Whale watching in Juneau
Whale watching is one of the main reasons people book a day on the water from Juneau. Boats head out from the harbor into the Inside Passage to look for humpback and orca whales in calm feeding waters. The trips are easy and suit first-timers, and many also look for Dall's porpoises, sea lions and bald eagles along the way.
Places to go
Whale waters off Juneau
Whale watching from Juneau means a boat trip into the Inside Passage waters around the city. Humpback and orca whales feed here, and boats carry visitors out to see them.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Whale tours range from large catamarans to jet boats and six-passenger vessels. Most run about 3 to 4 hours, and the price includes transport from the harbor out to the feeding waters. You do not need to plan the route yourself. The boat heads out, the guide points out what is around, and you watch from the deck.
Trips usually look for humpback and orca whales, and some add Dall's porpoises, sea lions and bald eagles. Some boats pair the whale watch with the Mendenhall Glacier in one four-hour trip. Others add a salmon bake or a lighthouse stop. The whales are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed, but the boats know the waters well.
Where to go
- Juneau whale-watch waters. Catamarans, jet boats and six-passenger boats carry visitors out to humpback and orca feeding waters near town. About 30 minutes one way by boat. A trip that goes here: Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $205 a person
- Whales and Mendenhall Glacier trip. A four-hour boat trip that combines whale watching with a look at the Mendenhall Glacier. By boat. A trip that goes here: Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $205 a person
Getting there
Whale tours leave from the harbor on boats that run set departures, and transport is included. The boat ride out to the feeding waters takes about 30 minutes one way.
When to go
Whale watching runs from April to October, and the best viewing comes when humpbacks and orcas gather in calm waters. The season is set by the whales rather than the calendar, so it is worth checking the operator for the strongest weeks.
Good to know
- Dress in layers and bring a warm, windproof jacket, since it is cooler on the water than in town.
- Boats run on set schedules, so arrive at the dock ahead of the departure time.
- Bring a camera or binoculars for the whales, and a light rain layer, since weather can change quickly.
- The trip is easy, but seas can be choppy, so some people bring motion sickness tablets.
Questions
When is the best time for whale watching in Juneau?
Whale watching runs from April to October. The best viewing comes at the right time of year, when humpbacks and orcas gather in calm waters. Check with the operator for the strongest weeks.
How long is a whale watching tour in Juneau?
Most boat trips last 3 to 4 hours including transport. Some combined trips, such as one that adds the Mendenhall Glacier, run about four hours or longer.
Is whale watching in Juneau easy?
Yes, the boat trips are listed as easy. You watch from the boat, so there is no trail walking. The trips suit families, couples, photographers and first-timers.
