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  • Although it is possible to see whales in Juneau waters any month of the year, whales are most frequently sighted from May through November.
  • Favorite and Saginaw channels are productive areas that whales frequent. Depending on the food availability, there will often be “hot-spots” for whales and other wildlife.
Whales in front of Point Retreat light house (Photo by Suzie Teerlink)
  • The Juneau area is one of the few passages of water where viewers can see bubble net feeding. The best chance of seeing this coordinated style of feeding is during mid to late summer (July-August). Click HERE for more information about bubble net feeding.

Humpback Whale Approach Regulation   (Effective since July 2, 2001)

Whale watching in Southeast Alaska
Photo by Larry Petersen

Requires* that you:

• Not approach within 100 yards of a humpback whale.

• Not place your vessel in the path of on-coming humpback whales causing them to surface within 100 yards of your vessel.

• Operate your vessel at a slow, safe speed when near a humpback whale.

*Some exceptions apply. Report violations to NOAA Enforcement at 1-800-853-1964.

For more information about marine mammal viewing regulations visit:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/mmv/guide.htm

Marine Mammal Strandings and/or Entanglements

If you see an animal in distress, please call the National Marine Fisheries Service 24-Hour hotline:

1-800-853-1964

Do not attempt to help or move the animal.
Make note of the animal’s physical characteristics, condition and exact location so you can give this information to the stranding network when you talk to them.

For information on reporting marine mammals in distress visit:
Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network