What are the best whale watching tours in Juneau?

The best Juneau whale watching tours are: Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour Juneau Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo Juneau Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Private Charter

When is the best time to go whale watching in Juneau?

Whale watching in Juneau is probably the best in the world, but the best time to go whale watching in Juneau is June through August. In Late July and August, whales begin Bubble Net Feeding and you can see 10-12 whales jumping out of the water at once.

Am I guaranteed to see whales?

Yes, on our Juneau whale watching tour you are guaranteed to see whales or your money back. Our guides know the best places to find the majestic whales that visit Juneau in the summer.

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

4.8

870 reviews

Excursion Overview

Want to get out onto the open Alaskan waters?

Our captains and naturalists will take you in search of humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoises and so much more! A multi-year award winner as one of the best excursions in North America, your Juneau whale watching journey will take you through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel, all popular spots for spotting some of Southeast Alaska's finest wildlife. Take a guided bus ride from downtown Juneau out to Auke Bay, where you will board one of our specially designed boats with large windows, heated cabins, and outdoor decks.

Come aboard for up-close viewing of Alaska's most incredible creatures, while listening to a naturalist and experienced guide. There is a 100% guarantee or your money back to see the majestic humpback whales that travel to Alaska for feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Once a whale is spotted, our captain will slow down and passengers are allowed out on the decks for a truly unique and up-close experience. With plenty of time out on the water, you're sure to see an array of spouts, tails, breaches, and more from these magnificent whales!

Coupled with this tour is a stop at the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier!

Take in the massive and mighty glacier, an explosive river of ice with rugged crevasses and vibrant blue color. At the glacier visitor center, you will have approximately 45 minutes to explore the walking paths and the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center. Make sure you have your camera ready to snap photos of the famous Black Bears feeding on Wild Alaskan Salmon as you walk along raised trails over salmon spawning streams. It's truly a wild experience! This tour operation is under permit with the Tongass National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.

Important for 2025

Due to staff reductions at the National Forest Service, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center will be open Sunday - Friday from 10am - 5pm, and closed on Saturdays. This ONLY impacts the visitors center building which contains indoor exhibits and displays. If your tour occurs outside of these hours, you will still have freedom to explore the trails, viewpoints and nature near Mendenhall Glacier, but the visitors center will be closed. (updated 4/29/25)

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
100% Guaranteed whale sightings or a full refund for the whale watching portion of your tour
Beverages and light snacks
Restrooms available while onboard the boat
Admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center

Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 4.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

30 minutes - transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
45 minutes - open exploration at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
30 minutes - transportation to Auke Bay for whale watching
2 hours - whale watching onboard a boat
30 minutes - transportation back to the cruise ship terminal

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets in the back 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 limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 4 steps into and out of the bus. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. There is no storage available for motorized scooters. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

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

The boats hold 49 guests. Compare this with the boats used by the cruise lines which hold up to 150 guests at once!

Every boat has open seating as well as outside viewing areas when permitted.

You will enjoy the view of Mendenhall Glacier from a distance as you stand on the shore of Mendenhall Lake. The face of Mendenhall Glacier is 1.5 miles from the Visitors Center Viewpoint. You can get a slightly closer view from Nugget Falls. You can get to the falls by the .75 miles from Nugett Falls trail. From Nugget Falls you will be 1 mile from the face of Mendenhall Glacier.

If you are interested in an excursion that allows you to get closer to Mendenhall Glacier, please consider one of our other glacier hiking tours.

The interior of the boat is heated when needed due to weather conditions to keep a comfortable environment.

Yes, the boat has a restroom.

Yes, the indoor restrooms will be open Sunday - Friday from 10am - 5pm, and will be closed on Saturdays. Portable restrooms will be available at all times.

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.

Sightings are guaranteed or you'll receive a full refund for the whale watching portion of your tour.

Air temperature can drop as much as 20F with the wind chill factor when viewing whales outside.

The maximum capacity for this tour is 51 guests.

There is open seating on the tour bus, however if you require a certain seat due to physical impairment then please inform your tour guide.

No, unless you can walk 2 miles within 45 minutes. Nugget Falls is located about 1 mile from the Visitor Center and can be seen from the parking lot and various walking trails and view points around the Visitor Center building.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. Bears are often seen near the glacier during the late summer salmon spawning season, however this is not a designated bear watching tour and nothing can be guaranteed!

Walking on or getting up close to the glacier is not possible during this tour.

Yes, admission is included.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable containters and snacks are allowed on tour.

Beverages, bottled water and a light snack (granola bar) are included.

Guest Reviews

4.8

870 total

Dave & Karen C

On May 2025

OMG Fabulous day. From collection at the dock to our drop off. The driver and Captain Michelle and crew were so informative. The top thing on my bucket list ticked off. Yes maybe the feeding whales were just chilling and snacking on the surface but majestic nevertheless.

Alix M

On May 2025

Very exciting to see both Mendenhall Glacier and go whale watching. We even saw orcas, which I hear is not common. Our driver and boat staff were friendly and professional. It was nice to see them get excited about the whales too.

Amy B

On May 2025

This was a great tour! We saw orcas and humpbacks!!

Daniel T

On May 2025

Excellent experience enhanced by excellent people.

Karen A

On May 2025

Well organised trip. We had about an hour at the Mendenhall Glacier before being taken onto the Whale watching boat trip. We were very fortunate to see a number of whales and couple breaching which was an incredible site. I found booking through Alaska Shore Excursions very good. They quickly responded to my queries on booking and the online notifications/tickets clearly indicated where to meet up for the tours. They also took note of the cruise ship details so I had confidence booking the trip direct and not via the cruise ship excursions offered. I would definitely recommend this company.

$239.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$239.00

Duration: 4.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4.5 hours

Select Date & Time *

Number of Passengers *

Adult (12+): $239.00

Child (2-11): $199.00

Infant (Under 2): $0.00

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Excursion Overview

Want to get out onto the open Alaskan waters?

Coupled with this tour is a stop at the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier!

Important for 2025