8 Family-Friendly Juneau Whale Watching Tours for 2026
Not all Juneau whale watching tours are created equal. In fact, there are many that don’t supply high wildlife spotting success rates or offer onboard refreshments, and even some that don’t have a bathroom onboard!
From the use of small, personal watercraft to inexperienced captains, there’s a lot that can go wrong on a whale watch in Juneau, Alaska.
Heck, we’ve lived all over the state and have been fortunate enough to see a multitude of marine life from humpback and orca whales to stellar sea lions and even Dall porpoises!
But, after dragging our families across the Lower 48 to watch us get married, we realized that not everyone in our 65+ person group was having the same experience while out on the water.
Don’t have time to read the entire post? No problem!
The Juneau Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour is easily the #1 tour on this list!
Boasting 4,700+ 5-star reviews and a 100% whale spotting success rate, this tour always books up FAST!
Everything from a lack of wildlife to 25-foot waves plagued our group’s sea expeditions, so we decided it was time to write a complete guide on the best ways to get out on the water around Juneau.
From scouting Juneau whale watch reviews to taking our personal experiences into account, we’ve curated this ultimate list of the top 8 tours (and their respective companies) you can take in Alaska’s capital city.
We’ve also provided up-to-date information on the best time to go whale watching in the area based on migration trends, provided a complete list of tips on things to know before you depart, and answered some essential questions including how to budget for your trip, how to avoid the crowds, and more!
8 BEST Juneau Whale Watches
🐋 1. Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 4.5 hours in duration
- Roundtrip transportation is available from the cruise terminal
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Live commentary on board from a naturalist guide
🐋 Easily the #1 trip on this list, this Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier needs to be on your radar!
With nearly 5,000 5-star reviews, this 4.5-hour tour provides onboard commentary from a professional captain and crew and combines the perks of a Mendenhall Glacier Tour with a standard whale watch by also bringing you to this iconic Juneau attraction!
Of course, along with you now, everyone and their mother knows about the high success rates of this tour (they actually claim to have a 100% success rate – bold, we agree), so it always books up months in advance.
↪️Pro Tip: If you would prefer to keep your whale watch separate from your tour of the Mendenhall Glacier, check out these 12 Exhilarating Mendenhall Glacier Tours!
🐋 2. Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching Tour
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3.5 hours in duration
- Roundtrip transportation is available from the cruise terminal
- Complimentary snacks and bottled water
- Professional captain & crew
🐋 The perfect amount of time for those traveling with young kids or anyone who isn’t exactly seaworthy, this Juneau Wildlife Tour also claims to provide a 100% success rate in spotting whales!
Plus, with over 5,500 5-star reviews and the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, stellar sea lions, puffins (horned and tufted), sea otters, seals, and even Dall porpoises, this is one tour that tops the rest!
🐋 3. Narrated Whale Watching Cruise with Glacier View Stop
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 4 hours in duration
- Pick-up and drop-off from local meeting points
- Bathrooms on board
- Naturalist guide offering live commentary
- Complimentary water, soft drinks, and snacks
- Brotherhood Bridge stop for Mendenhall Glacier views
🐋 In the midst of Glacier Bay, the Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most popular attractions.
Many travelers make the mistake of booking a separate trip to the glacier itself, forgetting one major factor – there are tours like this one that take you on a whale watch AND to the glacier too!
Plus, with their top reviews, convenient meeting points, and high success rates, this is one of the top whale watch cruises you can take.
🐋 4. Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3.5 hours in duration
- Roundtrip transportation available from the cruise port
- 24-passenger jet boat or a 49-passenger catamaran
- Heated cabin and spacious observation decks (indoor and out!)
- Onboard restrooms
- Professional driver during transfers
- Naturalist guide offering live commentary
🐋 Perhaps you’re a little short on time or want to limit your time getting motion sick, well, you’re in luck! You can simply omit the visit to Mendenhall Glacier without removing any of the luxuries of the original tour mentioned above.
Guests will still enjoy one of the premier whale-watching tours on offer with convenient transportation, onboard restrooms, and massive observation decks perfect for getting the perfect view of that iconic whale tale!
Similar to the other tours on this list, the Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch books up fast owing to its ideal length for families with young children.
🐋 5. Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales! Kayak Adventure
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 6 hours in duration
- Bottled water and snacks
- All kayak and rain gear
- Expert guide
- Forest service permits
🐋 Perhaps viewing these majestic marine creatures from aboard a boat isn’t exactly your style. For a closer meet-and-greet experience with giant humpbacks, this Paddle with Whales Kayak Tour is for the most adventurous souls!
You’ll grab your paddle and hit the open water on this kayak tour where you’ll get the opportunity to travel by small boat up the Inside Passage and directly into a feeding ground for humpback whales!
At 6 hours in duration, you’ll have ample time with the whales and a great opportunity to capture some breathtaking photos.
↪️Pro Tip: If you’re a photographer like us, be sure to bring a dry bag with you on the kayak and only bring your camera out when you’re in calm waters! This way, if you flip you’re more likely to have your expensive equipment in a safe place.
⭐We love this 30L bag from Amazon!⭐
🐋 6. 3.5-Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3.5 hours in duration
- Hop on board a 40′ catamaran with a wrap-around deck
- Live narration from an Alaskan expert naturalist guide
- Stress-free pickup from the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal
- Limited to just 20 travelers
🐋 Ever wanted to go for a cruise onboard a 40-foot catamaran? Here’s your chance! Only this time, you won’t be sitting back in your bathing suit with a cocktail.
Instead, you’ll be enjoying countless views of exotic marine wildlife like stellar sea lions, a variety of species of whales, and perhaps you’ll even score an Insta-worthy photo of a bald eagle flying overhead.
Not only will you be sailing in style, but your group will be limited to just 20 people! This is far less than the average whale watch in Juneau (typically 45), so if you were hoping to avoid most of the crowds during your journey, then this Small Group Whale Watch is an incredible choice.
The only downside of this major perk is that you likely won’t be alone in your search for a whale watch that isn’t overpacked with people, so these spots often book up as soon as they become available.
🐋7. Juneau Lighthouse Tours – Whale Watching & Lighthouse Combo
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 4.25 hours in duration
- 3-hour whale watch on a large, heated vessel with onboard restrooms
- Roundtrip transport from the pier
- Chance to climb the lighthouse tower on Sentinel Island
- Brotherhood Bridge lookout views of Mendenhall Glacier
- Complimentary locally-made Alaskan fudge, granola bars, and caribou sausage sticks
🐋 Completely unique from any other tour on this list, this 3-hour whale watch includes an extra hour for climbing one of Southeast Alaska’s first lighthouses!
You’ll get to ascend the tower for incredible views over the Lynn Canal and even be treated to some local cuisine like caribou sausage and sweet, Alaskan fudge.
This tour is the only of its kind with a whale watch, lighthouse tour, and food tasting all combined into one! Definitely one of the highest valued tours in Juneau, you’re sure to get the most bang for your buck with this one.
🐋 8. Private Luxury Whale Watch
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 4 hours in duration
- US Coast Guard Master Captain/Naturalist
- Entirely private whale watch tour
- Enjoy the ocean journey aboard a luxury yacht
- Personally tailored trip to ensure wildlife spotting success
- Round-trip transportation
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments included
- Snacks and charcuterie board included
🐋 If you’re seeking luxury, then seek no further! This master-captained luxury yacht tour is one-of-a-kind and fully equipped with delectable charcuterie boards, alcoholic beverages, and of course, whales!
Now, if you’re trying to propose or spend some romantic time with your partner and have a decent budget you’re willing to dip into, this could be an incredible opportunity.
You’ll spend your day cruising in style to the iconic Auke Bay well known for its migrant whale population, so instead of fighting for space at one of the railings on the viewing decks like in the public tours above, you’ll have an entire boat to capture the perfect shot of your experiences.
↪️Pro Tip: If you do want to propose, consider hiring a photographer to dress like one of the crew!
