Juneau Whale Watching Tours
All of the tours are customized to accommodate cruise ship passengers
Outback Experience Whale Watch
Adults Ages 13+ $159
Children Ages 2-12 $139
Duration: 3 hours
Juneau, Alaska is home to some of the world's most fantastic viewing of humpback whales!
Juneau Lighthouse Tours would love for you to join us aboard our new customized luxurious whale watching catamaran. As our industry grows, it is no longer sustainable to build additional smaller passenger vessels for whale watching. We have taken the extended 3 hour whale watching tour that everyone has grown to love and paired it with the most comfortable and spacious 49 passenger vessel in Alaska. It features ultra comfortable seating with USB charging, two full bathrooms, upper and lower viewing decks, quiet proposition, heated cabins, and an incredibly smooth ride!
Our captains and naturalists are the best in the business for Juneau whale watching tours and have a 100% whale sighting success rate since we started 12 years ago.
Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.
Cruise Passengers
Transportation from downtown Juneau & the Valley is available upon request and included with the cost of the whale watch.
Cancellation Policy
Your tour is 100% refundable if you cancel at least 30 days before tour date. Refund may be subject to a 3% administrative fee if you request a check refund and your original payment was via credit card. Cancellations 15-29 days prior to your tour date will receive a 50% refund*. No refunds for no-shows or cancellations within 14 days of tour date. Refunds are generally processed immediately, however it gets very busy during the season and may take up to 14 days.
*No additional administrative fees for partial refunds.
Tour Photos
Five Star Trip Advisor Reviews
Terri C. Wrote a review
Best whale watching!!
Fantastic time! Cory and Morgan were great guides with excellant knowledge! We saw many whales and even Orcas! It was the first sighting of the season for the Orcas and we were told that they only see them maybe once every 10 days or so, so we were really blessed to be able to experience them! Highly recommended!!
Lena T. Wrote a review
Best tour in Alaska!
This tour exceeded all of our expectations. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Mandy and Chloe made the trip so special and we would absolutely book this tour again if we are ever lucky enough to go back to Alaska. The passion and excitement those two brought was inspiring and we learned so much from them. Absolutely worth the time and money spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I have another tour scheduled before or after your tour?
A. If you have another tour scheduled that ends within an hour before your pick up time or beginning within an hour after of your scheduled drop off time of our tour, you will need to let us know as soon as possible.
Q. What type of whales are near Juneau, Alaska?
A. Humpback and Orca Whales. We have seen Humpback Whales on 100% of our trips since 2004. We see Orca Whales about 20% of the time.
Q. What is the best time of the year to see whales around Juneau?
A. The best months are May through September for Humpback Whales.
Q. Do you have a whale sighting guarantee?
A. No/Yes. After seeing whales on 100% of the trips, we decided not to use this as a means to get customers. We promise to do the best we can to locate whales on each and every trip. If you do not see a whale on your tour, you will receive a 50% refund.
Q. Can you see whales anytime of the day?
A. Yes. Humpback Whales surface + or - every 15 minutes to breathe.
Q. Is there a bathroom on board.
A. Yes, flushing toilet and locking door.
Q. What if I have another tour scheduled before or after your tour?
A. If you have another tour scheduled that ends within an hour before your pick up time or beginning within an hour after of your scheduled drop off time of our tour, you will need to let us know as soon as possible.
Q. What type of whales are near Juneau, Alaska?
A. Humpback and Orca Whales. We have seen Humpback Whales on 100% of our trips since 2004. We see Orca Whales about 20% of the time.
Q. What is the best time of the year to see whales around Juneau?
A. The best months are May through September for Humpback Whales.
Q. Do you have a whale sighting guarantee?
A. No/Yes. After seeing whales on 100% of the trips, we decided not to use this as a means to get customers. We promise to do the best we can to locate whales on each and every trip. If you do not see a whale on your tour, you will receive a 50% refund.
Q. Can you see whales anytime of the day?
A. Yes. Humpback Whales surface + or - every 15 minutes to breathe.
Q. Is there a bathroom on board.
A. Yes, flushing toilet and locking door.
Q. Are the boats covered and do they have heaters?
A. Yes. The boats have enclosed cabins with large windows and heaters if the weather is cold.
Q. Do people get sea sick on your boats?
A. Almost never. 15 passengers in the last 11 years.
Q. What other things of interest might we see on the whale watching tour?
A. Eagles, Sea lions, seals, lighthouses, mountain glaciers, remote islands and beautiful mountains.
Juneau Whale Watching Adventure
Adults (Ages 13+) - $154
Children (Ages 2 - 12) - $130
Lap Children (Ages 1 and under are FREE)
Adults (Group Rate - groups of 8 or more) - $145
Children (Group Rate - groups of 8 or more) - $125
Duration: 3 hours & 15 minutes
More Whales, More Fun, Fewer Crowds
Experience the magic of whale watching aboard one of our comfortable boats! Our experienced captain and knowledgeable naturalist lead the way on an unforgettable search for whales around Juneau.
