Whale Watching and Lighthouse Exploration

Experience overview

On this Juneau shore excursion, you'll view magnificent marine mammals on board a custom-built whale watching boat and venture back in time by exploring the Sentinel Island Lighthouse. Board your transport for a scenic and narrated ride to Auke Bay, where you will meet your captain and the crew and board the whale watching vessel. The boat features outdoor viewing areas, a heated cabin, comfortable seating, and restroom facilities, and is considered one of the safest boats in the industry. Enjoy a light snack and a hot cup of coffee or tea in the heated cabin, or venture to the outdoor viewing areas to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery and wildlife as you cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage. Along the way, your guide will provide interesting information about whales and the history of Alaskan lighthouses. Next, take a short walk on the boardwalk loop at Sentinel Island, where you will see Lynn Canal (one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world) and gorgeous views of the surrounding islands and waterways. Take some time to further explore the Sentinel Island Lighthouse and climb the steps to the tower to see its beacon. Then you will board the boat to Yankee Cove, where your transportation back to the cruise ship pier will be waiting. Depending on the weather conditions, you driver may stop at Brotherhood Bridge for Mendenhall Glacier viewing. You will then return to the cruise ship pier. Please Note: The order of the tour and the glacier photo stop are dependent upon the weather conditions on the day of the tour. Due to ongoing remodeling, access inside the lighthouse tower may be limited.