Be Ready for Your Juneau Adventure
Get the details, answers, and info you need for your tour booking.
Several Options to Choose From. No Pressure.
Guests can book with Gastineau in a few different ways: most reservations are made through your cruise line as an official shore excursion, while private or custom experiences can be arranged by submitting an inquiry so the team can confirm options and availability. If you’re looking to book independently online, direct booking through FareHarbor is available for our Whale & Wilderness tour.
Book Our Tour with Your Cruise Line
If you’re booking as a cruise excursion, reserve your tour directly through your cruise line. They handle your ticket and any changes/cancellations under their policies.
Request a Custom Trip
Looking for something private, tailored, or not listed as a standard option? Send us an inquiry and we’ll confirm availability, pricing, and details with you directly.
Book directly online
Our Whale & Wilderness tour can be booked directly on our website using our secure online booking system (FareHarbor). If you want to book this tour independently (not through a cruise line), this is the fastest option.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re on a cruise or on your own, we can answer your questions.
When and Where to Meet for Your Tour
All tours meet at easy-to-find locations. We’ll send a confirmation email with all details. Keep your eyes peeled for our signage and staff, which will be wearing black jackets.
- We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before the tour departs. We leave on time.
- If you’re running late for some reason, call us immediately.
- We guarantee cruise passengers will be back in time for your ship’s departure.
Walking & Accessibility
Details on walking distance, trail conditions, and mobility considerations.
How much walking is involved on the hikes?
Our glacier and rainforest trails range from easy to moderate. Most involve 1 mile in 1 hour 2– of walking on maintained paths with some elevation gain. Our guides set the pace and always offer alternatives. You’ll need adequate footwear. We cover difficulty details on each tour page.
Can I bring a wheelchair or stroller?
Our boats are not wheelchair accessible and the terrain we cover will be difficult with strollers. If you need accommodations or have accessibility challenges, give us a call and we’ll talk through an alternative plan.
I’m thinking about the hiking tour. Is it difficult?
While our hikes are moderate in mileage, they do take you through the Alaskan rainforest. It’s best to be able to walk 2-4 miles and handle uneven terrain. If you believe this will be a challenge, we recommend a water-based tour.
What if I don’t have great mobility?
Our water tours are a great option for guests with varying mobility. They offer seating and the boats are very stable. You can call us to talk through which option will work for you.
What if I need extra time to board vehicles or the boat?
Boarding may involve steps and a harbor ramp that can be steep depending on the tide. If you anticipate needing extra time or assistance, please call us ahead of time so we can talk through the boarding process and expectations.
Can I bring a cane, or trekking poles?
Yes—mobility aids like canes and trekking poles are welcome. Please note that some tours include steps, ramps, and uneven terrain, so we recommend contacting us in advance to confirm whether the tour is a good fit.
More Questions?
› See our rules regulations and general policies.
› How to choose the right booking option.
We have answers. Call us and we’ll be glad to help.
Alaska Awaits
Find Your Juneau Tour and Excursion
Our tours offer a range of options for all travelers.
boat ride/photography/whales/wildlife
Couple Hours
Very Strenuous
Custom Tour
Discover Alaska’s Whales
boat ride/whales/wildlife
5 Hours
Easy–Moderate
Cruise Shore Excursion
Whales, Glaciers & Rainforest Trails
photography/wildlife sightings
4 hours
Easy–Moderate
Cruise Shore Excursion
Custom Juneau Highlights
photography/wildlife sightings
3.75
Easy
Cruise Shore Excursion
Private Whales & Wilderness
photography/wildlife sightings
~4 hours
Easy–Moderate
Cruise Shore Excursion
Whales & Wilderness
boat ride/photography/wildlife sightings
5 Hours
Moderate
Cruise Shore Excursion
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari
boat ride/whales/wildlife
Half Day
Strenuous
Custom Tour
Guides Choice Trail Hike
All You Have to Do is Show Up
We handle the logistics and guiding. You get to enjoy Juneau.
We get you there and back
Our whale tours are round-trip, starting and ending in plenty of time for you to board.
We’ve got the gear
We have ponchos for rain, binoculars, and walking sticks.
Snack time
We’ll have light snacks and fresh water for you. If you have a dietary restriction, let us know 48 hours in advance.
What you bring
Any cameras, meals beyond snacks, and camera equipment are on your own. Our guides do accept gratuity.
Be Ready for Alaska
Juneau’s weather and terrain are unpredictable.
