WHALE WATCHING AND LIGHTHOUSE ADVENTURE
This approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion follows Juneau’s coastal waters in search of marine wildlife, before visiting Sentinel Island Lighthouse. After this introduction to Southeast Alaska’s maritime history and landmarks, there’s a brief stop overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier.
Excursion details
Switch between boat and road in this excursion of about four and a half hours, which traces a route through Juneau’s island-dotted waterways in search of humpback whales, before stopping at a historic lighthouse.
After a roughly 30-minute transfer from the port to Auke Bay Harbor, you’ll board a custom-built vessel equipped with outdoor viewing decks. For the next two hours or so, your boat will travel through channels and coastal passages frequented by various marine wildlife, including humpback whales. These graceful creatures are often observed feeding or surfacing in the region, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot one during your trip, but please note that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
Your boat then approaches Sentinel Island, where you’ll move to dry land and make the short stroll along a boardwalk to Sentinel Island Lighthouse. Spend approximately 30 minutes exploring this important building, which has helped guide boats navigating the entrance to Lynn Canal since 1902. Remember to bring your camera, as the panoramic views from both the lighthouse and the island are worth preserving.
Then reboard your boat and start the return journey, reaching the dock and disembarking the boat after about 35 minutes. Next is a drive south to Brotherhood Bridge and a short photo stop, lasting around 20 minutes altogether. As you’ll soon find out, the bridge is renowned for its views of the Mendenhall Glacier (located about eight kilometres to the north) and surrounding countryside. Gaze out at thick forest, meadows, mountains and the Mendenhall River that flows down from the glacier and underneath the bridge – make sure to grab plenty of pictures.
After the photo stop, rejoin your vehicle for the final part of the journey back to port, which takes about 35 minutes.
Important information: Due to ongoing remodeling, access inside the tower may be limited. Glacier viewing is weather dependent. Tour may operate in reverse order. There may be steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces, and extended periods of standing. Guests with physical limitations should take this into consideration prior to booking this tour.
