3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Juneau, USA
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- View Alaska's best wildlife from a 40' catamaran with wrap-around deck
- Follow a local naturalist's narration to deepen your Alaska education
- Hassle-free pickup from the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal Area
- Limited to 20 travelers, you'll get a more intimate whale-watching experience
What's Included
- Restroom on board
- Bottled waterBring your own water and snacks. Complimentary water available upon request.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Goldbelt Tram490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Pickup details
1. YOU MUST GET TO THE TRAM; WE DO NOT PICK UP FROM INDIVIDUAL SHIPS! 2. Please have your phones on..we cannot reach phones in airplane mode. 3. Tours start promptly on time. NO TOURS WILL BE HELD FOR LATE ARRIVALS. Downtown Juneau-Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tram Instructions: Check-in/Bus details - Watch for the bus to pull into the lot directly underneath the gondola cable lines, 15-20 minutes, before the start time of the tour. We drive a white Thomas bus. Juneau Whale Tours and our cartoon whale logo is visible on each side. Our driver will be wearing a BRIGHT YELLOW HI-VIS VEST. Check-in begins when the driver is safely on the sidewalk. Individual Dock Instructions: AJ dock - This dock is 1 MILE AWAY from the Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tram. Use the dedicated bus outside the ship for transportation to the Tram parking lot. PLEASE PLAN FOR THIS ADDITIONAL STEP!!! ***WE DO NOT PICK UP FROM AJ.*** Franklin Dock - 10 minute walk. Once off ship, walk on the Seawalk/Boardwalk towards town until you reach the Tram. Follow instructions above for check-in/bus details. CT Dock - 2 minute walk. You will be behind the Tram. Walk around the building to the front. Follow instructions above for bus/check-in details. AS Dock - 5 minute walk. Once off the ship you will turn right on the Seawalk/Boardwalk walk until you reach the Tram. Follow instructions above for check-in/bus details. Ships at anchor - 2 minute walk. You will be behind the Tram. Walk around the building to the front. Follow instructions above for bus/check-in details. Auke Bay at Statter Harbor Instructions: 11497 Auke Bay Harbor Road Juneau, AK 99801. The meeting time on this end of town is 15 minutes after your tour's start time. Watch for the JWT bus pulling into Statter Harbor at approximately the same time. We arrive and exit on the side of the marina with the grey building that has a "V" shaped roof. (Not the Harbor Office building.) *If you are planning on meeting at Statter Harbor please text your name, date and tour time; otherwise there might be a search party looking for you at the downtown pick up location.
Itinerary
1
Auke Bay
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Most travelers can participate.
- This tour will have a maximum of 20 travelers.
- We operate in all weather conditions. Please consider warm layers of clothing with an outer layer that is waterproof. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.
- Your safety is our top priority. If we should need to cancel you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
- TripAdvisor/Viator communications are limited please contact us prior to your cruise for clear meeting instructions. Thank you.
- We here at JWT are always aiming to reduce our impact on the environment. It's important for all of us to keep our beloved whales and water safe and happy. Therefore, if any of our tours have 5 or less participants on it, we will unfortunately be canceling. We will do our best to reschedule your party or, if that is not feasible, we will issue a full refund.
- Arrive at the Goldbelt Tram (downtown) NO LATER THAN YOUR TOUR'S START TIME.
- JWT is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
- We Reserve the Right to Refuse Service to Anyone.
- "BOOK NOW/PAY LATER" WARNING!!! If, for ANY reason, your card is rejected you (and JWT) will not know until it is too late to be corrected. Your seat will become available for others to book without warning. PROCEED WITH CAUTION IF YOU CHOOSE THIS OPTION!! We have seen this in action and it is heartbreaking.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Allen_B
TJ and Daisy were a great crew! Very knowledgeable and informative and provided us with great opportunities to see humpbacks. It was an awesome experience. Nice intimate group of guests so you felt like you were part of the crew and not just another warm body. Definitely recommend going with JWT. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,385 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Jane_R, Jul 2026
It was fun and amazing to see the whales!
Our navigator and naturalist were informative and highly entertaining.
Size of our boat was perfect---small and not so many people.
Jane_G, Jul 2026
There was only about 16 people with us and we got to sit inside with his windows until the whales came and our captain was so nice and knowledgeable and then everyone got to go outside where there was plenty of room , we saw orcas, humpbacks and sea lions so close not to mention breathtaking views of Alaska and Mendenhall glacier!
Stacye_A, Jul 2026
Top notch whale-watching! TJ and Allen knew exactly where to go to let us see the best whales. The boat was extremely comfortable and very easy to see out of. I loved the small size.
