Alaska’s capital city is unique but with only six hours to see the sights, Juneau whale watching was my number one priority. However, the choice isn’t easy for everyone. Juneau, the largest US capital city by area, offers exciting and unique things to do including nature and wildlife viewing (bears, whales, waterfalls), adventure sport (kayaking, rafting, ziplining), dog sledding, glacier walks, panning for gold, and more.
Nearly 1 million visitors arrive in Juneau annually, 900,000 of them via cruise ship. We were no exception. After reviewing the options, our family split up. While we all went on the water, two wanted more adventure (without a camera) while I, along with one of our girls, went a Juneau whale watching and Mendenhall glacier photo safari (see images below).
Why We Recommend Pre-booking Juneau Excursions
We will pass on one of the best recommendations we were given: Prebook a shore excursion in Juneau Alaska. While it is an easy port to do on your own, it is the last port you want to be left at should you be late getting back to the ship. And while people always think it will never happen to them, our ship left 8 people in Juneau.
Juneau is the only US capital city that is not accessible by road (although there is a car ferry). Therefore, getting to the next port to be reconnected with the ship will be very expensive. (You generally need to hire a private plane or boat).
We were thrilled to discover that Viator, TripAdvisor Company, offers a worry-free shore excursion guarantee. They are a company we trust, with small groups, great guides, and generally significantly lower prices than the ship can offer.
Juneau Alaska Excursions
All of the options on this table had Viator’s worry-free shore excursion guarantee at the time of publishing this page. It is prominently displayed in the detailed descriptions. Be sure to verify it before purchase.
| Excursion | Highlights | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake | See Mendenhall Glacier Juneau whale watching cruise Alaskan salmon bake See totem carving | 6 hrs | View |
| Bear Viewing, Flight, and Kayak | Visit Pack Creek brown bear viewing area Fly over Tongass National Forest Kayak through Windfall harbor | 7-8 hrs | View |
| Gold Panning and Salmon Bake | Juneau city tour Pan for gold Alaskan salmon-bake See totem carving Salmon Creek waterfall | Flexible | View |
| Douglas Island Zipline | Speed boat to Douglas Island Zipline through Alaskan rainforest Try axe throwing Guided walk | 3.75 hrs | View |
| Helicopter Tour and Dogsledding Experience | Helicopter over Juneau Icefield Dogsled with huskies Hear tales from the Iditarod | 3 hrs | View |
| Juneau Whale Watching Tour | Whale watching on a 48-passenger boat See Mendenhall Glacier on a clear day | 3.5 hrs | View |
| Mendenhall Glacier Trek | Guided trek along Mendenhall Glacier 8-mile trek through Alaskan wilderness Pass glacial formations *Read details of fitness requirements | 7 hrs | View |
| Mendenhall Glacier Rafting | Raft through Class II and III rapids See Mendenhall Glacier from the river | 3.5 hrs | View |
Our Juneau Alaska Whale Watching Experience
The spout of water shot up into the air and my heart skipped a beat. I unconsciously held my breath as I hoped this majestic whale would breach the water, jumping into the air. Instead, she gracefully returned to the sea, her tail appearing as she descends. We don’t get to pick the day or the weather when we cruise.
The first whale tail of our day.
Shutter Speed: 1/800, Aperture: f/10, ISO: 400
Whale spout
Shutter Speed: 1/800, Aperture: f/10, ISO: 400
We also saw seals basking in the day
Shutter Speed: 1/800, Aperture: f/7.1, ISO: 400
Our first glacier viewing of the famous Mendenhall Glacier was from the Juneau whale watching boat
Shutter Speed: 1/800, Aperture: f/8, ISO: 400
Another whale coming up.
Shutter Speed: 1/800, Aperture: f/7.1, ISO: 400
The same whale tail going back down.
Shutter Speed: 1/800, Aperture: f/6.3, ISO: 400
This eagle was waiting above the dock when we returned
Shutter Speed: 1/250, Aperture: f/5.6, ISO: 200
Juneau Wildlife Spotted
We saw Humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and a bald eagle. Orca whales and brown bears are often seen from the Juneau whale watching cruises. We also successfully went whale watching in Hoonah Alaska a few days earlier.
