If you are looking to experience all that Alaska has to offer, this is the excursion for you! Alaska's state capital, a charming seafront town, and surrounding waters provide the spectacular backdrop to experience the giant mammals of the sea while affording your taste buds an opportunity to feast on classic local fare.
You will meet your guide at your Juneau cruise terminal and then board your transfer to set off for Auke Bay, a charming waterfront town 12 miles north of downtown Juneau. Soak up the sights as your friendly, knowledgeable guide entertains you with expert commentary on the region's history, culture, and outdoor lifestyle. Juneau's colorful history features two by-gone prospectors, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, who discovered gold back in 1880 putting Juneau on the map. Despite its relative inaccessibility, Juneau has been the Alaskan state capital since 1959.
Auke Bay, with its pristine protected marine habitat and dazzling mountain and glacier views, is the ideal place to commence your wildlife sightseeing excursion. Join your captain and naturalist aboard a state-of-the-art 48-passenger jet boat for an endless array of beauty. During the months of May to September, Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, so have your cameras ready to capture these magnificent creatures.
These waters are so rich, that whale sightings are guaranteed! Binoculars are available for your use onboard, so venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to snap a photo. Your whale-watching shore excursion captain is so experienced in knowing where to look that they guarantee whale sightings. In fact, if a whale is not spotted you will receive a $100 refund ($50 for children) If you prefer the indoors, settle into warm and comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows. In addition to Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds, your naturalist will make sure to scan the shore to point out bear or blacktail deer sightings. An expert description of a myriad of other aspects of the area's intriguing flora and fauna will also be included.
Immediately following your boat portion, you will head to Juneau's waterfront to enjoy a feast of the legendary King Crab. You'll be served one pound of Bearing Sea Red King Crab Legs, ready to eat, and dip in drawn butter, coleslaw, seafood chowder, and house-baked bread knot. Your excursion includes soda (refill) or 1 beer or 1 glass of wine. More drinks are available for purchase.
After your meal, continue to enjoy the ambiance of Juneau's waterfront dining and all downtown Juneau has to offer before you make your way back to your Juneau cruise ship pier.
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