Discover Alaska's Whales: Small-Group Experience for Debarking Guests
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Port
Juneau, Alaska, US
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Activity Level
Easy Activity
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Excursion Type
6,All,67
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$250
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
What a great way to put into practice your personal travel ethos and leave beautiful Alaska even better than you found it. On this small-group outing (maximum 18 privileged guests), you will travel aboard a fully-permitted research vessel for a closer look into the habitat of humpback whales. The boat has a heated and covered cabin, a low-to-the-water build, large opening panel windows, and an open bow and stern -- features specifically designed to meet the challenges of observing wildlife here in Alaska.
As you head out from the quaint harbor at Auke Bay, your guide will share the current understanding of humpback whale research and what is known about activities and feeding patterns here in Alaska. Whale sightings are guaranteed, and you're also likely to see seals, porpoise, sea lions and other marine animals, all while doing some significant good as you contribute to a whale research program.
You will have the satisfaction of being a marine scientist for a day. Explore the foundation of the food chain by drawing plankton samples, taking a look at live sea animals in a touch tank, and using a GPS camera to identify whale species while recording their various behaviors. Leave knowing that your efforts have made a contribution to understanding the delicate marine environs of Southeast Alaska and the whales' interaction with their habitat.
Enjoy lunch while you're out on the water.
Please note: This tour is available only to guests whose cruise ends in Juneau, with flights departing at 4pm or later or overnighting in Juneau. The excursion ends at the Juneau hospitality center to coordinate with pre-purchased transfers to the airport. Guests staying in Juneau must make their own way from the Juneau hospitality center to their hotel. All activities on this tour are operated by permit and regulation through the ADFG and NOAA in support of the University of Alaska and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program. The small group size of this tour ensures a personal and interactive atmosphere making the most of this authentic Alaska experience. Participants must be old enough and agile enough to walk up to 200 yards, including down a sloped ramp to the boat harbor, and back. Dress warmly in layers -- it can be cooler on the water. Binoculars are available for your use. Bottled water and a snack pack are provided. Tour operates rain or shine, but may be cancelled by the operator in the event of extremely bad weather or unsuitable conditions. Participants are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's Capture Juneau Photo Contest. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed.