Allen Marine Tours
Allen Marine Tours
5
Cultural ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingFood ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Discover the untamed beauty of Southeast Alaska with Allen Marine Tours, a locally owned company steeped in over 50 years of history. As an Alaska Native-owned operator, we have a profound connection to the land, wildlife, and communities that call this place home. Let us guide you through our backyard, where every fjord, glacier, and wildlife encounter holds the promise of an unforgettable adventure. Join us for an experience of a lifetime and discover the heart and soul of Alaska with those who know it best.
Juneau, Alaska
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,249 reviews
Excellent
1,094
Very good
112
Average
20
Poor
11
Terrible
12
James S
63 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
During a month long trip through Southeast Alaska we enjoyed several tours operated by True Alaskan/Allen Marine Tours. All of them were excellent. Our first was the Misty Fjords Tour out of Ketchikan. Our next was the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Experience out of Juneau. The third was the Glacier Bay Day Boat Tour, scheduled through the Glacier Bay Lodge and operated by Allen Marine. Each tour supplied an experienced and competent crew, in addition to a knowledgeable, friendly and engaging guide. Having food and drink available on board was great! We would highly recommend any of these tours, and would think that any that they offer would be just as good.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jan gandy
4 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
The crew was very professional and friendly. Our guide (Merlin) pointed out lots of wildlife and shared interesting facts. One of the highlights was drinking a "glacierita" made from glacier ice. The captain knew his stuff. He was able to get us up close to a waterfall and close enough to the glacier to hear it cracking.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suz T
Alaska313 contributions
Aug 2022
We live in Ketchikan so we have taken this tour a couple of times with visiting family. It never disappoints. It was rainy and foggy when we left the dock and we were concerned it would be too foggy back in the Misties to see anything much, but it cleared up as it normally does, and the trip was beautiful. You want a little mist when you visit the Misties! The tour guide talked just enough but did not overwhelm. Captain Becky was clear in her directives and followed all the "rules of the road" including sticking to the seven knot limit in the Narrows, which makes it easy to see all the sights along the Ketchikan shoreline before you head out into the wilderness. We always enjoy seeing the new houses along the shoreline. Slowing so we could all get photos of New Eddystone Rock, and allowing people access to the very top deck once in Punchbowl Cove, where the scenery is high, wild, and spectacular, was a plus. Small cups of hot vegetarian chili and clam chowder were served, as was smoked sockeye on a cracker. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate were complementary. There's a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and even a beer on a hot day. The boats are stable, wide, and have enclosed two decks so you can sit at the waterline, or sit higher up if you prefer. We saw two people in wheelchairs who were being assisted by crew members. Bathrooms are available in the stern. Well worth your time and money.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristan H
Luling, LA72 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Nice boat and crew, but for 700 bucks for a family of 4 we only say a few whales just barely break the surface to breath. We saw no additional wildlife.. no eagles, seals, otters, purposes, etc. I have been on other wale watching cruises for much cheaper and had much better experiences. I feel like I wasted 700 bucks on this one :(. Maybe our group was just unlucky.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert D
Brooklyn, New York4,257 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I took a three hour whale watching cruise with Allen Marine Tours. The boast was large and the captain promised that she would turn the boat around so passengers on both sides of the boat could see the whales. We spotted a humpback whale and I was on the opposite side of the boat. There were too many people to get a good view by looking over their shoulders so I waited until the captain would turn the boat so the other side could get a good view. After about 20 minutes, she turned the boat around. But by that time, the whale had moved far away. Another whale was too far away to photograph.
I would recommend going whale watching on a much smaller boat so you could see more.
I would recommend going whale watching on a much smaller boat so you could see more.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty M
22 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Big thumbs up to Dale and crew that took us out on the Whale Watch Quest! Dale’s narrative and experienced eye, along with the pilot’s skills, made our trip fun and fulfilled a lifelong dream! We spotted 12 whales and learned a bit about each one since Dale could recignize them.
The boat ride was completely safe and the pilot’s maneuvering allowed for the whales to be viewed from all sides. We combined this outing with excursion to Mendenhall Glacier. Plenty of time. Heartily recommend!
The boat ride was completely safe and the pilot’s maneuvering allowed for the whales to be viewed from all sides. We combined this outing with excursion to Mendenhall Glacier. Plenty of time. Heartily recommend!
