Top Juneau On the Water

Hit the Alaskan waters on this 3.5-hour Mendenhall Lake kayak tour in Tongass National Forest. Journey across the lake in a kayak with group members in your same expertise level. Maneuver around glaciers as you take in stunning sights of the lake’s natural beauty, and catch sight of wildlife as you go. Paddle by Nugget Falls and the 3,000-year-old Mendenhall Glacier.

The vibrant Inside Passage is one of the best places for spotting humpback whales in Alaska, and on this two-part adventure you not only travel up the passage on a small boat but also have the opportunity to kayak alongside the massive creatures. While most whale watching tours only include spotting whales from a distance, this intimate tour allows adventurous travelers to experience the whales up close.

Go kayaking with humpback whales during this small-group paddling adventure from Juneau. Climb aboard a boat and travel up the Inside Passage to reach rich feeding grounds for humpback whales. Admire views of glaciers, forest, and snow-capped mountains during the journey then set out in kayaks in search of whales and other wildlife.

Go fishing for salmon in Alaska with this small-group, half-day experience in Juneau. Meet your guide for a shore fishing tour and skip the seasickness potential of deep-sea fishing. Learn new skills during this hands-on experience focused on salmon. All necessary equipment is provided and caught salmon is sent to a local fish processor, then shipped to your front door.

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the Alaskan wilderness aboard your custom-built expedition vessel from Sitka shipyard. Your dedicated crew ensures a seamless experience as you explore, with knowledgeable guides and expert wildlife viewing opportunities: Onboard Comfort: Restrooms, large panoramic windows, and an outside observation deck. Galley Gift Shop: Curated with locally owned products. Refreshments: Beer, wine, and a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase. Wildlife Viewing: Search for whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals, bald eagles, and more! Experience and Expertise: Over 50 years of operation as a family and Alaska-Native owned company.

Following your meal, enjoy the views of the remote island landscape. Use the spotting scopes on the outside deck to search for wildlife on nearby shorelines, visit the marine life observation tank where you can learn about inter-tidal zone creatures, beach comb on the lodge’s beautiful shoreline, kickback fireside and much more!

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.

Embark on a whale watching excursion that combines the luxury of a private yacht with the chance to see and learn about Alaska’s renown wildlife. Quite unlike the large-boat whale watching outings, which are filled with crowds and deliver information over a loudspeaker, this intimate experience is ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful and intimate encounter with Alaskan wildlife.

Alaska's dramatic glaciers are best experienced up close, and this full-day tour takes you right to them. Heading out from Juneau on a purpose-built expedition vessel, explore the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area from a vantage point on the water—a perspective many travelers miss. Snap photos of pristine scenery and experience the area's natural wonders from the comfort of the boat during this 8.5-hour adventure.

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.

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.

What makes this tour unique is the combination of a private premium whale watching trip and a fully customizable Juneau sightseeing experience in one day. Instead of joining a crowded bus or large tour boat, your group gets a more personal land-and-sea adventure led by local guides. The whale watching portion is aboard a comfortable private boat with indoor and outdoor seating, great visibility, and room to enjoy the experience in any weather. We take you as close to the whales as legally allowed while keeping the trip safe, respectful, and uncrowded. The sightseeing portion is built around your group’s interests, abilities, timing, and the day’s conditions. You may choose glacier viewing, light hiking, scenic beaches, local history, the Shrine of St. Therese, DIPAC Salmon Hatchery, Eagle Beach, Treadwell Mine ruins, or other local favorites. It is Juneau with a local, your way, with a return-to-ship guarantee for cruise guests.

Have the special opportunity to see the Mendenhall Glacier up close—and make the most of your limited time ashore in Juneau—on this immersive, half-day shore excursion. Travel across the waters of Mendenhall Lake in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe that permits unobstructed viewing of the glacier, icebergs, Nugget Falls, and perhaps some Alaskan wildlife. This tour includes all equipment, snacks, and port pickup and drop-off for your ease.

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.