What will we see?
You’ll likely see wildlife like humpback whales, killer whales (orcas), Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Bald Eagles, sea otters, dolphins, porpoises, bears, and Mountain goats. You’ll also enjoy seeing the gorgeous local trees, plants, flowers, stunning mountains jutting straight up from the ocean floor, magnificent waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs, and forested islands that make up the Alexander Archipelago.
All destinations, wildlife sightings, etc., depend on the weather, and neither Mother Nature nor Sea Lion Adventure Tours make any guarantees.

What time of day is best to see wildlife? Anytime!

Do you offer a whale/wildlife sighting guarantee?
Seeing humpback whales, porpoises, and orcas is common during our tours, but whales are gonna do what whales wanna do, so we cannot guarantee whale sightings (or other wildlife).
Please note: Our company adheres to the Alaska Humpback Whale Approach Regulations, so our vessels do not intentionally approach whales within 100 yards. For the whales and our passengers’ safety, if a whale approaches our vessel within 100 yards, the vessel will place the engine in neutral and wait until the animal is safely away from the vessel before re-engaging the engines.

How’s the weather in Juneau?
Juneau’s weather may fluctuate from the 50s to the 80s in the summer. Rain-wise, we can have weeks of dry weather followed by rain and vice versa. The key is to be flexible and ready for rain or shine, hot or cold. Being on the ocean tends to feel much cooler than the actual temperature outside.

What should I wear?
No matter the day’s forecast, our best recommendation is to wear layers or bring a few things with you just in case. Even if it’s sunny, warm, and dry that day, bring warm clothes (like a fleece or warmer if you get cold easily). You’ll also want a waterproof jacket and boots/shoes (pants, too, if you’ve got ‘em). Oh! Don’t forget your sunscreen! Trust us on that.

What camera gear should I bring?
Whatever you like! In general, bringing a variety of lenses is best. Sometimes, the wildlife/scenery is right next to us; sometimes, it’s farther away. Bear in mind, though, that using bigger lenses can be problematic on a rocking boat. In our experience, tripods are not useful on the boat because the boat is rocking, and therefore, it is better to shoot hand-held or with a monopod.

Will I get seasick?
On tours like ours, motion sickness is rare. However, the water around Juneau ranges from calm to a bit bumpy on any given day. We do our best to avoid a rough ride by finding “smoother sailing” whenever possible. If you are prone to seasickness (or think you might be), we recommend taking preventative measures before the tour. People use OTC meds; some like ginger, and others swear by acupressure bracelets. Talk to your Doc or seasick-prone friends; they may have the perfect advice. But once you feel seasick, it’s too late.

• Can you store my luggage during my tour?
  You can bring backpacks, similar-sized bags, camera bags, etc., onboard. However, our vessels cannot accommodate luggage, and we do not have a secure, dry facility to provide bag storage. If you’re staying at a hotel, they will generally be happy to store your bags for you.
  
  
• Are food or drinks served?
  We provide water, soft drinks, and snacks on each tour. Depending on the time of day and length of your tour, we may also provide a light lunch or more substantial snacks. It is not unusual for guests to have food sensitivities, so you’re encouraged to let us know about any dietary restrictions at least 48 hours in advance. Since Juneau isn’t a large city, our best intentions in that area are sometimes challenged. While we can meet most specific dietary needs, you’re welcome to bring your snacks on board, just in case.