Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour

4.9
541 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 wildlife 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!

Most departures are scheduled to align with cruise ship arrival times, with options typically available in the morning and early afternoon. This tour is typically available from late April through early October. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
  • Beverages and light snacks
  • Restrooms available onboard the boat

Requirements:

  • There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: Approximately 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. If you have ADA needs or questions, please contact our customer service team for detailed accessibility information. Leave a comment during checkout if you’ll need accommodations for collapsible equipment on tour.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: Yes
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: Yes

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!

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.

Yes. We offer a 100% guarantee that you will spot a whale during our whale watching tours. If you do not see whales during your tour, you will 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.

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.

No, this tour is whale watching only. For a combined experience, please view our Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

541 total

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Christopher S On Oct 2026

We had a great time on October 5 on our excursion. We had cold and rainy weather but a great crew and they made sure we saw whales. We saw humpbacks and two orcas. A successful and enjoyable experience.

Michael T On Oct 2026

Can't recommend these folks enough! Delton, Ash and Sophie did a fantastic job. We were there the last week of September and there is technically no guarantee to see whales that late in the year, we saw a ton. We even got to see a mom and baby whale taking turns breaching the surface and splashing down. It was a great experience and we got a ton of awesome photos. The boat is very comfortable and there is plenty of room to go outside and view the whales from the deck.

Mary V On Oct 2026

Excellent crew!Was not disappointed! Saw numerous orcas and humpbacks Would highly recommend !

Tracy J On Oct 2026

I wasn't hopeful. It was wet, rainy, and the end of the season. The nicest captain and tour guides took on a trip where I saw orcas (I was told), and multiple whale fins and a few tails! Even bobbing along at the rear of the boat (recent injury kept me from going up higher) and I was surrounded by sitings. Best Tour Ever!!!

Shelby R On Oct 2026

Awesome! From the moment we left our ship to the moment we got back, Alaska Shore Excursions did a great job. Our bus driver, Lexi had the best jokes and made the ride to the whale watching boat go by super fast. Our boat crew, Ash and Claire were very knowledgeable and did a great job. Our boat Captain was dedicated to finding spots where we could see multiple different whales. Wonderful experience!

$149.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$149.00

Duration: 3.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3.5 hours



Adult (12+): $149.00

Child (2-11): $149.00

Infant (Under 2): $0.00