Juneau Floatplane Tours — Glacier Views & Remote Alaska

A floatplane tour in Juneau offers one of the most quintessential Alaskan experiences: soaring over a vast, seemingly endless icefield dotted with deep blue crevasses and jagged mountain peaks. It’s an accessible and slightly more affordable alternative to a helicopter tour, providing a breathtaking aerial perspective of landscapes that are otherwise completely unreachable.

What to Expect

Your adventure typically begins with a shuttle pickup directly from the cruise ship docks. You’ll be taken to the historic Juneau waterfront seaplane base, where you’ll check in, get a weight check for aircraft balance, and receive a safety briefing.

You’ll then be escorted to your aircraft, usually a classic De Havilland Beaver or the larger Otter, both of which are icons of the Alaskan bush. Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat and provided with a headset for continuous narration from the pilot, who will point out key features and share stories about the region.

The takeoff itself is a highlight—a thrilling run across the water of the Gastineau Channel before lifting into the air. Within minutes, the city disappears, replaced by the immense wilderness of the Tongass National Forest. The typical flight path takes you over the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield, home to 36 distinct glaciers. Most tours feature sweeping views of five major glaciers, including the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East and West Twin, and the mighty Taku Glacier—the only glacier on the icefield that is still advancing.

You’ll spend approximately 40 to 60 minutes in the air, circling over azure meltwater pools and plunging icefalls before making your return flight. The tour concludes with a gentle landing back on the water and a shuttle ride back to your ship. Some operators also offer extended tours that include a landing on a remote lake or a visit to the historic Taku Glacier Lodge for a salmon feast.

Who This Is For

This excursion is ideal for anyone seeking jaw-dropping scenery without strenuous physical activity. It’s perfect for:

• First-time visitors to Alaska who want to grasp the immense scale of the state’s glaciers.
• Photography enthusiasts looking for unparalleled aerial shots of the icefield.
• Families and multigenerational groups, as the tour is low-impact and accessible to nearly all ages and mobility levels.
• Travelers on a tighter budget who want a glacier flightseeing experience. Floatplane tours are often $100-$200 cheaper per person than helicopter tours that land on the ice.

The key difference between a floatplane and a helicopter tour is the landing; helicopters land directly on the glacier, while floatplanes provide a more expansive aerial tour of a wider area. If your priority is seeing as much of the icefield as possible from above, a floatplane is an excellent choice.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

For Juneau floatplane tours, you can find competitive pricing both through your cruise line and by booking directly with local operators. Booking independently can often save you between $50 and $80 per person.

The primary advantage of a ship-booked excursion is the “back-to-ship” guarantee. If your tour is delayed for any reason, the ship will wait for you. Reputable independent operators like Wings Airways have their own back-on-time guarantees and are highly experienced with cruise ship schedules, with their docks often located just steps from the main cruise terminals.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your comfort level. If you prefer the peace of mind offered by the cruise line, the ship’s tour is a solid choice. If you are comfortable managing your own time and want to potentially save some money, booking direct is a great option.

What to Bring

• Layers: Dress in layers (e.g., a t-shirt, fleece, and a light waterproof jacket). The aircraft is heated, but weather conditions can change quickly.
• Comfortable Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking on the docks and boarding the plane.
• Sunglasses: Glare off the ice and snow can be intense, even on overcast days.
• Camera: A camera with a polarizing filter can help reduce glare for better photos. Make sure your battery is fully charged.
• Binoculars: While not essential, a small pair of binoculars can be nice for spotting wildlife on the mountainsides.

How to Book

It is highly recommended to book your floatplane tour several months in advance, as seats are limited and these excursions are extremely popular.

Several well-regarded companies operate flightseeing tours from the Juneau waterfront:

• Wings Airways: Specializes in their “5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration” and the “Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Discovery.” They operate DeHavilland Otter aircraft.
• Ward Air: A long-standing local charter company that offers custom flightseeing tours over the icefield and Glacier Bay in a variety of aircraft, including Beavers and Otters.
• Alaska Seaplanes: Primarily a scheduled commuter airline, they also offer flightseeing tours, including bear viewing and glacier exploration trips.

While Taquan Air is a major floatplane operator in Southeast Alaska, their primary flightseeing operations are based in Ketchikan, not Juneau. Always verify the operator’s Juneau presence and tour availability for your specific travel dates.