Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier View
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Your 3 hour whale watching adventure begins when you board a coach bus that departs downtown Juneau from the Mt. Roberts Tram parking lot. A 25 minute journey through the picturesque landscape of Southeast Alaska will take you to Auke Bay Harbor. “All aboard!” and you’re off for Alaska waters and the ultimate whale watching experience. The star of the tour is the humpback whale, but we are always looking out for sea lions, bald eagles, or the playful orca. The whales are here to feed in our abundant Alaskan waters. Our naturalist guides you on a 2 hour whale watching tour. With our experienced captains and Juneau being one of the best ports for whale watching in Alaska, this tour will be an unforgettable experience. A light snack and refreshments will be provided.
Available options
10:30am Check-in
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
4:30pm check-in
4:30pm check-in : 2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
9:30am Check-in
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
2:30 pm Check-In
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
8:30am Check-in
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
1:30pm Check-In
2 hours on the water on one of our custom whale watching boats.
What's included
A photo stop on the water of the Mendenhall Glacier (weather dependent)
Informative professional driver guide during transfers
Heated cabin with wide viewing windows, spacious decks for whale watching, and bathrooms on board
Multiple tour times for flexibility
Filtered water and trail mix bars available aboard the whale boat
Round-trip transportation between port and boat harbor
Naturalist on whale tour
3 hour tour time, 2 hours on the water on a custom 24-passenger jet boat or 49-passenger catamaran
What's not included
Gratuities (greatly appreciated)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
268 reviews
5★
230
4★
20
3★
11
2★
2
1★
5
Tripadvisor
4.9
649 reviews
5★
621
4★
17
3★
7
2★
3
1★
1
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour time is a check-in time; departure is within 10 to 15 minutes.
The meeting place is under the cables in front of the Mt. Roberts Tramway.
All ports or docks are within 10 minutes walking distances, except one - the A Dock - which provides a “Downtown” shuttle to the Mt. Roberts Tramway.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the name of their ship.
Tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately in layers and for the likely chance of rain. It is recommended that you wear warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and comfortable slip-proof shoes.
THIS TOUR IS OPERATED BY JUNEAU TOURS & WHALE WATCH
Whale sightings are guaranteed between May 15th-September 15th.
We cannot accommodate any kind of electric scooter or electric wheelchair, even very small ones.
Meeting point
JUNEAU TOURS & WHALE WATCH Representatives are standing under the cables of the Goldbelt Tramway wearing bright blue hats and holding signs that say "Juneau Tours and Whale Watch."
Important notes
*VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION - YOU MAY WANT TO PRINT THIS*
Pickup/Departure for tour portion (Also Drop Off Location):
The meeting place is located on the street side (under the cables) in front of the Goldbelt Tramway building. Dock representatives are waiting under the aerial tramway cables, holding "Juneau Tours and Whale Watch" signs, and wearing bright blue hats and white safety vests. All docks, with the exception of the AJ dock, are within walking distance (under 10 minutes.) Check in is required prior to boarding the shuttle. Please don’t board a bus before checking in. We often have multiple tours departing at the same time.
“AJ Dock (AJ)" Look to the left as you exit the ship. The cruise line provides a "Downtown" shuttle, which will drop you right in front of the Mt. Roberts Tramway. A small fee may apply. If you’re up for a walk, it's about 20 minutes. Ask the shore excursion representative from your cruise line for directions.
"Franklin Dock (FKL)" Exit and turn left. Walk along the Sea Walk for approximately 6-8 minutes. You'll see the Goldbelt Tramway building in front of you. Right of the building, on the street side, is the meeting area under the cables.
"Cruise Terminal Dock (CT)", which is located next to the Goldbelt Tramway office, exit the ship and go straight ahead. Depending on your ship, walk right or left around the building to the street side and meet a representative under the cables. 1 - 2-minute walk.
