In Juneau, Alaska, two whale watching trips listed on WizardTrip leave from the cruise terminal. One is a 3.5-hour whale trip. The other is a 4.5-hour option that adds Mendenhall Glacier. They have 9,571 and 7,687 reviews, with ratings of 5.0 and 4.9 out of 5 (as of 18 October 2026).
Both listings announce a guarantee of seeing whales and round-trip transport from the cruise terminal. This article compares the schedule, accessibility, cancellation rules and price. It then tells you who each option suits.
Juneau whale watching: what you need to know
Both trips share the same meeting point, at the main cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau. You meet the team 15 minutes before the tour time. The spot is behind 490 S Franklin Street. Look for the wooden dock, on the water side of the big red Mt Robert’s Tramway building.
The listing for the glacier option places the team under the green tent, on the water side of the building. The representative holds an “Alaska Tales” sign. The listing gives a phone number to call if you have difficulty. If your ship docks at AJ Dock, a shuttle runs to the tramway building. Its one-day pass generally costs about $3 and often comes from the cruise line.
If you are staying outside downtown or have your own vehicle, both listings offer a meeting point at Auke Bay harbor. You need to write to the operator, because times and instructions change.
Both listings announce immediate booking confirmation. They are aimed in particular at cruise ship passengers, families and nature lovers. Public transportation is nearby.
Whale trip only: 3.5 hours from the cruise terminal
This trip takes 49 people at most. Transport leaves from the tramway building, the starting point of the tour. A 5-minute stop along the way offers a distant view of a glacier, without leaving the vehicle. The return is to the departure point.
The program allots 2 hours to the drive to the whale watching harbor. It does not detail the time spent on the water. On board, captains and naturalists comment on the sightings. The fleet of fast powerboats offers a large outdoor deck, restrooms and heated cabins.
The listing announces humpback whales watched from a safe distance. Bottled water and snacks are provided. Children stay with an adult at all times.
Trip with Mendenhall Glacier: 4.5 hours and a self-guided visit
The glacier option starts at the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center. The program allows 50 minutes on site, admission included. The description speaks of a 45-minute self-guided exploration. You then go to the harbor for whale watching, aboard a vessel with restrooms and heated cabins.
The group also has 49 people at most. Round-trip transport from the cruise terminal, the driver-guide, bottled water, snacks and live commentary on board are included.
The glacier visit can be cut short. Neil, who gives 5 out of 5 in August 2026, writes: “Our glacier excursion was shortened due to the glacial flood and a partial refund was given.”
The listing specifies that the visit is canceled in bad weather. The whale-only trip listing does not state this rule in its text.
The two Juneau whale watching trips compared
| Whales only | Whales and glacier | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Mendenhall Glacier | Distant view from the bus, 5 minutes, no getting off | Visitor center, 50 minutes, admission included |
| Transport from the terminal | Round trip included | Round trip included |
| On board | Restrooms, heated cabins, outdoor deck | Restrooms, heated cabins, outdoor deck |
| Water and snacks | Provided | Provided |
| Maximum group | 49 people | 49 people |
| Bad weather | Rule not detailed in the text | Tour canceled |
| Free cancellation | Up to 24 hours before | Up to 24 hours before |
| Price from | $177 | $249 |
The whale guarantee: what does it cover?
Both listings announce a 100% guarantee of seeing whales. They describe experienced captains and naturalists, who have you watch the whales from a safe distance. In its highlights, the whale-only trip sums up the guarantee like this: sighting guaranteed or your money back. The glacier option does not detail the compensation.
Reviews report trips that are more or less rich. Some travelers count up to 18 whales. Kimberly, who gives 5 out of 5 in September 2026, writes: “We did not see as many as we hoped, and they were not as close as I would have liked.”
Several August and September 2026 reviews describe, on the contrary, whales feeding in bubble nets. Travelers also mention the role of the naturalists on board, who explain what you are seeing.
With an infant, a stroller or a wheelchair?
Both listings accept infants and young children, who can arrive in a stroller. Infants sit on an adult’s lap. Children stay with an adult at all times.
Only folding wheelchairs are accepted. Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are not. Service animals are allowed. Both listings judge the activity suitable for all fitness levels.
Which one should you choose?
- Your port call is short: the whale-only trip, which is 1 hour shorter.
- You want to see Mendenhall Glacier up close: the 4.5-hour option, with 50 minutes at the visitor center.
- You want to limit spending: the whale-only trip, the cheaper of the two listings.
- You travel with a folding wheelchair: both listings accept it. A power wheelchair or scooter is refused in both cases.
- You are staying outside downtown: ask by email for a meeting point at Auke Bay harbor, possible for both trips.
For the rest of your stay, find the city’s trips and activities on the page Things to do in Juneau. Those across the country are under United States.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a whale watching trip in Juneau?
3.5 hours for the whale-only trip, 4.5 hours for the option that adds Mendenhall Glacier. In both cases, round-trip transport from the cruise terminal is included.
Where do you meet for the whale trip in Juneau?
15 minutes before the tour time, behind 490 S Franklin Street, on the wooden dock, on the water side of the red Mt Robert’s Tramway building. The representative holds an “Alaska Tales” sign.
Do you see Mendenhall Glacier during the whale watching trip?
With the 4.5-hour option, yes: 50 minutes at the glacier visitor center, admission included. The 3.5-hour trip offers only a distant view from the bus for 5 minutes, without getting off.
Is the whale guarantee in Juneau real?
Both listings announce a 100% guarantee of seeing whales. The whale-only trip specifies: sighting guaranteed or your money back. Reviews show that the number of whales varies from one trip to another.
Can you bring a baby or a wheelchair?
Infants sit on an adult’s lap, and strollers are accepted. Only folding wheelchairs are admitted: scooters and power wheelchairs are not, according to both listings.
Can you cancel a whale watching trip for free?
Yes, up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time: the refund is then full, in both listings. The glacier option specifies that the visit is canceled in bad weather.
Activities mentioned in this guide
All activities in Juneau, with their prices and reviews: Things to do in Juneau
