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Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

4.7
793 reviews

Excursion Overview

Auke Bay Whale Watching

Want to get out onto the open Alaskan waters? Our captains and naturalists will take you in search of humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoises and so much more! Your Juneau whale watching journey will take you through Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel, all popular spots for spotting some of Southeast Alaska's finest wildlife.

Take a guided bus ride from downtown Juneau out to Auke Bay, where you will board one of our specially designed boats with large windows, heated cabins, and outdoor decks. Come aboard for up-close viewing of Alaska's most incredible creatures, while listening to a naturalist and experienced guide.

There is a 100% guarantee or your money back to see the majestic humpback whales that travel to Alaska for feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Once a whale is spotted, our captain will slow down and passengers are allowed out on the decks for a truly unique and up-close experience. With plenty of time out on the water, you're sure to see an array of spouts, tails, breaches, and more from these magnificent whales!

Mendenhall Glacier

Coupled with this tour is a stop at the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier! Take in the massive and mighty glacier, an explosive river of ice with rugged crevasses and vibrant blue color. At the glacier visitor center, you will have approximately 45 minutes to explore the walking paths and the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center. Make sure you have your camera ready to snap photos of the famous Black Bears feeding on Wild Alaskan Salmon as you walk along raised trails over salmon spawning streams. It's truly a wild experience!

This tour operation is under permit with the Tongass National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.

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 while onboard the boat
  • Admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center

Requirements:

  • There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 4.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

  • 30 minutes - transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
  • 45 minutes - open exploration at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
  • 30 minutes - transportation to Auke Bay for whale watching
  • 2 hours - whale watching onboard a boat
  • 30 minutes - transportation back to the cruise ship terminal

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.

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.

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.

No, unless you can walk 2 miles within 45 minutes. Nugget Falls is located about 1 mile from the Visitor Center and can be seen from the parking lot and various walking trails and view points around the Visitor Center building.

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!

Walking on or getting up close to the glacier is not possible during this tour.

Yes, admission is included.

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.

 

Guest Reviews

4.7

793 total

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Deborah B

On Oct 2023

This was a once in a lifetime excursion for my husband and myself. The tour guides for the boat were so enthusiastic even though this is something they see several times a day. Special shout-out to Kacie- she was so engaging and knowledgeable.

Kevin W

On Sep 2023

We saw many tails and breaches. We truly enjoyed the experience, and would definitely do this again. Our guide Greg and Captain Larry were the best. They were both very knowledgeable and experienced. Could have stayed out there all day.

Amy Z

On Sep 2023

Great tour. Clean boat and very informative.

Barbara S

On Sep 2023

The tour was great! Booking was a breeze. Very nice touch having each ship's itinerary on your website. Julia, our bus driver, was knowledgeable of the area, and quite entertaining! We had an hour at Mendenhall Glacier and did make it to the waterfall (beautiful!) but did not have time for the visitor's center. It would be helpful if the tour could extend by at least a half hour to have more time at Mendenhall Glacier. (I would pay extra!) Our Captain and Naturalists on the whale watching portion were extremely knowledgeable. We did not see as many whales on our trip as other excursions, but it was not for the lack of trying. We did see a group of seals hanging out. All in all, it was a great tour, at a reasonable price, and I highly recommend it!

Ray C

On Sep 2023

Excellent service, no waiting and we saw whales!

$219.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$219.00

Duration: 4.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4.5 hours



Adult: $219.00

Child (2-12): $199.00

Infant (Free under 2): $0.00

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