whale watching tour juneau alaska

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Welcome to juneau whale tours.

Discover the beauty and wonder of Alaska with JWT. Our locally-owned, family run business takes great pride in ensuring you experience an

extraordinary tour immersed in local flora and fauna. Juneau is home to humpback whales, stellar sea lions, harbor seals, eagles, orcas and more! This tour, with postcard-perfect scenery, provides you with  memories  you'll cherish forever!

Our USCG Certified 40' catamarans are designed and built to provide  you with a  comfortable, intimate  and unique adventure . Our #1 feature - a full walk around deck  - 360° VIEWING -  allows y ou and your loved ones to move around the entire perimeter of the boat freely. Our spacious heated cabins , individual  luxury custom seats and  extra large windows perfectly frame vast shorelines, glaciers and local wildlife !  A  20 passenger plus crew makes for the perfect small group size.   Full restroom aboard . 

WELCOME ABOARD!

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Whale Watching Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 4 Hours & 15 minutes
• Info Tour Type: Whale Watching

Go Whale Watching in Juneau

Juneau, Alaska, is home to some of the world’s most fantastic viewing of humpback whales! Join us for a 3-hour tour and watch whales away from the crowds on board one of our comfortable 6 to 49-passenger vessels. Book individually, or secure a whole vessel for a private party. Either way, enjoy the awesome sight of whales, glaciers, other mammals and possibly bears, from our comfortable whale watching fleet.

Depending on your group size, our vessels can comfortably carry up to 49 passengers for Juneau whale watching tours. All vessels are equipped with a heated cabin and bathroom.

Our captains and naturalists are the best in the business and have a 100% whale sighting success rate since we began in 2005. Complimentary snacks and bottled waters are provided.

Our Juneau Whale Watching Fleet

• Chevron down M/V Beacon

• Chevron down M/V Chilkat

• 34-foot Custom WorkSkiff Whale Watching Boat • Twin 300 hp Mercury Verado 4 stroke outboards • Up to 18 passengers

• Chevron down M/V OB-1

• 28-foot Custom Bolton Whale Watching Boat • Twin 150 hp Mercury 4 stroke outboards • Up to 6 passengers

• Chevron down M/V Alaskan

• 30-foot Custom Bentz Whale Watching Boat • Twin 250 hp Mercury Verado 4 stroke outboards • Up to 13 passengers

• Chevron down M/V Kaytos

• 30-foot Custom Aluminum Chambered Whale Watching & Fishing Boat • Twin 250 hp Mercury Verado 4 stroke outboards • Up to 12 passengers

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Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour

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• Reviews (256)

Excursion Overview

Breathtaking whale watching adventure.

For an amazing experience and the chance to have an excursion you'll never forget, come aboard for this Juneau whale watching adventure including our 100% guarantee you will see whales! Our captains and naturalists will take you in search of humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears, and deer, making for the ultimate Southeast Alaska wildlife viewing. Your Juneau whale watching journey will take you through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel. This Juneau whale watching tour leaves downtown and drives through the beautiful Mendenhall Valley on the way out to scenic Auke Bay. At Auke Bay, all passengers will board one of our specially designed boats for Southeast Alaska wildlife viewing. Large windows inside a heated cabin provide for a comfortable and exceptional viewing experience. Two outdoor decks provide for up-close viewing capabilities of some of Alaska's most incredible creatures. Our experienced guides and naturalists take you on a whale watching adventure of a lifetime throughout the majestic glacier-carved waters of Southeast Alaska. The highlight of this tour is seeing the humpback whales that have traveled to Alaska for feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska's capital city. Once a whale is spotted, our captain will slow down and allow the passengers outside on the front and back viewing decks for excellent picture opportunities and an up-close experience. This is a day you will never forget! Included in this tour are complimentary snacks and beverages. Don't forget to bring a warm and rainproof jacket to spend some time on one of the outdoor viewing decks!

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
• 100% Guaranteed whale sightings or a full refund for the whale watching portion of your tour
• Beverages and light snacks
• Restrooms available onboard the boat

Requirements:

• There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 3-3.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

• 1.5 hours - roundtrip transportation between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay
• 2 hours - whale watching onboard a boat

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets in the back of the Goldbelt Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 4 steps into and out of the bus. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. There is no storage available for motorized scooters. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 different sizes of boats used, with a maximum capacity of either 38 or 49 guests. Compare this with the boats used by the cruise lines which hold up to 150 guests at once!