"Steamship Dock (AS)" Exit the ship and walk down the ramp to the Sea Walk, turn right, walk along the boardwalk and look for the Mt Roberts Tramway building. It’s on the left after passing Tracy's Crab Shack. 5 - 7-minute walk
Questions? Call (907)523-6095.
About Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a unique blend of rugged wilderness and vibrant city life. Nestled between the Gastineau Channel and towering mountains, it offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundant outdoor adventures. As the only U.S. state capital accessible only by boat or plane, Juneau provides a sense of remoteness and untouched wilderness that is truly unparalleled.
Top Attractions
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau's most iconic natural attractions. This massive river of ice is surrounded by lush forests and offers stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free (Visitor Center has a small fee for some exhibits)
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum offers a fascinating look into the history and culture of Juneau and the surrounding region. Housed in a historic building, the museum features exhibits on the Gold Rush, Native Alaskan heritage, and the city's development.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Tracy Arm Fjord
Tracy Arm Fjord is a breathtaking natural wonder located about 70 miles south of Juneau. This stunning fjord is home to towering waterfalls, glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife, including seals, bears, and bald eagles.
Nature
Full day
Varies by tour operator (typically $150-$250 per person)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Alaskan King Crab
A delicacy in Alaska, Alaskan King Crab is known for its sweet and tender meat. It is typically steamed or boiled and served with butter or in crab dishes like crab legs or crab cakes.
Dinner
Gluten-free, but check for any allergens in sauces or accompaniments.
Salmon
Alaskan salmon is renowned for its freshness and flavor. It can be grilled, baked, or smoked and is often served with local sides like roasted vegetables or wild rice.
Dinner
Gluten-free, but check for any allergens in sauces or accompaniments.
Bannock
A traditional Alaskan bread made with flour, baking powder, and water, often cooked over an open fire. It can be sweet or savory and is a staple in Alaskan cuisine.
Snack
Vegetarian, but may contain gluten.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Wildlife viewing
Scenic boat tours
Visiting museums and cultural attractions
Enjoying local cuisine and shopping
Visiting the Juneau-Douglas City Museum
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Juneau, offering the warmest weather and the best conditions for outdoor activities. The long daylight hours, known as the 'Midnight Sun,' provide ample time for exploration. Wildlife is active, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.
10°C to 18°C
50°F to 64°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Juneau is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed and reputable tour operators for outdoor activities and adventures.
- • Let someone know your plans and expected return time when exploring the wilderness or hiking in remote areas.
Getting there
By air
- Juneau International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center
Getting around
Public transport
The Juneau Transit System offers affordable and convenient bus service throughout the city. Buses are well-maintained and frequent, making it easy to get around without a car.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Juneau Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Juneau
West Juneau
North Douglas
Day trips
Tracy Arm Fjord
113 km (70 miles) • Full day
Tracy Arm Fjord is a breathtaking natural wonder located about 70 miles south of Juneau. This stunning fjord is home to towering waterfalls, glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife, including seals, bears, and bald eagles.
Glacier Bay National Park
160 km (100 miles) • Full day
Glacier Bay National Park is a stunning natural wonder located about 100 miles west of Juneau. The park is home to numerous glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, including whales, bears, and bald eagles.
Admiralty Island National Monument
48 km (30 miles) • Full day
Admiralty Island National Monument is a stunning natural wonder located about 30 miles south of Juneau. The island is home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including bears, seals, and whales.
Festivals
Alaska Folk Festival • April
Juneau Jazz & Classics Music Festival • June
Juneau WhaleFest • November
Pro tips
- Pack layers and waterproof clothing, as weather in Juneau can be unpredictable and change rapidly.
- Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during the summer tourist season, as they can fill up quickly.
- Bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing and photography, as Juneau is home to a variety of unique and majestic animals.
- Try local Alaskan cuisine, including fresh seafood, game, and unique dishes like bannock and akutaq.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to learn about the rich history and heritage of Juneau and the surrounding region.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