The weather in Southeast Alaska can change rapidly. Here’s what we recommend bringing to ensure you’re ready for any conditions.
Layers, layers, layers
It’s summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s warm. A base layer, fleece or wool mid-layer, and water/windproof jacket will ensure you’re ready.
Rainy day
Rain is common. Any waterproof outer layers will keep you warm and dry on our excursions. We have ponchos, but we recommend bringing your own rain jacket.
Your feet will thank you
A pair of waterproof, well-fitting hiking shoes or boots will be best for the terrain and conditions in Juneau.
You’ll Get Incredible Views While Staying Dry and Warm
Our custom-designed boats are heated, have onboard restrooms, and offer 360-degree viewing. Our captains are experienced and safety is always first.
What We Guarantee
While we can’t predict much about the Alaskan wild, we do make two promises to every guest who joins us.
If you don’t see a whale, we’ll give you $100
We know humpback whales and their patterns intimately. It’s rare not to have a sighting. In fact, we guarantee a sighting from May 15 to September 15. If we don’t see a whale on your trip, we’ll give you $100 when you get back to the dock.
You’ll never miss your ship
We’ll always ensure you’re on time for your ship’s departure. We allow plenty of buffer to make it back to the dock for you.
Rules, Regulations, and Policies
We don’t have many rules, but these are the ones you should know.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made through your cruise line follow their policy. Direct bookings can be cancelled through us up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund.
What if I have a medical emergency and I cancel my tour?
Medical emergencies are handled case-by-case. Contact us immediately with documentation, and we'll work toward a refund or reschedule.
Can I change my booking date?
Cruise bookings are subject to the cruise line's change policy. Direct bookings can be rescheduled through us if space is available. Contact us at least 48 hours prior to your tour for a change.
What happens if there’s bad weather?
We will reschedule or refund in full. Safety comes first, and we'll communicate cancellations as early as possible.
What time should I arrive for check-in?
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Late arrivals may be treated as a no-show and may not be eligible for a refund.
What if I’m running late or can’t find the meeting location?
Call us as soon as possible. If we’re able to reach you before departure, we’ll do our best to help—but we can’t delay departures once the group is scheduled to leave.
Are there any age requirements or supervision rules for children?
Children are welcome on many tours, but minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Some tours may not be recommended for young children due to steps, uneven terrain, or time on the water.
What’s your policy on guest behavior and following guide instructions?
For safety, guests must follow all guide and captain instructions at all times. We reserve the right to end a guest’s participation (without refund) if someone’s behavior is unsafe, disruptive, or puts other guests, staff, wildlife, or equipment at risk.
Choosing the Right Booking Option for Your Juneau Excursion
We welcome cruise line and independent bookings.
Does pricing change based on how I book?
Yes, cruise line pricing is set by your cruise company. Our direct bookings will differ slightly both in itinerary and cost. Both are the same experience and guides.
How will my tour be confirmed?
If you book with your cruise line, you’ll get a confirmation from them after booking your trip. If you book with us directly, we’ll send a confirmation email with all the details once you confirm with us.
Who do I contact to change my trip?
If you booked with a cruise line, please contact their booking team for support.
If you booked a custom tour directly with us, you can reach out to our team at (907) 586-8231.
Do spots become available right before a trip?
We do have have spots become available due to cancellations and changes. Trips can be booked as late as 24-hours in advance of departure.
Which booking method should I choose?
If you want the simplest option and cruise-line protections, book through your cruise line.
If you want to book independently, you can book with us directly online for the Whales & Wilderness Tour.
Any other custom and private tours can be arranged by calling us at (907) 586-8231.
Are all tours available to book directly?
No. At this time, only Whale & Wilderness is available for direct online booking. Most other tours are booked through cruise lines or arranged by inquiry.
If my ship changes port times or cancels the stop, what should I do?
If you booked through your cruise line, contact the cruise line directly. If you booked with us directly, contact our team as soon as possible so we can help with next steps.
What’s the best option for groups, private tours, or special requests?
Submit a custom inquiry.
Private/group needs (timing, accessibility considerations, special interests, or a tailored itinerary) are best handled through an inquiry so we can confirm availability and fit.
What if I’m not sure which tour my cruise line offers?
Start with your cruise line’s excursion list. If you tell us your ship and date, we can help point you to the right booking path.
Let’s Experience Alaska Together
All you have to do is get here. We handle the rest.