Juneau Whale Watching Tour & Jet Boat with Local Crew

Summary

Whale watching in Juneau with jet boat, local stories, and wild moments

You’ll board a small jet boat in Juneau with locals who know these waters by heart. Watch whales breach nearby, sip hot chocolate as you scan for sea lions and eagles, and share quiet moments with fellow travelers—all with easy transfers included. You’ll remember that hush after seeing your first spout rise against the mountains.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a pair of binoculars before I’ve even found my seat on the bus. Our driver—her name’s Jess—calls out landmarks as we wind through Juneau, but honestly I’m distracted by the way the clouds hang low over the water. There’s this hush in the group until someone spots an eagle perched on a streetlight, and suddenly everyone’s pointing. We’re headed for Auke Bay, Jess says, about 25 minutes from downtown. It smells like rain and seaweed when we step off.

The jet boat is smaller than I pictured (in a good way). Captain Mike grins as he helps us onboard—he grew up here, knows every inlet by heart. The engine hums to life and we glide out into Favorite Channel. Coffee sloshes in my cup; I almost spill it when someone shouts “there!” Sure enough, a humpback’s back arches above the water. It’s quieter than I expected—just that soft exhale from the whale and a few excited whispers. Hot chocolate tastes better when you’re cold and your hands are shaking from adrenaline, you know?

Our naturalist guide points out sea lions lounging on a buoy (they look unimpressed by our excitement), then tells us to keep an eye out for Dall’s porpoises—fast little things, barely a splash before they’re gone again. I try to say “Steller sea lion” in my best attempt at Alaskan pronunciation; Mike laughs and corrects me gently. The mountains feel impossibly close some moments. And then there’s just silence for a bit while we drift, everyone scanning for another tail or spout.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to strangers or to care this much about seeing one more whale before heading back. The ride home is quieter—someone passes around snacks and nobody wants to be first off the bus. Even now I can hear that whale breathing if I think about it long enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour from Juneau

• Depart downtown Juneau by bus
• Travel scenic route to Auke Bay
• Board comfortable jet boat
• Search for whales with naturalist guide
• Use binoculars to spot wildlife
• Enjoy onboard refreshments and snacks
• Return to downtown Juneau

Top questions

How long does the Juneau whale watching tour last?

The tour includes two hours on the water plus transfers between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay.

Are refreshments included during the whale watching trip?

Yes, bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, and a small snack are provided onboard.

Is transportation from downtown Juneau included?

Yes, round-trip transfers between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay are included in your booking.

What wildlife might I see besides whales?

You may spot bald eagles, Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, black bears, and more during your day trip from Juneau.

Are binoculars provided on the jet boat?

Yes, binoculars are available for all guests to use during the whale watching tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Do I need special clothing for this tour?

No special gear is required but dressing warmly is recommended due to weather changes near Juneau’s waters.

Can service animals join this whale watching trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour departing from Juneau.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay, all necessary binoculars for spotting wildlife up close, bottled water along with coffee or hot chocolate served onboard (plus a small snack), guidance from local crew members who know these channels well—and plenty of time searching for whales among Alaska’s wild scenery.