Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise & Glacier View with Pickup

Summary

Juneau’s whales and glacier views from the water and bridge

You’ll ride out from Juneau with a local guide, watch for whales from a comfy double-decker boat (with snacks), and stop at Brotherhood Bridge to see Mendenhall Glacier shimmering in the distance. Expect salty air, maybe some laughter over mispronounced names, and that quiet awe when a whale surfaces nearby.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if whales really surface that close to the boat? I did too, honestly. The morning started at the cruise ship dock in Juneau, where we met our guide — I think her name was Amanda, but I might be wrong (she had this bright orange rain jacket). She handed us over to the shuttle driver with a quick “You’ll want your camera ready,” and off we went through town toward Auke Bay. I remember the van windows fogging up from all our chatter — everyone guessing how cold it’d feel out on the water.

The boat itself was bigger than I pictured — double-decker, warm inside, but you could step out for air (and honestly, for better photos). We had snacks and sodas set out, which was good because I’d skipped breakfast by accident. Our captain kept pointing out little details: sea lions lazing on buoys, bald eagles overhead. Then someone shouted — not sure who — and suddenly there it was: a humpback whale breaking the surface, that hollow sound of its breath echoing across the bay. You could smell salt and something almost metallic in the air. It’s weird what sticks with you.

After a while (time sort of blurs when you’re watching for spouts), we stopped at Brotherhood Bridge for a look at Mendenhall Glacier. The clouds hung low that day, but you could still see that blue ice way off in the distance. Our guide told us locals call it “the glacier” like there aren’t dozens around here — she laughed when someone asked if it ever melts completely (apparently not anytime soon). We only stayed about fifteen minutes, just enough for photos and to feel how cold the river gets near glacial runoff. And then back to town — tired in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and glacier viewing

• Meet Guest Rep at cruise ship dock
• Board courtesy shuttle to Auke Bay harbor
• Stop at Brotherhood Bridge for glacier view
• Board 49-passenger vessel for whale watching
• Enjoy 2.75-hour whale watching cruise
• Return shuttle to cruise ship dock

Top questions

How long is the whale watching cruise from Juneau?

The full tour lasts about 4 hours and 5 minutes including round-trip transfers.

Is pickup included from my cruise ship?

Yes, shuttle pickup and drop-off are included from your designated cruise ship dock in Juneau.

Will I definitely see whales on this tour?

The tour guarantees whale sightings during your cruise.

Do we visit Mendenhall Glacier directly?

No, you’ll stop at Brotherhood Bridge for glacier views rather than visiting Mendenhall Glacier itself.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the cruise?

Complimentary bottled water, snacks, and soft drinks are available onboard.

Is this whale watching tour suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

How many people are on the boat?

The vessel accommodates up to 49 passengers per trip.

Is there shelter if it rains during the cruise?

The boat has enclosed cabins so you can stay dry even if it rains.

What’s included

Your day includes shuttle pickup and drop-off right at your cruise ship dock in Juneau, time aboard a spacious double-decker vessel with enclosed cabins and restrooms, live narration by your local guide as you search for whales (with guaranteed sightings), complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the cruise, plus a quick stop at Brotherhood Bridge for classic views of Mendenhall Glacier before heading back into town.