Every boat has open seating as well as outside viewing areas when permitted.

The interior of the boat is heated when needed due to weather conditions to keep a comfortable environment.

Yes, the boat has a restroom.

Humpback whales and other sea animals are protected species and a safe distance of at least 100 yards must be maintained at all times according to NOAA regulations.

Sightings are guaranteed or you'll receive a full refund for the whale watching portion of your tour.

Air temperature can drop as much as 20F with the wind chill factor when viewing whales outside.

The maximum capacity for this tour is 51 guests.

There is open seating on the tour bus, however if you require a certain seat due to physical impairment then please inform your tour guide.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. Bears are often seen near the glacier during the late summer salmon spawning season, however this is not a designated bear watching tour and nothing can be guaranteed!

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable containters and snacks are allowed on tour.

Beverages, bottled water and a light snack (granola bar) are included.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On may 2024.

We had a great time and saw many whales feeding in the area. The boat used was great for whale watching, very stable and great views. The staff were very informative and excited about sharing their passion with us.

Great experience with this crew! Saw several whales, eagles, and sealions. Naturalists onboard shared their knowledge and answered our questions.

On Oct 2023

I recently experienced the Juneau whale watching tour, and it was absolutely amazing! The 100% guarantee to see whales did not disappoint. The tour took us through stunning routes, and the boat's design was perfect for wildlife viewing. We got to be about 100 yards away from the humpback whales, which was a dream come true. The presence of bald eagles added to the thrill. The guides were knowledgeable, and the complimentary snacks and beverages were a nice touch. This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Juneau. I'll cherish the memories of this day forever!

On Sep 2023

This excursion was one of the highlights of our trip!!! The excursion operator called to verify that we were coming and that we knew where to go. The Naturalist was very knowledgeable and passionate about his job. We saw so many whales!!! I would definitely book this tour again.

Amazing!!!! Our crew was spectacular. Very knowledgeable and quick witted what a fun afternoon.

• Reviews Showing: 256

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Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult: $ 169.00

Child (2-12): $ 149.00

Infant (Free under 2): $ 0.00

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• Copyright 2024 Alaska Shore Excursions

Alaska Tales

Premier whale watching tours in juneau, alaska, our juneau whale watching tours.

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Mendenhall Glacier Tours & Whale Watching

Prepare yourself for the best wildlife adventure of your Alaska vacation with this exciting Juneau whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier tour.

• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Whale Watching Tours

Juneau is home to some of the largest populations of humpback whales in the world and we are excited to bring you up close to their natural environment.

Private Charter Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour

This exclusive whale watching excursion includes your own private jet boat and roundtrip guided transportation.

Private Charter Whale Watching Tour

Escape the world and the crowds with this private whale watching charter in Juneau.

Locally Owned & Operated

Alaska Whale Watching Tours is dedicated to providing the best wildlife viewing and whale watching experiences in Juneau. Committed to our community, we take pride in our services and our vast knowledge of the local waters.

Our captains and crew are fully certified with the United States Coast Guard and are highly trained to ensure your safety while onboard our vessel. We look forward to taking you out on the water for an unforgettable Alaska whale watching tour!

Juneau's Best Whale Watching Company ★★★★★

"Make the time and go to this beautiful and unforgettable place. The tour group leaders Lauren, Sarah and Hannah knew so much of the history of the area, answering all of our questions. I realized how special Alaska was."

"We got to see several whales and we even saw a mother and baby whale. Additionally, we saw a bald eagle on the buoy that have several seals on the bottom of the buoy. It was an amazing sight to see. The crew were friendly and informative. Captain Rich, Aaron, and Hannah did a fabulous job. Worth the money we paid."

"We included this excursion in our day in Juneau. The crew of Capt. Rich, Hannah, and Libby were very knowledgeable and we had 8-10 whale sightings. It is an up close and personal tour of these great sea creatures."

"the best place to enjoy nature especially for those who are interested in marine life. I highly recommend this trip to everyone. the point you should take into account is that the weather may be extremely cold. So wear warm and suitable clothes during your trip."

