Top Alaska Whale Watching

Auke Bay, with its harbor of whale watching vessels, lies about a half-hour’s ride from Juneau. This whale watching trip saves you the trouble of getting to the harbor and back with a round-trip shuttle directly from your cruise ship dock or a designated meeting point.

See Alaskan wildlife on this whale-watching tour in Hoonah that takes you out onto the waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, where humpback whales arrive each year to feed before heading south for the winter. The Hoonah whale season is roughly May to September. From the boat, you may also spot orcas, seals, and sea otters.

Get away from the crowds and experience Alaska’s grandest marine life from an intimate, 20-person vessel. Less disruptive to wildlife, you’ll get a front-row seat to the 49th State’s most beloved creatures—including whales, sea lions, eagles, and more. You’ll also get to scope out ice-blue glaciers, rocky shorelines, and hidden inlets from the comfort of the heated cabin or right from the catamaran's bow.

Voyage along the waters of Icy Strait to see Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, orcas, sea otters, bears, and other Alaskan wildlife. Captain Josh brings passengers along a journey into the wild waters of Alaska on his small, custom boat. Passengers can view whales from the outside deck or inside the protected cabin. This tour offers an exclusive look at whales in the wild with the help of a professional filmography drone.

This tour includes two hours on the water following the whales, and a quick 15 minute peek at the Mendenhall Glacier. It is just enough time to step off the bus, take a quick picture, and then head back downtown for the rest of your Alaska adventure! This tour is recommended for those who want to see the glacier, but don't want to spend too much time exploring the surrounding recreation area. On this tour, you will take one of the tour buses from downtown Juneau on a 20-minute, narrated tour through Juneau and Mendenhall Valley to Auke Bay. In Auke Bay you will board one of the boats and head out on a 2-hour whale watching experience. Upon returning to the harbor you will be escorted back to the bus for a quick trip inland to Mendenhall Glacier. You will have 15 minutes to get out and take a quick picture, and then get back on the bus for your next adventure in Juneau.

Whale watching is a must do activity while visiting Juneau. Join us for a boat tour out on the water as we get up close with these majestic creatures in their environment. Our captains and naturalists are there to show you a great time and answer any questions you have. We limit our capacity so you get an intimate VIP experience. Shuttle to and from Downtown Juneau is provided.

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Don’t leave Alaska without witnessing its most incredible creatures: whales, otters, and more. On this 16-person tour—smaller than most local offerings—you’ll grab a seat in the heated cab or out on the deck, following your captain’s search for wildlife. Beyond the wild Alaskan scenery, you might spot humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, porpoises, and more.

Thank you for your interest in Juneau Lighthouse Tours, Alaska’s Only Lighthouse and Whale Watching Adventure! Not only will you get to experience the best whale watching in Juneau, you get the chance to explore Sentinel Island. It is one of the first lighthouses activated in Southeast Alaska. Climb up the lighthouse tower, inspect the beacon, and take a look across Lynn Canal. Conveniently, it is located in the middle of the best whale watching spots! Sit back and enjoy the ride and allow our amazing crew to take you an an unforgettable experience. Our business model has been centered on maintaining a high level of customer service. No trip is complete without the complementary stop at Brotherhood Bridge lookout for a spectacular view of the Mendenhall Glacier! Complimentary locally made Alaskan fudge, granola bars, caribou sausage sticks, coffee/tea, and bottled water are included on this tour. All vessels come equipped with two bathrooms, heated cabins, and binoculars.

Hop into a military-grade inflatable boat for the ride of your life and take the wheel if you dare. You’ll follow a lead boat captained by a guide who’ll take you to some of the best places in the water for wildlife spotting, from seals and sea lions to bald eagle nests and humpback whales. Speed along island coastlines on a 3-hour excursion you’ll never forget.

Experience Alaska’s forests and tundra from the only zipline course in the Denali National Park region. Soar over the trees during a half-day ziplining experience just outside the national park. Guides lead you along a course with six suspension bridges and seven ziplines. Remember to pause and admire the landscape on this memorable tour that promises exhilarating thrills, incredible scenery, and a fun challenge.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron.

Kick up your adrenaline with this guided ATV adventure in the backcountry of Denali National Park. Hop aboard a Polaris Side by Side ATV, accommodating two passengers, and rev off along the Alaska Range, speeding through stunning mountain scenery up to 25 miles per hour. On Black Diamond Peak, marvel at views of Healy Valley. After the ride, enjoy a full-service backcountry meal. Hotel transport is available for this 3.5-hour outing.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Experience some of the best that Juneau has to offer on this full-day tour that combines whale watching and a salmon bake. Watch for the giant creatures breaching and playing in Auke Bay while learning about the ecosystem from a naturalist guide. Then, in a historic gold rush setting, enjoy freshly grilled Alaska salmon, part of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Experience up-close views of glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this cruise. Enjoy 100 miles (round-trip) of jaw-dropping scenery as the captain and crew explain the surrounding geology and wildlife. Sail past the majestic Holgate Glacier and witness chunks of glaciers break off and crash into the water. Get your camera out near Chiswell Islands, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. In addition to the sights, enjoy a complimentary brunch or deli lunch.

Watch for humpbacks and other marine life in the beautiful Auke Bay on this whale-watching tour from Juneau. While you’re aboard a jet boat with extra-large windows, a naturalist guide provides engaging commentary on the wildlife — including porpoises, sea lions and eagles — and local geology you see along the way. Capture that memorable photo of a breaching whale against the backdrop of the Alaskan mountains.

Ride an electric bike to the end of Ketchikan's 'road to nowhere' and then hike thorough a wildlife-rich rain forest on this combo eco-tour. Pedal from the marina to the end of the island's paved road system on a battery-powered bike, and then dismount to trek through the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, following a trail that passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, beach views, and dense foliage that's home to an array of native Alaskan wildlife.

Experience the best Alaska halibut fishing! Private excursion includes halibut fishing, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. Catch your trophy halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska. We offer a guaranteed on time pickup and drop off from downtown Ketchikan cruise ship ports. Making this fishing charter the best way to maximize your time in port. Private Ketchikan halibut fishing excursion is great for all ages and skill levels. We provide everything needed for an authentic Alaskan fishing adventure! Halibut fishing in scenic waters along the Ketchikan coastline. This private fishing excursion gives you a hands on experience. The best halibut fishing waters on your Alaskan cruise.

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and increase your chances of spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, salmon, and even whales as you explore in a quiet, eco-friendly vessel. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

Sail the waters of Resurrection Bay in search of Californian gray whales on a half-day cruise from Seward. These huge mammals arrive here every March through May on their annual migration northward into Alaska’s waters. Watch for these incredible beasts and other whale species, as well as other wildlife, and view the luminous blue glaciers crowning the surrounding mountains.

Max out your time in Ketchikan and experience an authentic part of the local culture away from the crowds. Climb aboard and enjoy live commentary from your captain as you make your way to one of the world’s best salmon fishing waters. Not only are you guaranteed to make a catch, you’ll enjoy other special wildlife encounters such as whale watching and feeding eagles.

Fishing in Ketchikan offers a unique adventure with Fathom Charter Fishing, where you can customize your trip to fit your style. Whether you prefer a private charter or a shared experience, the options are endless. Set sail for an unforgettable day on the water, surrounded by Alaska’s stunning scenery. Target prized catches and create lasting memories as you explore the rich fishing grounds. Specialized trips, including crab fishing, allow you to dive deeper into the local marine life and enhance your fishing journey.