Our Whale Watching Adventure leaves you little time for a dull moment! You will leave downtown Juneau from the tram area on a bus driven by a local tour guide on a scenic drive through Juneau out to Auke Bay where passengers will board one of our jet boats. Once you’re aboard our comfortable boat, our captain and naturalist lead the way on an unforgettable search for whales in Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal or Saginaw Channel. Binoculars are provided so you can better see the humpbacks, Killer whales, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, black bears and towering mountains. With the growing abundance of whales in the area and their ease with our small boats, you are bound to see many, so prepare for your heart to skip more than a few beats. This tour is 3.5 hours total, including transfers between downtown and Auke Bay, and includes 2 hours on the water.
Cruise Passengers
We make it as easy as possible for cruise ship passengers to enjoy our tours. Our tour buses always meet passengers in the same convenient spot at the base of the Mount Roberts Tramway, which is a short walk or shuttle ride from the dock. If your ship docks early or late, we are happy to reschedule you on a different tour or offer a full refund. We encourage you to contact us as soon as you can if your ship will be arriving late so that we may best accommodate your needs. Please take the following tips into consideration before your whale watching tour with Dolphin Jet Boat Tours:
Even if the weather is inclement in town, it may be quite different on the tour. Weather changes frequently in Juneau. Be sure to prepare for any type of weather: wind, rain, or shine. Remember, this is an enormous temperate rainforest – rain is the norm here; we don’t cancel for it!
Downtown Juneau offers abundant shopping and dining opportunities, so there will be plenty to do before and after the tour.
We pay close attention to the cruise ship schedules so that we may best accommodate you on our tours.
Cancellation Policy
We offer a cancellation policy designed specifically to make planning easy on you! Get your seats with us guaranteed, and you have until 24 hours before your tour to cancel with a full refund (one week for private tours or groups of eight or more). If your ship is going to be late, call our toll-free number and we’ll work with you to make sure you don’t miss your chance to see whales! In the case of illness, inclement weather, or if for some reason your ship skips Juneau, don’t worry – we’re going to refund you. Also included with every tour is our 100% money-back guarantee! Yep, we’re that confident that we’ll find whales for you.
Tour Photos
Five Star Trip Advisor Reviews
Lee D. A Wrote a review
A wonderful day!
Wonderful tour group! They made the trip so enjoyable. Rio was a wealth of information and was able to answer all our questions. Captain Perry was a blast. Good sense of humour. He knew where the whales were and we weren’t disappointed. Even the bus driver William had lots of interesting tidbits of information that made the trip fun! Wild highly recommend here guys!
travelingmom928 Wrote a review
A must excursion for Juneau!
We had many whale sightings on our excursion!! Jen and Nick took us on an adventure full of whale facts and most importantly whale sightings. I was the over energetic passenger who had trouble calling out the locations by using clock terminology to alert all aboard to the whale locations! At any rate my co-tourists found my excitement to be refreshing and I made many friends and brought smiles to many on our outing. It was so much fun and very exciting.
We had many whale sightings on our excursion!! Jen and Nick took us on an adventure full of whale facts and most importantly whale sightings. I was the over energetic passenger who had trouble calling out the locations by using clock terminology to alert all aboard to the whale locations! At any rate my co-tourists found my excitement to be refreshing and I made many friends and brought smiles to many on our outing. It was so much fun and very exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of day to go?
Whatever time best works for your schedule! Whales, like all cetaceans, have unique brains in that they can sleep with one side of their brain while swimming, surfacing for air, and feeding with the other side. This means they’re active 24 hours a day!
What will I see out there?
Whales!!! We offer a money-back guarantee if we’re unable to find you humpback whales. Orca sightings are possible – not guaranteed though! – and bald eagles, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoises are common.
Will I get back to my ship on time?
Yep! We keep a close eye on ship schedules to ensure you don’t miss your all-aboard call.
What about your boats? What’s the deal with them?
Our boats are enclosed and climate-controlled for comfort, with large outside decks, a restroom, and comfortable forward-facing seats. The boats have water-propelled jets, so they’re fast! This isn’t a pleasure cruise – we get you out to where the whales are!
