Picture yourself on a boat in Alaska, surrounded by your closest friends and family. Taking a break from the crowds, breathing in the fresh sea air, and listening to eagles call to one another. Suddenly, a huge humpback whale rockets out of the ocean’s depths in a rare display of agility and power. Here at Juneau Charters, we think there are only a few things in life better than whale watching in southeast Alaska.

Why Juneau is Perfect for Whale Watching

Whale watching in Juneau, Alaska is something special. Juneau, along with much of the Inside Passage, is full of nutrient-rich waters stirred up by the 15 to 20-foot tides. The longer daylight hours give krill, herring, and other fish, which humpback whales love to eat, more time to feed. This helps their population grow and gives our resident humpback whales plenty to eat. 

Southeast Alaska’s humpback whales are known for working together to capture prey using “bubble-net feeding.” Check out this incredible BBC Earth documentary on bubble-net feeding to learn more! This incredible adaptation only occurs here in southeast Alaska and is worth the wait to see in person!

Juneau’s resident humpback whales return year after year to take advantage of Alaska’s abundance. These whales are known and adored by locals and visitors alike and have names like Flame, Moon Cheese, and Manunauna. To learn more about Juneau’s resident humpback whales, check out Juneau Flukes. This non-profit is dedicated to research and education about our local humpback population.

Best Whale Watching Tours in Juneau, Alaska

Choosing the right tour is important to making the most of your whale watching trip. At Juneau Charters, we offer private whale watching tours for up to 6 people per boat – just you, your closest friends and family, and the whales! Our knowledgeable captains know the best places to find whales without the crowds. 

Trips are 2.5 or 4 hours and are available from April 15th through October 30th. It’s fine to have an infant on whale watching in Alaska in Juneau, they count as one towards capacity as required by the US Coast Guard. Juneau Charters proudly follows NOAA’s Marine Life Viewing Guidelines in an effort to protect Juneau’s gentle giants.

What You Might See on Your Whale Watching Trip

Although our humpback whales are the main attraction, you might also see the following animals while on a trip with us!:

• Orcas (aka Killer Whales)
  • Rare sightings
  • Smart and social predators
  • Largest members of the dolphin family
• Dall’s Porpoises
  • Small, fast porpoises
  • Sometimes, they swim alongside boats
  • Look like mini orcas
• Harbor Seals
  • Adorable and cautious
  • Often seen resting on rocks
  • Often blend into the rocks they’re resting on
• Sea Lions
  • Larger than the harbor seals
  • Curious, swift, and agile
  • Often seen hanging out on buoys near harbor entrances
• Bald Eagles
  • Frequently spotted around Juneau
  • Occasionally seen fishing
  • Big, bold, and beautiful birds

What to Expect on Your Whale Watching Trip

All of our trips include an experienced captain and crew who can tell you interesting facts about the whales and the local environment. Our boats are comfortable and have plenty of indoor and outdoor space to view the whales. Water and snacks are included and available during the trip should you feel peckish at any time.

Tips for a Great Whale Watching Experience

Here at Juneau Charters, we want you to have the best possible experience with us! Here are a few things you can do to ensure a great whale watching trip:

• Book in Advance
  • Tours can fill up fast, especially in July!
• Dress in Layers
  • Alaska can be chilly, even in the middle of summer. Be prepared for different weather conditions.
• Binoculars
  • We recommend bringing your own if you have a pair

• Bring Sunscreen and Sunglasses
  • Even when it’s cloudy, the sun can be a lot when you’re on the water
• Charge Your Camera
  • Remember to charge your camera or phone prior to your trip; you’ll want to capture all the amazing moments!
• Learn About Whales
  • For the extra curious, we recommend NOAA’s Species Guide for Humpback Whales
• Be Patient
  • Whales can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes when diving, but it’s worth the wait!

Whale Watching Memories for A Lifetime

There’s nothing like whale watching excursions in Juneau, Alaska. Glaciers and soaring mountains set the backdrop for the most spectacular summertime feeding frenzy. We hope you can take the time to experience this incredible place with us and meet our humpback whales!