Juneau Whale Watch: Humpback & Orca with Mendenhall Glacier

Board a jet boat in Juneau and spend two hours watching humpbacks feed in Alaska waters

You ride a coach bus from downtown Juneau to Auke Bay Harbor, then spend two hours on a heated, custom-built whale boat with a naturalist guide watching humpbacks and orcas feed. The boat stops for a photo of Mendenhall Glacier, and snacks are provided. The whole experience takes three hours, with guaranteed whale sightings during the May–September season.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching adventure in Juneau

• Board coach bus at Mt. Roberts Tram
• Travel 25 minutes to Auke Bay Harbor
• Board whale watching vessel
• Watch for humpback whales and wildlife
• Enjoy photo opportunities on viewing decks
• Stop for 5 minute Mendenhall Glacier photo
• Receive light snack and refreshments

The Experience

You check in under the cables at the Mt. Roberts Tramway in downtown Juneau, then board a coach bus for a 25-minute drive through Southeast Alaska to Auke Bay Harbor. The landscape shifts as you head north—dense forest, water views, the kind of quiet that makes you realize how far you've come from anywhere else. By the time you reach the harbor, you're ready to get on the water.

The boat itself is built for this. You board either a 24-passenger jet boat or a 49-passenger catamaran, both custom-designed with a heated cabin, wide viewing windows, and open decks so you can move between inside and outside as the weather and your tolerance for cold decide. The naturalist guide briefs you on what to watch for—humpbacks are the main event, but there are orcas, sea lions, bald eagles, and black bears if the day cooperates. Then the captain takes you out into Alaska waters for two hours of actual whale watching, not driving around hoping. The boat slows when something appears, giving you time to photograph and just watch.

Toward the end, weather permitting, the captain stops on the water for five minutes in front of Mendenhall Glacier. It's a moment to reset your eyes on something that doesn't move. Filtered water and trail mix bars are available the whole time you're aboard, which matters more than it sounds when you're standing on a deck in Alaska in May or June.

The whole thing—bus ride, two hours on the water, the glacier stop, the ride back—takes three hours from check-in to return. Whale sightings are guaranteed between May 15th and September 15th, which is the window when humpbacks are feeding in these waters. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket; the cabin is heated but you'll want to be outside when something surfaces.

What’s included

Your three-hour tour includes round-trip coach transportation from downtown Juneau to Auke Bay Harbor, a two-hour whale watching cruise with a naturalist guide aboard a custom-built heated boat, a photo stop on the water at Mendenhall Glacier (weather dependent), filtered water and trail mix bars, and access to both the enclosed heated cabin and open viewing decks. The boat has bathrooms on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Juneau Tours

Is this one for you?A good choice if you want to see humpbacks and orcas without arranging your own transport or timing—the fixed schedule and guaranteed sightings (May–September) mean you board a bus downtown and spend two hours on the water with a guide who knows where to look.

Traveler reviews

4.87★★★★★★★★★★

1,192 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,100

4 ★54

3 ★23

2 ★7

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

When do whales appear in Juneau waters?

Humpbacks are guaranteed between May 15th and September 15th. The tour operates year-round, but whale sightings are only guaranteed during that window.

How long is the actual time on the water?

Two hours. The full tour is three hours, which includes the 25-minute bus ride each way and check-in time.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. The boat has a heated, enclosed cabin with wide viewing windows, so you can watch from inside. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, bathrooms are available on board.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and must sit on an adult's lap. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

What is included in the price?

Round-trip transportation between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay Harbor, the two-hour whale watching tour with a naturalist guide, the Mendenhall Glacier photo stop, filtered water, trail mix bars, and use of the heated cabin and viewing decks.

Where do I meet the tour?

Under the cables in front of the Mt. Roberts Tramway in downtown Juneau. Check-in is at your booked time; the bus departs within 10–15 minutes.

What boat will I be on?

Either a 24-passenger jet boat or a 49-passenger catamaran, depending on the departure. Both are custom-designed with heated cabins, viewing windows, and open decks.

Are cruise ship passengers welcome?

Yes. At booking, you'll need to provide the name of your ship so the tour can be timed around your port schedule.

What should I wear?

Warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable slip-proof shoes. The cabin is heated, but you'll spend time on the open decks, and rain is likely in Southeast Alaska.