
Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2,294 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water worth booking?
Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water is a 4.1-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $159 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2,294 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2,294)
- Duration
- 4.1 hours
- From
- $159 per person
Our public tour on our brand new 49 passenger vessel! Meet our Guest 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). Each tour includes a dedicated stop to see the Mendenhall Glacier from the water (weather dependent). Enjoy the difference of a personalized tour! This 4 hour and 5 minute tour includes approximately 1 hour of round trip transfer time, 2.75 hours of whale watching/sightseeing cruise, walking on the dock to the boat, and bathroom breaks.
What you get
About this experience
Our public tour on our brand new 49 passenger vessel! Meet our Guest 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). Each tour includes a dedicated stop to see the Mendenhall Glacier from the water (weather dependent). Enjoy the difference of a personalized tour! This 4 hour and 5 minute tour includes approximately 1 hour of round trip transfer time, 2.75 hours of whale watching/sightseeing cruise, walking on the dock to the boat, and bathroom breaks.
What's included
Included
- Learn about the history of Juneau and its diverse marine habitat and wildlife
- Luxurious double-decker vessel with enclosed cabins, two restrooms, and spacious viewing deck areas.
- Dedicated stop to see the Mendenhall Glacier from the water - weather dependent
- Pickup from designated meeting points included. Drop off MUST be at the same location as pick up.
- Whale Watching Cruise from Juneau with Live Narration
- Guaranteed whale sighting
- Complimentary Bottled Water, Snacks, and Soft Drinks
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Harv and Marvs Outback Alaska
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If on a cruise ship, we MUST know which one. There are five docks in Juneau, we will pick you up from YOUR cruise ship once provided.
- Customers MUST reach out to Harv & Marvs directly to make sure they have the required pick up information. We are not liable for missed tours due to a lack of provided information. This information is crucial to our ability to provide this tour.
- Operates in all safe weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative time or date or full refund
- We are NOT wheelchair accessible. Our buses and smaller boats do not have ramps to get on board. In addition, our space is very limited. This tour is not recommended for those needing assistance to enter/exit our vessels.
- Collapsible strollers and wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark, must be noted at time of booking
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,291 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
2,291 verified traveler reviews for Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Do it!
The whole team are sensational, extremely knowledgeable, bubbly and high energy. I did the last trip of the season on my own and a few friends of mine who have been to Alaska countless times said there was no way of seeing whales at this time of year, we saw 5 whales! We also found some seals and glaciers. An amazing experience I’ll keep with me for my entire life and would definitely recommend doing this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the enthusiastic review and recommendation! We certainly appreciate it, and we are thrilled that you had such a good time on your trip with us :)
via Tripadvisor
WE SAW WHALES
My family went to Alaska and booked this excursion everyone here was wonderful especially Nick with all his facts and answered all the questions we have. Tess was so friendly and took several pictures that she said shared with us.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great review and awesome crew shout outs! We are so pleased you had such a good time with us on the water :)
via Tripadvisor
Whales, whales, whales!
Guides were excellent! They were very enthusiastic and well informed on the subject of whales. The boat pilot was skilled and enjoyed his work. The whole crew had a great sense of humor. We were made comfortable and even given drinks and a snack while we were onboard the boat. The best part is that we saw 8 whales on this trip!! Tess took photos and shared them with us after the excursion. This trip was the highlight of my Alaskan trip.
Response from the operator: Being the highlight of a guest’s trip to Alaska is a very humbling honor for us. Thank you so much for the awesome review.!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour, experience, guides - totally worthy it!!
We had an amazing experience with this tour. The boat was amazing, comfortable, we could stay indoors and go outdoors, multiple levels. Captain Steve made an effort for us to see orcas and whales, and sea lions. Aidan and Chris were great guides too. Overall, it was amazing, definitely worthy it the money we spent, and if we go back to Juneauor have friends going there, we would definitely recommend Marvs and Harvs.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the amazing review and recommendation! We are so pleased to have hosted you out on the water and are so happy you were able to see so much :)
via Viator
Very dissapointing!
We have been so Happy with Harv and Mar's until this last trip. We always book the small boat almost private with usually 2 other people. I have recommended them over the years . Never again. I hate cattle haul Catamarans and that's where we wended up! Booked very far in advance and was told the small boats were not available. i guess I shouldn't believe my lying eyes. NEVER AGAIN!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 803
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water cost?
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Prices start at $159 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water take?
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Plan for about 4.1 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.
Is Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2,294 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water?
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Around 803 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 4.1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Juneau?
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Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whales and Wilderness Exploration. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Juneau?
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May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Juneau?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water?
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Included: Learn about the history of Juneau and its diverse marine habitat and wildlife; Luxurious double-decker vessel with enclosed cabins, two restrooms, and spacious viewing d; Dedicated stop to see the Mendenhall Glacier from the water - weather dependent; Pickup from designated meeting points included. Drop off MUST be at the same location as p; and Whale Watching Cruise from Juneau with Live Narration. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Juneau. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; We are NOT wheelchair accessible. Our buses and smaller boats do not have ramps to get on; and Collapsible strollers and wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accom. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Alaska Whale Watching Cruise: 3 Hours on the Water?
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Across 2,294 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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