Bird/Wildlife Watching in Hoonah, Alaska

The Local Guy Charters and Whale Watching is an Alaskan Native–owned and family-operated charter company offering personalized fishing charters, whale watching, sightseeing tours, and water taxi services in Juneau, Alaska. As a proud member of the Juneau Charter Boat Operators Association, they focus on small, private adventures limited to six guests, ensuring every trip remains intimate, comfortable, and tailored exclusively to your group—never combining parties. Their mission is simple: deliver a safe, memorable Alaskan experience where everyone gets the best seat and the best view. Setting themselves apart, The Local Guy Charters operates the only charter boat in Juneau equipped with a Seakeeper stabilizer system designed to eliminate up to 95% of boat roll, reducing fatigue, anxiety, and seasickness for a smoother ride on the water. With customizable itineraries built around your schedule and budget, plus military, law enforcement, and local discounts available, they invite you to experience Southeast Alaska “The Local Guy’s Way” — a private, high-quality adventure crafted to be the trip of a lifetime.

Edgewater Outfitters offers a truly off-the-grid Alaskan experience centered around private, small-group fishing and wildlife excursions on remote Chichagof Island. Operating out of the quiet village of Hoonah near Icy Strait Point, their trips take guests far beyond typical tourist routes into untouched streams and backcountry terrain. These 5–6 hour guided adventures focus on solitude, pristine fishing conditions, and immersive wildlife encounters in one of Alaska’s most bear-populated regions, part of the famed ABC Islands. Guests can expect opportunities to catch salmon and trout while potentially spotting coastal brown bears, eagles, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. Led by experienced local guide Captain David “Remo” Riemenschneider, Edgewater Outfitters emphasizes personalized, authentic outdoor experiences for all ages. Each excursion includes professional photography and a custom video reel, allowing guests to relive their adventure long after it ends. Trips are intentionally limited in size to maintain exclusivity and minimize environmental impact, with a strong focus on conservation and catch-and-release practices. From the scenic drive and short hike into remote fishing spots to the quiet moments surrounded by Alaska’s wilderness, Edgewater Outfitters delivers a rare, intimate connection to nature that goes far beyond a standard fishing charter.

Chum Fun Charters offers hands-on, shoreside salmon fishing experiences in Juneau, Alaska, giving guests the chance to cast, reel, and catch their own fish right from the shoreline. Instead of sitting on a boat while someone else does the work, guests fish like the locals along the Gastineau Channel with expert guidance every step of the way. Perfect for cruise visitors and independent travelers alike, their trips include transportation, professional-grade rods and spinners, fishing licenses, and even rain gear—making it easy and accessible for everyone from age 7 to 87. Locally owned with deep community roots, Chum Fun Charters is led by longtime Juneau families who know exactly where the fish are and how to create a fun, family-friendly adventure. With a focus on affordability, education, and unforgettable memories, they provide a “salmon catching experience” that’s equal parts exciting and authentic—no seasickness, no crowds, just quality time on the water and plenty of fish to show for it.

Rum Runner Charters has been delivering premier whale watching, sport fishing, and wildlife photo tours in Juneau for more than three decades. Specializing in private and small-group charters, they offer half-day and full-day Alaska fishing trips targeting salmon, halibut, and rockfish, along with immersive whale watching excursions backed by an exclusive 100% money-back guarantee. Operating in the rich waters of Southeast Alaska, their experienced captains guide guests to encounters with humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, Steller sea lions, and other iconic wildlife, making each trip a highlight of any Alaska vacation. Their fleet of 31-foot cabin cruisers—custom-built for comfort, safety, and performance—features heated cabins, large viewing windows, advanced navigation electronics, and top-tier fishing equipment. Founded in 1993 by Captain Chris Conder and now led by Captains Luke Giesey and Adrianne Swan, Rum Runner Charters combines marine biology expertise, lifelong local knowledge, and a deep passion for Alaska’s waters. Whether you’re visiting from a cruise ship or planning a dedicated fishing adventure, Rum Runner Charters offers a professional, family-operated experience that blends world-class wildlife viewing with unforgettable Southeast Alaska sport fishing.

Bear Creek Outfitters is Juneau, Alaska’s premier fly fishing and bear viewing guide service, delivering floatplane-accessed adventures for more than 30 years. Specializing in guided fly-out fly fishing, expert-led bear viewing trips, and fully customized itineraries, they take guests deep into the remote wilderness of Southeast Alaska for truly immersive experiences. By pioneering floatplane-accessed adventure tourism in the region, Bear Creek Outfitters provides access to untouched rivers, pristine landscapes, and intimate wildlife encounters that few others can offer. Operating from May 1 through September 30, their world-class guides combine extensive knowledge of Alaska’s ecosystems with a strong commitment to safety, education, and conservation. Whether casting to wild trout in secluded waters or observing grizzly bears in their natural habitat, guests can expect a personalized, small-group adventure designed to create lifelong memories in the heart of Alaska’s backcountry.

Alaska Bucket List Adventures offers personalized salmon fishing and whale watching charters out of Auke Bay in Juneau, Alaska, helping visitors and locals create unforgettable Southeast Alaska memories. Whether you’re chasing trophy salmon or hoping to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat, each trip is designed to deliver a true “bucket list” experience on the water. Owned and operated by Captain John, a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain with more than 30 years of professional experience in natural resource management, the company blends local expertise with a genuine passion for Alaska’s marine environment. Captain John has been boating and fishing in Juneau-area waters since 2011 and is dedicated to providing safe, enjoyable, and rewarding adventures for every guest. Trips are conducted aboard *The Intrepid*, a 30-foot North River vessel built in 2018 specifically for Southeast Alaska conditions. The boat features a heated cabin, a fully enclosed head, and ample deck space to ensure comfort and room to fish without feeling crowded. All equipment is professional-grade and meticulously maintained, ensuring a high-quality experience from start to finish. In addition to charters, Captain John is an ordained minister through American Marriage Ministries and offers wedding officiant services, welcoming couples of all backgrounds, races, genders, and sexual orientations. For those looking to celebrate love or adventure—or both—Alaska Bucket List Adventures provides a uniquely personal way to make your time in Juneau truly special.

Auke Bay Adventures offers private luxury yacht charters in Juneau, Alaska, giving guests the freedom to design their own Inside Passage adventure. Operating Nordic Tugs and Cutwater (C-32 CB) yachts, they provide both bareboat and skippered charters tailored entirely to your private party. From whale watching and world-class sport fishing to Glacier Bay explorations, kayaking, photography, village visits, and even science-focused charters, every itinerary is customized to match your interests while cruising the calm, scenic waters of Southeast Alaska. Led by Captain Steve Birkinbine and his experienced crew, Auke Bay Adventures combines expert seamanship, local knowledge, and personalized service to create unforgettable on-the-water experiences. Guests consistently praise the team’s attention to detail, flexibility, and deep understanding of Alaska’s fishing grounds, wildlife, and coastal history. For travelers seeking a private yacht charter in Juneau that blends luxury, adventure, and authentic Alaskan exploration, Auke Bay Adventures delivers a truly customized voyage where the only schedule is set by the midnight sun.