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david b
Germantown, MD73 contributions
Jul 2023
This trip was the best excursion of our Alaska trip, and likely one of the best half day trips we have ever taken. We started with a nice cruise down the strait with a short slowdown at a small island with good views of a series of resting seals and a pair of bald eagles. We then started towards Endicott Arm where we saw a mother and calf humpback whale. They did a wave of the tail fluke before diving, and then reappearing again shortly later for another few spouts each.
The next portion of the trip was down the Endicott Arm with great views on each side, including a stop at a nice waterfall. She pulled the boat so close you could feel the mist from the falls. We continued down the arm which narrowed as we approached the glacier. We saw additional seals and a number of ice pieces along the way.
At the glacier we spent a good deal of time very close to the glacier due to the nice weather conditions watching various small calving events. As we were getting ready to leave there was a very large calving event with a big chunk crashing into the water. Watching the wave and the pieces from that was fun for all! As we again got ready to leave, we saw something few if any of us had heard of before – a shooter. In this case a piece of the glacier below the water breaks off and rises up from the water like a sub or whale breaching the surface. The chunk in this case rose to about 20 feet over the surface in deep almost navy blue color before crashing back into the water. The guides indicated there may be only one trip in the ten years she had been doing this that surpassed this!
The all female team on the boat were great – helpful in pointing out wildlife, taking the time to see the wildlife and the waterfalls, and then staying at the glacier when the calving occurred to catch the shooter. I know they enjoyed it, and everyone else on board had a great day as well!
The next portion of the trip was down the Endicott Arm with great views on each side, including a stop at a nice waterfall. She pulled the boat so close you could feel the mist from the falls. We continued down the arm which narrowed as we approached the glacier. We saw additional seals and a number of ice pieces along the way.
At the glacier we spent a good deal of time very close to the glacier due to the nice weather conditions watching various small calving events. As we were getting ready to leave there was a very large calving event with a big chunk crashing into the water. Watching the wave and the pieces from that was fun for all! As we again got ready to leave, we saw something few if any of us had heard of before – a shooter. In this case a piece of the glacier below the water breaks off and rises up from the water like a sub or whale breaching the surface. The chunk in this case rose to about 20 feet over the surface in deep almost navy blue color before crashing back into the water. The guides indicated there may be only one trip in the ten years she had been doing this that surpassed this!
The all female team on the boat were great – helpful in pointing out wildlife, taking the time to see the wildlife and the waterfalls, and then staying at the glacier when the calving occurred to catch the shooter. I know they enjoyed it, and everyone else on board had a great day as well!
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie Luna
Scottsdale, AZ1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Couples
The views and glacier was amazing, but skip the VIP tour as there is nothing VIP about it. When we booked our excursions for Dawes Glacier, there were two options one was a standard excursion and the other was a VIP which included breakfast and lunch. We upgraded and were appalled that anyone would call what was offered as VIP.
When we arrived on the boat, there was a table set up with cold bagels, yogurt, granola, cold cuts out on a plate, a fruit salad and apparently there were cookies which we never saw because someone took the plate we were told for their family.
At 10:30AM. my husband went to make himself a sandwich which is what you do on the VIP tour, the gentleman in front of him coughed into his hand and then put his hand into the bread bag. My husband walked away and said that the fruit bowl was empty and when he asked if it could be refilled, he was told, that was all there was. At 10:30 AM, half the food was gone except for the yogurt which had been at room temp for 4 hours now and a few stale bagels.
Meanwhile, the tour operator heated up her lunch in the microwave! this was after she made sure we all knew that she got up at 2AM for the tour when anyone said they were tired.
The excursion itself has wonderful scenery but I wouldn't bother with the VIP option.
When we arrived on the boat, there was a table set up with cold bagels, yogurt, granola, cold cuts out on a plate, a fruit salad and apparently there were cookies which we never saw because someone took the plate we were told for their family.
At 10:30AM. my husband went to make himself a sandwich which is what you do on the VIP tour, the gentleman in front of him coughed into his hand and then put his hand into the bread bag. My husband walked away and said that the fruit bowl was empty and when he asked if it could be refilled, he was told, that was all there was. At 10:30 AM, half the food was gone except for the yogurt which had been at room temp for 4 hours now and a few stale bagels.
Meanwhile, the tour operator heated up her lunch in the microwave! this was after she made sure we all knew that she got up at 2AM for the tour when anyone said they were tired.
The excursion itself has wonderful scenery but I wouldn't bother with the VIP option.