Check out this beautiful DVD on Humpback whales, from National Geographic →
Whale Photography Tip
Capturing this moment in a photo involves preparation. You need to be ready, ideally with a camera set at a fast shutter speed (sports mode on a point-and-shoot). Also, set it in a burst mode so the camera will take a series of shots when you hold down the button. By setting my shutter at 1/800 it was fast enough to stop the action. At the same time, it was not so fast that it froze the water drops as they came off the tail (as stopping the drops leaves the appearance of dots on the photo).
For more travel photo tips, sign up for our newsletter and we will send you a free copy of my e-book: Travel Photo Tips by Rhonda Albom↓
Juneau Glacier Viewing
Next, we took a drive to a forest about 12 miles out of town. Here we hiked along Nugget Creek Falls trail to the Mendenhall Glacier viewing point. Often referred to as the Juneau glacier, it is 13.6 miles long.
Mendenhall Glacier seen from the trail with Nugget Falls barely appearing to the right.
Shutter Speed: 1/30, Aperture: f/16, ISO: 200
Mendenhall Glacier
Shutter Speed: 1/100, Aperture: f/18, ISO: 400
Moss covered this part of the forest.
Shutter Speed: 1/30, Aperture: f/16, ISO: 200
Small waterfall on our trail.
Shutter Speed: 1/15, Aperture: f/13 ISO: 200 handheld (See more tips for photographing waterfalls)
Glacier Photography Tips
Like with most landscape shots, the goal is to have the maximum in focus. Therefore you will want to set your aperture to a higher number. If you are using a point and shoot, use the landscape (mountain) setting. I shoot in Raw and adjust for white balance in Lightroom. However, if you don’t use post processing software, you can adjust the camera’s white balance before taking the shot. For glaciers, set the white balance to “sun”, which adds a cooling filter that will intensify the blue of the glacier. I know the day we had was overcast but had I set the white balance to “cloudy” the camera would add warmth (less blues) to the photo.
Other Alaska Cruise Ports We Reviewed
We sailed from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver. Here are our top recommendations for each port:
Read Next: 25 Tips for Cruising Everyone Should Know
Whale watching, glaciers, adventure, or another of the Juneau tours, what will you do with a half day in Alaska’s capital?
7 Simple tips that WILL improve your photos
Whether you shoot with a phone or a DSLR, let me share my secrets.
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Barbara Radisavljevic says
Great photos, as always. I hope I’ll see a whale someday. Maybe next winter.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Barbara. Where are you looking for whales.
Kreete | AdventurousTrails says
Great photography tips! I have actually never been whale watching, but managed to spot some humpbacks when hiking along the coast line in Sydney. Amazing sight! The glacier looks unreal too! Would love to see it up close one day!
Rhonda Albom says
How exciting to just look out and see a whale.
voyagestic says
Lovely photos
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks.
Agness of eTramping says
Alaska is a breathtaking and remarkable travel destination, Rhonda! When’s the best time of the year to go there?
Rhonda Albom says
For me, the best time of year is summer, as I am not a fan of snow. However, this means I will never see the Northern Lights.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
In keeping with our tradition of being where the wildlife is not, a successful whale watch is not something we’ve experienced. 😉 However, we will keep trying! Thanks for the photo tips – we are really hoping they’ll come in handy next time! This is definitely close to the top or our with list for Alaska – we have not been to Denali, so that ranks #1 at the moment. Then it’s off to (hopefully) see some whales! Thanks also for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Rhonda Albom says
Bugger. I have only had one whale watch that we didn’t spot anything, but that was because the weather turned and they had to bring the boat back. We love Alaska, and especially Denali.
Megan Jerrard says
Incredible photos Rhonda! Weve been on so many whale watching trips, and know how hard it is to get a shot – they’re so fast! Definitely need the camera set at a fast shutter speed – I think I took 100 photos on high burst the last time, and only just got a tiny bit of him! We loved Alaska, so much wildlife! Epic photo of the eagle as well – such a majestic creature – you managed to fit a lot into a short trip!
Rhonda Albom says
We loved Alaska too. It is somewhere I would love to spend a lot more time, but only in the summer. I don’t think the Alaska winter would be my thing. As for the photos, thanks. I don’t think I have ever done a burst of more than seven.
Suruchi says
These are some of the fantastic photos and the description you have mentioned with each is really helpful. I too need to try my hands on the camera following these tips. Whale watching is really on my list and will love to click pictures as you have mentioned. Thanks for sharing the info.
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, grab your camera and get out and start shooting.
Elisa says
I have never seen a whale so I imagine it must be a very impressive experience. In my opinion, the most difficult part to master when taking glacier pictures is the contrast of colors white-glacier vs surrounding landscape . .
