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Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

4.7
809 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! 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.

Cruising to Alaska in 2025? Complete our excursions inquiry form.

Click here to sign up to be notified about excursions for 2025. Once your requested tour becomes available, our team will notify you via email. All of our tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so completing our Excursion Inquiries Form gives you the best chance of booking all of your desired experiences for next year.  

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.

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

Yes, the boat has a restroom.

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

4.7

809 total

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Rtia B

On Jul 2024

Had an amazing time! The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. This was by far the best excursion from our vacation.

Barbara A

On Jul 2024

Great excursion. Saw baby whales playing and jumping. Saw numerous other whales close by. Got some great video and pics.

Jacqlyn B

On Jul 2024

Great trip! We saw whales constantly for over an hour! Crew was amazing and so cheerful.

Michael M

On Jul 2024

Mendenhall was underwhelming. Whale watch was successful but we wound up far from most of the whales. Other boats were far better positioned. Luck of draw perhaps. Awful lot of money for what we got.... Doubt I would do it again. While Alaska experience was same. Very expensive. If I were you I would with that you are pricing yourself out of a market. This was my 3rd trip to Alaska, over more than 10 years, so I have some basis for my comment.

Jutta D

On Jul 2024

Great combination of the local highlights

$239.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$239.00

Duration: 4.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4.5 hours



Adult (13+): $239.00

Child (2-12): $199.00

Infant (Free under 2): $0.00

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