Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Your 3 hour whale watching adventure begins when you board a coach bus that departs downtown Juneau from the Mt. Roberts Tram parking lot. A 25 minute journey through the picturesque landscape of Southeast Alaska will take you to Auke Bay Harbor. “All aboard!” and you’re off for Alaska waters and the ultimate whale watching experience. The star of the tour is the humpback whale, but we are always looking out for sea lions, bald eagles, or the playful orca. The whales are here to feed in our abundant Alaskan waters. Our naturalist guides you on a 2 hour whale watching tour. With our experienced captains and Juneau being one of the best ports for whale watching in Alaska, this tour will be an unforgettable experience. A light snack and refreshments will be provided.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour time is a check-in time; departure is within 10 to 15 minutes.
The meeting place is under the cables in front of the Mt. Roberts Tramway.
All ports or docks are within 10 minutes walking distances, except one - the A Dock - which provides a “Downtown” shuttle to the Mt. Roberts Tramway.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the name of their ship.
Tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately in layers and for the likely chance of rain. It is recommended that you wear warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and comfortable slip-proof shoes.
THIS TOUR IS OPERATED BY JUNEAU TOURS & WHALE WATCH
Whale sightings are guaranteed between May 15th-September 15th.
We cannot accommodate any kind of electric scooter or electric wheelchair, even very small ones.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
THIS TOUR IS PROVIDED BY JUNEAU TOURS & WHALE WATCH Our 3 hour whale watching adventure begins when we board a coach bus that departs downtown Juneau from the Mt. Roberts Tram parking lot. A 25 minute journey through the picturesque landscape of Southeast Alaska will take you to Auke Bay Harbor. “All aboard!” and you’re off to Alaska waters and the ultimate whale watching experience. On our quest for whales, we will be on the lookout for bald eagles, seals, sea lions, black bear and more of Alaska’s wildlife. The star of the tour is the humpback whale, but we are always looking out for the playful orcas. Once we spot a whale, the captain will slow down and allow you to go on the spacious viewing decks for a great photo opportunity. Towards the end of the cruise we stop on the water for a 5 minute photo stop of the Mendenhall Glacier (weather dependent). Our custom designed vessels provides unrestricted viewing from inside the cabin as well as outside. Although the cabin is enclosed and heated we recommend you dress in layers, after all it is Alaska! Snacks are also provided.
What‘s Included
A photo stop on the water of the Mendenhall Glacier (weather dependent)
Informative professional driver guide during transfers
Heated cabin with wide viewing windows, spacious decks for whale watching, and bathrooms on board
Multiple tour times for flexibility
Filtered water and trail mix bars available aboard the whale boat
Round-trip transportation between port and boat harbor
Naturalist on whale tour
3 hour tour time, 2 hours on the water on a custom 24-passenger jet boat or 49-passenger catamaran
Gratuities (greatly appreciated)
Options
10:30am Check-in
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
8:30am Check-in
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
3:30pm check-in
3:30pm check-in : 2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
4:30pm check-in
4:30pm check-in : 2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
2:30 pm Check-In
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
1:30pm Check-In
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
9:30am Check-in
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
Reviews
937 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip
Cortney C,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing whale watching experience in Juneau, Alaska and highly recommend this tour! Traveling as a family with my father who is 80 years old, we were so impressed with how easy it was for him to board the boat and comfortably walk up to the second story viewing area. The wildlife sightings were incredible — we saw seals, sea lions, and 4 humpback whales up close! The staff made the experience even better. Captains Russell and Nick were fantastic, and John and Mia shared so much interesting local information, history, and fascinating facts about humpback whales throughout the trip. The boat also had snacks available on board, which was a nice touch. One thing to note: the restrooms are quite small, so I would definitely recommend using the restroom before departure if possible. Overall, such a memorable experience for our entire family and one of the highlights of our Alaska trip!
Top 3 best whale watching tours!
Grant M,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide! We saw a lot of whale tails!
Great whale watching!
Sagar S,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience with Dustin, Brock and Dani. We saw plenty of Humpback whales and the crew were very knowledgeable. Snacks and water were provided for us too. Overall a great experience!
Great tour
Shelly F,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mia Calvin and Nick were great tour guides. Loved finding the whales They found them and seal lions Check out this tour
Grand slam (plus): orcas, two humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions (and glacier)!
Katharine C,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an incredible experience that I recommend to everyone and would do again in a heartbeat! Seeing wildlife is never guaranteed, but we had an incredible day in mid-May. Just out of the harbor we stopped for a pod (family) of orcas including a baby that was still yellow from birth! Apparently they only see orcas about 5% of their trips. Not much long after we stopped to see Pizza the humpback whale feeding. It started to rain, so we went back into the comfortable seating of the enclosed cabin until the Captain spotted Nibblet the humpback whale. Nibblet was accompanied by some porpoises feeding too, and later we saw three sea lions who had crammed onto a buoy to take a nap! Finally, the weather cleared and we saw the Mendenhall Glacier from the water. Binoculars can be used, but weren’t needed. The boat was very comfortable and included an onboard bathroom. The captain and two naturalists were helpful and happy to share information. The driver who picked up the group in downtown Juneau shared interesting tidbits on the way to Auke Bay.
Fantastic experience
patriciapS2197UO,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organised from start to finish! Skipper & Crew 100% in every way! Highly recommend a trip !
Great Experience
Jamie a,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was great especially Jimmy! It was a gorgeous day on the water and we were able to see 4 whale tales!
Great fun!
Jane B,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were lucky to see a few humpback whales, some porpoises and some comedic sea lions. Each member of staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable - in particular Hayley. Thank you.
Excellent Experience
Ankit A,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were picked up from ship and shuttled to a harbor where we got on a boat. Excellent wildlife spotting. We saw orcas, humpbacks, bald eagles, seals, and even mama bear and three cubs. The best part about this tour was how everyone, from the bus drivers to the boat captain to the naturalists were so knowledgeable and kind and always willing to help spot more wildlife. Definitely recommended.
Staff gives 100% to deliver some animal sightings
Sharon D,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One rides inside the boat and with a sighting, they allow the passengers to walk outside to the bow. This can be a bit tricky for someone like me. I’m having to be careful and not moving as quickly as when younger. The staff, shower er, were watchful and helpful to give a hand when needed! Greatly appreciated! Saw Dall dolphins, Or as at a distance, and a whale or two at a distance. Note: put your camera in video…. You’ll catch those swift swimmers better than I was able to! Great time!
From US$156.00
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Operated by Juneau Tours