Whale Watch and Salmon Hatchery Cruise Excursion

Your whale watch excursion begins with a narrated transfer from the pier to Auke Bay. There, your captain and onboard naturalist will welcome you aboard our state of the art 48-passenger jet boat, custom designed for Juneau whale watching with large windows and an outside viewing deck. On clear days, you'll have a beautiful view of the Mendenhall Glacier as your vessel departs the dock.

Juneau has an abundant humpback whale population, with over 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and your captain knows just where to find them. In fact, whale sightings are guaranteed! If a whale is not spotted during your cruise, we'll refund you $100 ($50 for children). Throughout this Juneau excursion, your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it's more likely you'll first be alerted by the collective chorus of "Oohhs" and "Aahhs" from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback's tail fluke.

During this whale watch excursion in Juneau, keep a sharp lookout for other marine mammals including Steller sea lions and Dall's porpoises, as well as bald eagles and a variety of seabirds, all of which are common to the area. Binoculars are available for your use while onboard, and you will be accompanied by a naturalist, who will answer your questions and provide information.

Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings and snap a photo. Or, settle into your warm and comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows.

Continue your day of discovery with a visit to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. Upon arrival, you will be met by a knowledgeable guide for a tour of the exhibits before enjoying some time on your own to explore this fascinating facility.

Get up close and personal with an interactive experience in the touch tanks, featuring a variety of Alaskan critters. Discover what lives below the surface of the Alaskan sea in aquariums with over 150 species of marine creatures.

Explore the inner workings of an active fish hatchery in the rearing room, where you can see the millions of tiny salmon preparing for their journey into the wild. During spawning season, don't miss the viewing window where you can see the hatchery fish returning to their birthplace to spawn. No matter what you choose to do, there is something for everyone on this Alaska excursion!

After completing your sea life adventure, head back to the pier filled with lasting memories of your day in Juneau, and a wealth of fun new facts to share with your friends and family back home.