Which boat will I be on? How many people will be on it?
We make the “which boats go” decision on the day of the tour based on what the water/weather is doing and which captains have a day off! All of our boats have the same indoor/outdoor setup, facilities, refreshments, and naturalist.
Why are smaller boats better? Do they get closer to the whales?
Smaller boats are better because, honestly, who wants to be on a 150-person boat? Our size and speed let us get out to the whales, enjoy them, and have a great experience, and then get you back to enjoy all the rest that Juneau has to offer!
As far as proximity to the whales goes, we abide very strictly by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the safety and well-being of the whales is our top priority. Because of this, we don’t approach the whales beyond a certain distance, we regulate our speed when near the whales, and we stay with a whale/group of whales for a specific period of time. This is all to ensure that we don’t threaten or harass our best water friends, so they’ll continue to love us and our boats and will keep returning to these waters!
What should I wear?
Whatever you want! Our tours don’t include a lot of standing around outside in the rain, so most people are fine with something on the bottom, something on the top, and something waterproof over it.
Nugget Falls Adventure and Whale Watching Tour
Duration 5 hours
Adult (Ages 13+) - $189.00
Child (Ages 2 - 12) - $160.00
Lap Child (Ages 1 and under are FREE)
Have you ever wanted to go on an easy hike to a waterfall?
With the extended glacier and whales combo, you have two hours to visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, and make the 1.5 mile round trip hike to Nugget Falls, where you will have a unique view of the Mendenhall Glacier. While you are there, you can make a stop at Steep Creek, and you might be able to glimpse a black bear! Combined with approximately two hours on the water, where you are guaranteed to see a whale, this tour showcases the best parts of Alaska.
Our Whale Watching Adventure leaves you little time for a dull moment! You will leave downtown Juneau from the tram area on a bus driven by a local tour guide on a scenic drive through Juneau out to Auke Bay where passengers will board one of our jet boats. Once you’re aboard our comfortable boat, our captain and naturalist lead the way on an unforgettable search for whales in Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal or Saginaw Channel. Binoculars are provided so you can better see the humpbacks, Killer whales, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, black bears and towering mountains.
Cruise Passengers
We make it as easy as possible for cruise ship passengers to enjoy our tours. Our tour buses always meet passengers in the same convenient spot at the base of the Mount Roberts Tramway, which is a short walk or shuttle ride from the dock. If your ship docks early or late, we are happy to reschedule you on a different tour or offer a full refund. We encourage you to contact us as soon as you can if your ship will be arriving late so that we may best accommodate your needs. Please take the following tips into consideration before your whale watching tour with Dolphin Jet Boat Tours:
Even if the weather is inclement in town, it may be quite different on the tour. Weather changes frequently in Juneau. Be sure to prepare for any type of weather: wind, rain, or shine. Remember, this is an enormous temperate rainforest – rain is the norm here; we don’t cancel for it!
Downtown Juneau offers abundant shopping and dining opportunities, so there will be plenty to do before and after the tour.
We pay close attention to the cruise ship schedules so that we may best accommodate you on our tours.
Cancellation Policy
A credit card is required and will be charged in full at the time of booking. Full refunds will be issued if the guest cancels prior to 24 hours before the tour date (7 days for charters and parties of 8 or more). If we’re having big weather, Dolphin Jet Boat Tours will determine safety; if it is safe to take the boats out (i.e., no small craft advisories in place), we will issue a “rough water warning” and guests will have the option to take the tour or to take a refund. If we determine that it is unsafe to go, we will immediately issue full refunds.
Additional terms for cruise ship passengers:
If your ship port time changes, we will adjust your tour to the nearest time that will work with the ship’s schedule. If no times are available or if your ship cancels portage in Juneau altogether, we will refund you in full.
For tours involving the Alaskan Brewing Company:
All guests must be 21 or over . ID’s are required for the beer tasting.
Tour Photos
Five Star Trip Advisor Reviews
Jean K. Wrote a review
Great Trip!
This was a fantastic trip. Loved the hike to Nugget falls. And the whale watching was terrific even in the pouring rain. Dr Dan and Captain Perry were so welcoming, funny, informative and altogether wonderful!!!
DTA82 Houston, TX Wrote a review
Bring binoculars and get ready!
We were lucky to have a smaller group, fewer than 20 people total (I think we were a group of 14 or so). Made maneuvering around to catch sightings and take pictures easier!
Our group saw about 5 whales including a baby, and possibly a porpoise. The crew was so enthusiastic and eager to track down sightings with us, taking us about 30-40 minutes out into the bay.
