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Whale Watching Tour

3½ Hours Duration

From pick-up to drop-off

Family Friendly

Suitable for all ages and abilities

Guaranteed Whales

Bald eagles and sea lions also common

Transportation Included

From the cruise ship pier/downtown

Description

Looking for whale watching opportunities during your Alaskan cruise? Juneau is the place! This whale watching tour puts you up close and personal with all sorts of Alaskan wildlife, with guaranteed humpback whale sightings! Leaving the waters of Auke Bay on the customized whale watching boat, your captain and naturalist guides will point out playful seals and sea lions while cruising out to deeper waters. When whales come into range, outdoor viewing decks provide ample space for everyone to observe and get some amazing photographs. The captain will shut off the engines, setting the tone while you anxiously await breaching humpbacks and playful orcas.

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 boat and from there, it doesn't take long after leaving the bay to arrive to prime whale watching waters. Captain and crew provide a wealth of insight into the whales feeding and behavioral patterns.

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. Connect with Juneau's wildlife and leave with a deep appreciation for the magnificent creatures of Alaska's waters!

Looking for more? Pair this tour with a glacier visit on the Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour, or reserve an exclusive Private Whale Watching Tour!

What's Included

Roundtrip Transportation

Knowledgeable Guides

Light Snack

Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are on this tour?

There are two different boats used for this tour. The enclosed jet boats seat up to 28 people, and the larger catamarans can accommodate up to 49 people (if the tour is at full capacity). There is no way to request or know in advance which boat will be used for your departure.

What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?

We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.

What should we wear and bring?

This tour operates rain or shine, and rain is common as we lie in a temperate rainforest! For comfort, we typically recommend long pants, closed-toed shoes and a waterproof jacket. Some guests choose to bring a small bag or backpack along to store extra layers, a bottle of water and cameras.

Is there a restroom on board the boat?

Yes, there is a small restroom on board the boat and also an opportunity before leaving at Auke Bay Harbor. We certainly recommend using the facilities at Auke Bay before leaving, as the onboard restrooms are quite small.

How can you guarantee that we will see whales?

The captain and crew are out there everyday, and understanding the whales' patterns and behavior is their job! Whales are creatures of habit like us and prefer certain feeding locations.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour

Walkers or folding wheelchairs are allowed. Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the ramp down to the boat will be steep and may be difficult to navigate at low tide.

Either a 24-passenger jetboat for a 49-passenger catamaran. Guests cannot make requests for vessel type.

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Juneau

Itinerary • 3h 30min • 4 activities

Guides will meet you at the downtown cruise ship dock and direct you to your bus.

Duration

20 minutes

Your shuttle bus driver will point out local highlights as you navigate through downtown Juneau and along the coast to your whale watching boat.

Duration

35 minutes

Once aboard your vessel, you'll enjoy 2 hours of whale watching with your captain and crew as they navigate the waters of Auke Bay.

Duration

2 hours

Proceed to the shuttle bus for to return to the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau.

Duration

35 minutes