JUNEAU AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Blue-ice Landings Above the Tongass: A Helicopter Landing on a Juneau Glacier
A 2-hour, 15-minute helicopter flightseeing tour from Juneau that soars over the Tongass National Rainforest and Juneau Icefield, lands on a glacier for a guided 30-minute exploration, and returns passengers to the heliport.
Blue-ice Landings Above the Tongass: A Helicopter Landing on a Juneau Glacier.
From a private heliport near downtown Juneau, this short but extraordinary flight climbs out over emerald old-growth of the Tongass and into the white expanse of the Juneau Icefield. Pilots choose a scenic route to set down on a nearby glacier, where visitors step onto crevassed blue ice, drink from clear glacial pools, and take a guided 30-minute walk across the surface before a calm return flight and van transfer back to town.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tongass Rainforest to the Juneau Icefield
The tour threads the transition from dense, moss-draped old-growth of the Tongass to the stark whites and blues of the Icefield, delivering sweeping aerial perspectives that frame peaks, ice flows, and the glacier you will land upon.
Glacier Landing and Guided Surface Walk
After a safety briefing and outfitting, the helicopter touches down on a selected glacier and your pilot leads a roughly 30-minute exploration across rolling, pristine ice where deep blue crevasses and azure melt pools make for memorable photo opportunities.
Sip Pure Glacial Water
On the glacier you can taste the landscape: pilots guide guests to clear, cold pools and encourage sampling of fresh glacial water sourced directly from the icefield.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The outing begins with a short drive to a Douglas Island heliport, where staff outfit you with glacier overboots, wind- and rain-protective pants, and a flotation device, then run through a clear safety briefing. A quick lift in an A-Star helicopter leads out over the rainforest and into high alpine ice; guests disembark onto a chosen glacier for a guided 30-minute walk, then board for a scenic return and a van transfer back to the pick-up point.
THE LANDSCAPE
Tongass Rainforest to the Juneau Icefield
The tour threads the transition from dense, moss-draped old-growth of the Tongass to the stark whites and blues of the Icefield, delivering sweeping aerial perspectives that frame peaks, ice flows, and the glacier you will land upon.
THE EXPERIENCE
Glacier Landing and Guided Surface Walk
After a safety briefing and outfitting, the helicopter touches down on a selected glacier and your pilot leads a roughly 30-minute exploration across rolling, pristine ice where deep blue crevasses and azure melt pools make for memorable photo opportunities.
THE MOMENT
Sip Pure Glacial Water
On the glacier you can taste the landscape: pilots guide guests to clear, cold pools and encourage sampling of fresh glacial water sourced directly from the icefield.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The operator outfits guests with glacier overboots, wind- and rain-protective pants, and a flotation device as part of the excursion.
Bring comfortable, warm base layers and sturdy shoes for stepping into provided overboots; the operator supplies protective outerwear for the glacier surface.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The full excursion lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 7 years old to join this tour.
Do I need previous helicopter or glacier experience?
No experience is necessary; the tour is designed for most ages and physical abilities with a light activity level.
Are there restrictions on what I can bring or use on the glacier?
For safety, selfie sticks, iPads, and drones are not permitted on the tour.
If I'm arriving or departing on a cruise ship, how should I time the tour?
Book your tour at least one hour after your ship's arrival and ensure the tour concludes no less than 45 minutes before your ship's departure; if your ship’s port time changes after booking, contact the operator.
What gear will I be given on the day of the tour?
Staff provide glacier overboots, wind/rain protective pants, and a flotation device during outfitting prior to boarding.