• Most Popular Tour!
• Guaranteed Return by All-Aboard!

Whale Watching Adventure

More whales, more fun, fewer crowds.

There’s never a dull moment on our whale watching adventure! There is so much to see and explore in Juneau, from breathtaking mountain views to spectacular wildlife.

You depart from the tram area in downtown Juneau on a bus driven by a local tour guide through a scenic route to Auke Bay, where you board one of our jet boats. Once you’re aboard our comfortable boat, our captain and naturalist lead the way on an unforgettable search for whales in Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel.

Binoculars are provided so you can better see the humpbacks, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, black bears, and towering mountains. With the growing abundance of whales in the area and their comfort with our small boats, you are bound to see many, so prepare for your heart to skip more than a few beats.

This tour is three hours total, including transfers between downtown and Auke Bay and two hours on the water.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

We offer a cancellation policy designed specifically to make planning easy on you! Get your seats with us guaranteed, and you have until 24 hours before your tour to cancel with a full refund (one week for private tours or groups of eight or more). If your ship is going to be late, call our toll-free number and we’ll work with you to make sure you don’t miss your chance to see whales! In the case of illness, inclement weather, or if for some reason your ship skips Juneau, don’t worry – we’re going to refund you. Also included with every tour is our 100% money-back guarantee! Yep, we’re that confident that we’ll find whales for you.

EXCLUSIVE. LUXURY. UNFORGETTABLE.

Alaska Luxury Tours provides the only exclusive luxury whale watch & land tours in Juneau, Alaska. We specialize in high-end experiences. Come see what sets us apart and let us take you on the trip of a lifetime.

Same whales, different experience.

Private Excursions

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Cruise Ship Tours

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Luxury Whale Watch

See the most breathtaking wildlife in Alaska in comfort and style aboard our luxury yachts.

• Clock 4 Hours

We Offer Daily Tours

Every day a ship is in port, we’re available. Not coming by ship? No problem – give us a call to book your private excursion today. 

Custom Itineraries

Our tours were designed with YOU in mind. Special requests are welcomed, don’t be afraid to ask. 

First Class

There’s no better way to experience Alaska than in luxury.    We’re the epitome of style, comfort and safety.

We have the ONLY whale watching yachts in Alaska!

Alaska Luxury Tours exists solely to offer our guests the ultimate experience in comfort, style, privacy, and safety. We believe in uncompromising personalized customer service, ongoing personal development, well researched interpretation and the assured safety of you and our guests.

Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility
• Sustainability
• Inspiration

We believe it is our responsibility as a business to promote sustainability within the environments we operate. We want to help protect and preserve the wilderness and communities we are privileged to operate in. We aim to truthfully interpret the cultural and natural history of Alaska while remaining respectful of the people, animals, and environment. We promote creativity in our team members in order to provide unique and inspiring experiences for our guests and in finding creative solutions for sustainable operating procedures. We respect ourselves and each other by being discrete with our guest’s privacy and being tactful in our personal and professional behavior.

Whale Sense

Alaska Luxury Tours is proud to participate in Whale SENSE.

Whale SENSE is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies in the U.S. Atlantic and Alaska regions. The program is sponsored by NOAA Fisheries and Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Developed in collaboration with the whale watching industry, Whale SENSE recognizes whale watching companies committed to responsible practices.

Participating companies agree to:

• Stick to the regional whale watching guidelines.
• Educate naturalists, captains, and passengers to have SENSE while watching whales.
• Notify appropriate networks of whales in distress.
• Set an example for other boaters.
• Encourage ocean stewardship.

Upon successful completion of training and evaluation, Whale SENSE businesses receive materials identifying them as active Whale SENSE participants featuring the Whale SENSE logo and current calendar year.

*All of our vessels follow Whale SENSE Guidelines. We never approach whales closer than Federal law allows (100 yards). All marketing images represent responsible and ethical interactions with marine wildlife. Wildlife images can be misrepresented due to camera lens lengths or varying perspectives. The Alaska Luxury Tours team does our best to share amazing experiences with you, while maintaining the utmost safety and respect for our wildlife. 