Rhonda Albom says
Whales are so interesting and so big, but I do agree, taking a photo that blends into the background is a bit challenging.
Elena says
Stunning photos! I couldn’t stop browsing through them. Whale tales are so perfectly shaped, the eagle – wow, what a majestic bird, the moss and ferns are so luxuriously green. It is a beautifully presented visual story. Thank you for sharing!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Elena. Glad you enjoyed them.
Shruti Prabhu says
We have never tried whale watching because it is based on luck. You might see a whale or you might not. It’s so great that you did coz we love the pictures! It is so cool that you have also mentioned your camera settings. Are you a professional photographer? The glacier looks so beautiful as well.
Rhonda Albom says
I don’t think it’s based solely on luck. I think there is a skill to finding them. They look for the birds first, the rest of the skill I don’t have. However, we go out on small boats, with a team with a good reputation. I am a hobby photographer, although I do sell some of my photos.
Ryan Biddulph says
The whales are fabulous Rhonda but that eagle snap is beyond majestic. We see them around these parts in NJ sometimes. Yes I am being serious LOL. My sister even had one in her yard a few years back in Southern New Jersey. Whales are a different story though. Rarely spotted off of the coast. Alaska is about my #1 place to see in the States as it is like another country from most of the USA.
Rhonda Albom says
I had no idea there were eagles in New Jersey. They are such magnificent creatures.
Sandy N Vyjay says
The thrill of watching whales comes alive in your pictures. I know you need lots of patience in these kind of situations and many a time the camera does not do justice to the actual experience. Faced a similar situation when on a lake in East Africa, we were looking out for Hippos, who surfaced from beneath the water for a fraction of a second. Your pictures of the Whales as well as the waterfall and the greenery are great.
Rhonda Albom says
Wow, thanks Sandy. How cool to see hippos in the wild.
Michelle | michwanderlust says
Love your photos, Rhonda! I can imagine how difficult it is to photograph whales. I once tried to photograph river dolphins but it was impossible. They weren’t breaching the surface so all you could see was a little hump rising above the water for less than a second. Guess it wouldn’t have made an impressive photo anyway!
Rhonda Albom says
So difficult, especially when the water and the animal are the same colour.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
Alaska is just the place for someone with your photography talents, Rhonda! Gorgeous shots as always. How close did your boat get to the whales? #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Jim. I am not sure how close, but we were at the legal limit. The secret is the zoom lens.
eileen g says
I hear so many stories of people who go whale watching and don’t get to see whales (or any trip where you are relying on wild animals to turn up for you), I best it was exciting and satisfying to spot a whale. It’s also a tough call between catching a photo and enjoying the moment without worrying about the photo (your photos are great). Glad it was a good experience!
Rhonda Albom says
I know what you mean. I get my few early shots, then the rest of the time I just enjoy the time out on the water. Of course, I am always ready should one fly out of the water.
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe says
Amazing photos Rhonda. Hopefully when I get to Alaska I will be fortunate to see some whales and some of the great wildlife and a get in a good photo or two.
Rhonda Albom says
The secret to seeing whales is to go out on a boat with someone who knows how to spot them.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
Looks like you a great cruise, and lucky to see the whales multiple times! Alaska is one of the states I still haven’t been to but family members have had a great time, spending a couple months there exploring and seeing wildlife.
Rhonda Albom says
I could easily spend a couple of months there as long as they were in the summer!
Marcus and Mel says
We love the pictures of the eagle and the tail of the whale. So much better to see them here, where they belong instead of the tiny pools of Seaworld.
Rhonda Albom says
I avoid places like Seaworld, anywhere that has cetaceans in captivity.
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
I’d love to go whale watching one day, I do hear Alaska is the place to go! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Rhonda Albom says
Alaska a is a place to go, but there are whales in all the oceans of the world.
Sarah says
Amazing photos, I have been lucky to see a whale just off the shores of Victoria in Australia, however not quick enough to get an amazing photo like you did.
Rhonda Albom says
It’s more about the memory than the photo.
Travelling Dany says
Alaska has been on my bucket list forever! I would love to go, especially to see the whales. You were so lucky to find them, and your pictures are amazing! Yet I especially appreciated the eagle pic. How far away were you? It seems you were pretty close!
Rhonda Albom says
That eagle was on top of a pole, and I had a 200mm zoom lens.