Whale Watching Juneau Season
Peak whale watching in Juneau lasts from May through September when the waters off the coast of this beautiful city become full of humpbacks on their annual migration across the Gulf of Alaska.
These whales feed in the nutrient-rich waters found off the gulf and can often be seen by kayakers or boaters out on a leisurely day trip.
It is also possible to see orcas as early as April and as late as October (particularly Orcas), however, these months are more commonly affected by weather. Thus, if you want a better chance of getting out on the water on the day of your scheduled departure, then between June and August is your best bet!
What to Know Before Your Whale Watch
While it may seem obvious what you can expect on a whale watch, there are some key pieces of information that could make or break your trip.
We’ve taken countless tours off the coast of Alaska, and as wildlife photographers (and simple tourists) we are here to teach you exactly how to best prepare for your trip.
- Don’t Move from the Railing: If you’re hoping to get some great photos of whales or other wildlife, don’t give up your spot on the railing. You’ll notice everyone heading indoors when it gets cold and you’re simply heading out to the viewing regions, but as soon as the captain announces wildlife, everyone comes running to one side of the boat!
Hold your spot and don’t move, otherwise you’re unlikely to be in the right spot at the right time. - Dress Very Warm: Even in the summer months, it can get pretty cold on the ocean. Dressing in thermal layers and waterproof gear will ensure that you stay comfortable at the railing while everyone else heads indoors to warm up! A good pair of gloves that are compatible with your camera are key.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: Unless it’s included, cruise food is severely overpriced and often poor quality. Bring a hot beverage thermos, some bars, and even a sandwich to keep you satisfied while on board. Plus, if you’re trying to stay at the railing, you won’t have to lose your spot to go get a snack!
- If You Face Backwards, You Will Get Sick: A lot of people don’t realize that facing the stern (back) of the boat will make you get nauseous a whole lot faster. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to take some medication before symptoms begin and talk about the potential need for a prescription with your doctor before you arrive.
- You Might Get Wet: We stood on the bow of a whale watch that endured 20-25 foot waves throughout an 8-hour tour in the Kenai Fjords. Needless to say, we were happy to have our waterproof gear on both ourselves and our camera equipment!
- If You’re Traveling with Kids, Choose a Shorter Tour: “Shorter” doesn’t mean “less”! You’ll likely still see plenty of wildlife and you’ll limit the time your kids are throwing up on their jackets. Unfortunately, this did happen to our nieces and nephews on a whale watch in Alaska, so just keep this in mind.
- Whale Watches Vary in Size: Most tours hold about 45 passengers and take place on a mid-size ferry-like boat. If you want to be with fewer people, then the 3.5-Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour is a great choice only allowing 20 people onboard. Otherwise, if you want it to be just your group then this Private Luxury Whale Watch is a great option, as well!
- Be Careful in the Bathroom: Particularly if there’s a big wake, it’s quite easy to lose your balance in the restroom. They provide railings throughout the ships and in the bathrooms, so be sure to keep your hand on them whether you’re on a staircase, in the restroom, or changing seats.
- The Deck Gets Slippery: We’ve seen countless people fall on whale watches across Alaska due to slippery floors from rain, ocean spray, spilled beverages, etc. Wear waterproof boots with a strong grip and be sure to hold onto railings when they’re available!
- You Might Not See Anything: While this is a rare occasion, most tours will provide a full refund if you don’t see any wildlife. Unfortunately, these whale-watching tours can’t actually guarantee wildlife sightings (despite some of them saying they have a 100% success rate), since wildlife migration patterns vary from year to year.
Whale Watch Packing List
Packing the right items for your whale watch truly can make or break your trip, so be sure to make note of the list below when you’re getting ready to depart!
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Warm layers such as a fleece, sweater, and extra pair of pants
- Non-slip, close-toed waterproof boots or shoes
- Binoculars for observing whales from a distance
- Camera and/or smartphone with a waterproof case
- Snacks and drinks for the ride
- Dramamine or seasickness pills
- Day backpack to hold everything
FAQ
Below, we’ve answered some essential questions regarding your trip out on the water including the best time to go on a whale tour in Juneau, what to budget for your trip, and more!