Alaska Luxury Tours is proud to partner with:

Amazing Wildlife

On your adventure, you’ll see humpback whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and more!

All-Inclusive

Charcuterie, Champagne, Beer from the Alaskan Brewing Co., Wine and Soda. It’s all included.

Epic Journeys

This is an adventure you’re sure to remember forever.  The difference is how we make you feel.

Responsible

A portion of our proceeds is donated to help support Juneau Flukes, a research and education non-profit focused on Juneau-area humpback whales.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It…

40-foot boat with all modern conveniences and knowledgeable staff made whale watching a great experience.

The team at ALT was fabulous! We had a great time! Would book a tour with them again any time I am in Alaska!

Best cruise I have ever been on. From the ship to the staff and the food. Clean, friendly, professionals and most of all, very attentive to the needs of all aboard.

This was an amazing tour. The naturalist was very attentive and answered all our questions. They all were so friendly and knowledgeable. It was the best part of our entire trip.

This tour was the highlight of our trip. Truly enjoyed seeing the awesome humpback whales and learned so much from our knowledgeable crew. The hospitality on the yacht was great!!!

Excellent trip with a knowledgeable guide and skipper. Nice having only 8 people on the boat. Got real close to the whales and did not have to fight for viewing space. Will definitely do again on my next trip to Alaska.

Beautiful yacht, amazing informative and funny staff. Private luxury experience! They will pick you up in a private Mercedes van, and take you to the yacht. Along the way the guides will inform you of the surrounding sights and give you a taste of the local life.

Juneau Lighthouse Tours

Alaska's Only Lighthouse and Whale Watching Adventure

• Search for Humpback whales and other marine wildlife
• Arrive at Sentinel Island take a short scenic boardwalk
• Tour the lighthouse tower, inspect the beacon
• Take a look across beautiful Lynn Canal
• Stop at Brotherhood Bridge for view of Mendenhall Glacier

Sentinel Lighthouse Is Part of Alaska History

• Built in 1901 for $21, 267
• One of first lighthouses activated in Southeast Alaska
• Located in the middle of the best whale watching spots

Sentinel Island Lighthouse is conveniently located squarely in the middle of some of our most productive whale watching spots around Juneau.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Humpback Whales

Juneau, Alaska, is home to some of the world’s most fantastic viewing of humpback whales! Our captains and naturalists are the best in the business and have a 100% whale sighting success. The humpback whale is a baleen whale, and one of the largest members of the rorqual family. Adult females average 49 ft (15m) in length and weigh approximately 35 tons, with adult males being slightly smaller.

Killer Whales

Adult male killer whales in the North Pacific may grow to a length of approximately 27 feet (8.2 m), whereas females grow to an average length of about 23 feet (7 m). Adult males may weigh almost twice as much as females, up to 13,300 pounds (6,000 kilograms). Killer whales are predominantly black in color with large white patches under the jaw and above and behind each eye.

Coastal Wildlife

Auke Bay and Gastineau Channel provide a myriad of wildlife viewing opportunities. The Don Statter Harbor, 12 miles from downtown at the intersection of the Back Loop Road and Glacier Highway, is a good place to look for harbor seals and bald eagles, with sea lions frequenting the area. The harbor is the departure point for many whale watching cruises. Harbor porpoise and other marine mammals and sea birds are frequently seen on trips to and from Auke Bay.

Our Fleet of Warm, Comforable, Passenger Boats

50-foot Custom whale watching boat from ACI, in Port Townsend, WA in 2022. Quad 300 hp Mercury SeaPro V8 outboards, up to 49 passengers  

M/V Alaskan

30-foot Custom Bentz Whale Watching Boat, Twin 250 hp Mercury Verado 4 stroke outboards, up to 13 passengers.

M/V Chilkat

34-foot Custom WorkSkiff Whale Watching Boat, Twin 300 hp Mercury Verado 4 stroke outboards, up to 18 passengers.

Typical Boat Route from Auke Bay to Sentinel Lighthouse

Art by Christine Kleinhenz

Juneau Lighthouse Tours, LLC

P.O. Box 32825

Juneau, AK 99803

877-794-2537

907-321-5859

Privacy Policy

Terms of Agreement

• Private Whale Watching Juneau
• Best Time To See Whales in Alaska
• Trip Details
• CruiseShip Calendar

Whale Watch Juneau $150 Per Person.

