Every year, humpback whales and their calves return to feed on Alaska’s waters teeming with fish, making Juneau a premiere humpback whale watching destination. On average, the humpbacks enjoy a feast of herring a mere 15 to 30 minutes from port, teaching their young to dive and hunt and delight in the cool Alaska waters of the Inside Passage. So, get a taste of your time on the water in the short video. (The humpback whale watching portion begins at minute 1:19.)
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This humpback is brimming with excitement as he breaches!
Tour Itinerary
First of all, Juneau Whale Watch will pick you up from the Cruise Ship Terminal in Juneau (near the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway). After a short guided tour from town (about 25 minutes), you’ll arrive in Auke Bay to board one of our five whale watching boats. At Fisherman’s Bend, the local marina, you will be met by your naturalist and guide for the voyage. Once safely on board, the captain will take you out for two hours on the water.
The tour begins inside a closed, heated cabin where you’ll learn more about the geography and humpback whales as you travel to the viewing destination. The whales move around from day to day but can be found at spots well-known to our captains. Consequently, the humpback whale watching is easy to achieve.
Humpback whale sightings are 100 per cent guaranteed during our season from May to September. Sometimes the whales are just floating and carving through the water. Other times they’re more playful and roll, spy-hop (poking their head out to survey their surroundings) or tail-slap. Some even breach! During the summer months, you might get lucky and witness the humpback whales gather in groups for bubble-net feeding. Keep an eye out for the orcas too! (Killer whales with distinctive black and white markings.)
Regulations
We love humpback whale watching and as members of Whale Sense Alaska, we adhere to the federally mandated rules for marine mammal viewing. This protects us and foremost the whales.
Boat Capacity
We’re an established local company with capacity for large groups (up to 200). However, we appreciate that smaller boats afford a far more intimate experience when watching the marine life that abound Juneau’s protected waters. Individually, our speedy jet boats will cater to 24 passengers and our sturdy catamarans are able to accommodate up to 49 whale seekers.
Furthermore, our whale watching boats are the newest in town. Our jet boats have a front and back deck, while our aluminum dual-hulled catamarans have an additional upper deck. Superbly, all our boats have an enclosed heated cabin with wide-viewing windows. As well, all our boats are available for private charters. See more on our fleet of seafaring vessels.
Should a private charter be of interest, the Rochelle B, one of our catamarans, comes complete with a bar area. And The Chilkat, another one of our catamarans, offers a lower deck with a bar and food service area for catering. This is perfect for once-in-a-lifetime events with family and friends. For example, bachelor and bachelorette parties, anniversaries and graduation parties. Even getting married on the water, taking pictures at the glacier and holding your reception on Mount Roberts with stunning, elevated views overlooking Juneau.
One of our fine seafaring vessels.
Making Reservations
Humpback whale watching enthusiasts ask about our special multi-trip rates. Photographers and naturalists praise our boats for their excellent vantage points from any place on board. See our Trip Advisor reviews.
Whether you’re in a couple or part of a group, we have a package that will fit your time in town. Book local and online for the best deals in Juneau, Alaska. Call (907) 723-4181 for group and charter rates. We answer the phone year round! See you soon.
Feeling sprightly!
