Whale-watching trips in Juneau
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.
About whale watching in Juneau
Whale watching in Juneau means small boats and catamarans heading out to look for humpback and orca whales in calm feeding waters. Tours run from large catamarans to jet boats and six-passenger vessels. Most last three to four hours with transport included, and the season runs April to October.
Juneau is reached only by air or sea, so boats are the usual way to see whales here. The town sits on the Inside Passage. For a port day, the boat trips leave on set times, and the travel time from the pier is about 30 minutes one way, so plan the return with care.
- 3 to 4 hours Typical boat tour, transport included
- About 30 minutes One way from the pier
- April to October Season for whale tours
Whale-watching excursions in Juneau
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person. Each trip says where it goes.
Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise
Whales and Mendenhall Glacier
Best of Juneau
Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo
Whale Watching and Lighthouse Exploration
Juneau City Charm and Sights
Private Luxe Whale Watching
Where to go for Whale watching
Each trip shows where it goes.
Whale waters off Juneau
Boats head out on set tours to humpback and orca feeding waters. Catamarans, jet boats and smaller six-passenger boats all make the run.
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.
Tour or on your own A tour Boats leave on set tours and transport is included in the price, so the boat itself does the getting there.
Time it takes 3 to 4 hours Most boat trips last 3 to 4 hours including transport, so a whale trip fits comfortably inside a port day.
Effort Easy You sit or stand on the boat and watch the water, with no walking on trails or steps involved.
Who it suits Families, couples, photographers These trips suit families, couples and photographers, and first-timers too.
Good to know Season limits the trips Whale watching is best only at the right time of year, and the season here runs from April to October.
Best months April to October Humpbacks and orcas gather in calm waters at the right time of year, so the best viewing depends on the season.
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 keep track of the time and allow for the walk back to the dock.
- 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.
More to do in Juneau
Whale watching in other places
The same thing, at the other places that do it well.
Sailings that stop in Juneau
2,816 sailings on 18 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
Carnival Legend
MSC Poesia
Crown Princess
Sources: Outdoor Activities Guide · Top Juneau Attractions · Welcome to Juneau, AK · Juneau, Wikivoyage
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