Top Juneau Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do! Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales. We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!

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.

Spend 2 hours out on the Auke Bay Harbor's waters searching for humpback whales during this boat tour from Juneau. Listen to commentary from your guide and keep a lookout for other marine animals such as orca, bald eagles, and sea lions. Cap off the cruise with a 5-minute stop to snap photos of Mendenhall Glacier. Snacks, refreshments, and round-trip transportation from the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau provided.

The grandeur of Alaska's epic glaciers will thrill and delight you on Juneau's only FIVE glacier flightseeing tour. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Downtown Juneau as you depart the waters with Wings Airways en route to the Juneau Icefield. Fly in a classic, 10 passenger, deHavilland Otter floatplane that guarantees a window seat for all as well as audio & written narration. Sit back and enjoy the 40-minute flight as you soar by blue glacial crevasses of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East Twin, West Twin, and the mighty Taku Glaciers! (Up to 5 aircraft available per departure, with 10 passengers per plane)

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.

Three self-guided audio tours starting steps from the cruise dock: the downtown Juneau walking tour plus the Mount Roberts and Perseverance Trail hikes — 47 GPS story stops. One purchase plays from one phone as you explore together. Written by a born-and-raised Southeast Alaskan; GPS triggers each story hands-free, fully offline. Just so it's clear: this is not a live human guide and not a paper ticket — it's a self-guided audio experience written by someone who actually walks these trails. You'll hear how Gold Creek built a capital city, stand at the Glory Hole, meet Patsy Ann at the waterfront, climb past Father Brown's Cross, and stop by the Red Dog Saloon and St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church — stories no placard will hand you. No date, no time limit, no expiry — and no signal needed on the trails. Setup takes about 2 minutes — full steps are on your Viator ticket and in your confirmation email (check spam). In the app, your pass appears as "Downtown Juneau Explorer."

While most visitors only see the Mendenhall Glacier from crowded viewpoints, this tour takes adventurous travelers on a canoe trip to the base of the glacier for a completely different perspective of the majestic ice. With canoe lessons and a guide, the tour is open to first-time paddlers and the mellow water means you can take along a camera and capture the arctic cliffs, icebergs, and pristine blue ice.

Set out on a whale watching adventure—and leave all the logistics to someone else. After convenient transport to Auke Bay via bus from downtown Juneau, you’ll have an easy transfer to the boat. Spend several hours with a naturalist guide spotting humpback and killer whales as well as harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and black bears. Snacks, beverages, and binoculars are conveniently included.

Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, past icebergs and waterfalls, on this guided Alaskan adventure. Explore the Tongass National Forest and hike near Mendenhall Glacier with expert guides. Enjoy breathtaking views and experience wildlife up close. This small-group tour offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience.

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.

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.

When your cruise stops at Juneau, see whales in their natural habitat on this whale-watching boat trip, all without the fuss of organizing shore transport. Prebook to secure your place, board a comfortable boat with outdoor decks and heated cabins, and cruise Alaska’s waters to see marine life in the wild. Then, enjoy guaranteed sightings of humpback whales, with a naturalist providing commentary on their behaviors as you cruise.

Your day begins with a trip briefing and safety orientation led by your experienced wilderness guide, followed by a captivating 30-minute floatplane flight to Chichagof Island. Touch down at the remote and lesser-known wilderness location of Waterfall Creek, a hidden gem that offers unparalleled brown bear viewing during the peak of the salmon run, from late July to August. The primary viewing location is just a short stroll along the rocky shoreline. Brown bears may make an appearance at any moment while you're ashore. Your knowledgeable guide will direct you to the best vantage points for optimal viewing and photography. After several hours of absorbing the beauty of brown bear viewing, embark on a hike back to your awaiting floatplane, ready to transport you back to Juneau. This is an authentic Alaskan wilderness adventure! While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, the abundant bear population in the Waterfall Creek area rarely disappoints.

Experience the Mendenhall Glacier Guide Hike, a thrilling 6-7 mile adventure! Your journey begins with a 3-mile trek through the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest. Your experienced guide will lead you through this wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling up exposed glacial terrain, where the trail fades into the wild. Upon emerging from the forest and reaching the final ridge, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking view of the Mendenhall Glacier's jagged facade and its ice river. Here, we savor panoramic views of the glacier, indulge in hearty snacks, and capture awe-inspiring photos. Gaze upon the glacier's deep blue crevasses, cascading icefall, surrounding mountains and Nugget Falls. This hiking tour is not for the faint of heart; it demands exceptional balance and sure-footedness. The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, through rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain. It's a memorable journey that promises unforgettable views.

Perhaps the most scenic US capital, Juneau—carved into a hillside, tumbling into the sea—is rife for road-tripping. On this private tour, you won’t have to worry about the driving, sitting back to enjoy views of Mendenhall Glacier, the Gastineau Channel, downtown, and more. You’ll likely also catch views of wildlife, including whales and seals, for a memorable, only-in-Alaska adventure.

Explore Juneau’s incredible coastline on this small-group kayaking adventure through the beautiful Mendenhall Wetlands. Keep your camera ready as you glide past eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and maybe even a curious sea lion or porpoise swimming nearby. From your kayak, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, visible from six miles away as it winds through mountain peaks. This tour is intentionally limited to no more than 8 guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience. Unlike other tours, each guest paddles their own single kayak , allowing for better control, comfort, and opportunity to explore. (Double kayaks available on request) You’ll be fully outfitted with a high-quality dry suit, keeping you warm and dry in all weather conditions. Our experienced local guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the tour, making this adventure ideal for first-time kayakers as well as those with prior experience.

Embark on a journey like no other with our exclusive 3-hour private tour in Juneau, designed for up to seven guests. Imagine cruising in comfort, picked up directly from your cruise ship, with an itinerary that bends to your desires. Whether it's gazing at majestic glaciers, taking breathtaking photos of wildlife, or enjoying stunning views, your adventure is crafted by a local expert to suit your pace and passions. For those seeking more, add a kayaking or hiking experience to make the most of your Alaskan adventure. Escape the crowded buses and savor the freedom of exploration, with the promise of returning before your ship departs. Join us for an unforgettable day tailored just for you!

We pioneered Waterfall Creek as one of the premier bear viewing locations in Southeast Alaska more than two decades ago. Our local expert guides continue that tradition with excellent service and a fantastic experience. If you are looking for an activity where you can bring kids as young as 6 then a Private Waterfall Creek Tour is perfect for your family.

Experience Mendenhall Glacier by land and water under the supervision of a guide who knows the area well on a combo-adventure tour from Juneau. First, hop into a canoe at Mendenhall Lake and paddle around luminescent blue icebergs and past cliffs and waterfalls toward Mendenhall Glacier. No matter your paddling or hiking experience, a guide prepares you for each step. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Make the most of your time while your ship is docked and experience Mendenhall Glacier on this small-group shore excursion from Juneau. Travel by land and water on a combo adventure with canoeing and a short hike. Soak up views of icebergs, waterfalls, and cliffs as you paddle around Mendenhall Lake toward the glacier. Afterwards, get a close-up view on a short hike.

Enjoy a unique perspective on Alaskan nature on this day trip. Venture deep into the Alaskan wilderness to a protected wildlife site, which has the world's highest concentration of brown bears. This guided day trip to Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area includes a floatplane flight over Tongass National Forest and kayaking (available June 20 to July 20). The Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area issues a limited number of visitation permits, which need to be purchased separately from your tour operator.