Whale Watching Cruise from Juneau: Humpbacks & Glacier

The glacier view comes from the water, not from shore.

A whale watching cruise from Juneau operates on a 49-passenger vessel with pickup and drop-off at your cruise ship dock, including a scenic shuttle ride to Auke Bay harbor and a dedicated stop to view Mendenhall Glacier from the water. The tour runs 4 hours and 5 minutes total, with roughly 2.75 hours on the water watching humpback whales, sea lions and other marine life, plus complimentary water, snacks and soft drinks. A live guide narrates the history of Juneau and its marine habitat throughout, and whale sightings are guaranteed or you get an alternative date or full refund.

The experience

You arrive at your cruise ship dock in Juneau with a few hours to spare. A guest representative meets you there and walks you to a courtesy shuttle for the scenic 25-minute ride to Auke Bay boat harbor, where the 49-passenger vessel waits. The boat is a custom-built double-decker with an enclosed cabin and spacious viewing decks, so you can stay warm or move outside depending on the weather and where the whales are moving.

Once on the water, the guide narrates the history of Juneau and explains what you're seeing as humpback whales, stellar sea lions and other marine life appear. A dedicated stop brings you close to Mendenhall Glacier, visible from the water: weather dependent, but the operator runs in all safe conditions and dresses the experience around what the day allows. The whole cruise portion runs about 2.75 hours, with two restrooms on board and complimentary bottled water, snacks and soft drinks available throughout.

The return shuttle takes another 25 minutes back to your ship dock, where you're dropped at the same spot you started. The whole outing (transfer, cruise, glacier stop and return) fits inside 4 hours and 5 minutes, which means you can book this even if your ship's turnaround is tight. If weather forces a cancellation, you choose an alternative time or date, or get your money back.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at your cruise ship dock.
• scenic shuttle ride to Auke Bay boat harbor (about 25 minutes each way).
• 2.75 hours of whale watching and sightseeing on a 49-passenger double-decker vessel with enclosed cabins and viewing decks.
• live guide narration about Juneau's history and marine habitat.
• a dedicated stop to view Mendenhall Glacier from the water.
• complimentary bottled water, snacks and soft drinks.
• access to two onboard restrooms.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for back problems

Operated by Harv and Marvs Outback Alaska

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're arriving by cruise ship: we pick you up at your dock and run the full tour (glacier viewing, whale watching, and return shuttle) within your ship's schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

What happens if I don't see a whale on the cruise?

Whale sightings are guaranteed on this tour. If whales don't appear, the operator offers you an alternative date or a full refund.

Do I need to tell the operator which cruise ship I'm on?

Yes. Juneau has five different cruise ship docks, and the operator needs to know which one yours uses so the shuttle picks you up from the right location. Contact Harv & Marvs directly with your ship's name before the tour date.

How much of the tour is actually on the water watching whales?

The cruise portion runs approximately 2.75 hours on the water. The remaining time in the 4 hour and 5 minute tour includes the round-trip shuttle ride to and from Auke Bay harbor (about 50 minutes total) and time boarding the vessel and taking breaks.

What's included with the whale watching cruise?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your cruise ship dock; the scenic shuttle ride to Auke Bay; the whale watching cruise with live narration about Juneau's history and marine life; a dedicated stop to view Mendenhall Glacier from the water; complimentary bottled water, snacks and soft drinks; and access to two onboard restrooms.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the boat?

Collapsible strollers and wheelchairs can be accommodated if a companion is able to assist you boarding and disembarking, and you note this at the time of booking. The vessel has no ramps and space is limited. The tour is not recommended for travelers who need assistance entering or exiting the boat.

What should I wear for this cruise?

Dress appropriately for Alaska weather. The tour operates in all safe weather conditions, and the vessel has an enclosed cabin as well as open viewing decks, so you can move between them as needed.