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

254 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!

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

Jeremy G

On Oct 2023

I recently experienced the Juneau whale watching tour, and it was absolutely amazing! The 100% guarantee to see whales did not disappoint. The tour took us through stunning routes, and the boat's design was perfect for wildlife viewing. We got to be about 100 yards away from the humpback whales, which was a dream come true. The presence of bald eagles added to the thrill. The guides were knowledgeable, and the complimentary snacks and beverages were a nice touch. This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Juneau. I'll cherish the memories of this day forever!

Traci M

On Sep 2023

This excursion was one of the highlights of our trip!!! The excursion operator called to verify that we were coming and that we knew where to go. The Naturalist was very knowledgeable and passionate about his job. We saw so many whales!!! I would definitely book this tour again.

John Y

On Sep 2023

Amazing!!!! Our crew was spectacular. Very knowledgeable and quick witted what a fun afternoon.

Jeffrey S

On Sep 2023

This was our most successful Whale Watching trip ever! Captain Mark with Kristen and Monica as our Naturists was fantastic. We spent a good while watching a Mother and Calf put on an amazing show for us. They also educated us on the habits of the Whales and surrounding wildlife. Even the bus driver gave us a good tour/lesson on the way from the Cruise Ship Terminal to the dock. Cannot recommend this excursion enough, even if you have taken other whale watching Trips in the past.

Guido D

On Sep 2023

Great boat, and great guys . Saw more than 20 whales and a spectacular display of a whale jumping out of the water, amazing. Thanks for a great day.

$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!