Linda_N, Jul 2026
Just 22 lucky whale watchers enjoy a modern clean boat with very comfortable elevated seats. When the whales appear, every guest can walk around the perimeter of the boat so everyone gets great camera shots! Captain TJ and naturalist Andrew on board share lots of interesting information about the whales and even know their names! They seem to enjoy the whale watching just as much as the guests. A friendly bus driver transports the guests from downtown Juneau and shares interesting local information along the way. Highly recommend!!
Deborah_R, Jul 2026
Everything they promise in the tour description is 100% true plus more! We met our driver Cedar under the cable cars just as described. He was very friendly, laid back and answered all of our questions on the 30 minute drive from Juneau to the marina.
Getting to the boat requires you to walk down a long steep ramp. (Something to note if you have issues with type of thing.) There were clean public restrooms at the marina if you need to use one before or after the tour.
It was easy to get on the catamaran but TJ and Andrew were right there if you needed help. There are 20 seats inside a heated cabin with a very clean restroom in the back. Two padded chairs, the height of a barstool, were on each side of the aisle. There is an armrest on the side of the seat that faces the aisle. That made it a little tricky to get in and out, especially when you are so excited to see the whales! There isn't a "bad" seat on the boat! You sit up high enough to see everything on the way out to look for whales.
Tj and Andrew were very funny and knowledgable and took turns talking to us and offered us bottled water on the way out to the feeding grounds. Once we got to the area TJ was telling us about, we immediately started spotting whale spouts so everyone dashed outside. There was plenty of room for all of us and we did not feel crowded at all.
TJ would tell us where to look when he spotted a whale and Andrew was taking photos of them when possible. It wasn't long before I told my husband it felt like we were watching a tennis match. Our heads were constantly swinging from left to right looking at all the whales!! We never saw one breach the water but we were close enough to smell them exhale (think rotten broccoli) when they came to the service and we saw a lot of tails!
After leaving the whales we came upon a bunch of sea lions all jockeying for position on a large buoy. They were very vocal and fun to watch so TJ made sure to circle the buoy several times (at a very safe distance) so we could take videos and photos while watching them.
Next, we headed over to a bay where we could see Mendenhall Glacier in the distance. We took some beautiful photos and Andrew was using everyone's phones to take their photo with the glacier in the background.
On the way back to the marina, Andrew was able to airdrop the photos he took while we were on the tour. Cedar was waiting in the bus to take us back to port and once again answered all of our questions and told us stories about living in Juneau.
We were on a cruise and I never once felt like we were not in good hands or there was a chance we would not make it back to the ship in time. TJ even spoke about that when we were on the tour. This is how they make their living......they are not going to screw it up by getting tourists back to the ship late!
This was BY FAR the best excursion we have ever done! You are not going to get this kind of personalized, up close experience on the larger whale watching tours.
Andy, Jul 2026
TJ and Andrew were our Captain and Naturalist for the trip and Allen was the driver to and from the dock. They were well organized, great personalities and made sure we had fun all along the way. It helps that they know where to go to make sure we got to see the whales and other wildlife.
Pamela_K, Jul 2026
The whale-watching tour took place on a small boat with just 20 passengers. Windows in all directions and able to walk all the way around the boat. The captain and mate were friendly and knowledgeable. The instructions for how to connect with the tour were very good. We saw numerous humpback whales plus eagles and a black-and-white, too, which they said was rare.
Pamela_F, Jul 2026
TJ, Andrew, & "Chad" gave our group of 12 an awesome and unforgettable experience! 20 passengers total for a very personal trip!
Hannah_G, Jul 2026
Absolutely recommend. Comfortable vessel and great crew. We saw a ton of wildlife and enjoyed our tour very much
Geraldine_M, Jul 2026
It was a great experience. Saw a few whales. The staff were great (TJ & Andrew). Has a smooth ride on the boat
Mallory_C, Jul 2026
This was by far the best whale watching tour I have been on. It was absolutely amazing!!!! Best part of my Alaskan cruise by far!
Swaroop_K, Jun 2026
Fabulous small group whale watching tour. Great boat with room to walk around so you don’t miss the action. We spotted several whales including the famous whale, Flame. The crew, TJ and Tamara, were fantastic. Highly recommend this tour when you are on a cruise stop at Juneau.
Martha_M, Jun 2026
Great whale watching experience.
Highly recommend this group
Smaller group of people made for a great time.
Thank you
Nicole_S, Jun 2026
Chad navigated the road like a legend. Andrew despite being a former sales guy was an encyclopedia of whale knowledge. TJ delivered us back with all our fingers toes and required appendages. The bald eagles were showing off in the harbor. We saw several humpback whales showing us their tails, and rolling through the kelp field. The sea lions on the buoy were a special treat! We left feeling as though it was a private show just for us! Would definitely recommend this tour if traveling to Juneau!