We love taking people whale watching, but if there is a special place you want to see or do an extended private charter, just ask us and we will help fulfill your wishes! 

• All Transportation is Included
• 2 hours on the water 3.5 hours in total
• Large Group Discounts Available
• Private Charters Are Available!
• Amazing Wildlife
• Narrated with Naturalist
• Water Taxi Service Available

OUR WHALE WATCHING CRUISES

Your 3.5 hour adventure begins the moment you board a bus downtown, at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tram. After you pass through historic downtown Juneau, you embark on a 20 minute journey along the picturesque Lynn Canal, whose tidal flats are skirted by rainforests and frequented by bald eagles along the way to Auke Bay Harbor. Once there, a comfortably sized boat awaits to carry you across the cool Alaskan waters for our ultimate Juneau whale watching tours.

We recommend you dress in layers and have your cameras handy and ready to go !

We will cruise around the rain forest islands of Alaska’s Inside Passage, where we will scout the pristine waters looking for humpback whales. We will also be on the lookout for porpoise, puffin, surf scoters, seagulls, blue heron, ducks, geese, steller sea lions, seal and the occasional Orca. Have some binoculars handy to enjoy possibly spotting a bear or other Alaska wildlife on the land. Once a whale is spotted, your captain will slow down the boat so you can go onto the outside deck for a better view.

Our Alaska tours are fully narrated by whales, birds, sea lions, and your captain or naturalist, who are USCG certified, licensed, bonded and insured. You are guaranteed see whales, that will leave you educated and smiling, or your money back.

Limited Number Of Seats Available.

Enter Coupon Promo Code: PRESEASONSALE

122 FIVE STAR REVIEWS ON TRIPADVISOR

HERE ARE OUR LATEST REVIEWS

Sometimes one never knows what to expect on an excursion and this one was full of unexpected surprises. We were greeted as long, lost family and immediately whisked away to the waiting craft in search of whales which were.........

CRUISECOWGIRL

We had the best experience and the crew was simply amazing. They provided a lot of information and a bit of history on the whales we were able to see. We did luck out and have several sightings including one Mom (Blaze) and her baby .......

I went with Whale Watch Alaska in Juneau a couple of times to see the whales this summer. July is a great time of year for bubble net feeding. I saw plenty of humpback whales and porpoise too! One time a whale came straight at ......

THREE DEPARTURES DAILY

Whale Watch Alaska

317 West 12th St

Juneau, Alaska 99801

United States

Phone: 907-957-4778

Email: [email protected]

QUICK LINKS

• Best Time to See Whales in Alaska

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Get a copy of Smokin’ Fish – my movie on Alaska and Native culture as seen on PBS and get the latest updates on whales and port activities.

Please call us for reservations.

907-957-4778

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A great whale watching tour - Juneau Lighthouse Tours

• United States    
• Alaska (AK)    
• Juneau    
• Juneau - Things to Do    
• Juneau Lighthouse Tours

We did this as our Juneau excursion from our Holland America Alaskan cruise. Great experience. It... read more

If you are visiting Juneau this the excursion you must do. This is the only company that can give... read more

A great whale watching tour

We went on a private Whale Watching tour, which was absolutely amazing. We saw quite a few whales and sea lions. Graham did a great job finding us whales and giving us historical information. It was a great tour!

We did this as our Juneau excursion from our Holland America Alaskan cruise. Great experience. It was refreshing to visit the lighthouse and learn a bit of history instead of the usual tourist photo op. We saw sea lions, bald eagles, humpback whales and sea stars. Great crew gave us a smooth ride and Jaime was very knowledgeable about all the wildlife. She radiates good cheer

If you are visiting Juneau this the excursion you must do. This is the only company that can give you a tour of the Sentinel lighthouse and an amazing whale watching adventure. Captain Dalton, Emily and Grace did a wonderful job helping us find the wildlife and explaining the history of the lighthouse. I would 100% do this tour again.

It was a fantastic experience! Captain Larry, Wendy and Dale worked hard to provide a great day on the water. We saw 11 whales spotted on our trip! And a ton of sea lions.

