Juneau Whale Watching: Humpback Sightings Guaranteed

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1/9

Duration

3h 45m

Language

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Glide through Auke Bay with mountain views and chances to spot bears and eagles.

This whale-watching tour from Juneau takes you by jet boat into Auke Bay to spot humpback whales with a naturalist guide aboard the North Star, a 48-passenger vessel with large windows and an outside deck. The captain locates whales in waters where roughly 65 humpbacks return each season to feed. If none breach during your cruise, the operator refunds $100 per adult ($50 per child). On clear days, Mendenhall Glacier is visible as you depart. Transportation from the pier, the guide, and the Shore Excursion Guarantee are included.

The experience

Your morning or afternoon begins with a narrated transfer from the Juneau pier to Auke Bay, where you board the North Star: a state-of-the-art jet boat built specifically for whale watching. The 48-passenger vessel has large windows and an outside viewing deck, so you can watch from inside or step out on deck when the captain spots activity. On clear days, Mendenhall Glacier comes into view as the boat leaves the dock.

The captain and onboard naturalist know the waters well: roughly 65 humpback whales return to Juneau's nutrient-rich bay each season to feed, and the captain is skilled at locating them. Whale sightings are guaranteed. If no whale surfaces during your cruise, you'll receive a $100 refund ($50 for children). Beyond humpbacks, you may also see sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, bears, deer and various birds. Most travelers first learn a whale has been spotted by the collective chorus of excitement from fellow passengers as a giant humpback suddenly breaches.

The tour runs roughly four hours total, including the transfer to and from Auke Bay. A live naturalist guide narrates throughout, and the Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee covers you if weather forces a cancellation. You can reschedule or receive a full refund. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller (though they must sit on an adult's lap during the cruise itself).

What’s included

Narrated transfer from the pier to Auke Bay.
naturalist guide aboard the North Star.
large windows and outside viewing deck access.
the Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee covering weather-related cancellations with rescheduling or full refund.

Information

Lasts 3h 45m, from US$ 189 per person and with a live guide in English.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 20271 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.2 with pickup ›

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.

Is this one for you?Pick the morning slot if you're docked mid-day or the afternoon if you arrive early, so whale watching fits your ship's schedule without cutting into glacier hikes or town exploration.