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GABRIEL O
27 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This was advertised as a whale watching tour and culinary experience. The staff was well informed. We saw several body parts of whales from a distance (fin, tail) but never anything up close. The picture attached was taken with a nice zoom. If you didn’t have binoculars or a zoom camera like we did, it would’ve been difficult to see much at all like it was for many on this tour. It could’ve been anything. The boat ride was nice, but the food experience is what we were looking forward to.
The cruise ship, Royal Caribbean, however, overhyped this very expensive excursion. They called it a “culinary experience”. This is a terrible choice of words as it implies something elevated. It was buffet style, plastic snack boxes with two carrots, two celery, pita bread, salty hummus, and some smoked salmon dip. It was served alongside a cookie and an orange. You had to eat this in your lap and set your food boxes on the seats for balance over the waves. Drinks were not included. I’m not opposed to this type of experience, but advertise it for what it truly is. Then you’d know what you were paying for.
As you get off the ship, there are several significantly cheaper, and a wider variety of options to choose from with competing companies. Don’t purchase excursions on the ship. Wait until you disembark. Spend your time at the glacier walking to the falls, or kayaking next to it. That made the trip worthwhile, not this expensive culinary “experience”. Book this company independent from the cruise line.
The cruise ship, Royal Caribbean, however, overhyped this very expensive excursion. They called it a “culinary experience”. This is a terrible choice of words as it implies something elevated. It was buffet style, plastic snack boxes with two carrots, two celery, pita bread, salty hummus, and some smoked salmon dip. It was served alongside a cookie and an orange. You had to eat this in your lap and set your food boxes on the seats for balance over the waves. Drinks were not included. I’m not opposed to this type of experience, but advertise it for what it truly is. Then you’d know what you were paying for.
As you get off the ship, there are several significantly cheaper, and a wider variety of options to choose from with competing companies. Don’t purchase excursions on the ship. Wait until you disembark. Spend your time at the glacier walking to the falls, or kayaking next to it. That made the trip worthwhile, not this expensive culinary “experience”. Book this company independent from the cruise line.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris L
Niles, MI772 contributions
Sep 2022
We visited Tracy Arms with this company and it was worth the expense. The ride was comfortable with coffee, hot chocolate and donut holes for the morning and a good box lunch later. What sets this crew apart is their knowledge of the area and willingness to be approached for questions. The pilot did a masterful job of getting us close to waterfalls, small icebergs and especially the Sawyer Glaciers. We encountered mountain goats on a hillside and he slowed for observation and photos. We also saw a whale, sea lions and possibly a porpoise.
The scenery was stunning and the day sunny but cold. A memorable day and we can easily recommend this company for trips into the fjords.
The scenery was stunning and the day sunny but cold. A memorable day and we can easily recommend this company for trips into the fjords.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have you taken this company's round trip Tracy Arm tour from Ju eau? If so, what did you think about the trip, the vessel and the overall experience?
Written January 23, 2022
What time is the EVENING WHALE QUEST? I am planning an excursion earlier in the day, so I need to know when this one starts so I know if I can do both, & there is no times on their website. Thanks in advance!
Written July 31, 2020
The description of the Hubbard Glacier by catamaran tour warns of a "narrow, moderately steep gangway." Stairs or ramp? Railings? Just how steep is it? Does anyone have a photo pf the gangway?
Written February 8, 2020
The steepness of the gangway is relative to the tide level when you board. Lower the tide the steeper the grade. There is staff there that help those in need. We had some with special needs and the staff made sure they were taking care of.
Written February 27, 2020
How many passengers were on the boat?
Written January 9, 2020
Between 50 and 60 but plenty of room inside and out
Written February 5, 2020
Can anyone see this?! What time is the evening whale quest offered? Planning on doing it August 1 on a NCL cruise but I cannot see what the start and end times are of it and Allen Marine won't tell me (they just said book direct with the cruise line except I haven't booked it yet!).
Written June 28, 2019
Okay no one is actually answering my question!!! I can read their website too!
Written July 14, 2019
We were on a tour several years ago. It was very good......but a highlight was the microphones lowered into the water........so we could hear the alpha female sound the alarm.............the the bubbles appeared.
Was this your company? We did book it via Princess.
Written March 6, 2019
We did not have microphones lowered into the water--this was a very small tour--about 18 people max on the boat. I booked locally, since I did not come to Juneau via a cruise line.
Written March 10, 2019
When booking the "EVENING WHALE QUEST WITH DINNER" through Carnival, what time do you pick us up at the ship? We are in Juneau from 7:00am - 11:00pm and plan to rent a car that morning and afternoon.
Written February 19, 2019
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