Top Juneau Wildlife Watching in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience 3 iconic Alaskan adventures—flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting—all in just 5 hours! This Packraft adventure begins with a scenic flight that will head towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet. After landing on the Norris Glacier fed lake, hike over the glacially carved terrain to a cove where your packraft awaits. From here, you will be outfitted in single person packrafts and introduced paddling techniques by your guides. Once you launch your packraft, your paddle to the glacier will take you past ice bergs to the Norris Glacier. As you approach the glacier, prepare to beach your boat right on the Norris Glacier. Trade out paddles for micro-spikes and explore the moonscape-like area of the glacier all by foot and get panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers. Look for crevasses, glacier pools, moulins, and other incredible ice features. Upon completion of your glacier hike, paddle back to shore. Your floatplane awaits to take you back to Juneau.

After 10 years of high adventure tours from Seattle to Juneau we are now offering a tour of the Juneau waters from a new perspective, a JETSKI! This exclusive tour is perfect for travelers with a sense of adventure who love the challenge of learning a new skill, all while taking in stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier, Auke Bay, Admiralty Island and the surrounding areas. This adventure provides fantastic opportunities to see whales, porpoise, seals, eagles, and more! Your professionally trained guide will give you knowledge of the local people and wildlife that once and currently inhabit this breathtaking area of SE Alaska. Nothing compares to the feeling of being on the same level of some of the most incredible ocean mammals when they come up to say hello! Not your typical nose to tail, single file, slow rides.. we cater each adventure based on each group and which wonders are put in front of us while on this grand adventure. Come & see for yourself! (4 Hours w transportation)