Maria_w, Jun 2026
TJ and Andrew made this trip so much fun for our family of twelve people. They were entertaining and informative, making it one of the best whale watching experiences we’ve ever had. The sighting was amazing, we saw about 5 whales and we also got to see some sea lions lounging on a buoy. Allen made our bus trip to and from very enjoyable. All three guys made our experience so memorable.
Toby_F, Jun 2026
Th experience was wonderful! Alan, Andrew, and TJ were incredible guides and very knowledgeable. 5 stars!
Regina_B, Jun 2026
Smaller company, did not have to cram on to an overcrowded boat either!!! From pick up with our driver Cedar to our fun captain TJ and Andrew our naturalist we were in great hands! They were fantastic and we had the rare treat of seeing whales breach and young calves having a blast playing. We will be back and find these guys again!!! Loved our excursion.
Genie_A, Jun 2026
Ask to join Andrew & TJ on this small and well equipped whale watcher. They were both fun, entertaining and knowledgeable and found us plenty of whale activity. Would go again!
Kathie_D, Jun 2026
his was a great tour! We were given a lot of info about Alaska, whales, and sea lions by Alan, TJ, and Andrew. This is a very small company and the crew was extremely invested in making sure we saw whales which was our goal but we also saw some very entertaining sea lions! The boat was comfortable with plenty of room for the small group of clients to go outside, see well, and take photos if desired. My heart was so full when we docked. Highly recommend!!!
Kathleen_M, Jun 2026
Best tour away from crowds. A highlight of our trip. Their respect for the animals is admirable. Everyone got up front view due to small group and all around outdoor viewing. Comfortable inside cabin with everyone view as well.
Sandra_V, Jun 2026
Best trip ever! Been wanting to do this my whole life and couldn’t have asked for a better tour. Small boat, small company, great crew, perfect tour!
Kathy_F, Jun 2026
This tour was amazing!! TJ and Andrew are wonderful. They are so knowledgeable. Great personalities and made the trip so much fun. This was a trip I will never forget. Highly recommend. Thanks TJ and Andrew.
Christopher_P, Jun 2026
AJ & Andrew were awesome. Great enthusiasm and truly love what they do. Had a great time on the water and saw several whales along with other wildlife. Our shuttle driver Alan was fun and informative to. Thanks JWT!
Leslie_C, Jun 2026
I wouldn’t recommend this tour. The 3.5 hours includes a 30 minute bus ride out to Auke Bay followed by a long boat ride out to where the whales feed. By the time you get to where you’re going you’re left with very little time viewing the whales. We spent roughly 20 minutes outside on the boat viewing whales, and when you spend almost $600, it’s just not worth it. Spend your money on a longer tour. Also, the guides spent the entire time trying to crack lame jokes instead of being informational. They were extremely painful to listen to.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Leslie_C, Thank you for posting a review. We’re sorry to hear that your experience was not up to standards. We would like the opportunity to talk and investigate your feedback further.
PAMELA_C, Jun 2026
The engineer with me was very impressed with the sturdy construction of the boat made specifically for whale watching. This tour was chosen as we wanted an experience that was'nt croweded having to look over anothers head. It met that expectation, everyone had a front row seat at the rail. The crew was very friendly and accomodating taking pictures with a great camera and air dropping or emailing them immediately.
Lorrie_K, Jun 2026
JWT crew were wonderful. Friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. TJ, Andrew and Allen were excellent. Perfect boat size with only 18 people. We saw whales, sea lions and salmon.
kimberly_r, Jun 2026
Absolutely amazing experience! Allen and TJ were knowledgeable and entertaining. They made sure we got to see multiple whale. We even saw one breach and a calf getting fussy with its mom!! The smaller boat had fewer passengers and that made it easier to have the best views!
Emilee_C, Jun 2026
We had the best time with TJ, Drew and Adam. Got to see so many whales and sea creatures. Would 100% go back again. Very enjoyable from grandparents to my 6 year old kiddo.
Susan_M, Jun 2026
Great excursion! Would 100% do it again if we go back! Boat captain and crew were wonderful. You can tell they know what they are doing and enjoy their job! The boats design means everyone has a front row view. It was nice not to be on one of the boats with 75 people fighting for the front row. Thanks for a great trip from start to finish!
Jake_G, Jun 2026
Trip was excellent! Shuttle showed up right on time, and driver Alan had us on our way swiftly. Andrew and TJ on the vessel were great guides, personable, and quickly had us viewing whales, sea lions, and a stop for photos of Mendenhall glacier. This is a must do and book outside of the cruise ship. Highly recommend!!!
From $189.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska
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