It was the summer of ’09, and I was standing on the deck of the Star Princess, coffee in one hand, binoculars in the other, when a humpback the size of a box truck breached just fifty yards from the ship. I yelped. Not screamedâyelped. The kind of sound a beagle makes when it sees bacon. Everyone turned to stare. But you know what? Totally worth it. It was magicalâMother Nature at her showiest. If you’ve never locked eyes with a whale before (or, okay, at least its eye region), you’re in for a treat.
And Juneau? Oh, sweet whale-loving Juneau. Itâs one of the best places on the planet to witness these oceanic ballet dancers. I’ve tried nearly every whale watching tour that docks here, from the larger catamarans to intimate six-passenger zodiacsâand let me tell you, there are stars among them.
Letâs dive into the 7 best whale watching tours in Juneau that pretty much guarantee youâll see something breaching, bubble-net feeding, or flapping its massive tail like itâs auditioning for a synchronized swimming team.
1. Whale Watch Alaska â The Unofficial Show-Stealer
If you’re the kind of person who doesnât just want to âseeâ whales, but feel emotionally connected to them, this is your tour. Whale Watch Alaska combines marine biologist-level commentary (but with jokes, thankfully) and cozy, heated cabins that are so welcoming, youâll be torn between warm cocoa inside and whales outside.
Insider Tip: Ask for Captain Nick. This guy has whale-whisperer vibes. Iâve been on his boat three times and seen bubble-net feeding every time. Coincidence? Maybe. Magic? Probably.
Bonus Wow: This tour is known for going slightly off the “common circuit” when conditions allow, meaning less boat traffic, more connection with wildlife.
2. Harv & Marvâs Outback Alaska â Small Group, Big Moments
With a name that sounds like a buddy cop duo, Harv & Marvâs might just deliver your most cinematic whale encounter. Their tours are famously intimateâ6 people maxâwhich means fewer elbows in your photos and more direct chat-time with your naturalist guide.
Cruise-Pro Tip: If your ship docks for 6+ hours, email them directly to request a private charter. Celebrating an anniversary? Theyâve been known to sneak champagne aboard.
Potential Challenge: With smaller boats comes more motion. If your sea legs are more Jell-O than sailor, bring Dramamine. But trust me, itâs worth it.
3. Juneau Whale Watch â The Feather in the Cap for First-Timers
This is the OG tour company most frequently recommended by cruise linesâand for good reason. They’re efficient, punctual (crucial when you have a gangway time to make), and nearly always deliver on sightings.
Fun Fact: They’ve had a near 100% whale sighting rate for over a decade. Trust me, thatâs not marketing fluffâthese folks practically have the whales on speed dial.
What Youâll Love: Their boats have large open decks and floor-to-ceiling viewing windows, so whether itâs sunny or sideways rain (this is Alaska, after all), youâll get the show.
4. Dolphin Jet Boat Tours â Speed Meets Spectacle
If you’re looking to zip out to whale hotspots faster than you can say âfluke up!â, this is your jam. Their speedy, enclosed jet boats cut through icy waters with grace and agilityâand they maximize your time with the whales, not just commuting to them.
Little-Known Nugget: Their tours often include a visit to Mendenhall Glacier before or after, making you feel like youâre starring in your own Nat Geo documentary. Two bucket list checks in one!
Cruise Pro Tip: Sit at the back of the boat. Itâs louder back there (bring noise-canceling headphones if youâre sensitive), but youâll get better rear-view whale tail shotsâtrust me, Instagram gold.
5. Alaska Galore Tours â Authentic Alaskan Charm
I stumbled upon this gem after taking a chance on a last-minute booking, and Iâm so glad I did. With a local team that genuinely loves their home and its marine residents, youâll get storytelling that paints whales as your new extended family.
Surprise Highlight: Theyâll often radio other boats to tip each other off about whale activityâmeaning youâre part of a secret floating neighborhood watch.
Something Quirky: They hand out local Alaskan snacks on board. Ever eaten salmon jerky while watching a humpback breach? Itâs a vibe.
6. Jayleenâs Alaska â Led By a Real Local (And Sheâs Delightful)
Jayleen is a born-and-raised Juneauite, a former commercial fisherman, and ranger at Glacier Bay. She also has a personality that makes you want to hug her, even if you just met. Her tours feel more like going out with a friend who also happens to know everything about whales.
Best For: Those who want a deeper dive into the science, storytelling, and spirit of these animals.
Word of Warning: Because itâs such a personalized experience, spots are limited and book fast. Reserve aheadâeven if you’re still 10 months from cruising!
7. Allen Marine Tours â The Big Boat with Big Views
If youâre traveling with a larger group or bringing kids who love to run laps like caffeinated otters, this spacious tour is what you need. Allen Marineâs catamarans are built for comfort and panoramic views.
Insider Advantage: The Captain gives âscoop talksâ when whales are nearâoften pointing out family groups and individual whales theyâve named. (I once met a humpback named Sasha. True story.)
The Flip Side: Because it’s larger, it feels less personal. But the tradeoff is amenities, a smoother ride, and usually excellent guides.
What You Didnât Know You Needed: Bonus Tips from the Whale Front
1. Bring Binoculars (Just Not Giant Ones): Compact binoculars (8×25 or 10×32) enhance the experience dramatically. You think youâve seen a whaleâuntil you zoom in and realize itâs really waving at you.
2. Wear Waterproof Everything: This is coastal Alaskaâit will mist, drizzle, or outright pour. Waterproof jackets with hoods, waterproof footwear, and a good anti-fog lens cloth for your camera are game-changers.
3. Time It Right: Morning tours = calmer seas and better light. Evening tours = fewer crowds and golden-hour lighting for dreamy photos. Choose your adventure.
4. Donât Be Glued to Your Screen: Iâve seen folks miss a breach because they were fiddling with their camera settings. Snap a few, then be presentâthe best memories arenât always digital.
5. Know the Lingo: âFluke up diveâ means youâre about to see that epic tail flick. âBlow” is the whaleâs exhaleâwatch for it to spot them before the breach.
The Tails That Stay With You
Thereâs something about seeing a whale in the wild that rewires your soul a little. It reminds you that thereâs a whole world beneath the surfaceâquiet, majestic, and wonderfully indifferent to your to-do list. Juneau offers this gift wrapped in sea mist and delivered by the capable, passionate hands of its local tour guides.
So, will you be the one yelping on the deck next time? I hope so. Because once youâve looked into the eye of a humpback, the ocean stops being just water. It becomes a storyâand now you’re part of it.
Happy sailing, my friend. And may your next âwhale of a timeâ truly live up to the pun.
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