Best Alaska Whale Watching Tours

Each spring, humpback whales make their annual migration to Alaska to raise their young and spend the summer gorging on herring, mackrel, and krill. The icy waters surrounding Southeast Alaska provide some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world, where each day we see whale spouts, tails, and occasional breaches. With so many whale watching options available, we’ve made this quick guide of our top whale watches based on 100s of customer reviews.

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendehall Glacier Tour

Port: Juneau
Duration: 4.5 hours
Highlights: Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center, experienced and knowledgeable naturalist, custom-built boat to ensure a smooth ride and maximum visibility, Guaranteed whale sightings (if a whale is not seen during your tour, your excursion will be refunded)

Why We Recommend It:

Selected as one of the best excursions in North America based on real customer feedback, the Juneau Whale Watching & Mendehall Glacier Tour combines the two most popular activities in Juneau: glacier views and whale watching. The day starts with a 45-minute stop at the Mendnehall Visitors Center, followed by two hours aboard a custom-built whale watching vessel, designed for comfort and visibility. Guests describe the on-board crew as knowledgeable, professional, and personable. If whales are your primary focus, consider the  Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour—the same fantastic whale watch, minus a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier.

Icy Strait Premier Whale Watching Adventure

Port: Icy Strait

Duration: 3 hours

Highlights: Guaranteed whale sightings

Why We Recommend It:

This unique whale watch includes all that you would expect from a whale watching experience: a comfortable and spacious boat, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and waters filled with whales. As you cruise along, be sure to keep an eye on the shore where sea lions, eagles, and bears can be seen. Guests praise the Hoonah-based crew, some of whom are Alaskan Natives, who share their personal stories of living in a small, remote community. This tour is truly a fantastic way to connect with the environment and people who make Alaska special.

 Sitka Whale Watching & Marine Adventure

Port: Sitka

Duration: 2 hours

Highlights: Small group experience

Why We Recommend It:

This small-group tour accommodates no more than 6 guests on a 30-foot boat. Your experienced and knowledgeable captain will take you to the local feeding spots where whales are frequently spotted. Reviewers especially appreciate the variety of wildlife spotted and the personalized small group experience.

 Seward Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour

Port: Seward

Highlights: Glaciers, Box Lunch, Multiple Viewing Decks

Why We Recommend It:

If you were to pick just one activity to do during a visit to Seward,  the Seward Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour is our top recommendation. This 6-hour cruise includes fantastic whale watching, views of tidewater glaciers, and wildlife viewing. It includes a deli lunch and the use of onboard binoculars. For some, this is the best day of their Alaska vacation, thanks to the array of wildlife, stunning glaciers, breathtaking scenery, and a caring, knowledgeable crew.

 Juneau Whale Watching Tour & Salmon Bake Combo

Port: Juneau

Duration: 5 hours

Highlights: Guaranteed whale sightings, all you can eat salmon feast, on board hydrophone

Why We Recommend It:

This convenient combination tour includes nearly 2 hours of whale-watching followed by a filling salmon barbecue in a peaceful forest setting. The whale watching boat is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing you to listen to the whales communicate. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, dall porpoises, and eagles as you return to the harbor. Next, you’ll enjoy an all-you-can-eat salmon barbecue at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. At this beautiful forest location, you can listen to live music, try your hand at gold panning, or just take in the beauty of your surroundings.

FAQ

How close will we get to the whales?

Humpback whales and other sea animals are protected species, and a safe distance of at least 100 yards must be maintained at all times according to NOAA regulations. Our Whale Watching tours follow the Whale SENSE guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. Our whale-watching crews are committed to both responsible ocean stewardship and providing a fun and educational experience for visitors.

When is the best time of day to go whale watching?

Any time of day! Whales spend their days feeding and are active during daylight hours. There is little to no difference, as far as the whales are concerned, between a morning tour and a later in the day tour.

Should I be concerned about sea sickness on this excursion?

Few guests experience sea sickness on whale watches. The boats used for most whale-watching tours are specially engineered to ensure a smooth, comfortable experience. This is especially true for boats carrying 16 to 48 passengers. Tours in Juneau and Icy Strait take place in protected waters, and guests often find the ride to be more comfortable than open-ocean boat tours. That said, if you are concerned about seasickness, we suggest planning ahead with your usual motion sickness precautions.