Things to do nearAuke Bay Harbor
Auke Bay Harbor is a working Alaska marina north of Juneau, drawing visitors with glacier views, abundant wildlife, and access to Southeast Alaska's waterways.
Auke Bay Harbor has served as a hub for Southeast Alaska's commercial fishing fleet for generations, and its working-waterfront character remains intact today. The docks handle everything from small skiffs to large seine vessels, and the rhythm of the tides still governs daily life here in a way that feels genuinely Alaskan.
For visitors, the harbor is above all a gateway. Whale watching trips depart regularly in summer, threading through the island-studded channels where humpbacks feed on herring. Fishing charters target halibut, king salmon, and coho in some of the most productive waters in Alaska, and kayakers can paddle the sheltered coves just north of the marina.
A short drive from the docks leads to the Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the country, making it easy to combine a morning on the water with an afternoon walk beside ancient ice. The surrounding area also offers quiet forest trails and views of the Juneau Icefield rising above the treeline.
Auke Bay Harbor rewards anyone who slows down long enough to watch the boats come and go, and it remains one of the most honest introductions to life on Alaska's Inside Passage.
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Chance of rainTips for visiting Auke Bay Harbor
Visit in the early morning to watch commercial fishing boats return with their catch and catch the harbor at its most active.
Bring binoculars — humpback whales and orca pods are frequently spotted in the waters just outside the bay, particularly in summer.
Pack waterproof layers year-round; Juneau weather shifts quickly, and the docks can be wet and breezy even on clear days.
Book a whale-watching or fishing charter in advance for summer visits, as the most popular operators fill quickly from June through August.
Walk the short trail near the ferry terminal for an unobstructed view across the bay toward the peaks of the Chilkat Range.
Top tours & experiences near Auke Bay Harbor
Juneau 3-Hour Whale Watching Cruise
An 18-passenger cruise with captain and naturalist insight
Juneau 4-Hour Whale Watching Cruise
Explore Juneau waters with locally trained captains and search for whales