moderate
4–5 hours
Moderate fitness recommended to handle boat boarding and standing during wildlife viewing.
Join a thrilling jet boat tour from Juneau to watch humpback whales in their natural habitat, followed by an all-you-can-eat Alaskan salmon feast at Gold Creek surrounded by rainforest and live music. Discover why this unique wildlife and cultural combo is a must-do in Alaska.
5 Hours • All Ages
Experience the thrill of whale watching in Juneau aboard a state-of-the-art jet boat, followed by an unforgettable all-you-can-eat Alaskan salmon banquet at Gold Creek. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, live music, and interactive activities in a lush rainforest setting, making this a unique adventure for all ages.
Approximately 5 Hours
This tour combines a thrilling whale-watching cruise with a relaxing Alaska Salmon Bake for the best of picturesque Juneau! Travel in comfort aboard a state-of-the-art 48-passenger jet boat, and explore the waters around Juneau, surrounded by magnificent scenery, in search of the whales actively feeding in the Southeast Alaskan waters. Then savor wild Alaska salmon and amazing scenery at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.
Auke Bay, with its pristine marine habitat and dazzling mountain and glacier views, is the ideal place to commence your wildlife cruise. Join your captain and naturalist aboard our jet boat, custom built for whale watching in Juneau waters. Remember to keep your camera handy as you slip your mooring and the famous Mendenhall Glacier comes into view (on clear days).
Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Your captain knows where to find them, so get ready to join the chorus of "Oohs!" and "Aahs!" Whale sightings are guaranteed! If a whale is not spotted you’ll receive a $100 refund ($50 for children).
Binoculars are available for your use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings and snap a photo or, stay inside the warm and comfortable interior to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows.
Immediately following your cruise, head to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, featured on Bravo Television’s Top Chef, to savor the aroma of wild Alaska salmon, grilling over a fragrant alder wood fire—the signature entrée of this all-you-can-eat adventure. This sumptuous spread has something for everyone with a variety of Alaskan dishes, sides, and blueberry cake for dessert.
Relax listening to live music in a truly unique, lush rainforest environment under heated, translucent domes. Take a short stroll along a natural salmon-spawning creek to the entrance of the Wagner Mine at beautiful Salmon Creek Falls where you can pan for gold, see mining relics, and look for salmon during spawning season. Have fun roasting marshmallows over a campfire and taking photos at our interactive, gold rush mural. The food, entertainment, activities, and ambiance make Gold Creek Salmon Bake an Alaskan experience that is much more than a meal. Take your time! With frequent courtesy bus service, you can return at your leisure.
Whale watching cruise with an onboard naturalist; wild Alaskan salmon and all-you-can-eat buffet at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake; transfers to and from the pier.
Alaskan weather can shift quickly on the water; wear moisture-wicking base layers and a waterproof jacket.
Enhance your whale watching with binoculars to spot distant breaches and pods.
Use lens hoods and waterproof covers to guard against spray and rain.
Plan extra time for check-in and to secure good seating on the jet boat.
Gold Creek area has historic significance as a Native Tlingit fishing and gathering site, adding cultural depth to the Salmon Bake location.
The tour emphasizes low-impact wildlife viewing and supports local conservation efforts to protect marine habitats around Juneau.
To stay dry from ocean spray and light rain during the boat tour.
summer specific
Helps keep warm during cooler morning or evening outings on the water.
summer specific
Improves chances of spotting whales from a distance.
Keeps you hydrated throughout the adventure.