Whales, Wilderness & Beacons: A Juneau Lighthouse Tours Adventure
An excursion with Juneau Lighthouse Tours combines the beauty of Alaska’s coastline with the thrill of whale watching. It’s a 2-for-1 deal that delights all ages. For visitors wanting an activity in Alaska’s capital, this one satisfies adventure seekers and history buffs alike.
For those on an Alaska cruise, Juneau provides one of the best places to see whales. We’ve taken several whale-watching tours in Alaska. However, this time around, the idea of seeing a historic light station along with marine wildlife sightings excited us.
Juneau Lighthouse Tours has partnered with the Juneau Gastineau Historical Society to deliver this exclusive experience. It’s the only one of its kind in the city.
Unlike typical tours that last up to three hours, this carefully curated journey spans 4.5 hours, offering a deeper dive into local history and nature. If you’re considering this tour, here’s what to expect and some highlights from our adventure.
Discover Rich Maritime History
Many of Juneau’s lighthouses appeared after the Gold Rush. Countless hopeful prospectors embarked on arduous journeys northward after discovering gold in the Yukon. They had to navigate the challenging waters surrounding Juneau.
Importance Of Lighthouses Near Juneau
Juneau’s waters are notorious for their dramatic tidal fluctuations, which cause extensive shallow areas to emerge and vanish with the shifting tides. This treacherous environment proved disastrous for many ships, leading to a long history of wrecks.
Among these maritime casualties, the SS Islander, a well-known wreck, rests near Douglas Island. Congress allocated funds to construct lighthouses in response to the hundreds of shipwrecks. Sentinel Island Lighthouse was one of the first constructed.
The Sentinel Island Lighthouse Story
The Sentinel Island Light Station was constructed in 1902. It is significant in maritime history as one of the first American lighthouses built in Alaska. Situated at the entrance to Lynn Canal, this iconic structure was designed to aid navigation.
The lighthouse features a square wooden tower, part of a broader initiative to enhance maritime safety. The site encompasses a 6.5-acre island and includes a marine float built by Juneau Lighthouse Tours. Today, the lighthouse still functions but its light is now automated.
Combining Scenic Views And Wildlife Encounters
Juneau Lighthouse Tours takes guests on a 4+ hour adventure that combines marine wildlife viewing with a tour of Sentinel Island Lighthouse. It’s an excellent activity for cruise guests visiting for the day. The excursion includes return transportation from the cruise port.
However, if you have a long port day, consider visiting Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center too. It’s a 10-minute drive from the harbor. It offers a chance to see a retreating glacier, a thunderous waterfall, and icebergs on its lake.
Overview Of Our Tour And Vessel
Tours set off from Don D. Statter Harbor, located in scenic Auke Bay, about a 20-minute drive north of downtown Juneau.
At the harbor entrance, visitors are greeted by a life-sized sculpture of a humpback whale’s fluke. Named “Flame,” she migrated from Hawaii to Alaska and is celebrated for her caring nature as a devoted mother.
We were assigned to the Pharos, a sleek catamaran designed to comfortably carry up to 50 passengers. Our group was pleasantly small, with just 25 guests aboard. Ten were visitors like us, and the rest were residents. The spaciousness allowed everyone plenty of room to relax and move around without feeling crowded.
Seating on the vessel is unassigned, encouraging guests to find their preferred spots. We sat by the window, thinking it gave better viewing. However, constant sea spray on the glass prevented us from capturing clear photos.
The outside decks were best for picture taking, which could only be accessed once the vessel stopped. However, the central seats are preferred for wildlife spotting as they have a slightly elevated vantage point.
The boat is equipped with two restrooms at the stern. They are surprisingly roomy compared to typical marine facilities and more comfortable than an airplane lavatory.
What’s Included
Friendly staff members accompanied the journey, with one guide providing engaging commentary. We learned fascinating details about the region’s rich wildlife and the historical significance behind the many lighthouses scattered along Juneau’s rugged coastline.
