Whale Watching
Whale Watching & Salmon Bake
$111 Per Person (Flat Rate)5 hours
5 Hours • All Ages
← Juneau excursions
Whale Sighting Guarantees from Verified Marine Operators
Juneau whale watching tours & glacier combos
Juneau is world-renowned for humpback whale watching in Auke Bay and Favorite Channel. Compare small-boat wilderness excursions (12–24 guests), covered heated catamarans with outdoor viewing decks, and convenient 5 to 5.5-hour Whale Watching + Mendenhall Glacier combination tours departing directly from the downtown cruise ship terminal area.
⚡ Direct Cruise Answer • Alaska Local Intel
How much does whale watching in Juneau cost and how does it work with cruise schedules?
Juneau whale watching excursions typically cost $165 to $195 per adult for small-to-midsize passenger boats, or $245 to $295 per person for Whale Watching + Mendenhall Glacier combo tours (5 to 5.5 hours total). Tours last approximately 3 to 3.5 hours total (including 2 to 2.5 hours on the water in Auke Bay). Local independent operators provide round-trip transfers from the downtown Juneau cruise terminal area (Mt. Roberts Tram plaza) and schedule departures to leave a recommended 45-to-60-minute planning buffer before ship all-aboard.
Starting Rate$165–$195 / adult standalone • $245–$295 with Mendenhall combo
Duration & Water Time~3.5 hours standalone (2–2.5h on water) • 5–5.5h combo
Cruise Dock Meeting PointMt. Roberts Tram Plaza (Auke Bay shuttle included; AJ Dock requires transfer)
Ship Return BufferPlan a 45–60 min buffer before all-aboard • Operator departures scheduled for port-day fit
Compare before you book
Choose the right Juneau whale watching format
Start with your group's desired boat size, port schedule, and whether you want to combine whale watching with Mendenhall Glacier.
Whale watching + Mendenhall combo
The most popular cruise excursion (5–5.5 hours). Combines 2.5h on the water with 1.5–2h at Mendenhall Glacier with coordinated shuttle transit and USFS visitor center permits included.
Small-boat wildlife charters
12 to 24-passenger vessels offering lower water-level views, 360-degree photography decks, and hydrophones to listen to whale vocalizations.
Covered heated catamarans
Ideal for all weather conditions and multigenerational families, featuring heated indoor cabins, panoramic windows, and wide outdoor viewing decks.
Connected inventory
Compare the current catalog
All excursions display verified flat-rate pricing with no hidden checkout fees. Select your departure date and party size to view real-time calendar rates.
Whale Watching
Whale Watching Adventure
$111 Per Person (Flat Rate)3.75 hours
3.75 Hours • All Ages
Whale Watching
Premier Catamaran Whale Watch
$139 Per Person (Flat Rate)3 hours
49 passenger experience. Our most popular tour with 3 hours on the water!
Whale Watching
Whale Watching Tour
$149 Per Person (Flat Rate)3.5 hours
• 3.5 Hours
Whale Watching
Whale Watching Adventure
$154 Per Adult (Flat Rate)Child $130 (Flat Rate)3 hours
Adult $154, Child $130 | 3 Hour Adventure
Whale Watching
Marv's Signature Whale Watch
$179 Per Person (Flat Rate)3 hours
18 passenger experience with 3 hours on the water
Whale Watching
Peek at the Glacier and Whale Watching Adventure
$189 Per Adult (Flat Rate)Child $160 (Flat Rate)3.75 hours
Adult $189, Child $160, Lap Child Free | 3.75 Hours
Whale Watching
Whale Watching & Glacier Visitors Center
$189 Per Adult (Flat Rate)Child $160 (Flat Rate)4.5 hours
Adult $189, Child $160, Lap Child Free | 4.5 Hours
Whale Watching
Whale Watching & Lighthouse
$189 Per Person (Flat Rate)Check tour details
Whale Watch + Bonus Stop!
Whale Watching
Whale Watching with Flexible Glacier Viewing
$189 Per Adult (Flat Rate)Child $160 (Flat Rate)3.75 hours
Adult $189, Child $160, Lap Child Free | 3.75 Hours or More!
Whale Watching
Nugget Falls Adventure and Whale Watching Tour
$199 Per Adult (Flat Rate)Child $170 (Flat Rate)5.5 hours
Adult $199, Child $170 | 5.5 Hour Adventure
Whale Watching
Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
$199 Per Person (Flat Rate)4.5 hours
• 4.5 hours
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Choose your port-day style first. Then open the live calendar on the tours that look best and compare the actual departure with your cruise line's all-aboard time.
Practical answers
Questions cruise passengers ask
Are whale sightings guaranteed in Juneau?+
Yes. Participating Juneau marine operators (such as Alaska Tales, Alaska Galore, and Dolphin Tours) offer a 100% whale sighting guarantee from May through September. In the rare event no whales are spotted, operators provide a refund or retry voucher in accordance with their company terms.
How do cruise passengers get to the whale watching boats?+
Excursions include round-trip motorcoach or van shuttle transportation from the downtown Juneau cruise terminal area (Mt. Roberts Tramway plaza) to Auke Bay Harbor (approx. 20–25 minutes each way). Ships docking at the south AJ Dock take the $5 port shuttle to reach downtown departure points.
How long does a Juneau whale watching tour take?+
Standalone whale watching tours take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours total (2 to 2.5 hours on the water). Combined Whale Watching + Mendenhall Glacier tours take 5 to 5.5 hours total.
Can we see bald eagles and seabirds on Juneau whale watching tours?+
Yes. In addition to humpback whales, Auke Bay boat tours frequently pass bald eagle nests along the forested shoreline, as well as Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots, and Pelagic Cormorants foraging in the marine passages.
What happens if our cruise ship arrives late or misses port?+
Local operators monitor ship docking in real time. If your vessel arrives behind schedule, operators will adjust departure times when fleet space allows. For missed ports or ship cancellations, refund terms depend on the operator's specific booking policy (many operators like Dolphin Tours and Alaska Tales offer refunds or adjustments for ship delays; review your chosen excursion's terms prior to booking).