Private Whales & Wilderness
Duration
3.75 hours
This tour is primarily spent on the water, with no trail time and land portions limited to pickup, transfer to the harbor, boarding, and return transportation.
Difficulty
This is an easy whale-watching tour with no trail time or elevation gain. Guests should be comfortable boarding a bus, walking the harbor ramp, and taking a few large steps onto the boat.
Best For
- First-time Juneau visitors
- Families and multi-generation groups
- Travelers who want easy whale watching
- Guests with limited time in port
- Wildlife and photography lovers
Group Size
14 - 20 guests Maximum
Guarantee
Back-to-ship guarantee included
Tour Details
Enjoy a private 3.75-hour whale-watching experience through Juneau’s scenic coastal waters, led by expert naturalists aboard a comfortable custom vessel, with guaranteed whale sightings during peak season.
- Duration3.75 hours
- Meeting PointDesignated cruise ship dock meeting area
- Difficulty / Activity LevelEasy
Enjoy a private 3.75-hour whale-watching experience through Juneau’s scenic coastal waters, led by expert naturalists aboard a comfortable custom vessel, with guaranteed whale sightings during peak season.
- Age RequirementsAll ages welcome
- Group Size14 - 20 guests Maximum
- Wildlife / Sighting ExpectationsHumpback whales highly likely · Eagles common · Orcas, sea lions, and porpoises possible
Experience the Majesty of Humpback Whales
Few moments ever compare to when a humpback whale comes to the surface in the waters of Southeast Alaska. The setting and the sight of these iconic mammals are what make Juneau whale watching so special.
Amanda Janes
A More Personal Way to See Juneau
On our custom-designed vessels, you’ll have unobstructed views as you move through Stephens Passage and see humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, and bald eagles.
Eagles, Sea Lions & Coastal Wildlife
Along the way, keep watch for bald eagles, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, orcas, and other wildlife that call these cold, nutrient-rich waters home.
Jenny Minier
We’ve got everything covered
We provide everything you need for an incredible tour experience, from basics like life jackets to snacks and water.
Book Your Tour Directly With Gastineau
If you’re with a cruise line, you can book through their portal.
Ask About Another Custom Tour
If you’re flying or driving into Alaska, you can select a custom tour experience or join tours up to the day before they leave, based on availability.
The sights
Here’s what you can expect to see and capture on the Juneau whale watching tour.
Time to get going
Board your custom whale-watching vessel and head out into Juneau’s coastal waters, surrounded by forested islands, mountain peaks, and the cool air of Southeast Alaska.
Into Stephens Passage
Cruise through scenic waterways where misty mountains, rugged shoreline, and glacial backdrops make the journey feel wild before the first whale even appears.
Humpbacks in Their Element
Watch for the unforgettable moment when a humpback whale surfaces, dives, or lifts its tail against the wild backdrop of Southeast Alaska.
More Than Whales
Along the way, keep your eyes open for bald eagles, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, orcas, and other coastal wildlife that thrive in these rich waters.
Book through your cruise
If you’re with a cruise line, you can book through their portal.
Private booking available
If you’re flying or driving into Alaska, you can select a custom tour experience or join tours up to the day before they leave, based on availability.
What other travelers say
Travelers who've been out on the water with us come back with stories. Here's what matters most to them.
See All Trip Advisor Reviews
Over 7,800 4.9 Star Reviews!
#2 of 151 Tours & Activities in Juneau
See All Yelp Reviews
200+ 5 Star Reviews!
"Superb hike around Mendenhall Glacier."
Google Reviews
Almost 300 -- 4.9 average rating
"We had a glorious time watching whales."
The entire staff was amazing. Extra credit to Keith our guide and captain Randy for showing us so many whales we couldn’t believe it. Will do this adventure again on our next Alaskan cruise. Thank you.
Trip Advisor
This was an amazing tour! Super professional and very nice and fun and knowledgeable. Niya and Natalie were fantastic guides and Captain Yuri was great trying to find us whales to watch. There weren’t as many whales as we would have liked but that happens. The boat is really cool and the windows open up and we liked that it was only a party of 20. Natalie was a great tour guide through the rainforest as well. Both Niya and Natalie gave us so much great information. You will see whales!!! Great tour! Worth the money!
We had a great tour with Emma and Cptn Ben to see multiple humpback and orca whales, seals and then an easy hike up to Mendenhall glacier. We had two cancer survivors and ranged in age from 45-70 and the guides went at a slow pace for us and didn't make us feel bad for taking it slower on the hike! It was an amazing day!
Yelp
We had a phenomenal whale watching tour with Gastineau Guiding. Our guide, Emma G., was so knowledgeable on the bus ride, and Captain Bryce got us to the perfect spots on the water. We saw several humpback whales, including Flame and Match! It was a small group tour, which made it feel very personal. A top-notch operation that truly cares about the wildlife.
Andrew Dobney