Best Boat Tours For Whale Watching In Alaska

Whale watching in Alaska is a fun and accessible activity, with most tours being a simple day cruise away. The best time to see whales is from June to August, with late July and August being especially good due to the humpback whales' Bubble Net Feeding behaviour. Juneau is the best port for whale watching, with whales being spotted on almost every excursion. Icy Strait is also a good choice, with an abundance of whales. Whale watching tours are also offered in Seward, via Resurrection Bay or Kenai Fjords.

Juneau Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo

The Juneau Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo is a highly-rated tour that offers a unique opportunity to explore the waters of Juneau, Alaska, in search of humpback and orca whales. With a duration of approximately 5 hours, this excursion provides stunning scenery and the chance to witness these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Your journey begins at the Mount Roberts Tramway, where you'll meet your guide and board a comfortable vessel. During the cruise, you'll be treated to informative commentary and gain insights into the behaviour and biology of the whales. Keep your cameras ready, as you'll also have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos of the whales and the surrounding landscape.

Following the whale-watching adventure, your experience continues with a visit to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. Here, you'll indulge in an all-you-can-eat Alaskan feast, savouring the delicious flavours of the region. This buffet-style meal is a perfect way to refuel after your time on the water.

The excursion is suitable for all ages, with a minimum age requirement of 12 years for unaccompanied minors. It's important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, as the tour operates rain or shine. With a maximum group size of 90 people, you're ensured a personalised experience with ample opportunities to enjoy the wonders of Juneau.

The Juneau Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo promises an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters and culinary delights. It's the perfect blend of nature and culture, offering a well-rounded Alaskan experience that will create lasting memories.

Mendenhall Glacier Whale Watching Tour

Whale watching and exploring the Mendenhall Glacier are two must-do activities in Juneau, Alaska. This half-day combo tour is perfect for those who want to tick off both experiences in one go.

Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up near the cruise docks, from where you'll be taken to Auke Bay. On the way, your guide will entertain you with interesting facts about Juneau, Alaska's capital city. Once you reach the bay, you'll board a customised vessel for two hours of whale watching. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, sea lions, seals, orcas, porpoises, eagles, and a variety of seabirds. The boats are specially designed to offer uninterrupted viewing, with both an outdoor deck and an indoor heated cabin.

After your whale-watching experience, you'll head to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, the world's only drive-up glacier. Here, you'll be surrounded by untamed wilderness and crystal-blue ice. You'll have the chance to explore the nature trails and visit the visitor centre, where you can learn more about the Juneau Icefield. Don't miss the trail to Nugget Falls for incredible up-close views of the glacier!

This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities, and with guaranteed whale sightings, it's an unforgettable experience.

Seward Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise

The Resurrection Bay cruise is a half-day trip that takes you on a voyage through towering mountains and glaciers and offers the chance to see a variety of wildlife. The cruise departs from Seward, a charming harbour village, and takes you through Resurrection Bay, where you can spot whales, sea lions, otters, and puffins.

This cruise is perfect for families and those short on time, offering plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and take in the breathtaking scenery of Alaska. You'll also get to hear fascinating commentary from experienced captains who will identify the massive tidewater glaciers and share the history and geology of the area.

If you're looking for a longer cruise, you can opt for the full-day Kenai Fjords National Park tour, which offers more dramatic scenery and the chance to see glaciers up close. However, the waters can be choppy, making it too long for some.

The cruise operators also offer a range of other tours, including sailing charters and yacht excursions, so you can find the perfect experience for your needs.

What to Expect

As you exit the harbour, keep an eye out for eagles, sea otters, and Dall's porpoises. You'll then cruise to Thumb Cove, a picturesque location with spectacular rock faces, waterfalls, and views of cirque glaciers.

At Cape Resurrection, you'll have the chance to spot Steller sea lions and harbour seals lounging on rocky islands. As you continue your journey through Resurrection Bay, watch for orcas and humpback whales, as well as seabirds like kittiwakes, puffins, and murres.

