
Whales and Wilderness Exploration
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 786 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whales and Wilderness Exploration worth booking?
Whales and Wilderness Exploration is a 3.8-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $195 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 786 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (786)
- Duration
- 3.8 hours
- From
- $195 per person
Board your comfortable 24-passenger airporter-style bus and settle in for a scenic 30-minute ride to the harbor. Along the way, your guide will share engaging insights and introduce you to Juneau’s unique history and lan
What you get
About this experience
Board your comfortable 24-passenger airporter-style bus and settle in for a scenic 30-minute ride to the harbor. Along the way, your guide will share engaging insights and introduce you to Juneau’s unique history and landscape. Transportation is fully included in your tour experience.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Juneau
Enjoy guaranteed whale sightings aboard a custom-built safari vessel designed specifically for wildlife viewing in Southeast Alaska. In addition to unforgettable encounters with whales, guests are treated to sweeping views of distant glaciers and opportunities to spot other native wildlife along the way.
150 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
Please meet at the tent in between the parking area and the Elizabeth Peratrovich mural
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet at the tent in between the parking area and the Elizabeth Peratrovich mural
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
- Wed, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gastineau Guiding
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- guests must navigate steps and a steep ramp at the harbor
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 752 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
752 verified traveler reviews for Whales and Wilderness Exploration. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
So many whales!
We had an absolutely amazing time on this excursion! Sara and Gus were fantastic guides. They were very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. They also gave us great recommendations on other things to do in town. We loved getting to hike through the section of rainforest and we saw so many humpback whales! We even got to see them bubble netting! Captain Alec was also awesome. Super personable and knowledge as well. Overall, it was a perfect day!
via Tripadvisor
Glaciers and whales
Knowledgeable guides and friendly demeanor. Loved the hike and seeing the glacier. We saw a number of whales with a great pilot.
via Tripadvisor
Flame
Had a great experience, the whales were incredible, Flame is my spirit animal. Caleb was a knowledgeable and charming guide. Would do again.
via Tripadvisor
Whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Our guide, Mike H., was the best! Very knowledgeable and entertaining. You can tell he has a true passion for his work. Captain Jared on the Zephyr did not disappoint. I lost track of how many whales we saw. This was our favorite excursion.
via Tripadvisor
Shoutout!
Mike H, Anya, and Captain Jared gave us an incredible visit and trip that we will never forget!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 275
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whales and Wilderness Exploration: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Whales and Wilderness Exploration cost?
+
Prices start at $195 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 Whales and Wilderness Exploration take?
+
Plan for about 3.8 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 Whales and Wilderness Exploration worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 786 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 Whales and Wilderness Exploration?
+
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 Whales and Wilderness Exploration suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whales and Wilderness Exploration?
+
Around 275 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 3.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whales and Wilderness Exploration 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, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Whales and Wilderness Exploration.
Pick your date




