Whale Watching in Juneau, Alaska

While the rugged landscapes of southeastern Alaska are home to a diverse range of animals, there is no creature more majestic than the humpback whale. See these incredible marine mammals up close and personal when you book a whale-watching cruise in Juneau.

The waters off the Alaskan coast are teeming with krill and small baitfish, which attracts hundreds of North Pacific humpbacks to the area—making sightings practically guaranteed!

Discover all the essentials about partaking in a whale watching experience, one of the most extraordinary outdoor adventures in Juneau, Alaska.

Best whale-watching cruises in Juneau

Wildlife whale-watching cruise in Juneau

Embark on the whale-watching adventure of a lifetime as you cruise up and down the coast of Juneau. Not only will you see local wildlife, but you’ll also enjoy scenic views of rocky cliffs, uninhabited islands, historic lighthouses and icy glaciers.

Meet your guide in Juneau and board a specialized whale-watching vessel that has heated cabins and a bathroom for your comfort and convenience. Along the way, you’ll be served a variety of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

As you sail up and down the coast, you’ll keep a lookout for humpback whales in their natural habitat. In addition to whales, you may see porpoises, orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles, seagulls, ducks and a variety of other bird life.

Have your camera ready for when you pass the Sentinel Lighthouse and for when whales are spotted! An onboard naturalist guide is there to provide information about the region’s local wildlife and answer any questions that you may have.

At the end of your 4-hour experience, you’ll be taken back to the mainland, where you’ll disembark. This is your opportunity to make special memories with your travel companions and immerse yourself in Alaska’s incredible natural beauty.

Whale-watching cruise in Auke Bay from Juneau

After meeting your knowledgeable local guide in Juneau, you’ll board a comfortable minivan and make your way toward Auke Bay. Along the way, you’ll make a quick stop at the Brotherhood Bridge, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Once you reach Auke Bay’s Statter Harbor, just 20 minutes away from Juneau, you’ll board a comfortable whale-watching vessel and begin exploring the bay in search of humpback whales and other forms of wildlife.

You’ll be served beverages, bottled water and snacks throughout the trip to ensure that you are hydrated. Comfy seating allows you to sit back and relax as you enjoy the incredible scenery along the way.

The amazing views of the southeastern Alaskan coast make for incredible photographs and as this area is frequented by hundreds of humpbacks, you’re almost guaranteed to see whales up close and personal.

At the end of your whale-watching experience, the boat will take you back to Auke Bay’s harbor. From here, you’ll head back to Juneau via minivan. With tours departing every hour or so, there should be a departure time to suit your schedule.

Private luxury whale-watching cruise in Juneau

Make the most of your time on the water by opting for a private whale-watching excursion that caters solely to you and your travel companions. Private tours offer a unique experience to make unforgettable memories during your stay in Alaska.

Shared group experiences that take place on large boats can sometimes be crowded, but when you book this tour you’ll look for whales on a luxury yacht that can accommodate you and seven of your friends and/or family members.

Furthermore, the tour can be personalized to align with your preferences and you can choose a departure time that best suits your schedule. There will be plenty of opportunities to chat with your knowledgeable guide and ask any questions that you may have.

Experience the very best of the Inside Passage, a well-known feeding ground for humpbacks, as you also look for other animals such as bald eagles, orcas, seals, sea lions, bears and so many more.

As you search the waters of Juneau for humpback whales and other creatures, you’ll be served a variety of delicious snacks and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea and soft drinks. Hotel transfers are also included in the cost of the trip for your convenience.

Are there any excursions that combine whale-watching with other activities in Juneau?

Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tour in Juneau

The Mendenhall Glacier is over 3,000 years old and is the most visited glacier in all of Alaska. Choose a tour that visits the glacier and provides you with a whale-watching experience to make the most of your time in Juneau.

You’ll admire the magnificent glacier from the various viewing platforms before boarding a whale-watching vessel and going in search of humpback whales.

Sentinel Island Lighthouse tour with whale watching experience in Juneau

Take a leisurely catamaran cruise to Sentinel Island, where you’ll receive an informative walking tour of the lighthouse and the surrounding grounds. You’ll learn more about the area’s history and enjoy incredible views of the coastline from the top of the lighthouse.

On your way to the island, you’ll be provided with binoculars that can be used to search the horizon for humpback whales and other marine animals.

Whale watching and kayaking adventure in Juneau

Paddle to the channel islands, through humpback feeding grounds, and see a wide variety of local marine life. You’ll be kitted out with all the equipment you need for a safe and memorable trip, including rain gear.

This kayaking tour will have you in a double canoe, with an expert guide leading the way. Your guide will keep a lookout for whales and provide fascinating commentary about the area.

What's the price of whale-watching tours in Juneau?

Basic whale-watching cruises in Juneau typically cost between US$150 and US$170 per person, depending on which tour operator you choose, for a shared group experience.

Whale-watching tours that also visit the Mendenhall Glacier typically cost around US$190 per person, while kayaking adventures near the Channel Islands humpback feeding grounds cost around US$470 per person for a half-day excursion.

Private whale watching cruises, in which you and your travel companions are the only tour participants, usually cost US$3,100 for a private excursion that can accommodate up to 8 participants.

What does whale-watching include?

When you book a whale-watching cruise in Juneau, in most cases you’ll be provided with snacks, bottled water and other beverages throughout the excursion. The boat is captained by an experienced skipper who prioritizes your safety at all times.

Each excursion is different, so make sure you read specific tour inclusions before making a booking so that you know what to expect.

Where does it start?

Most whale-watching vessels depart from the harbor in Auke Bay, which is around 20 minutes away from downtown Juneau. While some tour operators require that you make your way to Auke Bay on your own, most provide you with roundtrip transport.

You may need to meet your guide at an easy-to-find landmark in Juneau or you’ll benefit from a convenient hotel pickup. Either way, make sure that you are ready on time so that you don’t keep your guide waiting.

How long does a tour last?

The typical duration of a whale watching cruise in Juneau is roughly 3 hours, although there are excursions that last as long as 4.5 hours for those looking for a more comprehensive experience.

Combination tours, such as Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tours, are usually half-day experiences, lasting around 6 hours.

Are these experiences wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, whale-watching excursions in Juneau are not typically wheelchair friendly. This is because of the types of boats that are used for these excursions. There are still plenty of opportunities for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility to look for whales from the shore.

When is the best time for a whale-watching cruise in Juneau?

The best time for a whale-watching boat tour in Juneau is between June and August, when the weather is most favorable and whale activity is high.

It's worth noting that while May through September is considered the optimal time for spotting whales in Juneau, due to the milder weather and the migration patterns of various species, it's also possible to see whales outside of this prime season.

Are there other outdoor activities that can be done in Juneau?

Yes, there are other popular outdoor experiences you can join, such as:

• Hiking trails in Juneau
• Canoeing tours in Juneau
• Dog sledding experiences in Juneau

Travel tips

• Select a tour operator with good reviews and safety practices.
• Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Include a waterproof jacket.
• If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand.
• Bring a camera with a good zoom and binoculars for distant viewing, so you can see all the whales even if they are not very close to your boat.
• Use sunscreen and wear a hat, even on cloudy days.
• Bring water to stay hydrated during the tour, as not all operators offer free water bottles.
• Avoid loud noises and movements that could disturb the whales.
• Adhere to local whale watching guidelines, keeping a safe distance from the whales.