Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise & Alaska Salmon Bake Lunch

Summary

Whale watching in Juneau with salmon bake lunch and local stories

You’ll spot whales up close on Juneau’s wild waters with a naturalist guide, then warm up over an open-air Alaska salmon bake lunch with live music. Expect laughter, real stories from locals, and those little moments when nature surprises you — all in one easy day with transfers included.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s a tail!” someone shouted, and just like that, everyone rushed to the railings — I nearly dropped my coffee. We were out on Auke Bay, bundled up against the wind (it smells like seaweed and engine oil out there, in a good way), and our guide Jamie was telling us how humpbacks return here every summer. She pointed out a bald eagle circling above before we even left the dock. The boat — North Star — had these huge windows but honestly, I spent most of the time outside, squinting at the water with everyone else. There’s this hush right before you see a whale surface, like nobody wants to break the spell.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. Jamie told us about the orcas’ “spyhopping” — apparently they pop their heads up to look around (I tried to imitate it later at lunch; my partner was not impressed). When we finally saw that humpback breach — massive splash, everyone gasped at once — it felt weirdly personal. Maybe because you’re all strangers but suddenly sharing this little adrenaline jolt together? It wasn’t just whales either: sea lions barking from a buoy, some harbor seals bobbing nearby, even a couple of Dall’s porpoises racing alongside for a minute.

The salmon bake after was pure comfort. You get off the boat still buzzing from the cold and excitement and walk into this woodsy spot where smoke from the grill hangs in the air. The salmon’s got that sweet-charred thing going on (I probably ate too much), and there was live music — not too loud, just enough to make you want to linger over your plate. I’m still thinking about that first bite; maybe it was hunger or maybe it was just…Juneau doing its thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

Is whale watching in Juneau guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll receive a partial refund ($100 for adults, $50 for children).

How long is the whale watching cruise from Juneau?

The cruise is part of a full-day activity including transfers and lunch; exact cruise time may vary but expect several hours on the water.

What animals can I see besides whales?

You might also spot Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoises, bald eagles, bears, Sitka blacktail deer, and seabirds.

Is food included during the Juneau whale watching tour?

Yes, an Alaska Salmon Bake buffet lunch is included after your cruise.

Are transfers included for this day trip?

Yes, narrated transportation from your ship or hotel to Auke Bay is included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Can infants join the Juneau whale watching & salmon bake?

Yes, infants are welcome and can ride in prams or strollers; they must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes narrated transfer from your ship or hotel to Auke Bay with a local guide sharing stories along the way. You’ll board a custom 48-passenger jet boat for guaranteed whale watching in Juneau’s rich waters before enjoying an open-air Alaska Salmon Bake buffet lunch with live entertainment and hot drinks before heading back.