The Highlights of Juneau

Majestic. Breathtaking. Awe-inspiring. These are the first words that spring to mind when I think of Alaska. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience two Alaskan cruises, and each time, I was utterly captivated by the scenery.

If there’s one excursion that truly showcased Alaska’s finest features, it was the Best of Juneau—a full day of exploration that included a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, a whale-watching cruise, and a delightful salmon bake.

This shore excursion was arranged directly through Dinogo, which allowed us to make the most of our time in the port of Juneau. I prefer booking through the cruise line because there’s no waiting involved, and you receive guarantees you don’t get when booking on your own, such as ensuring timely return to the ship!

Mendenhall Glacier

Our day began bright and early with a luxurious bus ride to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where we spent time exploring the facility and, of course, enjoying spectacular views of the iconic glacier.

It's difficult to convey just how breathtaking this glacier is; its sheer size is truly astounding, stretching approximately 12 miles in length. This ice field is a remnant from the Little Ice Age, which began over 3,000 years ago.

I believe it's nearly impossible to take a bad photo when you're surrounded by such breathtaking beauty.

“Whales Guaranteed” Wildlife Cruise

After spending a good amount of time at the glacier, we returned to the bus and headed to the marina to board a luxurious catamaran for our wildlife cruise. This particular excursion promised whale sightings, and it certainly delivered!

We set out to explore Stephen’s Passage, a feeding ground for Humpback whales. During the journey, an onboard naturalist highlighted various animals in their natural habitats. Can you spot the harbor seals?

The sea lions were much easier to spot—just lounging on a buoy!

At last, it was time for the whales—and they appeared in abundance! It was exhilarating to see these massive creatures in their natural environment. You really need to have your camera ready to capture a great shot, but it’s absolutely possible.

Experiencing these magnificent animals in action is exactly why you visit Alaska! It was undoubtedly a moment my family will cherish forever—truly remarkable.

Salmon Bake at Orca Point Lodge

Towards the end of our excursion, we enjoyed a salmon bake at Orca Point Lodge on Colt Island.

Once again, the scenery was enchanting, and the wild-caught salmon was exquisite—freshly grilled and served with vegetables, rice, and coleslaw. I was so hungry that I forgot to take a photo, but I assure you it was a delicious meal and a perfect way to conclude our day in Juneau.

We were returned to the ship on schedule, with some extra time for souvenir shopping. The Best of Juneau shore excursion was the perfect way to experience the highlights of Juneau given our limited time in port. I highly recommend it if you’re cruising to Alaska this season.