We brought our own binoculars which really help with seeing more details (says they would be provided, but I didn’t notice any being handed out). Got a nice snack bag, candy, and water (though coffee / hot chocolate would’ve been nice for a chilly day).
Our bus driver was very friendly and a great narrator along the way. By the time she dropped us off for the Mendenhall Glacier hike to Nugget Falls, our group was down to 4. Highly recommend adding the extra time for the walk, views were worth it. Was peaceful and quiet, such a beautiful day! The visitor center was closed on a Saturday though, unfortunately due to unnecessary federal budget cuts to NPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of day to go?
Whatever time best works for your schedule! Whales, like all cetaceans, have unique brains in that they can sleep with one side of their brain while swimming, surfacing for air, and feeding with the other side. This means they’re active 24 hours a day!
What will I see out there?
Whales!!! We offer a money-back guarantee if we’re unable to find you humpback whales. Orca sightings are possible – not guaranteed though! – and bald eagles, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoises are common.
Will I get back to my ship on time?
Yep! We keep a close eye on ship schedules to ensure you don’t miss your all-aboard call.
What about your boats? What’s the deal with them?
Our boats are enclosed and climate-controlled for comfort, with large outside decks, a restroom, and comfortable forward-facing seats. The boats have water-propelled jets, so they’re fast! This isn’t a pleasure cruise – we get you out to where the whales are!
Which boat will I be on? How many people will be on it?
We make the “which boats go” decision on the day of the tour based on what the water/weather is doing and which captains have a day off! All of our boats have the same indoor/outdoor setup, facilities, refreshments, and naturalist.
Why are smaller boats better? Do they get closer to the whales?
Smaller boats are better because, honestly, who wants to be on a 150-person boat? Our size and speed let us get out to the whales, enjoy them, and have a great experience, and then get you back to enjoy all the rest that Juneau has to offer!
As far as proximity to the whales goes, we abide very strictly by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the safety and well-being of the whales is our top priority. Because of this, we don’t approach the whales beyond a certain distance, we regulate our speed when near the whales, and we stay with a whale/group of whales for a specific period of time. This is all to ensure that we don’t threaten or harass our best water friends, so they’ll continue to love us and our boats and will keep returning to these waters!
What should I wear?
Whatever you want! Our tours don’t include a lot of standing around outside in the rain, so most people are fine with something on the bottom, something on the top, and something waterproof over it.
Whale Watching & Glacier Visitors Center
Duration 4 hours
Adult (Ages 13+) - $189.00
Child (Ages 2 - 12) - $160.00
Lap Child (Ages 1 and under are FREE)
The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Southeast Alaska’s most popular attractions along with whale watching.
Nothing quite prepares you for the sprawling slabs of jagged ice, reflecting the sunlight in opalescent hues of blue-green. A visit to this rarity is the perfect complement to a whale watching expedition in Juneau. Taking advantage of these two exciting options as a combo tour allows you to be as efficient as possible with your time here. Located between downtown Juneau and Auke Bay in the Tongass National Forest, the glacier is twelve miles long from its origin on the Juneau Icefield to its terminus at Mendenhall Lake.
On this tour, you will take one of our comfortable tour buses from downtown Juneau on a 20-minute, narrated tour through Juneau and Mendenhall Valley to Auke Bay. In Auke Bay you will board one of our comfortable boats and head out on a 2-hour whale watching experience. Upon returning to the harbor you will be escorted back to the bus for a quick trip inland to Mendenhall Glacier. You will have approximately 45 to 60 minutes to explore the area around the magnificent glacier. You may take photos, walk the trails around Mendenhall Lake, and visit the informative visitor's center to learn more about the history and science behind the glacier. Be sure to keep an eye out for abundant wildlife such as black bears, bald eagles and mountain goats, as well as spawning salmon if the season is right!
Our Whale Watching Adventure leaves you little time for a dull moment! You will leave downtown Juneau from the tram area on a bus driven by a local tour guide on a scenic drive through Juneau out to Auke Bay where passengers will board one of our jet boats. Once you’re aboard our comfortable boat, our captain and naturalist lead the way on an unforgettable search for whales in Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal or Saginaw Channel. Binoculars are provided so you can better see the humpbacks, Killer whales, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, black bears and towering mountains.
