Description
This private whale-watching trip is ideal for groups looking for a calm, personalized time on the water. From start to finish, the experience lasts about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including transportation, with approximately three hours spent cruising in whale-rich waters. The pace is unhurried, allowing plenty of time for wildlife viewing.
The day begins with a shuttle pickup near the cruise docks or downtown Juneau. You’ll then travel to the harbor to meet your captain and board a boat reserved exclusively for your group. Before departure, there’s time to get comfortable and use the restrooms on shore. A small restroom is also available on board for convenience.
Once underway, the goal is straightforward: stay where the whales are active. Humpback whales are the most frequently seen, often feeding and surfacing nearby. You may hear their powerful breaths, watch them roll just below the surface, or catch a glimpse of a tail as they dive. Along the route, sightings of sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles are also common. With a private vessel, there’s space to move around freely, ask questions, and take photos without feeling crowded.
On the return journey, the shuttle typically pauses at Brotherhood Bridge for a view of Mendenhall Glacier, if weather conditions allow. After that short stop, you’re returned to your original pickup point with plenty of time remaining to enjoy the rest of your day in Juneau.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What about the boats, are they all small boats?
The tour normally uses smaller boats for a more personal experience. If water conditions make a small boat uncomfortable, you’ll be offered a full refund or moved to a larger boat if space is available.
What if I have another tour scheduled right before or after this one?
If your other plans end less than an hour before pickup or begin less than an hour after drop-off, you must let the tour team know. They will help plan so your schedule doesn’t conflict.
Is there a whale sighting guarantee?
There’s no absolute guarantee, though humpback whales are seen on the vast majority of tours.
How close can the boat get to whales?
By law, boats must stay at least 100 yards (about 300 feet) away from humpback whales, keeping both guests and the whales safe.
Can you tell me about the weather and water conditions?
Juneau is inside the protected Inside Passage, so water is usually calm, and you’re always within sight of land. Winds are generally under 15 mph May through August, but the weather can be cooler, rainy, or windier outside that window.