When you hear “whale watching in Alaska,” you probably picture massive humpbacks breaching majestically or a pod of orcas slicing through the water. If you want a close-up, personal encounter with these giants amid a stunning landscape, this small group whale watching tour from Juneau offers an excellent choice. For $189 per person, you get 3.5 hours of adventure aboard a cozy 20-passenger catamaran, plus a narrated bus ride through town to set the scene.
What makes this trip stand out? First, the intimate size of the boat means fewer crowds and more opportunities to see wildlife up close. Second, the dedicated naturalist guide and captain ensure you learn about the local ecosystem while having personalized attention.
On the flip side, a possible consideration is the weather in Alaska—be prepared for rain or wind, as the tour operates in all conditions. Still, if you’re looking for a truly personal, whale-focused experience that combines scenic views with expert insights, this tour suits travelers who appreciate comfort, knowledge, and lots of wildlife.
Who is this best suited for? If you’re a curious nature lover, a photography enthusiast eager to catch whales on camera, or someone who prefers a smaller, more relaxed boat experience, you’ll find this tour perfect.
Key Points
- Intimate Experience: Only 20 travelers on a full walk-around deck for unobstructed wildlife viewing.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable naturalist and captain enhance the experience with commentary and spotting skills.
- Rich Scenery: See whales, sea lions, eagles, glaciers, and shoreline landscapes in a single tour.
- Comfortable Comforts: Modern catamaran equipped with restrooms and bottled water.
- Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with options to reserve and pay later.
- Meeting Points: Precise instructions and a bus transfer from downtown Juneau make logistics straightforward.
Overview of the Experience
This tour begins with a narrated bus ride from the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway in downtown Juneau. This part sets the stage, offering insights into local sites and the region’s ecosystems. The guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, sharing stories and facts about the flora, fauna, and history of Juneau.
Once aboard the 20-passenger catamaran, the real magic starts. The boat features a full walk-around deck, which is a significant plus—you’re free to stroll around, find your perfect vantage point, or simply relax in the comfortable seats. Thanks to the size of the vessel, you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd, and the unobstructed views are ideal for wildlife photography or simply soaking in the scenery.
Expect to see humpback whales, with many reviews mentioning frequent sightings. One traveler noted, “We saw more whales than I could count,” highlighting how successful and rewarding this tour can be. The guides are quick to point out what you’re looking at, from sea lions lounging on rocks to bald eagles soaring above. During one trip, a guide mentioned that orcas are not always easy to find, but when they do appear, it’s a spectacular sight—an experience described as “nothing short of spectacular” by one reviewer.
What To Expect: The Itinerary
The tour starts with the transportation from the downtown meeting point, a brief narrated bus ride that introduces you to Juneau’s environment and wildlife. This part is as much about setting the mood as it is about logistics, and guides often share engaging stories and facts.
Once on the boat, the crew’s main goal is to locate whales and other marine creatures. The guides, including a naturalist, use their experience and keen eyes to spot the first signs of wildlife, which might include splashes or breaching whales. If you’re lucky, you could see humpbacks engaging in feeding behaviors, orcas cruising past, or sea lions sunbathing on buoys.
The boat’s full walk-around deck allows everyone to get close-up views and take photos from different angles. Reviewers have praised the comfortable seats and ample room on deck, making this feel more like a relaxed outing than a crowded tour. The boat is equipped with restrooms and bottled water, so comfort is well considered for a tour of this length.
Throughout, the guides share their extensive knowledge, explaining the behavior of whales and other marine animals, as well as the importance of the local ecosystem. One reviewer commented, “Daisy, our whale expert, had lots of knowledge and taught us many things,” illustrating the value of the educational component.
Wildlife & Landscape Viewing
The scenery of Juneau’s coastal waters is stunning, with miles of shoreline, glaciers, and towering mountains framing your views. It’s easy to get caught up in the natural beauty and forget that you’re on a boat actively searching for wildlife.
Whale sightings are the star attraction, but expect to see sea lions, seabirds, and eagles during your adventure. Many travelers find that the guides’ spotting skills make all the difference—they seem to have a sixth sense for locating whales.
One reviewer shared, “TJ and Andrew, our captain and guide, took great care of us and knew exactly where to find the whales.” Such personalized attention makes the experience more memorable, especially when you’re close enough to see the whales’ blow or even their tail flukes.
Practical Details & Tips
This tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing in warm, waterproof layers is essential. Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, and even on sunny days, it’s wise to wear non-slip shoes and bring a hat and sunglasses. The full walk-around deck allows for flexibility in positioning, so it’s good to be prepared for any weather.
Meeting instructions are precise: the tour departs from the southern side of Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tram, with a bus driver checking you in 15 minutes before start time. You’ll recognize the vehicle by its white Thomas bus with whale branding and a yellow hi-vis vest for the driver.
It’s important to note that they do not pick up from individual cruise ships or the AJ Dock, which is a mile away. If you arrive at AJ Dock, plan extra time for the city shuttle to reach the meeting point.
The cost of $189 reflects a value-based price for such an intimate, guided experience. You get the chance to see more whales and original scenery than larger tours, plus the added comfort of a small group. If fewer than six guests book, the tour might be rescheduled or refunded, which underscores the importance of booking early if possible.
More Great Tours NearbyAuthentic Experiences Based on Reviews
Many travelers have described this tour as “spectacular” and “not to be missed.” Comments praise the knowledgeable guides, with one saying, “Daisy had lots of knowledge and taught us many things,” emphasizing the educational value. Others appreciated the personalized attention with only 15-20 people onboard, contrasting sharply with larger, more impersonal tours.
The success rate for whale sightings is high, with one reviewer mentioning that they “lost count of the whales seen,” and seeing orcas was a highlight for many. The comfortable boat design and ample viewing space make it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without feeling cramped.
The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This small group whale watching tour offers a personalized, comfortable, and educational experience for those eager to see Alaska’s marine wildlife without the crowd. It’s perfect for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious travelers who value guided insight and a relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re someone who appreciates expert guidance and wants to maximize your chances of whale sightings, this tour is a solid investment. Its scenic route and up-close wildlife encounters guarantee memorable moments, especially for travelers who want to avoid large, noisy boats and instead enjoy a more intimate, nature-focused outing.
Keep in mind the weather considerations and meeting logistics, but overall, this tour offers a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, wildlife spectacle, and expert led discovery.
FAQ
- What is the duration of the tour? It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including transportation and boat time.
- Where does the tour depart from? From the southern side of Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tramway in downtown Juneau.
- Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Is the tour suitable in bad weather? Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; dress warmly and waterproof.
- What wildlife might I see? Expect to see humpback whales, orcas, dolls porpoise, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, eagles, and seabirds.
- How many people are on the boat? The maximum is 20, providing an intimate experience.
- Do I need to bring food? Food is not included, but you are welcome to bring your own.
- Is there a restroom on board? Yes, the boat is equipped with restrooms.
- Are guides bilingual? The tour is conducted in English.
- What should I wear? Warm, waterproof layers, non-slip shoes, and a hat are recommended.
This whale watching tour in Juneau offers a wonderful chance to see Alaska’s marine life with the comfort and attention that makes the experience truly special. For those eager to learn and see whales in a relaxed setting, it’s a choice worth considering.
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