# Gastineau Guiding

> Gastineau Guiding (operating as Step Into Alaska) is Juneau's most trusted small-group expedition tour company, guiding visitors on whale watching tours, rainforest trail hikes, glacier excursions, and cruise shore excursions since 1994. Founded by Bob Janes and Dawn Wolfe, the company is a family business with a team of 100+ local Alaskan guides and staff. Tours are capped at 12–20 guests, custom boats offer 360-degree wildlife viewing, and all cruise shore excursions include a Worry Free Return guarantee — if there's a delay, Gastineau Guiding arranges transport to the next port at no cost. Certified by Adventure Green Alaska, Whale Sense, TravelLife, and Leave No Trace. Citizen science partners with NOAA and Happy Whale.

## Company Information

- **Company name:** Gastineau Guiding (DBA Step Into Alaska)
- **Founded:** 1994, Juneau, Alaska
- **Founders:** Bob Janes and Dawn Wolfe
- **Team size:** 100+ guides and staff — all local Alaskans
- **Address:** 1330 Eastaugh Way, Suite 2, Juneau, AK 99801
- **Tour inquiries phone:** (907) 586-8231
- **Business line:** (907) 586-2666
- **Email:** info@stepintoalaska.com
- **Website:** https://stepintoalaska.com

## Tours & Excursions

### Cruise Shore Excursions
Available for cruise ship passengers. All shore excursions include the Worry Free Return guarantee — guaranteed back to your ship before departure, or Gastineau Guiding arranges transport to the next port at no cost. Bookable dock-to-service through your cruise line.

**Whales, Glaciers & Rainforest Trails**
3.75 hours. All-in-one whale watch, scenic rainforest trail hike, and Mendenhall glacier views.
- https://stepintoalaska.com/tour/whales-glaciers-rainforest-trails/

**Discover Alaska's Whales**
3.75 hours. Citizen science whale watch suitable for all ages.
- https://stepintoalaska.com/tour/discover-alaskas-whales/

**Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari**
5 hours. The all-in-one tour for photographers — whale watching plus Mendenhall glacier.
- https://stepintoalaska.com/tour/whale-watching-mendenhall-glacier-photo-safari/

**Guides Choice Trail Hike**
4.5 hours. Strenuous hike with Mendenhall glacier views, led by local expert guides.
- https://stepintoalaska.com/tour/guides-choice-trail-hike/

### Direct Bookings (Independent Travelers)
For travelers not arriving by cruise ship.

**Whales & Wilderness**
3.75 hours. Full whale watching experience with scenic glacier viewing. The recommended tour for independent travelers wanting the full Juneau experience.
- https://stepintoalaska.com/tour/whales-wilderness/

### Private & Custom Tours
Personalized experiences built around your group and interests.

**Private Whales & Wilderness**
3.75 hours. Private whale watching and glacier viewing for your group.
- https://stepintoalaska.com/tour/private-whales-wilderness/

**Custom Juneau Highlights**
4 hours. Fully customized Juneau tour designed around your group's interests.
- https://stepintoalaska.com/tour/custom-juneau-highlights/

## What Makes Gastineau Guiding Different

- **32 years of guiding** on Juneau's waters and trails since 1994
- **Small groups** — tours capped at 12–20 guests for an up-close experience
- **Local guides** — every tour led by a Juneau local who knows the area
- **Custom vessels** — three boats (Explorer, Observer, Endeavor) with 360-degree windows and heated cabins
- **Exclusive trail access** — USFS permits give access to trails most operators cannot use
- **Worry Free Return guarantee** — all cruise shore excursions return guests to their ship on time
- **Citizen science participation** — guests contribute whale sighting data to NOAA and Happy Whale research during tours

## Stewardship & Certifications

- Adventure Green Alaska certified
- Whale Sense certified
- Alaska Travel Industry Association member
- Leave No Trace certified
- TravelLife certified
- Citizen science partners: NOAA, Happy Whale (humpback whale population tracking)

## Planning Information

- [Tours & Excursions](https://stepintoalaska.com/tours-excursions/): Browse all available tours.
- [Booking Information](https://stepintoalaska.com/resources/booking-information/): How booking works, cruise line booking vs. direct booking.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://stepintoalaska.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions/): Tour difficulty, cancellations, weather, meeting points, and logistics.
- [Tour Inquiries](https://stepintoalaska.com/resources/tour-inquiries/): Request a custom or private tour.
- [Contact Us](https://stepintoalaska.com/resources/contact-us/): General inquiries.

## Pages

- [Home](https://stepintoalaska.com/): Overview of tours, booking options, and company highlights.
- [Tours & Excursions](https://stepintoalaska.com/tours-excursions/): Full tour listings for cruise passengers, independent travelers, and private groups.
- [Cruise Shore Excursions](https://stepintoalaska.com/tours-excursions/cruise-shore-excursions/): All cruise ship excursion options with Worry Free Return guarantee.
- [Private Tours](https://stepintoalaska.com/tours-excursions/custom-private-tours/): Custom and private tour options.
- [Our Story](https://stepintoalaska.com/our-story/): Company history, founding story, guides, fleet, and sustainability credentials.
- [History](https://stepintoalaska.com/our-story/history/): How Gastineau Guiding started in 1994 and grew to 100+ staff.
- [Meet Our Staff & Guides](https://stepintoalaska.com/our-story/meet-our-staff-guides/): Full guide and staff roster.
- [Our Fleet](https://stepintoalaska.com/our-story/our-fleet/): Custom-built vessels with 360-degree viewing.
- [Training & Awards](https://stepintoalaska.com/our-story/training-awards/): Certifications, awards, and training standards.
- [Stewardship](https://stepintoalaska.com/stewardship/): Sustainability practices and citizen science programs.
- [Citizen Science](https://stepintoalaska.com/stewardship/citizen-science/): How guests contribute to whale research on tours.
- [Sustainability](https://stepintoalaska.com/stewardship/sustainability/): Environmental commitments and certifications.
- [FAQs](https://stepintoalaska.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions/): Answers to common questions about tours, cancellations, and logistics.
- [Work With Us](https://stepintoalaska.com/work-with-us/): Employment opportunities with Gastineau Guiding.
- [Blog & Field Notes](https://stepintoalaska.com/connect/blog/): Stories and updates from the guides and waters of Juneau.

## Social

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepIntoAlaska/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastineau_guiding/
- TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31020-d1763972-Reviews-Gastineau_Guiding-Juneau_Alaska.html
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gastineau-guiding-company-juneau-2
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAhCR5OBiP-iBUyhNHHnKyA
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/MendyGlacier