Captain Dalton and Jamie and Coral gave us an outstanding experience. Informative, humorous and very cordial. Whales and sea lions in abundance. The boat was comfortable and visibility was great. Wish I could go weekly!

This was such a cool experience! The whole team was so fun, friendly, knowledgeable, and made this tour so enjoyable. Even though it was mostly full tour group, it was still a small enough group so that everyone had the opportunity to see whales without having to maneuver around other people in front of them. If we get a chance to go back to Alaska we would 100% book with them again!

Jayleen’s Alaska

Location & Hours

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Juneau, AK 99801

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About the Business

Jayleen’s Alaska is owned by Jayleen Bydlon, a lifelong Alaskan. Her main focus is on quality customer service in every aspect of her business. Together Capt Jayleen, Capt Luke, Capt Jim, Capt Larry & Capt Jeremy offer over 70 years of experience on the water–and while safely navigating the waters around Juneau is their first priority, customer service is a close second. Come join us on a tour; we are ready to show you a whale-watching tour you’ll never forget! The Alaskan Girl, Island Girl & Salty Girl are the perfect boats for small groups to get close to the best sights Juneau whale-watching has to offer. Whale watch in the comfort of our custom six-passenger vessels, our most popular tour, a 4-hour whale watch, sells for $220 total per person. …

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Amazing adventure being able to hear the whales when they surface! Did expect to see a whale completely come out of the water and create a massive splash. Jeremy was an amazing captain and tour guide! When in Juneau choose Jayleen's - great vessels that travel with a max of 6 passengers - not a crowded tour boat!

Fantastic experience from the first email to the final minute of the tour. Saw more than we expected, with breathtaking 360 degree views. Jayleen is very knowledgeable and really puts a lot of effort into making sure your tour is customized and informative. What a wonderful day we had. Thank you so much for all the local tips and recommendations as well. I think it's important to note that Jayleen's Alaska is a born and raised Alaskan, female owned company. Jayleen also did a phenomenal job accommodating a large service dog.

See all photos from Melinda E. for Jayleen’s Alaska

My wife researched like crazy as she planned our Alaska vacation. She happened upon Jayleen's Alaska and decided quickly that we were going to use her services. As soon as the trip was booked we received a confirmation email from Jayleen, and she kept in contact as our trip grew near. A couple of days before our trip Jayleen sent an update as where we would meet her, the two possible types of vehicles that would pick us up, and she told us to be punctual as that would give us the maximum amount of time for our whale watching tour. We arrived with 10 minutes to spare and she promptly picked us up and we took a short ride to pick up two other passengers. While on the way to the marina, she took time to get to know each of us, and called us all by name. She pointed out Mendenhall Glacier on our trip, and told us very interesting facts about Juneau as well. We got to the boat which was immaculately clean and she showed us where all the safety gear was, as well as what to do in the event something happened to her and she wasn't able to drive the boat. A short safety procedures talk ensued and then she showed us the drinks and snack area. Then we were off. Within 15 minutes we were watching our first two whales that were traveling together. 15 minutes. We watched for a while and then we decided to go to another place. That's when we were able to see the sea lions in the picture, another glacier and a light house all at the same time. After that we started heading back, and came upon two different whales, so we stopped again. Over the next hour we saw a total of six other whales. It was truly amazing, and Jayleen was just as excited as we were. You can tell she genuinely loves these magnificent creatures. Whatever the cost, it is well worth it. Jayleen is the best, and the experiences you get will last you a lifetime, but I'm betting we see her again!

Amazing little boat and captain! So glad we went with Jayleen's smaller business!!! Top notch all the way!

Humpback whales galore!!!

More humpbacks

Fantastic whale watching tour with no more than 6 passengers. Breathtaking views and highly knowledgeable guides to get you up and close to some amazing whale sightings.

Our tour boat.

