Juneau whale watching tour: Humpback whales guaranteed

Humpback whales, heated cabins, and a guarantee

A whale watching tour in Juneau that departs from Mt. Roberts Tramway and takes you by boat into the waters where humpback whales feed and breach. The operator guarantees whale sightings or your money back. Roundtrip transport from the cruise terminal is included, along with a naturalist guide, bottled water and snacks. The boats have restrooms and heated cabins so you can watch from indoors or step onto the open deck.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching tour in Juneau

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

The experience

Three and a half hours on the water searching for whales in Juneau means leaving Mt. Roberts Tramway and heading toward the harbor with a brief pass by Nugget Falls on the way. Once aboard one of the fleet's fast jet boats, you're on the water with a naturalist guide and captain who know where the humpbacks congregate. The boats carry enough people that you're sharing the experience, but they're built with both heated cabins and open deck space, so you choose whether to watch from inside or stand outside in the Alaskan air.

The guarantee is the thing that sets this apart: the operator promises you will see whales in their natural habitat from a safe distance, or the tour is free. That confidence comes from the guides' familiarity with the creatures and the waters they inhabit. Restrooms and a heated cabin mean you're not choosing between comfort and a good view. You get both. Bottled water and snacks are included, and the roundtrip transport from the cruise terminal means you don't arrange your own way to the boat.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transportation from the cruise terminal.
• a naturalist guide and expert captain.
• bottled water and snacks.
• restroom and heated cabin access aboard the boat.
• a 100% guarantee to see whales in their natural habitat.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.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 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Tales

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're docked in Juneau and want the whale watching handled completely: transport, guide, and the guarantee all arranged so you step off the boat knowing you saw humpbacks, or you don't pay.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales will I actually see on this Juneau tour?

Humpback whales are the main draw, and the operator guarantees you will see them. Other water wildlife may appear along the way, though the focus is on the humpbacks that feed in these waters.

How long is the actual time spent on the water watching whales?

The tour runs three and a half hours total, which includes the boat ride out, time searching and watching, and the return to Mt. Roberts Tramway.

Can I watch from outside if the weather is cold?

Yes. The jet boats have heated cabins where you can watch from inside, and they also have open deck space if you want to be outside. You switch between them as you prefer during the tour.

What's included in the price?

Roundtrip transport from the cruise terminal, a naturalist guide, bottled water, snacks, and restroom access aboard the boat are all included. The whale sightings are guaranteed.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the harbor?

No. Roundtrip transportation from the cruise terminal is included, so you don't need to find your own transport to the boat.