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Whale SENSE Sustainability at Juneau Tours

At Juneau Tours, protecting the ocean and the wildlife that make Southeast Alaska so extraordinary is woven into everything we do. Our passion for responsible whale watching has been part of our mission from the beginning, which is why we are proud to be one of the founding contributors to Alaska’s Whale SENSE program.

Whale SENSE is a voluntary accountability, education and recognition initiative created for commercial whale watching companies in both the U.S. Atlantic and Alaska regions. Developed in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the program promotes safe, respectful, and conservation-focused whale viewing that prioritizes the long-term health of marine ecosystems. For us, supporting Whale SENSE isn’t just participating in a program—it reflects our belief that meaningful tourism depends on safeguarding the very waters and wildlife that attract visitors to Juneau.

What It Means to Be a Whale SENSE Operator

Choosing to be part of the Whale SENSE program means choosing to exceed minimum requirements and embrace a higher standard of care for whales and their environment. Juneau Tours proudly commits to science-based guidelines, guest education, and the protection of marine life.

As an official Whale SENSE operator, Juneau Tours is committed to:

Respecting Alaska’s Whale Viewing Guidelines

Our captains follow all regional distance and approach rules to ensure whales can feed, communicate, rest, and socialize naturally, without pressure from vessel activity.

Training Captains, Naturalists & Guests

Every member of our team receives specialized instruction in marine wildlife behavior and safety. On every tour, our naturalists help guests understand the purpose behind Whale SENSE and how to observe whales respectfully.

Reporting Whales in Distress

If our crew encounters a whale that appears injured or entangled, we immediately notify the appropriate response networks. This timely communication supports rescue teams and ongoing scientific research.

Leading by Example on the Water

We strive to demonstrate proper whale watching techniques not only with our own vessels, but as a standard for other boaters on the water. By modeling responsible behavior, we help encourage safer marine practices throughout Juneau’s waterways.

Promoting Ocean Stewardship

Whale SENSE is rooted in education. By teaching visitors about whale behavior, conservation challenges, and the importance of healthy marine environments, we inspire guests to carry this respect for the ocean well beyond their time with us.

Whale Sense Alaska Region Participant badge

Responsible Whale Watching that Honors the Whales

At Juneau Tours, our goal is always to observe whales—not alter their behavior.

Whether adjusting our course, reducing speed, or increasing distance, our decisions on the water prioritize the well-being of the animals first.

The humpback whales that return to Juneau each year are powerful symbols of Alaska’s vibrant marine ecosystem. Although their numbers have grown, protecting their continued recovery requires mindful practices from anyone sharing these waters.

We are committed to giving whales the space and respect they need while providing our guests with breathtaking, meaningful wildlife experiences.

Why Whale SENSE Matters

With more travelers visiting Alaska every year, responsible whale watching is essential to protecting the natural behaviors and long-term health of whale populations. Whale SENSE helps reduce vessel stress, prevent overcrowding, and preserve the whales’ natural rhythms.

By joining one of our tours, guests help support:

  • Healthy whale habitats
  • Continued rescue and research efforts
  • Conservation-centered wildlife tourism
  • Sustainable stewardship of Southeast Alaska’s marine ecosystem

Whale SENSE ensures that future generations can enjoy the same awe-inspiring whale encounters that make Juneau so special.

Join Us in Protecting What Makes Juneau Special

When you choose Juneau Tours, you’re choosing an experience built on respect—for the ocean, for its wildlife, and for the unique ecosystem that makes Juneau a world-class destination. Together, we can enjoy remarkable whale encounters while safeguarding the animals that make these experiences possible.

Book your tour with Juneau Tours today and be part of responsible whale watching in Alaska!

Use Promo Codes at Checkout to Save!

5% off all tours: FIVEOFF

10% off all tours for groups of 6+: 6ONLINE10

***Excludes private charters or special events***