Booking choice: The Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching cruise, from $177 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Juneau's whale cruises follow the cruise season. The boats run from roughly May to September, a few operators start in late April or carry on into early October, and the whales are there the whole time.
Here is how the season changes, and how to pick a day and a departure.
The quick answer
Go between June and August for the peak of the season, when the most humpbacks are feeding near Juneau. May and September are quieter and still see whales on most trips. Whales feed all day, so the best departure is simply the one that fits your ship's schedule.
When is whale watching season in Juneau?
From about May to September, with some tours from late April to early October.
Humpbacks arrive from their winter grounds in Hawaii, more than 3,000 miles away, to feed through the summer. About 600 spend the summer in Southeast Alaska, and a few stay all year.
Know your port day? Check the departures that fit it.
Check dates for the Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching cruiseWhich month is best?
June, July and August: the peak of the season, with the most whales and the longest days.
| Month | Whales | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Good, building | Lighter | Some guarantees start May 15 |
| June | Very good | Busy | Long days |
| July | Very good | Busiest | Book ahead on big ship days |
| August | Very good | Busy | Bubble-net feeding possible |
| September | Good | Lighter | Guests reported 5 to 8 whales in September 2026 |
Can you see whales in May and September?
Yes. Guests on September 2026 trips reported five to eight humpbacks and breaches right by the boat.
The difference is the guarantees: Harv & Marv's and Juneau Tours apply theirs from May 15 to September 15, so outside those dates you sail without the refund promise.
When can you see bubble-net feeding?
In the summer feeding season, but only on some trips: only a minority of humpbacks feed this way.
In a bubble net, a group of whales circles a school of fish, blows a ring of bubbles around it, then surges up through the middle with mouths open. Guests on several 2026 tours saw it; treat it as a bonus rather than a plan.
Hoping for bubble-net feeding? Harv & Marv's guests reported groups feeding in September.
Explore Harv & Marv's whale cruiseWhen are orcas around?
Unpredictably: orcas can stay in one area for weeks, then disappear.
Juneau sees both fish-eating resident orcas and mammal-hunting transient (Bigg's) orcas. Several groups on the tours here saw them in 2026, but no operator guarantees them.
What is the best time of day?
Any time: whales feed throughout the day, so choose the departure that fits your ship best.
Morning departures leave the afternoon free for the Mendenhall Glacier, which closes at 6 PM in summer. Afternoon departures suit late-docking ships. Whatever you choose, end your tour with a comfortable buffer before all-aboard.
Morning or afternoon? Pick the departure that leaves time for the rest of Juneau.
Check dates for the whales and glacier comboDoes the weather matter?
Less than you think: tours run in rain and wind, and only stop for unsafe conditions.
Juneau is a rainy place, and drizzle does not stop the whales. Dress for it: see what to wear whale watching.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go whale watching in Juneau in winter?
Commercial tours mostly run May to September. A few humpbacks stay year-round, but the regular departures follow the cruise season.
Is August a good time for whale watching in Juneau?
Yes, August is part of the June to August peak. Bubble-net feeding is possible, but never promised.
How many whales will I see?
It varies by trip: guests on the tours here report anything from a few to a dozen or more whales, sometimes with orcas.
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Choose your cruise
Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season. Check each listing's cancellation rules before you book.
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
- Round-trip shuttle from the Mount Roberts Tramway to Auke Bay
- About two hours on the water with a naturalist guide
- Boat with heated cabins and outdoor viewing decks (up to 49 guests)
Harv & Marv's Whale Cruise with Glacier View
- Pickup and drop-off at your cruise ship's dock (give your ship's name)
- Whale cruise from Auke Bay with live narration, about 3 hours on the water
- Mendenhall Glacier view stop from the water (weather permitting)
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo
- Round-trip transport from the Mount Roberts Tramway
- 2-hour whale cruise on a 24-seat jet boat or 49-seat catamaran
- Naturalist on board, water and a light snack
