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 Adventure Tour

4.8

266 reviews

Excursion Overview

Breathtaking whale watching adventure!

For an amazing experience and the chance to have an excursion you'll never forget, come aboard for this Juneau whale watching adventure including our 100% guarantee you will see whales!

Our captains and naturalists will take you in search of humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears, and deer, making for the ultimate Southeast Alaska wildlife viewing. Your Juneau whale watching journey will take you through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel.

This Juneau whale watching tour leaves downtown and drives through the beautiful Mendenhall Valley on the way out to scenic Auke Bay. At Auke Bay, all passengers will board one of our specially designed boats for Southeast Alaska wildlife viewing. Large windows inside a heated cabin provide for a comfortable and exceptional viewing experience. Two outdoor decks provide for up-close viewing capabilities of some of Alaska's most incredible creatures. Our experienced guides and naturalists take you on a whale watching adventure of a lifetime throughout the majestic glacier-carved waters of Southeast Alaska.

The highlight of this tour is seeing the humpback whales that have traveled to Alaska for feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska's capital city. Once a whale is spotted, our captain will slow down and allow the passengers outside on the front and back viewing decks for excellent picture opportunities and an up-close experience.

This is a day you will never forget! Included in this tour are complimentary snacks and beverages. Don't forget to bring a warm and rainproof jacket to spend some time on one of the outdoor viewing decks!

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 onboard the boat

Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 3-3.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

1.5 hours - roundtrip transportation between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay
2 hours - whale watching onboard a boat

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

There are 2 different sizes of boats used, with a maximum capacity of either 38 or 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.

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!

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

Ashley H

On Jul 2024

This tour was really fun! It was rainy, but we learned that whales actually love rainy weather! We still saw several whales including a baby calf and its momma who were feeding on their own in separate areas...it was so cool to see the baby was already learning so quickly how to hunt/feed on its own! Nature is incredible! Benjamin was an amazing tour guide and bus driver during the bus ride, and Taylor was an excellent tour guide during the boat ride. They both were so knowledgeable about the whales, other wildlife, and the entire Juneau area/community. Both Taylor and Benjamin answered everyone's questions during the entire tour--no question was too big or small for them. Thank you for the snacks during the boat ride--that was a nice little treat! Make sure to take water, waterproof raincoats/shoes, and good binoculars on this tour! We highly recommend this tour!

Caryn E

On Jul 2024

Fabulous time! Crew and guides were very informative. Very respectful of the whales and the surrounding beauty. Boat was safe and clean.

Norma M

On Jul 2024

Awesome trip ...saw 9 whales !!! The guide was great and very knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time ....well worth the price 😊

Michael Y

On Jul 2024

Wow! What an experience! The whales showed out for us. We loved hearing from the naturalists and learning about the whales we were seeing. This was our favorite excursion!

Patrice B

On Jul 2024

Friendly and knowledgable staff including the driver on the ride to the marina. I was aprehensive about booking tours outside of our cruise, but it was a 5 star experience.

$169.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$169.00

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Select Date & Time *

Number of Passengers *

Adult: $169.00

Child (2-12): $149.00

Infant (Free under 2): $0.00

Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour

Excursion Overview

Breathtaking whale watching adventure!

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