The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour promises an unforgettable 2-hour adventure for nature enthusiasts visiting Juneau. Departing from Auke Bay Harbors, travelers can witness majestic wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles, while enjoying informative commentary from knowledgeable naturalist guides. With round-trip transportation and a heated cabin, this highly-rated tour offers excellent value compared to cruise ship options. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this whale watching experience might just be the highlight of your Juneau trip.
Good To Know
- This 2-hour whale watching tour departs from Auke Bay Harbors in Juneau, Alaska and is recommended by 99% of travelers.
- The tour offers sightings of various marine wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, seals, and black bears.
- Participants can expect to see multiple humpbacks, including the famous whale known as Flame, and have great photo opportunities.
- The tour is led by knowledgeable naturalist guides who provide informative commentary to enhance the overall experience.
- Booking is subject to availability, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and inclement weather potentially leading to full refunds.
Overview and Tour Details
The Whale Watch in Juneau tour lasts 2 hours and departs from the Auke Bay Harbors in Juneau, USA.
It’s recommended by 99% of travelers and has a Badge of Excellence with 692 reviews.
The tour costs $174 per person and includes round-trip transportation, whale watching on a custom boat, a heated cabin, and a naturalist guide.
Dress warmly and bring waterproof gear, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.
With a maximum of 49 travelers, the Whale Watch offers great photo opportunities and informative commentary about the diverse wildlife in the area.
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Whale Watching Highlights
On the Whale Watch in Juneau tour, travelers can expect to see a variety of marine wildlife. The tour’s target species include humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, seals, and black bears.
Guests have reported memorable sightings, such as multiple humpbacks, mother-calf pairs, breaching whales, and even the famous whale known as Flame.
The tour offers excellent photo opportunities and informative commentary from the naturalist guides.
Travelers are likely to leave with incredible memories and cherished photos of the awe-inspiring creatures that inhabit the waters around Juneau.
Wildlife Sightings
Travelers on the Whale Watch in Juneau tour can expect to see a variety of captivating marine wildlife. The tour’s target species include humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, seals, and black bears. Sightings often include multiple humpbacks, mother-calf pairs, breaching whales, and even famous individuals like Flame.
Target Species | Notable Sightings |
---|---|
Humpback Whales | Multiple Whales, Mother-Calf Pairs, Breaching |
Orcas | Frequent Encounters |
Bald Eagles | Soaring Overhead |
Sea Lions, Seals | Hauled Out on Rocks |
Black Bears | Foraging on Shore |
The tour offers great photo opportunities and informative commentary from knowledgeable naturalist guides, providing an immersive wildlife experience.
Meeting and Accessibility
Attendees meet at the Mount Roberts Tramway, located at 490 S Franklin St in Juneau, Alaska.
Representatives wearing bright blue hats hold "Juneau Tours and Whale Watch" signs, making them easy to identify. The tour accommodates a maximum of 49 travelers.
It’s not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and service animals are permitted. Infants must sit on laps.
Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name at booking. The tour departs within 10-15 minutes of the check-in time, with all ports located within a 10-minute walking distance, except A Dock, which provides shuttle service.
Customer Experiences
How do customers rate their overall experience with the Juneau Whale Watch tour?
Based on 692 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating. Travelers consistently praise the excellent crew, great organization, and memorable sightings.
Many highlight the informative guides who provide insightful commentary about the whales and other wildlife encountered. Customers also commonly note the tour’s good value compared to cruise ship prices.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Customers can confirm their reservation within 48 hours, subject to availability. Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name at the time of booking. The tour departs within 10-15 minutes of the scheduled check-in time. All ports are within a 10-minute walking distance, except for A Dock, which provides shuttle service.
Cancellation Policy |
---|
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour |
No refunds for no-shows or late arrivals |
Inclement weather may result in tour cancellation with full refund |
The booking and cancellation policy provides customers with flexibility and convenience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable whale watching experience in Juneau.
Preparing for the Tour
To ensure an enjoyable and comfortable whale watching experience, the tour organizers recommend dressing in layers and bringing waterproof gear.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so it’s essential to be prepared for potential rain, wind, or cool temperatures on the water. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics and waterproof outerwear will help keep you warm and dry.
Don’t forget to pack a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear as well. The heated cabin and wide viewing windows provide protection, but being dressed appropriately will enhance your overall comfort and ability to fully learn about the whale watching adventure.
Exploring Juneau Beyond the Whale Watch
After the whale watching tour, visitors can explore Juneau’s vibrant downtown, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings.
Downtown offers unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries showcasing local Alaskan crafts. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum highlights the town’s gold rush and indigenous history.
For nature lovers, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides access to stunning glacier views and hiking trails. Bald eagle sightings are common along the shores of Gastineau Channel.
With so much to see and do, Juneau is an ideal destination to extend your Alaskan adventure beyond the whale watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weather Usually Like During the Tour?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress in layers and bring waterproof gear. This ensures they’ll stay comfortable and enjoy the experience, regardless of the weather on the day of the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. The tour provides a trail mix bar and bottled water, but guests are welcome to bring additional food and drinks if desired.
How Close Do the Whales Typically Get to the Boat?
According to the tour details, the whales often get quite close to the boats, with the naturalist guides providing informative commentary. Travelers can expect to see humpbacks, orcas, and other marine life up close during the 2-hour whale watching excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration, which is fixed at 2 hours. The whale watch operates on a set schedule and doesn’t provide the flexibility to prolong the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any specific age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome, but infants must sit on a parent’s lap during the boat ride. There are no minimum age requirements to participate in the whale watching tour.
The Sum Up
The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Juneau. With its heated cabin, knowledgeable guides, and high customer satisfaction, the tour offers excellent value and an unforgettable experience. Travelers can expect to witness a variety of marine life, including humpback whales and orcas, and capture stunning photos while enjoying round-trip transportation from Auke Bay Harbors.
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