Danijela WorldGlimpses says
This seems like one lovely trip. It doesn’t matter that the whale didn’t jump high out of the water etc, the whale was there and it must have been great to see it. Love the photos of the Mendenhall Glacier. 😉
Rhonda Albom says
You are so right, seeing the whale tail was totally amazing.
Vanessa says
I don’t know what’s better, the sight of the whale or the sight of the glacier! Alaska really seems like a paradise to me and I’m dying to visit!
Rhonda Albom says
I didn’t know what was better when I was out there.
Dannielle says
I’m obsessed with marine life so I’d definitely do this! Seeing a whale jump from the water is one of the highlights of my life – and I’ve seen it happen twice!
Rhonda Albom says
Twice, how cool.
Lady Fi says
Wow – what an amazing adventure! And such fabulous photos.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Fi.
Anda says
If I have one regret about our trip to Alaska is that I haven’t seen any wildlife, except for a Golden Eagle that was wounded and kept in a cage. I would have loved to photograph a mouse or a black bear, or a whale. You were luckier than we were and you took some amazing photos on this trip. #WeekendTravelInspiration
Rhonda Albom says
We went out of our way to find the animals, but even with that, there was an element of luck. and, thanks.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Spectacular. I recently did whale watching in Australia, but Alaska would be next level!
Rhonda Albom says
I would think Australia would be pretty cool too. I have been and loved whale watching in New Zealand.
Pat says
Such an amazing glacier to see, Rhonda! It must have also an amazing sight to see the whale so close. We hope to visit Alaska with the next few years so your tips will be very valuable to us–thanks!
Rhonda Albom says
Agreed, both the glacier and whales were amazing to see live.
Trekking with Becky says
Wow! Alaska is incredible. It seems like the perfect escape from city craziness. I want to see a glacier; would you say that Mendenhall’s the best? It’s amazing!
Rhonda Albom says
I haven’t seen enough glaciers to say which is the best, but Mendenhall is pretty special. So is Glacier Bay (Alaska) and Fox and Franz Joseph Glacier in New Zealand.
Klara S says
Stunning photos. I hope I’ll visit Alaska some day. Greetings from Poland.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Klara, I hope you get to Alaska someday too.
Ruth | Tanama Tales says
Rhonda, your photos are fantastic! After exploring Iceland, I feel like Alaska is a logical place to visit (it takes less time to reach and it will be more affordable). Glaciers have to be one of the most spectacular natural features I have seen.
Rhonda Albom says
I know what you mean, after visiting Alaska, I have been wanting to visit Iceland.
shere says
I would also pick the whale watching 🙂 we saw whales in South Africa. There you don’t need to go on a boat, they just “pass by”.
Alaska is a place I would love to visit, just a shame the cruise we won had to be in the Mediterranean.
Rhonda Albom says
Twice we have seen whales from our New Zealand home, and I used to see them from California home too. However, there is something magical about being out on the water with them.
Jill says
I was lucky enough to see a whale breach while I was on a ferry in Alaska – and we kayaked with whales about 100 feet away in Alaska also. That was one of the most incredible things I’ve experienced. Stunning photos, as usual!
Rhonda Albom says
Wow, you sure had good timing. How cool to see a whale breach and kayak so close.
Kathy Marris says
What a magical experience. I can see why a lot of people go on Alaskan cruises. It is a remarkable territory. Thanks for the photo tips.
Rhonda Albom says
I loved everything about our time in Alaska. I wish I was there longer – but only in summer for me.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
We’ve visited Juneau twice during cruise ship stops and loved the city. I wish we had time to do the whale watching. We have always ended up at Mendenhall Glacier. During our last visit, we were lucky enough to have my friend who lives there now take us around. It’s such a beautiful port. Love the photos and brought up such great memories.
Rhonda Albom says
My favourite thing to do at any port is to visit friends. It’s even better than seeing whales.
Lolo says
I visited Alaska as a kid and remember it being so amazing! I’d love to go back and explore more and be able to see some whales! I’ve also heard that Juneau is very beautiful! #Wkendtravelsinpiration
Rhonda Albom says
We didn’t have enough time to see very much of Juneau, just the waterways and the park we hiked on the way to the glacier.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
amazing! your should start selling your photos:) really great photography!
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – I do sell some of my photos on Zazzle and on Amazon.
zongrik says
wow. i wish i could go.
zongrik says
tremendous
Alissa Apel says
How fascinating to watch! Seeing a whale and an eagle aren’t species you see every day.
