Juneau: Whale Watching Tour & Small Catamaran with Pickup

Summary

Whale watching in Juneau from a small boat with heated cabin

You’ll board a small catamaran in Juneau with a handful of fellow travelers and an easygoing local guide. Watch humpback whales surface close by, feel Alaskan wind on your face from the walk-around deck, and spot eagles perched above misty shorelines. Includes round-trip pickup and time to soak up those quiet moments only found out on open water.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the bus because I’d run back for my gloves — turns out, you really do need them in Juneau, even in July. The driver just grinned and said it happens all the time. The ride out to the harbor was quiet except for this little group of friends from Oregon who kept guessing which mountain was which. When we got to the dock, our guide (her name was Tasha) handed out these funny waterproof ponchos that made us all look like jellybeans. She said, “Trust me, you’ll thank me when the wind picks up.” She was right.

The catamaran felt more like someone’s living room than a tour boat — big windows everywhere and these seats that sort of hugged you. I ended up next to an older couple from Texas who’d never seen snow before; they kept pointing at every patch left on the hills. We hadn’t even left the harbor when Tasha shouted, “Eagle!” and sure enough, there was one just sitting on a piling, completely ignoring us. The air smelled sharp and salty, and when we finally got moving, I could hear sea lions barking somewhere far off. It’s weird how quiet everything gets once you’re out on the water — just hum of the engine and everyone whispering like we might scare off the whales.

I didn’t expect to see so many whales so quickly. First it was just one spout way off, but then two humpbacks surfaced closer than I thought possible — you could actually hear them exhale, this deep whoosh that felt almost too big for the boat. Someone near me started crying quietly (happy tears, I think). We drifted for a while as Tasha explained how they migrate past Juneau every year — she even pointed out some scars on one’s back and told us its nickname (“Lefty,” apparently). There was hot water if you wanted tea or cocoa, but honestly I forgot about snacks because I couldn’t stop looking at those tails disappearing under gray waves.

On the way back we passed Nugget Falls in the distance — misty and half-hidden behind low clouds. The rain started again but nobody seemed to mind; everyone just crowded around the windows or shuffled outside under their hoods. My phone died halfway through but it didn’t matter much; sometimes it’s better not to be fiddling with screens anyway. Still thinking about that feeling when everything went quiet except for whales breathing somewhere close by — kind of sticks with you longer than photos do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour in Juneau

• Board complimentary bus to catamaran
• Settle into individual seating
• Enjoy 2.25-hour whale watching cruise
• View marine wildlife from walk-around deck
• Return by bus to starting point

Top questions

How long is the whale watching tour in Juneau?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours including transport—about 2.25 hours are spent on the water whale watching.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

Yes, complimentary pickup is provided by bus from central Juneau locations such as near the Goldbelt Tram.

How many people are on each catamaran tour?

The catamaran carries up to 20 passengers per tour for a more personal experience.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom available onboard the vessel during your whale watching tour.

What should I wear for this whale tour?

Wear warm layers with a waterproof outer layer and comfortable non-slip shoes; weather can be cold or rainy even in summer.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

You can bring your own snacks; complimentary water is available upon request and there is hot water for tea or cocoa.

Can children join this whale watching trip?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

What wildlife might we see besides whales?

You may see sea lions, bald eagles, and possibly other marine life along Alaska’s coastline.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup by bus from central Juneau to the harbor where you'll board a custom 20-passenger catamaran with heated cabin and walk-around deck; complimentary water is available if you need it (bring your own snacks if you want), plus there's always someone nearby to point out eagles or answer questions as you go along before heading back into town together at the end.