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Juneau Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise And Salmon Hatchery Tour
From your cruise ship dock, make your own way to the base of the Mt Roberts Tramway, where you’ll be met by a tour representative who will show you to your bus. Then head to the first part of your shore excursion – the whale-watching tour. After boarding the boat – specially designed for whale-spotting cruises – set off into the water, keeping your eyes peeled for signs of marine life.
The onboard naturalist will help you spot humpback whales, who actively feed and play in the area from May to September. You may also see orcas, sea lions, seals and porpoises. Any questions you have about the whales’ behaviors or their Alaskan environment can be answered by your naturalist.
The boat provides the ultimate whale-watching experience, from forward-facing seats inside the heated cabin to the deck and bow that put you at the water’s level, offering great views of the whales. In addition, the boat’s water-jet drives provide quiet underwater operation without dangerous propellers that may scare or harm the whales. All of this adds up to whales that feel safe around the boat and will come close! You can even hear the whales’ underwater communication – or ‘singing’ – via your boat’s underwater hydrophone.
While you’re on board, enjoy samples of Alaskan salmon, Alaskan chocolate and fudge, washed down with soft drinks, hot chocolate and bottled water.
At the end of the 2-hour cruise, you’ll be taken to the Ladd Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, part of a non-profit organization that works to sustain Alaska’s salmon population through education, tourism and research. During your behind-the-scenes tour of the hatchery, learn about the daily operations and discover the lifecycle of salmon – from egg to adult. As you experience their near-shore marine environment with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll see the hatchery’s Salmon Smolt and Rearing Facility, where four large raceways hold king and coho smolt (young salmon).
Then check out the 5,000-gallon (18,900-liter) saltwater aquarium and the touch tank, where you can touch starfish, crab, sea cucumbers and other ocean critters. Round out your salmon experience with tastings of king salmon dip, salmon jerky, canned smoked salmon and salmon caviar in the visitor center.
Your shore excursion ends with return to the Mt Roberts Tramway.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to the Juneau port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