Cruise Passengers
We make it as easy as possible for cruise ship passengers to enjoy our tours. Our tour buses always meet passengers in the same convenient spot at the base of the Mount Roberts Tramway, which is a short walk or shuttle ride from the dock. If your ship docks early or late, we are happy to reschedule you on a different tour or offer a full refund. We encourage you to contact us as soon as you can if your ship will be arriving late so that we may best accommodate your needs. Please take the following tips into consideration before your whale watching tour with Dolphin Jet Boat Tours:
Even if the weather is inclement in town, it may be quite different on the tour. Weather changes frequently in Juneau. Be sure to prepare for any type of weather: wind, rain, or shine. Remember, this is an enormous temperate rainforest – rain is the norm here; we don’t cancel for it!
Downtown Juneau offers abundant shopping and dining opportunities, so there will be plenty to do before and after the tour.
We pay close attention to the cruise ship schedules so that we may best accommodate you on our tours.
Cancellation Policy
A credit card is required and will be charged in full at the time of booking. Full refunds will be issued if the guest cancels prior to 24 hours before the tour date (7 days for charters and parties of 8 or more). If we’re having big weather, Dolphin Jet Boat Tours will determine safety; if it is safe to take the boats out (i.e., no small craft advisories in place), we will issue a “rough water warning” and guests will have the option to take the tour or to take a refund. If we determine that it is unsafe to go, we will immediately issue full refunds.
Additional terms for cruise ship passengers:
If your ship port time changes, we will adjust your tour to the nearest time that will work with the ship’s schedule. If no times are available or if your ship cancels portage in Juneau altogether, we will refund you in full.
For tours involving the Alaskan Brewing Company:
All guests must be 21 or over . ID’s are required for the beer tasting.
Tour Photos
Five Star Trip Advisor Reviews
Jeff M Cleveland, GA Wrote a review
Whales, Sea Lions, and Glaciers!
We recently went on the whale watching tour and stop at Mendenhall Glacier while in Juneau. Everything was first rate and easy, from assembling for the tour, getting acquainted with the boat and crew, safety briefings and such. The crew was very informative and knowledgeable. The tour bus driver also provided some great local information.
We ended up spotting a few humpback whales and some sea lions. The entire experience was delightful, and we would definitely recommend these guys!
mcarreras360 Wareham, MA Wrote a review
Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Experieince
I can't recommend this tour enough! From start to finish, everything was exceptional. Our journey began with Matthew, our driver, who immediately set the tone for the day with his extensive knowledge. He made the drive informative, ensuring we were fully engaged as we made our way to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier.
The glacier and waterfalls were truly breathtaking, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and awe-inspiring scenery. But the true highlight of the day was the whale-watching adventure. Captain Nick and Rico were outstanding hosts. Nick, stood out with his deep knowledge of the best whale-watching spots and Rico with his infectious sense of humor, which kept everyone in high spirits throughout the trip.
Seeing these majestic creatures up close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, made even more memorable by the wonderful crew. This tour exceeded all expectations and provided an incredible way to experience Alaska's natural wonders. If you're planning a trip to Alaska, this is a must-do!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of day to go?
Whatever time best works for your schedule! Whales, like all cetaceans, have unique brains in that they can sleep with one side of their brain while swimming, surfacing for air, and feeding with the other side. This means they’re active 24 hours a day!
What will I see out there?
Whales!!! We offer a money-back guarantee if we’re unable to find you humpback whales. Orca sightings are possible – not guaranteed though! – and bald eagles, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoises are common.
Will I get back to my ship on time?
Yep! We keep a close eye on ship schedules to ensure you don’t miss your all-aboard call.
What about your boats? What’s the deal with them?
Our boats are enclosed and climate-controlled for comfort, with large outside decks, a restroom, and comfortable forward-facing seats. The boats have water-propelled jets, so they’re fast! This isn’t a pleasure cruise – we get you out to where the whales are!
Which boat will I be on? How many people will be on it?
We make the “which boats go” decision on the day of the tour based on what the water/weather is doing and which captains have a day off! All of our boats have the same indoor/outdoor setup, facilities, refreshments, and naturalist.
Why are smaller boats better? Do they get closer to the whales?
Smaller boats are better because, honestly, who wants to be on a 150-person boat? Our size and speed let us get out to the whales, enjoy them, and have a great experience, and then get you back to enjoy all the rest that Juneau has to offer!
As far as proximity to the whales goes, we abide very strictly by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the safety and well-being of the whales is our top priority. Because of this, we don’t approach the whales beyond a certain distance, we regulate our speed when near the whales, and we stay with a whale/group of whales for a specific period of time. This is all to ensure that we don’t threaten or harass our best water friends, so they’ll continue to love us and our boats and will keep returning to these waters!
What should I wear?
Whatever you want! Our tours don’t include a lot of standing around outside in the rain, so most people are fine with something on the bottom, something on the top, and something waterproof over it.