Description
This is a private whale-watching trip designed for groups seeking a relaxed, personalized experience on the water. From start to finish, the tour takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including transportation. Of that time, you’ll spend roughly three hours out on the water, which gives you plenty of time to look for whales without feeling rushed.
The day starts with a shuttle pickup near the cruise docks or downtown Juneau. From there, you’ll head out to the harbor, meet your captain, and board a boat that’s reserved just for your group. Before leaving the dock, there’s time to use the restroom on land and get settled. There’s also a restroom on board, though it’s small.
Once you’re cruising, the focus is simple: spend time where the whales are. Most days, you’re looking for humpback whales, which are commonly seen feeding and surfacing in these waters. You might hear them breathe, watch them roll at the surface, or see a tail come up before a dive. It’s also common to spot sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles along the way. With a private boat, you can move around easily, ask questions, and take photos without competing for space.
On the way back, the shuttle usually makes a brief stop at Brotherhood Bridge for a view of the Mendenhall Glacier, weather permitting. After that, you’re dropped back where you started, with plenty of time left in your day.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What about the boats, are they all small boats?
The tour normally uses smaller boats for a more personal experience. If water conditions make a small boat uncomfortable, you’ll be offered a full refund or moved to a larger boat if space is available.
What if I have another tour scheduled right before or after this one?
If your other plans end less than an hour before pickup or begin less than an hour after drop-off, you must let the tour team know. They will help plan so your schedule doesn’t conflict.
Is there a whale sighting guarantee?
There’s no absolute guarantee, though humpback whales are seen on the vast majority of tours.
How close can the boat get to whales?
By law, boats must stay at least 100 yards (about 300 feet) away from humpback whales, keeping both guests and the whales safe.
Can you tell me about the weather and water conditions?
Juneau is inside the protected Inside Passage, so water is usually calm, and you’re always within sight of land. Winds are generally under 15 mph May through August, but the weather can be cooler, rainy, or windier outside that window.