Narrated Whale Watching Cruise with Glacier View Stop

If you’re heading to Juneau and thinking about a memorable wildlife adventure, this whale watching tour might catch your eye. It’s a well-loved experience, with a perfect 5-star rating from over 530 reviews, and a high recommendation rate of 97%. The tour promises a good mix of whale sightings, scenic views—including Mendenhall Glacier—and a convenient, hassle-free experience thanks to shuttle pickup from the cruise dock.

What we really like about this trip is how accessible it is: nearly every half hour, you can hop on a boat with knowledgeable guides, making it flexible to fit into your schedule. Plus, the stunning view of Mendenhall Glacier from Brotherhood Bridge adds that extra visual punch to your day.

Of course, no adventure is without its small considerations. The trip runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for weather is a must. Also, the tour has a maximum of 49 travelers, which keeps things more personal but might fill up quickly if you’re planning far in advance.

This tour suits anyone craving an engaging, well-organized whale-watching experience with some scenic glacier views thrown in—perfect for first-timers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone looking to enjoy Alaska’s marine magic without too much fuss.

Key Points

• Flexible Scheduling: Nearly every half hour departure makes it easy to fit into your day.
• Comfort & Convenience: Luxury double-decker vessel with enclosed cabins, restrooms, and spacious decks.
• Expert Guides: Passionate, knowledgeable naturalists that enhance the experience.
• Guaranteed Whale Sighting: The tour promises a high chance of seeing whales, with many reviews praising sightings.
• Scenic Stops: Includes a photo-friendly stop at Brotherhood Bridge with views of Mendenhall Glacier.
• Inclusive Extras: Bottled water, snacks, and soft drinks make the trip more comfortable.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Day

The tour kicks off with a courtesy shuttle from your cruise ship or designated meeting point in Juneau, making the start smooth and stress-free. As you head toward Auke Bay, your anticipation builds—this harbor is the launchpad for whale-watching excursions, and it’s pretty much the hub for marine adventures in Juneau.

Boarding the Vessel: The main boat, operated by Harv & Marvs Outback Alaska, is a luxurious double-decker designed for optimal viewing. With capacity for 49 guests, it’s not overly crowded, allowing for good sightlines whether you’re on the enclosed lower deck or the open upper deck. Restrooms are available, which is a thoughtful touch for comfort during the approximately four-hour trip.

The Scenic Drive to the Harbor: The shuttle ride itself is part of the experience, offering some quick insights about Juneau and its surroundings. Many reviews applaud the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, setting a welcoming tone for the day.

The Whale Watching: Once at Auke Bay, the real magic begins. The guides are experts at locating whales, and they’re passionate about sharing what they know. As some reviews note, guides like Sasha, Morgan, and others go above and beyond to ensure guests see whales—sometimes multiple species, including humpbacks and orcas. Many guests have been lucky enough to witness spectacular whale shows, with tails, breaches, and spouts, thanks to the guides’ skill and local knowledge.

The Glacier View Stop: A highlight is the quick but scenic 15-minute stop at Brotherhood Bridge, which offers a great photo op of the Mendenhall Glacier. This stop is weather-dependent but is scheduled either before or after the main cruise, depending on that day’s weather and logistics. Many reviews mention the glacier views as breathtaking, adding a rare chance to connect with Juneau’s glacial landscape.

The Return: After hours of marine wildlife spotting and glacier admiration, the boat heads back to Auke Bay, where your shuttle awaits for a comfortable ride back to Juneau or your cruise ship.

Why We Think This Tour Works Well

The price point of $159 per person offers good value considering the inclusions—guided wildlife viewing, scenic stops, and transportation. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their passion and knowledge, which makes the experience more engaging and educational. Many mention the amazing whale sightings—sometimes seeing multiple whales, including humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions—giving you a feeling of real wildlife encounter.

Comfort and safety are also well thought out, with a luxurious boat that’s equipped for comfort in all weather conditions. Since Alaska weather can be unpredictable, the enclosed cabins and restrooms are appreciated, and many reviews note that even on a colder, rainy day, the trip was enjoyable.

The timing of the tour is another plus. Nearly every half hour departures allow you to plan around your other activities or port schedule without stress. Plus, the shuttle service removes the hassle of navigating to the harbor, which is especially helpful if you’re new to Juneau or traveling with a group.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Many reviewers share stories of amazing sightings and friendly guides. For example, Emily loved how the guides respected the animals and followed proper whale-watching guidelines, ensuring a responsible approach that didn’t disturb the wildlife. William describes the trip as “a whale of a time”, highlighting sightings of humpbacks and sea lions, and praising the efficiency and eco-friendliness of the trip.

Others mention how much they appreciated the guides’ enthusiasm and expertise. According to Julie, her guides Sam and Chloe “were very knowledgeable and passionate”, making the experience both fun and informative. Captain Dalton also gets shoutouts for keeping everyone entertained while respecting the whales’ space, making it clear that responsible wildlife viewing is a priority.

The boat itself, described as comfortable with great viewing decks, adds to the experience. Many reviews mention how easy it was to see whales thanks to the guides’ skill, with some noting they saw multiple whale species in a single trip.

Weather doesn’t seem to dampen the experience much—most reviews mention being prepared for rain or wind, but that even on a wet day, the trip was enjoyable thanks to the boat’s covered areas and the crew’s upbeat attitude.

Practical Details: Pricing, Duration, and Group Size

At $159 per person, this tour offers reasonable value, especially given the inclusions. The trip lasts about 4 hours and 5 minutes, accounting for transportation time from Juneau and the scenic stop. The actual whale-watching portion is roughly three hours, which is ample for spotting multiple whales and enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed.

The maximum group size of 49 travelers strikes a good balance—it’s enough to see multiple whales but small enough for a more personal experience. The ability to book nearly 103 days in advance speaks to its popularity, so planning ahead is smart.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For wildlife lovers and those craving a scenic, educational tour with guaranteed whale sightings, this tour stands out. The combination of knowledgeable guides, comfortable boat facilities, and convenient logistics makes it a very appealing option. If you’re looking for an experience that balances adventure with comfort and education, this is a solid pick.

However, if you’re expecting a completely off-the-beaten-path adventure with rugged small boats or very specific wildlife sightings, this tour is more on the relaxed, well-organized side. Weather can influence the experience, so packing appropriately for rain or wind is essential. Keep in mind that the tour is designed to be family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, but always check with the provider if you have specific needs.

In the end, this whale watching cruise offers a high-quality, memorable way to connect with Alaska’s marine world—one that many reviewers say they’d do again.

FAQs

Is transportation to the harbor included?
Yes, the tour includes a complimentary shuttle from Juneau to Auke Bay, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes, which includes the shuttle transfer, boat time, and the glacier view stop.

What kind of boat is used?
Harv & Marvs operates a luxurious double-decker vessel with enclosed cabins, two restrooms, and spacious viewing decks.

Will I see whales on this tour?
The tour guarantees whale sightings, and many reviews highlight multiple whale encounters, including humpbacks and orcas.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather. Alaska weather can be unpredictable—think layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour operates in all safe weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly labeled as family-specific, the smooth, comfortable vessel and engaging guides make it generally suitable for most travelers, including families with older children.

All in all, this whale watching cruise offers a reliable, enjoyable chance to see some of Alaska’s most iconic marine wildlife, with scenic glacier views to boot. If you’re after a well-organized, friendly, and wildlife-rich experience, it’s worth considering for your Juneau adventure.