Juneau Shore Tours
Whale Watching Tour
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View LargeThe images from this tour describe it better than we can! -
View LargeHumpbacks aren’t the only stars of this show – smaller orcas are visible from the viewing decks. -
View LargeThere is beauty in any direction you look as you head out towards the Inside Passage -
View LargeOften more playful than the larger humpbacks, smaller orcas put on a show for these guests -
View LargeGreat timing! Set your camera to take sequence shots to be sure to get that perfect one. -
View LargeWildlife is apparent in all directions during this 3-hour Juneau shore excursion. -
View Large‘Rochelle B.’ provides a stellar viewing deck and ample space indoors. Riding in style! -
View LargeBubble-feeding humpbacks draw the attention of marine birds who come to benefit from their efforts -
View LargeAuke Bay, about 25 minutes from downtown Juneau, is the launching point for this excursion -
View LargeOn the way out to the Inside Passage, the catamaran zips along -
View LargeWaving hello! Or goodbye? -
View LargeHumpbacks surface for air about every 15 minutes, providing plenty of opportunities for viewing -
View LargeOften working together in small pods, these guys can migrate up to 3,000 miles in one season! -
View LargeThanks to previous tour participants for sharing some of their spectacular photos! -
View LargeEvery once in a while, a lively humpback puts on a show -
View LargeA view inside the vessel. Comfortable seating with plenty of windows and, yes, it’s even heated! -
View LargeThere is beauty in any direction you look as you head out towards the Inside Passage -
View LargePhotographers will fill their cards on this Juneau shore excursion! -
View LargeThe boat awaits in Auke Bay – small restrooms are available on board as well as before departing -
View LargeTail-slapping excitement! -
View LargeThough regulations require we don’t approach the whales directly, the often come visit us after shutting off the engines -
View LargeDuring bubble-feeding, humpbacks work together creating bubbles to force their food to the surface -
View LargeThe larger 49-person catamaran provides ample space inside and out -
View LargeFeeding time! Much of the whales surface activity revolves around their feeding schedule -
View LargeWater-level jet boats put you at eye level with some of Alaska’s biggest creatures
What to expect and what not to expect with this Juneau shore excursion
With a convenient pick-up location within walking distance of the cruise ships, a 25-minute transfer over to Auke Bay takes you through downtown Juneau while your guide narrates the journey, providing a great introduction and orientation to Alaska's capital city. Load up on the customized whale watching vessel, and from there, it doesn't take long after leaving the bay to arrive to prime whale watching waters. Captain and crew help sight wildlife and provide insight into their feeding and behavioral patterns.
- 2 hours on the water, 3.5 hours total duration
- Fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities
- Guaranteed whale sightings!
- Naturalist guide onboard
For a more comprehensive experience, consider upgrading to the Whale Watching and Glacier Tour. This offering adds in a stop at Mendenhall Glacier after whale watching to get the 'best of Juneau' all in one tour.
The picturesque humpback is of course the iconic Alaskan whale, but other wildlife opportunities fill in the gaps. Sea lions, seals, bald eagles, porpoises and orcas are all part of this ecosystem and regularly make appearances on this tour. The customized vessel ensures plenty of viewing space and photo opportunities are plentiful! Connect with Alaska's wildlife and leave with a deep appreciation for the magnificent creatures of Alaska's waters!
Want more wildlife experiences? Check out the Widllife Sanctuary & Eagle Center Tour in Ketchikan, or the Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing Excursion in Skagway!
The Four Juneau Whale Watching Tours
Minimum Ages, Cancellations, Accessibility, Etc.
JUNEAU TOURS DETAILS:
- Restrictions: This is a family-friendly tour and all ages are welcome.
- Accessibility: This tour is rated 'Easy' in regards to activity level. There are a few steps to get in and out of the bus as well as a rugged dock a maximum of 300 yards to get to the boat. Please contact us in advance if you require assistance and we will do our best to accommodate!
- Cancellation Policy: In the event your cruise ship is late, delayed, or doesn't make it into port we will provide a refund. Changes or cancellations are allowed up to 14 days prior to the tour. Any cancellations made within 14 days of the tour departure are non-refundable.
- What to Wear: We recommend hoping for sunshine but preparing for rain for all of our tours. Drizzles are common in this area so we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket. We typically recommend long pants and closed-toed shoes for comfort. And don't forget your camera!
- Adult Rate: $119
- Child Rate: $99 (ages 3-12)
- Infant Rate: Free (up to 3 years) + 5% sales tax
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This excursion was the highlight of our cruise. We saw humpback whales, doll porpoises, seals, and eagles. The crew (Ben and Jerry) were excellent with us and my children. My 10 year old daughter is big into nature and asked several questions to both crew members. They were very patient with them and answered all the questions. I would recommend this excursion and this particularly this crew to anyone who asks.
Ben and Jerry were our tour guides. Jerry's shared his knowledge of whales behavior and it was nice to understand prior to searching for whales. We did see a few Orcas, but the Humpback were elusive. However we did see a few water spouts and the tail of one. There were too many boat tours on that day. Overall our guides did their best!
I have been trying to see whales for a long time .In new Zealand it got cancel and in Iceland . So I was really please to see whales on my trip to Juneau. thank you so much you made an old lady very happy
We were the first tour out for the season so I was skeptical on whether or not we would see any whales. We saw at least 4 or 5! Though, none breached - we got great views of blow holes, tails and a great experience!
5 stars to Jon and Emma. Jon is an experienced captain and Emma is a jewel! We boarded a vessel with room for 15 or so passengers and were rewarded with so much. Both are native Alaskans and afforded us all with interesting stories and facts of culture. We were so happy to see so many whales! We had hoped to see a few, but instead had loads of sightings and so lucky for us, even a group of Orcas. We encourage "cruisers" to look at the websites of the locals as this is where the true spirit of the North lies. We had a fantastic trip and thank Jon & Emma both for a trip of a lifetime.