Jayleen's. If you are looking to go whale watching in Juneau and want a very personalized and intimate experience, this is the company for you. Sure, you can go on a huge boat with a ton of other people, but I would trade that in any day to be on a smaller boat with only 5 people, braving the open ocean on our collective search to find orcas and humpbacks! Our guide was amazing. We pulled right into a parking lot and he immediately introduced himself to us. He was casual, cool, and extremely friendly! We walked the length of the dock and all jumped in a little boat to head out through the deep waters. The boat was new and clean. There is even a bathroom on board. They have complimentary snacks, waters, and sodas available if you get hungry or thirsty during the trip. Our guide immediately started telling us about our surroundings and answered a ton of questions about whales as soon as we took off. We were so lucky and got notice that there was a huge pack of orcas that would be about a 45 min drive to get to them. The guide was so thoughtful as to checked in with us all to make sure we were on the same page about using our time to try to find them! We took our time gazing in amazement and adjusting the boat to get every possible angle of these beautiful creatures! Then we decided to go find and watch some humpbacks for the rest of our time. We didn't feel rushed at all. Nor was he hurrying us back to the dock when our time lingered longer than expected. It was just the perfect way to see whales! At the end, we each got to take home a postcard! What a memorable experience. I am so lucky to have been a part of this whale watching group through Jayleen's!!!

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#1 on Trip Advisor

In its 17 th  year of operation, Alaskan-owned company Juneau Tours and Whale Watch weighs in as the largest independent tour provider in Southeast Alaska. But don’t let that title mislead you, this family operation is all about the customer experience. From sales agents and dock representatives to bus drivers/ guides, naturalists/deck hands and boat captains, Juneau Tours and Whale Watch treats everyone like well-loved family.

Company Story

Back in 1998, Sky Bonnell relocated from Hawaii to fish commercially and drive a cab in the off-season. Even back then—before everyone owned a cell phone—Juneau greeted a large number of visitors. The growing demand soon warranted the need for a larger vehicle so Sky bought a bus in 2002. Flash forward to 2017, Sky’s little company that started with a cab is now in two locations (Juneau and Skagway), offers more than eight different tours and serves close to 90,000 guests every summer. Managed by his sister, Serene Hutchinson, Juneau Tours and Whale Watch employs 60+ employees (more than half call Alaska their home) and has a whopping 70% employee retention rate!

Along with being #1 on Trip Advisor, a proud member of the Whale Sense project, Juneau Tours and Whale Watch is 100% committed to its recycling program (all tours, all the time) and a big supporter of sustainable and responsible tourism.

One of the world’s premier whale watching destinations, Juneau is located along Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. It’s also home to the owners and operators of Juneau Tours and Whale Watch. This family business believes in partnering with year-round residents and giving back to the community. From donating tours to local schools and non-profits, to bartering services for fresh crab, the sibling duo believes in keeping business in Alaska and collaborating with other Alaskan companies. Case in point, the newest addition to the fleet—the Atlin—was built to order in Homer by Bay Welding and designed by Coastwise Corporations. Juneau Tours and Whale Watch is grateful to be able to share the wonders of Southeast Alaska – by land and sea – with visitors and locals alike.

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PO Box 20017 Juneau, AK 99802

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-844-494-2537

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The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

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There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don’t need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren’t like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you’ll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You’ll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

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In Alaska, many of the biggest “attractions” — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you’ll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler  

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn’t just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer’s “Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call” guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I’ve tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I’ve also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska’s spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you’re thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It’ll be expensive. We’re talking $250 or more per person. But there’s nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don’t miss the whales. Even if you’re not a big wildlife person, you’ll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don’t-miss sight. It’s everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don’t have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It’s just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you’re probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it’s not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you’ll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There’s a creek there, too, where I’ve sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you’re just hoping you don’t get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren’t devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you’re a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It’s made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It’s the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle  

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it’s all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you’ll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn’t necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America  is a part-owner of Skagway’s big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I’ve had some luck with that over the years. It’s hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I’ve listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you’ll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I’ve used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line  

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska’s most iconic experiences.

It’s also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That’s a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I’ll tell you this: I don’t regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you’ll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it’s Alaska’s famous humpback whales that you want to see, you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you’ll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips  

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you’re like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don’t let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It’s a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that’s the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They’ll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don’t need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn’t have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you’ll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I’m a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn’t going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area’s classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise  

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you’ll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it’s well worth the money. Indeed, it’s one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you’ll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you’ll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You’ll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you’ll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you’ll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There’s nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you’re going to do a floatplane ride, there’s nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You’ll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that’s so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it’s not too “misty” to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It’s definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.