WHALE WATCHING and SALMON BAKE
Lasting around five hours, this excursion blends nature, relaxation and local cuisine by combining a whale-watching tour with an Alaskan salmon bake. Enjoy time on the water searching for humpback whales, before returning to land to tuck into a salmon bake amongst a rainforest setting.
Excursion details
This approximately five-hour adventure begins with a roughly 30-minute transfer to Auke Bay, located northwest of Juneau and set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount McGinnis and the Mendenhall Glacier.
From here, you’ll embark on a whale-watching cruise lasting about two and a half hours. Humpback whales are known to migrate through the northern Inside Passage (the area you’ll be sailing through), and orcas – also called killer whales – can sometimes be found in the area as well, but please note that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
After enjoying the fresh sea air, you’ll likely have built up an appetite. A transfer of 20 minutes or so takes you to Gold Creek Salmon Bake, where you’ll spend approximately 90 minutes. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest – the largest national forest in the United States and the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest – the venue serves wild Alaskan salmon cooked over an alder wood fire, along with a selection of side dishes. Sitting under translucent domes ensures you can enjoy the buffet whatever the weather.
Once you’ve finished your meal, there should still be time (within your 90 minutes at the venue) to relax by the campfire and roast marshmallows. Alternatively, take a stroll to a small waterfall nearby or see the old Wagner Mine shaft. A short shuttle transfer will then return you to the port.
Important information: Tour order may vary. Guests prone to motion sickness are advised to take precautions before participating in this tour. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed
