Booking choice: The Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching cruise, from $177 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Every tour below sails the same waters around Auke Bay, uses a boat with an enclosed cabin, and includes transfers from the Mount Roberts Tramway or your ship's dock. The differences are pickup, boat size, extras, and cancellation.
The quick answer
For most people, Alaska Tales: 5.0 from more than 9,500 reviews, a naturalist and free cancellation. Pick Harv & Marv's for pickup at your own ship, the small-group catamaran for more room at the rail, the Auke Bay binocular cruise for the lowest price, and the glacier combo to add the Mendenhall Glacier.
How do Juneau's whale tours compare?
On rating and price they are close; on pickup, boat size and cancellation they differ.
| Tour | Pickup | Boat | Rating | From | Refundable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Tales | Mt Roberts Tram | Up to 49 guests | 5.0 (9,547) | $177 | Yes |
| Harv & Marv's | Your ship's dock | Double-deck vessel | 5.0 (2,284) | $159 | Non-refundable |
| Small-group catamaran | Mt Roberts Tram | Max 20 guests | 4.9 (1,582) | $209 | Yes |
| Auke Bay binocular cruise | Mt Roberts Tram | Up to 100 guests | 4.8 (358) | $154 | Yes |
| Whales + glacier | Mt Roberts Tram | 24 or 49 guests | 4.8 (969) | $199 | Yes |
| Whales + lighthouse | Your ship's dock | Up to 49 guests | 5.0 (598) | $199 | Non-refundable |
Leaning to the most reviewed cruise? Check its departures for your port day.
Check dates for the Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching cruiseAlaska Tales: the safe default
The most reviewed cruise here, with a naturalist, heated cabins, snacks and a whale guarantee.
At $177 and 5.0 (9,547), it is the safe default, and it cancels free up to 24 hours before. You meet at a tent on the dock beside the Mount Roberts Tramway. Guests praise the naturalists; the occasional complaint is a wait for late passengers.
Harv & Marv's: best for pickup at your ship
An operator that meets you at your own ship's dock and adds a glacier view stop.
At $159 it is cheaper than Alaska Tales, departures run about every half hour, and the money-back guarantee covers May 15 to September 15. The catch: this Viator listing is non-refundable, so book it once your port day is fixed.
No walk to the tram: Harv & Marv's finds you at your ship's gangway.
Explore Harv & Marv's whale cruiseSmall-group catamaran: best for space at the rail
Juneau Whale Tours caps its 40-foot catamaran at 20 guests, so there is less jostling for a view.
It costs more ($209) and you must get to the tram yourself; there is no pickup at individual ships. Several guests mention the crew sending photos after the trip. Juneau Whale Tours cancels or reschedules trips with five or fewer guests, with a full refund if it cannot rebook you.
Auke Bay binocular cruise: best on a budget
The lowest-priced cruise here, with binoculars, snacks, drinks and coffee included.
At $154 and 4.8 (358), it is a good value pick. Some guests found check-in at the busy tram chaotic, so arrive early and look for the blue sign with yellow letters.
Which combo is worth it?
The glacier combo for sightseeing, the salmon bake or crab combo if you want lunch sorted.
The glacier combo ($199) is the most useful. The salmon bake ($239) and the lighthouse combo ($199) are non-refundable; the crab combo ($274) cancels free. See whales and the glacier in one day.
Want the glacier too? The combo includes the entrance fee and transfers.
Check dates for the whales and glacier comboIndependent tour or cruise line excursion?
Independent tours visit the same waters, often for less, but the ship will not wait if you are late.
The tours here offer departures timed for cruise passengers, and their transfers are included. Book a departure that returns at least two hours before all-aboard, and give your ship's name when you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best whale watching tour in Juneau?
For most people, the Alaska Tales cruise: 5.0 from more than 9,500 reviews, free cancellation and a whale guarantee.
Which Juneau whale tour picks up at the ship?
Harv & Marv's and the lighthouse combo meet you at your ship's dock; most others meet at the Mount Roberts Tramway.
Which Juneau whale tour has the smallest group?
The Juneau Whale Tours catamaran, capped at 20 guests.
Do all Juneau whale tours leave from Auke Bay?
The tours on this site sail from the Auke Bay area about 12 miles north of downtown, with transfers included.
Ready to book
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)
Small-Group Whale Watching & Coast Expedition
A 20-guest catamaran, so fewer people share the rail
