Embark on an exciting cruise to explore the beautiful waters around Juneau. Breathtaking scenery surrounds you as you search for humpback and orca whales (guaranteed sighting). You may see other charming marine mammals such as Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoises. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, bears, Sitka blacktail deer, and a variety of seabirds, too. After your scenic wildlife search, head to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, a famous Alaskan feast, to satisfy your appetite.

Begin your Juneau excursion whale-watching adventure with a narrated trip from your port to Auke Bay. A professional ship captain and naturalist welcomes you aboard the North Star, a state-of-the-art 48-passenger jet boat custom-designed for Juneau whale watching. Large windows, an outdoor viewing deck, and an amplified hydrophone system for listening to whales communicate underwater provide a unique encounter with the lovable creatures. If the day is clear, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population, with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and your captain is well-versed in locating them. In fact, whale sightings are guaranteed! Throughout this Juneau tour, your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but you’ll more likely be notified by the “oohs” and “ahs” from fellow passengers.

Binoculars are available for use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to snap a photo. Settle into your warm and comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows. In addition to Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, bald eagles and a variety of sea birds, your naturalist will make sure to scan the shore and point out any bear or blacktail deer sightings and to describe many other aspects of the area’s intriguing flora and fauna.

You’ll probably be feeling hungry by now on this Juneau shore excursion. It’s time for an all-you-can-eat Alaskan feast. Featured on Bravo Television’s Top Chef, Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a delicious event grilled to perfection for over 38 years. Savor the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over a fragrant alder wood fire–the event’s signature entree. The delectable food spread has options for everyone; choose from a variety of Alaskan entrees, sides, and blueberry cake for dessert.

Relax in the event’s serene rainforest environment, listening to live Alaskan folk music. Take a short walk along a natural salmon-spawning creek to the entrance of Wagner Mine at the breathtaking Salmon Creek Falls, where you can pan for gold, see mining relics, and look for salmon. Roast marshmallows over a campfire and take photos at an interactive gold rush mural. You can return to the pier at your leisure. Shuttle services depart every 15-30 minutes.