Complimentary beverages, including tea, coffee, lemonade, and bottled water, were available during our trip, along with light snacks. On our outing, we were treated to Rice Krispies squares and granola bars, perfect for a quick energy boost while watching wildlife.
On the return leg, we sampled delicious local flavors. They included a savory piece of reindeer sausage and a decadent fudge square from the Alaska Fudge Company. It added a tasty local touch to the journey.
Scenic Highlights
The tour includes a visit to Sentinel Island and wildlife viewing along the way. The Pharos offers two decks for viewing, and we appreciated Captain Dalton’s open bridge policy. It allowed us to visit the helm and chat with the captain.
Outdoor viewing areas surround the boat, providing panoramic sights, while indoor heated seating offers a warm retreat on chillier days. We took this tour in mid-May when the outside temperature was colder than usual.
Remember to dress for the season and expect colder conditions on the water. We recommend waterproof jackets, layers, binoculars, and cameras with zoom lens. The sheltered waters around Juneau generally prevent seasickness.
Don’t despair if your tour doesn’t spot whales initially. The views of snowcapped mountains are picturesque, and we enjoyed views of Mendenhall, Eagle, and Herbert Glaciers. I enjoyed a dog sledding tour on Herbert Glacier on a previous trip to Alaska.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
During the Juneau Lighthouse Tours, guests can expect to spot various marine wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and possibly porpoises.
Don’t just rely on staff to spot wildlife. Pack a pair of compact binoculars to aid in the search. More eyes helping with the search increases the chance of seeing whales, seals, and bald eagles.
While our captain intended to head towards Sentinel Island first, he spotted a pod of orcas shortly after leaving the harbor. We felt privileged to see orcas since we’ve only seen them one other time, on an excursion in Ketchikan.
Along with orcas, our tour included humpback whale sightings, a harbor seal, and a bunch of noisy Steller sea lions. The latter hung out on a rocky outcrop. We watched them jostle for the best position on the rock and listened to their boisterous calls.
Marine wildlife spotting around Juneau is often about luck. However, sea lions hang out in the same place. Humpback whales have one of the lengthiest migrations in the world. 90% of the Alaska humpbacks come from Hawaii, while the balance migrates from Mexico.
They spend the winters in the warmer destinations, where they mate and give birth. Humpbacks spend their summers in Alaska feeding on krill, plankton, and herring. We’ve witnessed tail waves, fin slaps, and breaching. We’ve yet to see bubble net feeding.
Exploring Sentinel Island Lighthouse
When we reached Sentinel Island, our captain docked alongside a floating pier and lowered a ramp to let us step onto the island. The platform and hydraulic ramp provide access to the island.
We followed a short pathway marked by metal rails leading directly to the lighthouse. Two buildings once stood on the grounds and provided housing for the lighthouse keeper and his assistant. Since the light is automated today, the housing is gone, and only foundations remain.
We found several plaques detailing its historical significance inside the lighthouse’s lower level. We viewed an original lamp used to guide ships through the surrounding waters. The space was very rustic but had the warmth of a small fireplace.
A slender staircase near the entrance spiraled upwards, but our climb ended before reaching the lantern room. We took turns climbing the stairs, which were just a few flights.
We observed the lighthouse’s exterior paint was worn, and peeling and scaffolding suggested ongoing restoration work. The harsh, damp climate of Alaska takes a toll on such buildings.
Despite its weathered paint, the lighthouse’s charm and elegant Art Deco design were unmistakable. In December 2002, this iconic Juneau landmark was formally acknowledged and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
How To Make The Most Of Your Tour
If you only have one day in Juneau, try to book this excursion at the beginning or end of your day. That way, you’ll have time to add a second tour or explore the downtown area.
Dress for the weather. Alaska is notorious for rain showers, so wear a waterproof jacket and a few layers to keep warm.
If you want to capture close pictures of whales, bring a camera other than a smartphone. Because marine law prevents boats from getting close to wildlife, using a DSLR camera with zoom will help you capture better photos.
Scenic cruising, wildlife viewing, local history, and tasty treats made the day unforgettable. Whales, wilderness, and a beacon; what more could you ask for?