Practical Information

The cruise operates during the spring and summer, with tour dates in 2025 from May to September. It's recommended to dress in layers and ensure your camera is charged. The cruise includes a hot lunch, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.

You can book the cruise online or by phone, and infants under 2 years old can cruise for free. Cancellation is allowed up to 4 days before the trip for a full refund.

Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour

Icy Strait Whale Adventures offers an unforgettable whale-watching experience in Hoonah, Alaska. The tour company is owned and operated by the Hoonah Tlingit, the descendants of Southeast Alaska's first people.

The Icy Strait is home to a wide array of wildlife, including Orcas (also known as killer whales), Stellar sea lions, sea otters, Harbour seals, Dall's porpoises, and the magnificent humpback whale. The area also boasts breathtaking vistas of land and sea.

The tour company offers a guaranteed whale-watching adventure, promising a 50% refund if no whales are sighted. Their custom-built whale-watching vessels are highly manoeuvrable, with a low-profile design and large windows that allow for unrestricted viewing while getting up close to the whales and other wildlife. The boats are suitable for all ages, with child rates available.

The captains and crew, many of whom are locals, will guide you through the diverse wildlife and its cultural connection to the Hoonah Tlingit people. The natural accumulation of food in these waters makes it a habitual feeding ground for one of Alaska's largest humpback whale populations, providing a unique opportunity to witness "bubble-net feeding", flipper slapping, and breaching.

The tour lasts for 2.5 hours and costs $169.99 for adults, $155.99 for children, $155.99 for groups of six or more, and $3700 for a private charter of up to 24 people.

Icy Strait Whale Adventures prioritises your comfort and safety, and they are committed to sharing the majestic beauty and culture of Alaska with their guests.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour

Kenai Fjords National Park is home to an array of wildlife and incredible landscapes, making it a popular destination for those looking to embark on a cruise tour in Alaska. Here is some information on the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour:

Tour Options

Kenai Fjords Tours offer a range of cruise durations to suit different preferences and schedules. The tour options include:

• 4-hour Spring Resurrection Bay Tour
• 4.5-hour Resurrection Bay Tour
• 6-hour Glacier Dinner Cruise
• 6-hour Classic Kenai Fjords Park Tour
• 7-hour Captain's Choice National Park Tour
• 8-hour Northwestern Fjord Tour

Wildlife and Nature

The park is known for its abundant wildlife and stunning natural scenery. On your cruise, you can expect to see a variety of animals, including whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, eagles, and various species of seabirds. The park also features impressive tidewater glaciers, such as Aialik and Holgate, which are surrounded by steep cliffs, dense forests, and towering mountain peaks. Visitors may even witness calving events, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the ocean.

Tour Operators

There are a few operators offering cruise tours in the Kenai Fjords National Park:

• Kenai Fjords Tours: They offer a range of tour options, including the popular Classic Kenai Fjords Park Tour. They are the original and most experienced operator in the park, providing fully narrated cruises by experienced captains and crew.
• Major Marine Tours: They offer a 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise that explores the world of whales, wildlife, and glaciers. Their experienced captains provide narration and point out spectacular sights, ensuring an informative journey.

Practical Information

When planning your cruise tour, it is important to consider the following practical information:

• Duration: The tours range from 4 to 8 hours, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your schedule.
• Pricing: Prices vary depending on the operator and tour duration. For example, Major Marine Tours' 6-hour cruise is priced at $225 for adults and $112.50 for children.
• Seasonality: The tours generally operate during the spring and summer months, with specific dates varying by operator. For instance, Major Marine Tours' cruise is available from May to September.
• Departure Location: The departure location for the cruises is usually Seward, a coastal town in Alaska.
• Meals: Some tours include meals, such as the Classic Kenai Fjords Park Tour, which offers a hot lunch. Major Marine Tours also provides a complimentary deli lunch on their 6-hour cruise.
• Accessibility: While the cruises offer wheelchair accessibility, it is important to note that outside decks may not be accessible. Be sure to specify any accessibility requirements when making your reservation.

Frequently asked questions