The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch offers an exciting 2-hour adventure in Auke Bay. Travelers can witness majestic humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist, the tour provides the comforts of custom jet boats or catamarans equipped with heated cabins and spacious decks. With a 99% traveler recommendation rate, this tour promises unforgettable wildlife sightings and insights, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Juneau. But what exactly can you expect from this unique experience?
Good To Know
- Enjoy a 2-hour whale watching tour in Auke Bay, searching for humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and sea lions.
- Travel aboard custom jet boats or catamarans with heated cabins, wide viewing windows, and onboard bathrooms.
- Experience the expertise of a knowledgeable naturalist providing commentary and learn about the local wildlife.
- Indulge in complimentary snacks and bottled water while taking in the scenic views.
- Benefit from flexible scheduling options and the convenience of a stroller-accessible departure point near the Mount Roberts Tramway.
Tour Overview
The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch is a 2-hour tour that allows visitors to explore the waters of Auke Bay in search of humpback whales, orca, bald eagles, and sea lions.
Travelers embark on custom 24-passenger jet boats or 49-passenger catamarans, equipped with heated cabins, wide viewing windows, spacious decks, and onboard bathrooms.
A naturalist accompanies the tour, providing informative commentary. Snacks and refreshments are included, and round-trip transportation from the Mount Roberts Tramway is provided.
With 99% traveler recommendation and 692 reviews, this is a must-do activity for those seeking an immersive wildlife experience in Juneau.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Juneau.
Key Features
A custom 24-passenger jet boat or 49-passenger catamaran transports travelers on the Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour.
Onboard, a heated cabin, wide viewing windows, and spacious decks provide ample opportunities to spot marine life. Bathrooms are available for convenience.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable Naturalist, the tour offers an informative experience. Bottled water and a trail mix bar keep passengers refreshed.
Multiple tour times provide scheduling flexibility. The meeting point at the Mount Roberts Tramway is easily accessible, though the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
Service animals are allowed, but infants must sit on laps, with a maximum of 49 travelers.
Meeting Location
The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour departs from the Mount Roberts Tramway, located at 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801.
Participants will find representatives in bright blue hats under the Goldbelt Tramway cables at the meeting point.
The tour is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, though infants must sit on laps.
The tour can accommodate a maximum of 49 travelers. Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name at the time of booking.
Accessibility Information
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible.
Service animals are allowed on the tour. Infants must sit on laps during the 2-hour excursion. The maximum number of travelers is 49.
Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name at the time of booking. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather, wearing layers, a waterproof jacket, and slip-proof shoes.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking.
Booking Details
The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour costs from $174.00 per person.
Booking the tour is straightforward – customers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking.
Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name at booking. Appropriate attire is a must, including layers, a waterproof jacket, and slip-proof shoes.
With multiple tour times available, travelers can choose what works best for their schedule. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and service animals are welcome – infants must sit on laps.
Traveler Recommendations
Based on the 692 reviews and 99% traveler recommendation, customers seem to thoroughly enjoy the Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour.
They highlight sightings of multiple humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and sea lions as tour highlights. Travelers praise the knowledgeable crew, efficient organization, and overall excellent experience.
Many comment on memorable moments like breaching whales and informative guides. Customers also recommend booking directly rather than through a cruise line to get better pricing.
With a 4.9 rating, this whale watching excursion appears to consistently deliver an exceptional, nature-filled adventure for visitors to Juneau.
Whale Sighting Highlights
Multiple humpback whales and orcas are consistently sighted on the Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour.
Travelers often rave about these unforgettable encounters:
- Witnessing the sheer size and power of breaching humpbacks as they launch their massive bodies out of the water
- Observing playful orcas, also known as killer whales, as they glide effortlessly through the waves
- Spotting bald eagles soaring overhead, a symbol of Alaska’s untamed wilderness
The knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing the overall whale watching experience and leaving visitors in awe of the region’s incredible marine life.
Pricing Comparison
Many travelers recommend booking the Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch tour directly with the operator rather than through a cruise line excursion.
The tour’s price starts at $174 per person, but passengers who book directly can sometimes find better deals compared to cruise line offerings. Direct booking also provides more flexibility, as the operator offers multiple tour times.
Cruise passengers must provide their ship name at booking. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, booking directly allows travelers to plan their schedules with confidence and potentially save money on this popular whale watching adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the Tour Typically Depart?
The tour typically departs at multiple times throughout the day, offering flexibility for travelers. According to the details provided, the tour times can be selected based on the traveler’s schedule when booking the experience.
Is There a Weight Limit for Passengers?
There’s no weight limit for passengers on the tour, but it can accommodate a maximum of 49 travelers. The custom jet boat and catamaran have spacious decks and can comfortably fit all guests.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the whale watching tour. However, the tour operator provides bottled water and a trail mix bar, so bringing additional snacks or beverages may not be necessary.
Are Photography Opportunities Available Throughout the Tour?
There are ample photography opportunities throughout the tour. The boat’s wide viewing windows, spacious decks, and proximity to wildlife allow guests to capture stunning shots of whales, eagles, and other marine life.
How Long Does It Take to Reach the Whale Watching Location?
The tour takes around 2 hours to reach the whale watching location. Travelers can expect to spend roughly 2 hours searching for humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and sea lions in Auke Bay Harbor’s waters.
The Sum Up
The Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wonders of Alaska’s marine life. With its 99% traveler recommendation rate, custom boats, and expert guides, this tour offers an unforgettable and accessible adventure for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking majestic humpbacks, elusive orcas, or soaring bald eagles, this tour delivers an exceptional wildlife experience that’s well worth the investment.
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