Rhonda Albom says
Agreed. Where I live is called Whangaparaoa, which means “Bay of Whales” in Maori, however, we have only seen whales twice in the 16 years we have lived here.
janet says
It would be great to see those in person! If only I can get a chance soon…
Rhonda Albom says
I hope you get a chance some day. There is nothing quite like it.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
The biggest disappointment I had in Alaska was not seeing any whales. We saw some way in the distance but it didn’t really count. I have made up for it ten fold since with whale watching in Australia but if I ever go back to Alaska my first priority will be whales.
Rhonda Albom says
I am sorry to hear that. We were lucky and saw them three times. Twice out on whale watching expeditions, and once from the ship.
Judee says
Extraordinary photos of your day in Juneau – I went whale watching in Cape Cod and it was quite a thrill ! My favorite photo is your Eagle- I’ve never seen one in the wild
Rhonda Albom says
Seeing eagles flying and it trees was one of the many highlights of Alaska.
Mayuri says
Wow! These pics are awesome. Mendenhall Glacier pic is my favorite. 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks. It was a so huge, and the bluest of the glaciers I have seen to date.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz says
If I had a whale tale I would flip it up in the air all day long! So much fun for you.
https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2017/08/nyc-at-10-pm-its-true-that-new-york.html
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – what fun that would be, and what a sight for everyone else too.
Patricia says
Beautiful photos! I like how sharp and detailed the pics are! 🙂 You have a good eye for things! I have been to Alaska, but not to all the parts you went to. I did go to Denali though. It was gorgeous!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Patricia. I also love Denali. Our time there was really special.
Zehra Victoria says
This looks so amazing! Whale watching has always been on my to-do list. I recently went snorkelling with whalsharks in Australia which was already breathtaking. But this is something else!!
Rhonda Albom says
Snorkeling with the whale sharks would be such an amazing experience.
Lydia C. Lee says
Great tips on burst. I took a million photos whale watching but alas for the 2 full body breaches I just got blue sky (I was so excited I just waved my camera around in the air…opps!)
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – burst wouldn’t have helped if you were aimed at the sky.
April says
I enjoyed this so much!! Your pictures are breath-taking, my fave was the eagle. Pinned and following. I found you on Wonderful Wednesday.Love your blog!!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks April. That eagle was pretty amazing. They are such serious looking birds, focused yet almost looking right through you.
Teresa Kindred says
Love it! Great photos of nature! Thank you!
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Teresa. I enjoyed taking them.
Sandee says
Really great shots. We are going to Kauai in January of 2019 for two weeks. We hope to do some whale watching while we are there. It would be awesome to see them.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom says
You will see beautiful whales and dolphins in Hawaii, and the warm tropical sunshine will be wonderful too.
Patrick weseman says
So beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Patrick. Do you see whales in SF?
Paul F. Pietrangelo says
Stunning photos Rhonda. People keep saying that an Alaskan cruise is a great one but I’m not sure. Yes, it’s beautiful but it’s still cold and I want the heat if I’m taking a cruise. Maybe it’s just me. Probably, I’m a little weird.
See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom says
The warm, hot tropical sun is the only thing you would be giving up on an Alaskan cruise. Personally, I loved it.
Bill says
That is so awesome going whale watching, I’m very envious of you.
Rhonda Albom says
It is one of the best things I have done.
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin says
Wow wow wow!!
Rhonda Albom says
You should see them live, you would really be impressed.
stevebethere says
Fab photos Rhonda I have only seen a dolphin at the zoo I have never seen a whale in the flesh as such lol, beautiful scenery always enjoy your photos as I never get out of London heheh!
Have a glaciertastic day 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
Sorry to say it, but I hate seeing dolphins in zoos. They are such intelligent creatures, they don’t belong in cages. Personally, I avoid anywhere that has captive dolphins.
Amy says
I’ve never seen a whale or a dolphin for that matter, but hopefully come summer we will be going on a dolphin sightseeing tour.
Rhonda Albom says
They are so majestic and playful. I hope you see one this year. The whale and dolphin safari in Auckland is outstanding.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Rhonda – those are stunning photos – incredibly helpful to have all the details under each one … and great to have the book available for future reference- must be so useful for budding photographers … one day I’ll get to the Alaskan waters … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Hilary. It is something new I am trying and am glad to know it is useful.