
Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 363 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau worth booking?
Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau is a 3-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $154 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 363 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (363)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $154 per person
Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do! Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales. We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!
What you get
About this experience
Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do! Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales. We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- Snacks
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Juneau
Go in search of whales with a naturalist guide on a day trip from Juneau. Hop onboard a boat and get binoculars to spot other wildlife such as sea lions, bald eagles, and black bears. Depart from downtown Juneau on a bus driven by a local tour guide through a scenic route to Auke Bay, where you board a comfortable jet boat. Be led by a captain and naturalist on an unforgettable search for whales in Favorite Channel, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, or Saginaw Channel. Binoculars are provided so you can see the humpbacks, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, black bears, and towering mountains better. With the growing abundance of whales in the area and their comfort with small boats, you are bound to see many. This tour includes transfers between downtown and Auke Bay and two hours on the water. Included in the price of the tour are onboard refreshments, including bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, and a small snack.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
Look for our representative outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building, directly below the cable lines. They will have a blue sign with yellow letters that says, "Whale watching tour meets here.". Please do not go inside the Tramway building to inquire about this tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Look for our representative outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building, directly below the cable lines. They will have a blue sign with yellow letters that says, "Whale watching tour meets here.". Please do not go inside the Tramway building to inquire about this tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Dolphin Jet Boat Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 362 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
362 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Whales in Juneau
Fantastic Crew! They're as excited as the guests. Very knowledgeable and even better having one who studies them, is a photographer, and has a great deal of local experience.
via Viator
Safer for the sea life and Fun for Us!
DOLPHIN JET BOAT TOURS was absolutely amazing. We were there at the end of Sept. It was on and off rainy, but the boat is enclosed & heated, but you still could view wildlife by opening the large window if you wanted to without getting wet or going outdoors. Our naturalist was Savannah and the Captain was Jay. Captain Jay sought out orcas first because they were the furthest point south in Auke Bay. In order to make it back in time, we found the small pod of orcas first and then went back to where they knew humpback whales were still in the waters. A lot of the humpback whales were already gone due to starting their migration. The few that were left- one was identified by naturalist Savannah named "Magma"- was noted as a local celebrity, but also probably one of the last to leave. This whale-friendly jet boat has way less mechanicals in the water as it cruises along compared to traditional propeller driven boats. The possibility of sea life strikes are less impactful or dangerous. If keeping wildlife in the sea is important to you, consider a jet boat-style whale watch like Dolphin. Unfortunately, there are only a few companies that have these boat types. For this reason and the knowledgeable, approachable staff, Dolphin Jet Boat Tours was worth every penny. The boat had a restroom, exterior viewing areas and plenty of seating inside. It was very clean and guests were provided water and a nice snack-bag while on board. It was in the low 40's and intermittently rainy, so the hot coffee and hot chocolate were a classy touch, as was Mother Nature's providing us with a rainbow over the bay. The whale watch tour should definitely be one to take when you are in Juneau. The shuttle ride to and from the tram location in downtown Juneau was expeditious and our driver, "Chuck" & his bus named "Norris" was not only funny but knowledgeable. Thanks again to the staff and boat crew for a memorable time!! We learned a ton and this trip exceeded our expectations. Sarah & Ken, WI.
via Tripadvisor
A WHALE OF A GOOD TIME!
A lovely experience Captain J and Naturalist J were courteous and very informative. The weather was pleasant and we did see a few whales even though we were out of peek season. The boat was comfortable and we could venture outside. Snacks were enjoyable. Our grandson, age 2 1/2 may not remember this day but we will! Highly recommend and the price of this 3 hour excursion was phenomenal!
via Tripadvisor
Orca & Humpback together!
The pick up experience was easy off the cruise ship. They give you detailed instructions. You are driven to another harbour- very nice facilities. We were on one of the smaller boats, smaller being about 40 ft! We were lucky to have been a small group. We saw lots of humpbacks and orca with views of the glacier in the distance. No breaches, but whales of both kinds all around us. The naturalist Savannah was very nice and the captain Jay very experienced.
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional service “whale watching “ tour
Small group “whale watching tour” but big on service with a “guarantee” to see whales! Definitely recommend this company! We saw 8 whales, otters, seals and eagles
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 127
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Dolphin Jet Boat Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.0.
See everything Dolphin Jet Boat Tours runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau cost?
+
Prices start at $154 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 Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau take?
+
Plan for about 3 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 Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 363 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau?
+
Around 127 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?
+
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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau?
+
Included: Bottled water; Binoculars; Snacks; and Tea and coffee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau?
+
Look for our representative outside the Mt. Roberts Tramway building, directly below the cable lines. They will have a blue sign with yellow letters that says, "Whale watching tour meets here.". Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau offered in?
+
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 Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau?
+
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 Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau if the weather is bad?
+
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 Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau?
+
Across 363 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau.
Pick your date




