Auke Bay Whale Watching
Auke Bay
Whale-watching tours leave from Auke Bay harbor. In summer, you may see humpback whales bubble-net feeding, along with orcas and sea lions.
Auke Bay lies about 20 km northwest of downtown and is Juneau's main departure harbor for whale-watching boats. In summer, large numbers of humpback whales feed in Lynn Canal and Stephens Passage. If you're lucky, you'll see several whales working together in “bubble-net feeding.” You'll also often spot orcas, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Tours last about 3 hours, and most operators offer a refund if no whales are seen. Many visitors pair the trip with Mendenhall Glacier for a half-day tour. It's cold out on the water, so bring a windproof, waterproof jacket.
Opening hours
May–Sep, multiple departures daily
Nearby sights
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Nugget Falls
- Shrine of St. Thérèse
- Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
- Alaskan Brewing Company
- Eaglecrest Ski Area
- Herbert Glacier Trail
- Macaulay Salmon Hatchery