Juneau: Whale Watching Tour in Auke Bay with Local Guide

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1/9

Duration3h 45m

GroupUp to 100

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Whale watching in Juneau’s wild bay—humpbacks, eagles, glacier views

You’ll feel that electric hush as humpbacks break the surface in Auke Bay—watching with locals who know these waters inside out. With pickup from Juneau and a naturalist guiding your way, you’ll spot whales (guaranteed), sea lions, maybe even an eagle or two—all while catching glimpses of Mendenhall Glacier if weather allows.

3h 45m

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching in Auke Bay

Transfer from pier to Auke Bay
Board the North Star jet boat
Enjoy narrated whale watching cruise
Spot humpback whales and wildlife
View Mendenhall Glacier if clear

The Experience

Ever wondered what it feels like when a whole boat goes silent at once? That’s what happened out on Auke Bay, somewhere between the chatter about snacks and someone’s camera strap squeaking. Our guide, Jamie, had just finished telling us about how humpbacks feed here every summer—sixty-five of them, apparently—and then the water just… moved. I mean, really moved. Someone gasped before I even saw the tail break the surface. It was bigger than I expected. The air smelled like salt and something green, maybe seaweed or just Alaska itself.

The boat (North Star—big windows, outside deck if you want wind in your face) left from Juneau after a quick narrated drive. Jamie pointed out Mendenhall Glacier off to our right; on clear days you can see it shining blue behind the mountains. I tried to take a photo but my hands were shaking a bit—part nerves, part cold. There was this moment where everyone just watched the water together, no one talking. Then a kid yelled “there!” and suddenly everyone rushed to one side (don’t worry, the captain laughed and said we wouldn’t tip over). We saw not just whales but sea lions lounging on rocks, plus a bald eagle perched so still it almost looked fake.

I didn’t expect to care about the little details—the way the guide pointed out porpoises darting alongside us or how people kept sharing binoculars like old friends by the end. My hair smelled like ocean for hours after we got back. If you’re thinking about whale watching in Juneau or looking for a day trip from downtown (they pick you up), honestly—it’s not just about seeing whales. It’s about that weird hush before everyone cheers together when something wild happens right in front of you.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation from your hotel or cruise ship pier to Auke Bay and back again.
a narrated transfer with local insights.
all time onboard North Star with big windows and outdoor viewing deck.
guidance from an experienced naturalist.
plus their guarantee that you'll see whales—or they pay you back part of your fare.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.