Juneau Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

Juneau’s whale watching and salmon bake tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Alaska. Aboard a custom-built vessel, guests can witness the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through the waters of Auke Bay, a prime location for these magnificent creatures. The experience is further enhanced by an authentic Alaskan salmon bake, complete with roasted marshmallows and a taste of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a quintessential Alaskan adventure, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression. But what exactly can you expect to see and experience during this unique excursion?

Key Points

• This full-day adventure offers a guaranteed whale sighting in Auke Bay, where over 65 humpback whales migrate annually.
• Passengers can listen to whales’ underwater communication using a hydrophone system on a custom-built, 48-passenger vessel.
• The tour includes an all-you-can-eat salmon bake in a historic gold rush setting, complete with roasting marshmallows over a campfire.
• Guests meet at the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau and are provided with convenient shuttle service to the pier and back.
• The knowledgeable naturalist guide provides expert commentary on the whales, their behaviors, and the local ecosystem.

Tour Overview

The Juneau Whale Watching and Salmon Bake tour offers a full-day adventure that allows visitors to explore Auke Bay, where over 65 humpback whales migrate annually, and enjoy a traditional Alaskan salmon bake.

The tour includes a guaranteed whale sighting, with a $100 refund if no whales are spotted ($50 for children). Participants board a custom-built, 48-passenger vessel equipped with a hydrophone system to listen to whales communicate underwater, and a knowledgeable naturalist guide provides commentary on the local ecosystem and wildlife.

The tour also features a historic gold rush setting for the salmon bake, where guests can indulge in a mouthwatering all-you-can-eat buffet and roast marshmallows over a campfire.

Whale Watching Experience

Aboard the custom-built, 48-passenger vessel, guests embark on an immersive whale watching experience, equipped with a hydrophone system that allows them to listen to the underwater communication of the majestic humpback whales.

The large windows and exterior observation deck provide prime viewing opportunities, as the naturalist guide provides expert commentary on the whales and the local ecosystem.

The tour offers a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat:

• Explore Auke Bay, where over 65 humpback whales migrate annually
• Observe the whales’ behaviors and feeding patterns up close
• Learn about the whales’ role in the delicate balance of the local marine environment

Salmon Bake Highlights

After the whale watching adventure, guests are treated to an authentic Alaskan salmon bake in a historic gold rush setting.

The salmon, freshly grilled over an open alder wood fire, is the centerpiece of an all-you-can-eat buffet that also includes parmesan chicken, au gratin potatoes, and beans with reindeer sausage.

Visitors can even roast marshmallows over a campfire, completing the immersive experience.

The salmon bake takes place amidst authentic mining artifacts, transporting participants back to the gold rush era.

This hearty meal and cozy setting provide a perfect complement to the majestic whale sightings, offering a well-rounded Alaskan adventure.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Guests meet at the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, where a shuttle service departs the salmon bake for the pier every 15-20 minutes. This convenient transportation option ensures a seamless experience for tour participants.

The meeting point is easily accessible, allowing guests to arrive at their leisure and board the shuttle when ready. The shuttle service runs regularly, providing a reliable and efficient way to get to the pier for the whale watching portion of the tour.

The shuttle service is included in the tour package, providing a hassle-free way to get to and from the salmon bake.

The Mount Roberts Tramway is a popular local landmark, offering stunning views of Juneau and the surrounding mountains.

Guests can relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that the logistics of getting to the pier are taken care of.

Policies and Considerations

The tour has a few important policies and considerations for guests to be aware of before booking. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability, and the experience is non-refundable although it may be rescheduled due to weather or minimum traveler requirements.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible with service animals allowed.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so guests are advised to dress appropriately.

Humpback Whale Migration

Auke Bay, located near Juneau, hosts an annual migration of over 65 humpback whales each year. These majestic creatures journey to the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska to feed on krill and small fish during the summer months.

The whale watching tour takes visitors to the heart of this thriving ecosystem, providing opportunities to witness the whales’ graceful movements and perhaps even hear their haunting songs through the onboard hydrophone system.

Humpback whales are known for their dramatic breaching and tail-slapping behaviors, which are thought to serve various communication and social functions.

The whales’ migration patterns are influenced by factors like water temperature, prey availability, and their own internal biological clocks.

Conservation efforts have helped the humpback whale population rebound after being nearly hunted to extinction in the 20th century.

Naturalist Guide Commentary

Throughout the whale watching tour, the naturalist guide imparts a wealth of knowledge about the humpback whales and the surrounding marine ecosystem.

They explain the whales’ unique behaviors, such as how their dramatic breaching and tail-slapping serve as forms of communication and social interaction.

The guide also highlights the conservation efforts that have helped restore the humpback whale population after their near-extinction in the 20th century.

Using a hydrophone system, the guide helps passengers listen in as the whales communicate underwater through a series of complex vocalizations.

The guide’s engaging commentary brings the whales and their environment to life, providing passengers with a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and the delicate balance of the Alaskan ecosystem.

Outdoor Adventure Immersion

By immersing passengers in the natural wonders of Juneau’s pristine waters, the whale watching and salmon bake tour offers an authentic, up-close encounter with Alaska’s iconic wildlife and ecosystems.

Guests board a custom-built vessel with large windows and exterior observation decks, providing prime viewing opportunities to witness majestic humpback whales breaching, fluking, and bubble-net feeding.

The tour also includes a hydrophone system that allows participants to listen to the whales’ underwater vocalizations, adding to the immersive experience.

The salmon bake takes place in a historic gold rush setting, complete with mining artifacts that transport visitors back in time.

Guests also have the opportunity to roast marshmallows over a campfire, creating a cozy, quintessential Alaskan ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Upgrade to a Private Whale Watching Tour?

Yes, you can upgrade to a private whale watching tour. Private tours offer more personalized experiences and the opportunity to customize the itinerary to your preferences. Upgrades are subject to availability and additional fees.

Do You Offer Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options at the Salmon Bake?

The salmon bake offers several vegetarian and gluten-free options on the all-you-can-eat buffet, including parmesan chicken, au gratin potatoes, and beans with reindeer sausage. Guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy the authentic Alaskan dining experience.

How Do I Get My $100 Refund if No Whales Are Spotted?

To get the $100 refund if no whales are spotted, guests must notify the tour operator at the end of the excursion. The operator will then issue a full refund within 7-10 business days.

Can I Bring My Own Equipment Like Binoculars or Camera?

Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment like binoculars or cameras. The tour provides a great opportunity to capture stunning whale sightings and scenic landscapes. Guests should be mindful of others and use equipment considerately during the tour.

What Is the Typical Group Size for the Whale Watching Tour?

The typical group size for whale watching tours is around 48 passengers. The vessels are custom-built with large windows and exterior observation decks to provide prime viewing for groups of this size.

Recap

The Juneau whale watching and salmon bake tour offers an immersive Alaskan adventure.

Guests can witness the graceful movements of humpback whales and enjoy an authentic salmon bake experience, creating a quintessential Alaskan experience.

With a custom-built vessel, hydrophone system, and knowledgeable naturalist guides, this tour provides an in-depth exploration of Auke Bay’s diverse marine life and rich cultural heritage.