Discover Alaska’s Whales
Duration
3hrs 45min
This tour lasts 3.75 hours, giving you plenty of time to get back to your ship or next destination.
Difficulty
Mostly boat-based, with short walks, a ramp, and a few steps when boarding.
Best For
- Citizen scientists
- Whale watchers
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Conservation-minded travelers
- Families and all ages
Group Size
Typical 12 - Max 20
Guarantee
Back-to-ship guarantee included
Tour Details
Go beyond typical whale watching — join a real scientific effort as humpback whales breach and feed in the rich waters of Southeast Alaska.
- Duration3hrs 45min
- Meeting PointCruise ship dock
- Difficulty / Activity LevelVery Strenuous
Go beyond typical whale watching — join a real scientific effort as humpback whales breach and feed in the rich waters of Southeast Alaska.
- Age RequirementsAges 8+
- Group SizeTypical 12 - Max 20
- Wildlife / Sighting ExpectationsHumpback whales highly guarenteed
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.
Claire McCarty
You’re a scientist
On this trip, you’ll record the marine mammal activity you see, which helps scientists better understand and track the local ecosystem.
Lucas Young
A view of everything
Our custom vessels give you a 360° view, so you see everything on our Juneau whale watching tours.
Dan Burns
We’ve got everything covered
We provide everything you need for an incredible tour experience, from basics like life jackets to snacks and water.
Kaylee Brown
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.
The sights
Here’s what you can expect to see and capture on your guided tour.
Let’s Explore
On the dock, at the edge of a temperate rainforest, you’ll feel the thick air that’s laced with the scent of spruce and cedar. This is Juneau. We’ll board the boat and cut through the waters of Auke Bay, looking for signs of life.
The moment you’ve waited for
Watching humpback whales emerge and thrive in their local habitat is something few people experience, and no one ever forgets.
What you see matters
You’ll record the marine mammal life you see and experience. This data will be used to help scientists better understand the local ecosystem.
A day that stays with you
We’ll head back to the dock and you’ll carry the memories of your Juneau whale watching tour long after we step off the boat.
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."
We had an excellent tour with Gastineau Guiding! Sam was an excellent tour guide! He was knowledgable, friendly, and fun! Mitch was also a great whale watching boat captain! Thanks for making our Alaskan adventure unforgettable!!
Cruise passenger, Austin Texas
We saw so many whales during our excursion. Kenichi Shay was an incredible guide with so much knowledge of the area, the wildlife and whales. Our Captain was awesome too! We also learned so much during our hike to Mendenhall Glacier. Best excursion offered on our Princess Cruise. Loved being a part of small group tour as well.
Cruise passenger, Sanford, Florida
We had the pleasure of having Emma, and Captain Joe as tour guides. It was such a fun tour. Both Emma’s provided amazing stories and incredible knowledge of Alaska. Captain Joe found us some incredible whales. Would definitely recommend to our family and friends!! 🐋
Sep. 2025
My wife and I did a guided hike up to Mendenhall Galcier. Our tour guide Haylee was amazing. She had a lot and really interesting information about the glacier, the region, wildlife and more. We took a route we would have never found by ourselves.
Would always head out again with Gastineau Guiding and Haylee.
Robin und Sophi
Couple Passengers, Sep. 2025