all love what they do. If you only do one tour in the Juneau area or even on your whole Alaskan trip, this is it. Do not hesitate, you will not be disappointed. Way better than going to the glacier where the masses go! Imagine the beauty of flying and hovering over such a wonder. Words can not adequately describe the thrill and the beauty you will experience on this Taku Glacier Exploration!

$688.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$688.00

Duration: 3.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3.5 hours



Under 250 lbs

Passenger (Ages 7+): $688.00

Ages: 7+

250lbs+ Passenger: $838.00

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