Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise & Salmon Bake Full Day

What if you could see a humpback breach and eat wild salmon the same day?

You board a jet boat at Auke Bay with a naturalist guide and spend the morning hunting humpback and orca whales in nutrient-rich waters: sightings are guaranteed or you get $100 back. You'll also see sea lions, seals, eagles, and bears from the deck. After the cruise, you eat a wild salmon buffet with hot and cold drinks and live music. Transport from the pier and all meals are included. The whole day runs about eight hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and salmon bake

• Transfer from pier to Auke Bay
• Board North Star jet boat
• Whale watching cruise with naturalist
• Spot humpback and orca whales
• See sea lions, seals, porpoises, eagles
• Enjoy Alaska Salmon Bake meal

The experience

Juneau's waters hold about 65 humpback whales that return each season to feed, and the North Star (a 48-passenger jet boat with big windows and an outside deck) is built to find them. You board at Auke Bay after a narrated transfer from the pier, and the naturalist guide and captain work the waters methodically. Whale sightings are guaranteed. If you don't see one, they refund $100. Most people spot them within the first couple hours, though the real moment comes when the boat goes quiet and someone points, and there's a humpback breaching, water streaming off its back.

Between whale passes, you'll see Steller sea lions hauled out on rocks, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises cutting the surface, and bald eagles perched in the spruce. The scenery alone (steep forested slopes, glacial water, the sound of the engine cutting through quiet) is the kind of thing that makes you stop talking and just look. A naturalist is onboard the whole time, narrating what you're seeing and answering questions, so you're not just watching. You're learning why the whales are here, what they're eating, how the ecosystem works.

After the cruise winds down, you head to the Alaska Salmon Bake for a hot buffet of wild salmon, sides, and dessert, with live entertainment running while you eat. It's the second half of the day, and by then you're hungry and a little tired from the cold and the excitement, so the warm food and the chance to sit and process what you've seen lands differently than it would at the start. Beverages (hot and cold) are included, and the whole thing runs in all weather, which in Juneau means you dress in layers and accept that rain is part of the deal.

What’s included

Your day includes narrated transport from the pier to Auke Bay, a full whale-watching cruise aboard the North Star with a naturalist guide, guaranteed whale sightings (or $100 refund), viewing of sea lions, seals, eagles and other wildlife, a wild Alaska salmon buffet with hot and cold beverages, and live entertainment at the salmon bake.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 90

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 23 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see whales and eat wild salmon without arranging two separate activities: the fixed schedule and included transport from the pier mean you show up and the day unfolds on its own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Are whale sightings really guaranteed?

Yes. If no whale is spotted during the cruise, the operator refunds $100 per adult ($50 per child). Juneau's humpback population is healthy and returns seasonally to feed in these waters.

What's the weather like, and what should I wear?

Southeast Alaska is cool and wet year-round. Dress in layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and wear non-slip shoes. The tour operates in all weather conditions.

How long is the whole day?

The tour is full-day. It includes a narrated transfer to Auke Bay, the whale-watching cruise, and the salmon bake with entertainment.

What other wildlife might I see besides whales?

Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises, bald eagles, bears, Sitka blacktail deer, and various seabirds are commonly spotted from the boat.

Is the boat comfortable for people who get seasick?

The North Star is a 48-passenger jet boat with large windows and an outside viewing deck. It's designed for Juneau waters, but motion is always possible on the ocean. Bring medication if you're prone to seasickness.

What's included in the price?

Transport from the pier to Auke Bay, the whale-watching cruise with a naturalist guide, the Alaska salmon buffet, hot and cold beverages, and live entertainment at the bake.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

Do I need to book in advance?

It's recommended to book ahead. When you reserve, provide your ship or hotel name so the operator can confirm pickup details.