Is Juneau Good for Whale Watching?
Juneau isn’t just good for whale watching, it’s one of the best spots in North America! Hundreds of humpbacks and orcas migrate through the waters off Juneau’s coast every season.
Some guests are lucky enough to also spot sperm whales, blue whales, gray whales, and even Belugas (though Belugas are typically found near Beluga Point which is just south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway on the way to Seward and Homer).
To learn more about the types of whales in Alaska, check out the Alaska Collection!
What Time of Day is Best for Whale Watching in Juneau?
Luckily for tourists and travelers, there really is no best time of day for whale watching in Juneau. Whales aren’t on a “fixed schedule” and will feed, play, and rest whenever they need!
This means you have an equal opportunity for amazing whale sightings in the early morning, afternoon, or evening, so there’s no need to stress about taking the early vs. late cruise.
I’ve personally been on multiple whale watch tours in Alaska between dawn and dusk and had unforgettable sightings on all of them. So, simply book the tour time that fits your schedule!
What are the Best Months to See Whales in Juneau Alaska?
Whales are typically found in Juneau between the months of April and November, though peak season is actually a bit shorter of a timeframe between May and September.
This is when your chances of spotting whale pods are at their highest making Juneau whale tours one of the best things you can do on any trip to Alaska!
When it comes to whale watching in Juneau, Alaska in September, the whales begin to move back out into deeper waters and sightings can be more limited. Some tour companies will still offer trips during this time, so just double-check with your operator if you are planning a late summer/early fall visit!
Is Whale Watching Better in Juneau or Ketchikan?
Ketchikan’s whale-watching tours are a strong match for Juneau, but success rates are at an all-time high in Juneau!
Ketchikan is better known for its trophy fishing charters which target both halibut and salmon thanks to the abundant fishing grounds found less than a half-hour drive from the dock. But, if it’s whales that you’re hoping to see, be sure to plan your tour in Juneau.
What is the Best Whale Watching Excursion in Juneau?
In our opinion, the best whale watching excursion in Juneau is the Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching Tour!
With over 5,500 5-star reviews and a 100% whale spotting success rate, you’re *almost* guaranteed to see whales on this tour. They include water and snacks, roundtrip transportation from the cruise terminal, and several hours out in the beautiful Auke Bay.
Will I See Whales On My Alaska Cruise?
It is certainly possible to see whales on your Alaska cruise! In fact, most passengers traveling up the Inside Passage report seeing whales among a variety of other marine life during their multi-day trip.
If you have it in your budget, try to book a room with a balcony so you can have a more consistent eye out for wildlife!
What Whale Watching Tours in Juneau Are Good for Avoiding Crowds?
If you want to avoid crowds on your whale watching adventure, then it’s recommended to book either the 3.5-Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour or the Private Luxury Whale Watch.
These tours do come at a heightened rate for obvious reasons, but if you’re hoping for some one-on-one time with your significant other or are trying to create the perfect add-on to a family vacation, this is the ultimate way to do it!
Unfortunately, most whale watching tours (regardless of where you go) don’t offer small group options, so if you really want a crowd-free experience, you’ll need to book a private tour or hop on the ferry from Ketchikan to Juneau.
But, in our opinion, both of these Southeastern Alaska cities are worth visiting!
How Much Does It Cost to See Whales in Juneau?
Whale watches typically range between $130-$220 per person, while private tours on a luxury yacht can run you upwards of $3,000 (total for your entire group).
These tours are something you’ll likely need to budget for in advance, so keep this in mind if you’re booking a trip to Alaska.
Jump to the bottom of the post? No problem!
The Juneau Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour is easily the #1 tour on this list!
Boasting 4,700+ 5-star reviews and a 100% whale spotting success rate, this tour always books up FAST!
Alaska is one of our favorite places in the world and the only place we enjoy calling “home” thanks to its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.
All of these Juneau whale watching tours are worthy of a spot on your Alaskan vacation, so be sure to book one as soon as you know your travel dates!
