Juneau: Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Boat Tour

Summary

Humpbacks, eagles and glacier views on Alaska’s wild water

You’ll feel Alaska’s wildness up close: watch humpback whales feed near Juneau, share laughs with your guide over missed photos, spot eagles overhead and sea lions nearby, then pause for an icy view of Mendenhall Glacier from the boat’s deck. Warm up inside with snacks as you drift back toward shore — it lingers with you longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the boat’s deck felt under my boots — cold, a bit damp from the morning mist. We’d just left Auke Bay Harbor after a short bus ride from downtown Juneau (the driver, Mark, had this habit of pointing out every eagle he saw — I lost count at five). The air smelled like salt and pine needles, sharp enough to wake you up even if you’re jetlagged. I didn’t expect the engines to be so quiet; it was easy to hear the slap of waves and someone behind me unwrapping a snack bar.

When our naturalist guide, Jen, spotted the first humpback whale, she actually gasped before any of us did. It’s strange — you think you’ll be ready for it, but when that huge dark back breaks the surface, everyone just goes silent for a second. Then cameras come out and people start whispering. There were sea lions too, bobbing around like they owned the place. I tried to get a photo but mostly ended up with blurry water (Jen laughed and said she has hundreds just like it). The boat had this heated cabin with big windows — honestly a relief because Alaskan wind bites harder than I thought in summer.

We drifted near Mendenhall Glacier for a few minutes. It looked unreal, all blue-white against low clouds. Someone handed me trail mix (included — not fancy but hits the spot), and I stood outside until my fingers went numb. You could smell something icy in the air that I still can’t describe. On the way back, everyone seemed quieter — maybe just tired or maybe thinking about those whales still out there somewhere. Anyway, if you’re looking for a whale watching tour from Juneau that actually feels real — not staged or rushed — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and glacier viewing

• Board coach at Mt. Roberts Tram
• Travel 25 minutes to Auke Bay Harbor
• Board whale watching vessel
• Watch for humpback whales and wildlife
• Stop for photos of Mendenhall Glacier
• Enjoy light snacks and refreshments

Top questions

How long does the Juneau whale watching tour last?

The full tour is 3 hours total, including 2 hours on the water watching whales near Juneau.

Is transportation included in this whale watching tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay Harbor are included.

Will I see humpback whales on this tour?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed between May 15th and September 15th.

Does the boat have indoor seating?

Yes, there’s an enclosed heated cabin with wide viewing windows plus outdoor decks.

Is there food or drink provided during the whale watching cruise?

You’ll get filtered water and trail mix bars aboard the boat as light snacks.

Do we stop at Mendenhall Glacier during this tour?

You’ll pause on the water for a photo stop of Mendenhall Glacier (weather permitting).

Are bathrooms available on board?

Yes, there are bathrooms on board each vessel during your whale watching trip.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can sit on laps or use strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay Harbor by coach bus, two hours of guided whale watching on a custom boat with both heated indoor seating and open decks for viewing wildlife like humpbacks and sea lions, filtered water and trail mix bars as snacks onboard, plus a photo stop at Mendenhall Glacier if weather allows before returning to town together.