Juneau Whale Watching Tours
All of the tours are customized to accommodate cruise ship passengers
Juneau Whale Watching Tours
All of the tours are customized to accommodate cruise ship passengers
Outback Whale Adventure
Larger Boat Whale Watching Tour
Enjoy the difference of a personalized tour!***
Join locally trained Captains for a personalized Alaska whale watching tour. This tour is an exceptional way to enjoy a small boat experience and have direct access to excellent view opportunities. Speak one-on-one with the Captain and Naturalist!
Meet our Dock Rep at your cruise ship dock and board our courtesy shuttle. Enjoy a scenic ride to the Auke Bay boat harbor and return (about 25 minutes each way).
Sample Itinerary
If your tour time is 9:30am, this is the time we plan for transportation to leave! PLEASE arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the listed tour time, so that we can leave on time! We would then plan to arrive at the harbor where our boats depart by 10:00am. When you arrive at the harbor, you will be met by your captain or guide and have an opportunity to use the restroom on land (there is one on the boat, it's just not as roomy) and then you will head down the dock to board our vessel for your whale watching adventure! You will start heading back to the harbor at approximately 12:35pm (depending on where you are) so that you can be disembarking by about 12:55pm to meet your returning transport at 1:00pm. You will then be returned back to your pick up location by 1:30pm. *Mendenhall Glacier sighting is weather dependent.
Times listed represent the length of the tour in its entirety, from pick up to drop off!
This 4 hour tour includes approximately 1 hour of round trip transfer time, 3 hours of whale watching/sightseeing cruise, walking on the dock to the boat, and bathroom breaks.
From the time we depart from your pick up location until the time we return you, it will be about 4 hours which includes round trip transportation from your pick up location. Most tours will include a stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for a photo opportunity of the Mendenhall Glacier.
We will pick you up in our courtesy shuttle near your cruise ship or hotel and drive you out to the boat and return you to your ship/hotel when we are done with the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions are below
We provide complimentary shuttle service to and from your preferred pickup location on the day of your tour. for cruise ship passengers you will have a meeting place as you disembark the ship.
All reservations have a $50 non-refundable service fee. If you postpone, reschedule, or transfer your booking, you will retain the full value of your reservation. You may use your credit toward any reservation at any time in the future. If you still must cancel your reservation, we will retain a $50.00 non-refundable service fee.
Your tour is 100% refundable minus the $50.00 fee noted above if you cancel at least 30 days before your tour date. A 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 will be honored for no-shows or cancellations within 14 days of the tour date. Credit card refunds are generally processed immediately, check refunds may take up to 14 days to process.
Richard R. Wrote a review
Fantastic experience with captains Charles and Georgia
Captain Charles and Georgia were fantastic! We were at the end of the season and lucked out with a clear, sunny, and cool day. We saw about 7 whales and Captain Charles put us in the best position to see the whales as they moved through the water. Can't say enough about how great the experience was for me and my family!
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.
All ages
(Per Person)$189
Private Group
(1-6 People)$995
Duration: 4 hours & 15 minutes
Up to 6 guests
Juneau Whale Watching Adventure-Harv's Exclusive Whale Tour
Join locally trained captains for a personalized Alaskan whale watching tour. Our departure times are not the same everyday because each day is different. Cruise ships arrive at different times and passengers may have different activities planned for the day. We schedule the tour for the time that best fits each guests’ needs and time frame.
Meet our dock rep at your cruise ship dock and board our courtesy shuttle. Enjoy a scenic ride to the Auke Bay boat harbor and return (about 25 minutes each way). A complimentary stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for a view of the Mendenhall Glacier is available before or after each tour depending on that day’s schedule.
Times listed represent the length of the tour in its entirety, from pick-up to drop-off! This four-hour and 15-minute tour includes approximately one hour of roundtrip transfer time, three hours of whale watching/sightseeing cruise, walking on the dock to the boat, and bathroom breaks.
From the time we depart from your pick up location until the time we return you, it will be about four and a quarter hours which includes round trip transportation from your pick up location.
Most tours will include a stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for a photo opportunity of the Mendenhall Glacier. We will pick you up in our courtesy shuttle near your cruise ship or hotel and drive you out to the boat and return you to your ship/hotel when we are done with the tour.
Sample Itinerary
If your tour time is 9:30 a.m., this is the time we plan for transportation to leave! PLEASE arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the listed tour time, so that we can leave on time! We would then plan to arrive at the harbor where our boats depart by 10 a.m.
When you arrive at the harbor, you will be met by your captain or guide and have an opportunity to use the restroom on land (there is one on the boat, it’s just not as roomy) and then you will head down the dock to board our vessel for your whale watching adventure!
You will start heading back to the harbor at approximately 12:35 p.m. (depending on where you are) so that you can be disembarking by about 12:55 p.m. to meet your returning transport at 1 p.m.
The shuttle will head to the Brotherhood Bridge for a look at the Mendenhall Glacier on your return to town. This stop will be 10 to 15 minutes in duration, you will then be returned back to your pick up location by 1:45 p.m. Mendenhall Glacier sighting is weather dependent.
We provide complimentary shuttle service to and from your preferred pickup location on the day of your tour. for cruise ship passengers you will have a meeting place as you disembark the ship.
All reservations have a $50 non-refundable service fee. If you postpone, reschedule, or transfer your booking, you will retain the full value of your reservation. You may use your credit toward any reservation at any time in the future. If you still must cancel your reservation, we will retain a $50.00 non-refundable service fee.
Your tour is 100% refundable minus the $50.00 fee noted above if you cancel at least 30 days before your tour date. A 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 will be honored for no-shows or cancellations within 14 days of the tour date. Credit card refunds are generally processed immediately, check refunds may take up to 14 days to process.
Steve A Houston A Wrote a review
Christine R Wrote a review
Important Notes
Bear Sightings are not guaranteed. This is wild Alaska!
Due to aircraft restrictions, there is a 250lbs per person weight limit on this tour. All passenger weights need to be provided at time of booking.
Participants must be fit enough to hike 1-2 miles through the wilderness.
The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is a wilderness area with no facilities, restrooms, or shelter on site. All garbage and waste must be packed out.
All participants must agree to follow all guide and ranger directions, always stay with the group, store all food items in designated bear proof lockers, and keep all personal belongings on their person.
Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – We can’t stress enough how important it is to dress appropriately.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure
From $439 + local sales tax
Private Tour: From $2,634.00 (can include 1 – 6 guests)
Children must be in good enough physical condition to paddle a tandem kayak with an adult
Small Group Whale Watch
Step aboard our comfortable 6-passenger motorboat for an extraordinary journey through the Inside Passage, heading to the most abundant humpback whale feeding area and one of Alaska’s prime kayaking destinations. As we set sail towards the Channel Islands State Marine Park, your seasoned captain and kayak guide will lead you on an incredible wildlife viewing adventure within this vibrant and diverse ecosystem while you kayak with whales.
The Channel Islands serve as a thriving habitat for an array of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, steller sea lions, porpoises, various bird species, and seals. Your knowledgeable kayak guide and boat captain will lead you through this dynamic natural history experience, sharing their local expertise about the area while actively searching for the best wildlife encounters.
Upon arriving at a secluded beach, your guide will acquaint you with the kayaks and provide a brief introduction to this unique mode of exploration. In no time, you’ll glide across the serene waters in double kayaks, embarking on a quest for more intimate wildlife interactions. As you paddle, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks and meandering glaciers that adorn the distant horizon.
This active eco-adventure was voted as one of the top 10 Best Kayak Tours by USA Today in 2023. It is designed to accommodate participants of all experience levels, granting you a remarkable opportunity to witness the grandeur of Southeast Alaska’s landscapes and seascapes while immersing yourself in the captivating world of its wildlife from a fresh and unforgettable perspective.
Itinerary
About 6 hours – approximate itinerary is below
45 min Pick up for Downtown
Van transportation to harbor for gear outfitting and boardimg motorboat
1.5 Hours Scenic Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise
Board our 6-passenger cabin cruiser and head to the Channel Islands State Marine Park
1-2 Hours Land on a remote island, have a snack, and launch your kayak!
Explore Humpback whale feeding grounds in tandem kayaks.
**Actual kayak time time is dependent on marine conditions, wildlife location, and client ability
1 Hour Cruise Back to the Harbor
Keep your eyes open for sea lions, seals, eagles, and whales!
45 minutes De-Gear and Transport back Downtown
Client Pickup Information
Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.
CLIENTS ARRIVING AT AJ DOCK:
Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.
Clients Staying Locally:
Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley.
Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.
ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation please contact our office for meeting location
Please read all the important details below
Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.
Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.
General
Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to a scheduled tour will be refunded in full.
Cancellations made 4-6 days prior to a scheduled tour will be charged a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made within 3 days of a scheduled tour are non-refundable.
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) may cancel a trip due to low enrollment, unsafe weather or route conditions, clients not meeting physical requirements, or other safety issues. A full refund will be issued if the trip has not started. However, ABAK is not responsible for additional expenses (e.g., non-refundable airfare, meals, lodging). ABAK will fully refund any tour cancellations due to changes in the cruise ship sailings that result in the tour not being rescheduled.
Medical Cancellations
For cancellations due to a medical reason, valid documentation from either a care provider or the cruise ship's doctor is required to be eligible for a refund.
If a family or party member is ill on the day of the tour, medical documentation must be provided for a refund. Any passengers who stay behind with the ill person will not be eligible for a refund.
Documentation must be provided within 2 weeks of tour cancellation to receive a full refund, otherwise the tour becomes ineligible for a refund.
Other Cancellations
Failure to comply with any cruise ship regulations or provide required documentation, resulting in you being denied boarding and not being able to cruise or take your tour, will not be refunded.
If you are traveling through Canada or any other country and are denied entry due to missing or delayed travel documents or visas, causing you to miss your tour, you will not be refunded.
If you are traveling by air and miss your flight, you will not be refunded unless it was the fault of the airline and you can provide documentation from them.
Additional Information
All cancellations must be submitted in writing within two weeks of the tour date to ABAK.
Partial refunds will not include booking fees.
The Fortress of the Bears Pack Creek Bear Tour includes a non-refundable $60 National Forest Service permit fee.
ABAK highly recommends travel insurance for all clients to protect against unexpected travel changes.
Please note that this cancellation policy is subject to change without notice.
Barbara S Plano, TX Wrote a review
Wildlife and kayaking, such fun!
ABAK is the company you want to book your tours with if you want a great adventure. A friend and I booked the Channel Islands Kayak & Wildlife Experience. Liz is THE BEST guide and the boat trip to the launch site with Wade at the helm was fabulous. We cruised around on the way to the kayaking site and saw whales spouting and diving, harbor seals, sea lions, eagles and other birds, and beautiful views of mountains and glaciers. Liz took us on a hike and pointed out many interesting things, including watermelon berries, then we were geared up for kayaking and hit the water. A harbor seal popped up right next to our kayak and later photo-bombed a photo Liz was taking of us in our kayak. Fabulous experience with a wonderful guide who knows her stuff and made us feel totally safe. I would give the experience 10 stars if I could. First-class operation!!!
Minimum Age Private Tour: 7 years old
Children must be able to swim and confidently paddle a double kayak with an adult.
Included In The Price
Professional guides and boat captain
Roundtrip van transportation & water taxi
State Marine Park permits
Double Kayaks, Paddling Gear, and Dry Bags
Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots and pants)
Hearty Snacks
Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)
Not Included In Price
Hot shower at the end of the day, but you can book your unique stay here.
Professional Photography
Gratuity for your Guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.
Important Notes
We do not guarantee whale or wildlife sightings: This is wild Alaska! Federal regulations require us to maintain a distance of 100 yards from any marine mammal.
Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (140cm). Maximum weight limit is 600lbs (272kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (188cm) find operating the rudder challenging, as the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance; however, people as tall as 6’8″ have been able to paddle our kayaks.
Participants must be able to confidently paddle tandem kayaks for up to 2 hours.
Due to inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
If you have a private trip booked, you are welcome to bring your own beverages in a small cooler on board the motorboat. However, no alcoholic beverages are permitted on the boat nor during the trip
This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet.
Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if your clients have another excursion booked on the same day.
Luxury Whale Watch
Capacity: Federal law prohibits more than 8 passengers on our yacht. No exceptions.
Small Group Whale Watch
Step aboard our comfortable 6-passenger motorboat for an extraordinary journey through the Inside Passage, heading to the most abundant humpback whale feeding area and one of Alaska’s prime kayaking destinations. As we set sail towards the Channel Islands State Marine Park, your seasoned captain and kayak guide will lead you on an incredible wildlife viewing adventure within this vibrant and diverse ecosystem while you kayak with whales.
The Channel Islands serve as a thriving habitat for an array of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, steller sea lions, porpoises, various bird species, and seals. Your knowledgeable kayak guide and boat captain will lead you through this dynamic natural history experience, sharing their local expertise about the area while actively searching for the best wildlife encounters.
Upon arriving at a secluded beach, your guide will acquaint you with the kayaks and provide a brief introduction to this unique mode of exploration. In no time, you’ll glide across the serene waters in double kayaks, embarking on a quest for more intimate wildlife interactions. As you paddle, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks and meandering glaciers that adorn the distant horizon.
This active eco-adventure was voted as one of the top 10 Best Kayak Tours by USA Today in 2023. It is designed to accommodate participants of all experience levels, granting you a remarkable opportunity to witness the grandeur of Southeast Alaska’s landscapes and seascapes while immersing yourself in the captivating world of its wildlife from a fresh and unforgettable perspective.
Itinerary
About 6 hours – approximate itinerary is below
45 min Pick up for Downtown
Van transportation to harbor for gear outfitting and boardimg motorboat
1.5 Hours Scenic Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise
Board our 6-passenger cabin cruiser and head to the Channel Islands State Marine Park
1-2 Hours Land on a remote island, have a snack, and launch your kayak!
Explore Humpback whale feeding grounds in tandem kayaks.
**Actual kayak time time is dependent on marine conditions, wildlife location, and client ability
1 Hour Cruise Back to the Harbor
Keep your eyes open for sea lions, seals, eagles, and whales!
45 minutes De-Gear and Transport back Downtown
Client Pickup Information
Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.
CLIENTS ARRIVING AT AJ DOCK:
Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.
Clients Staying Locally:
Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley.
Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.
ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation please contact our office for meeting location
Please read all the important details below
Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.
Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.
General
Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to a scheduled tour will be refunded in full.
Cancellations made 4-6 days prior to a scheduled tour will be charged a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made within 3 days of a scheduled tour are non-refundable.
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) may cancel a trip due to low enrollment, unsafe weather or route conditions, clients not meeting physical requirements, or other safety issues. A full refund will be issued if the trip has not started. However, ABAK is not responsible for additional expenses (e.g., non-refundable airfare, meals, lodging). ABAK will fully refund any tour cancellations due to changes in the cruise ship sailings that result in the tour not being rescheduled.
Medical Cancellations
For cancellations due to a medical reason, valid documentation from either a care provider or the cruise ship's doctor is required to be eligible for a refund.
If a family or party member is ill on the day of the tour, medical documentation must be provided for a refund. Any passengers who stay behind with the ill person will not be eligible for a refund.
Documentation must be provided within 2 weeks of tour cancellation to receive a full refund, otherwise the tour becomes ineligible for a refund.
Other Cancellations
Failure to comply with any cruise ship regulations or provide required documentation, resulting in you being denied boarding and not being able to cruise or take your tour, will not be refunded.
If you are traveling through Canada or any other country and are denied entry due to missing or delayed travel documents or visas, causing you to miss your tour, you will not be refunded.
If you are traveling by air and miss your flight, you will not be refunded unless it was the fault of the airline and you can provide documentation from them.
Additional Information
All cancellations must be submitted in writing within two weeks of the tour date to ABAK.
Partial refunds will not include booking fees.
The Fortress of the Bears Pack Creek Bear Tour includes a non-refundable $60 National Forest Service permit fee.
ABAK highly recommends travel insurance for all clients to protect against unexpected travel changes.
Please note that this cancellation policy is subject to change without notice.
Barbara S Plano, TX Wrote a review
Wildlife and kayaking, such fun!
ABAK is the company you want to book your tours with if you want a great adventure. A friend and I booked the Channel Islands Kayak & Wildlife Experience. Liz is THE BEST guide and the boat trip to the launch site with Wade at the helm was fabulous. We cruised around on the way to the kayaking site and saw whales spouting and diving, harbor seals, sea lions, eagles and other birds, and beautiful views of mountains and glaciers. Liz took us on a hike and pointed out many interesting things, including watermelon berries, then we were geared up for kayaking and hit the water. A harbor seal popped up right next to our kayak and later photo-bombed a photo Liz was taking of us in our kayak. Fabulous experience with a wonderful guide who knows her stuff and made us feel totally safe. I would give the experience 10 stars if I could. First-class operation!!!
Minimum Age Private Tour: 7 years old
Children must be able to swim and confidently paddle a double kayak with an adult.
Included In The Price
Professional guides and boat captain
Roundtrip van transportation & water taxi
State Marine Park permits
Double Kayaks, Paddling Gear, and Dry Bags
Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots and pants)
Hearty Snacks
Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)
Not Included In Price
Hot shower at the end of the day, but you can book your unique stay here.
Professional Photography
Gratuity for your Guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.
Important Notes
We do not guarantee whale or wildlife sightings: This is wild Alaska! Federal regulations require us to maintain a distance of 100 yards from any marine mammal.
Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (140cm). Maximum weight limit is 600lbs (272kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (188cm) find operating the rudder challenging, as the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance; however, people as tall as 6’8″ have been able to paddle our kayaks.
Participants must be able to confidently paddle tandem kayaks for up to 2 hours.
Due to inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
If you have a private trip booked, you are welcome to bring your own beverages in a small cooler on board the motorboat. However, no alcoholic beverages are permitted on the boat nor during the trip
This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet.
Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if your clients have another excursion booked on the same day.