Juneau: Whale Watching Tour & Guaranteed Sightings

Summary

Whale watching in Juneau with local guides and wild encounters

You’ll head out from Juneau with local guides who know where to find whales — and yes, you really will see them. Feel the sea air as humpbacks surface nearby, snack on board, and swap stories on your way back to town. It’s not just whale watching; it’s that feeling of being tiny in all the best ways.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t actually believe the “guaranteed whales” thing until we were out on the water, somewhere past Nugget Falls (which you only see from the bus, by the way — I kept craning my neck for a better look). The boat was warm inside but everyone kept drifting outside to catch the salty air and that kind of quiet you only get when you’re surrounded by mountains and water. Our guide, Jamie, pointed out a spout in the distance — just a puff at first. Suddenly everyone went silent. I could hear someone’s jacket rustling behind me.

The first humpback surfaced so close I almost dropped my phone. I remember this weird mix of excitement and calm — like everyone forgot to breathe for a second. Jamie told us about their migration routes and how they come back every year, almost like clockwork. She’d grown up here; you could tell from the way she said “Juneau” (sort of softer than I do). There were snacks inside — nothing fancy, but somehow crackers taste better when you’re watching whales glide through gray-green water. The main keyword here is whale watching Juneau, but honestly it felt more like being let in on a local secret than ticking off an activity.

On the ride back toward Mt. Roberts Tramway, people swapped photos and tried to describe what it felt like seeing something that big move so quietly. Someone’s kid fell asleep holding a half-eaten cookie. I still think about that moment when everything slowed down for just a minute — not sure if it was the cold or just being in Alaska, but it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Juneau whale watching tour

• Start at Mt. Roberts Tramway
• Bus stop for glacier view
• Travel to Whale Watching Harbor
• Whale watching on jet boats
• Return to Mt. Roberts Tramway

Top questions

Is whale watching in Juneau guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, sightings are 100% guaranteed according to the tour details.

Does this whale watching tour include pickup from my cruise ship?

Yes, roundtrip transportation from the cruise terminal is included.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Complimentary bottled water and snacks are included onboard.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, all boats are equipped with restrooms and heated cabins.

Can infants or small children join this whale watching trip?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult's lap.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

Will we stop at Nugget Falls during the tour?

No, there is only a brief bus stop for distant glacier views; no disembarking at Nugget Falls.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The boats accept collapsible wheelchairs but not motorized scooters or wheelchairs.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from Juneau’s cruise terminal, time with experienced local guides who know where to find whales (with sightings guaranteed), plus complimentary snacks and bottled water while you’re out on heated boats before returning to your starting point at Mt. Roberts Tramway.