My recent whale watching trip with Harv and Marv's in Juneau, Alaska was nothing short of spectacular! From start to finish, the experience was seamless and filled with awe-inspiring moments.
First and foremost, our guide Emily was a true gem. Her passion for marine life and extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem made every minute of the tour engaging and educational. She eagerly shared fascinating facts about the whales we encountered, their behaviors, and the delicate balance of nature that sustains this magnificent marine environment. Emily's enthusiasm was infectious, and her genuine love for these majestic creatures truly enhanced the entire experience.
Captain Mike, at the helm of the vessel, exhibited exceptional navigational skills and ensured our safety throughout the trip. His expertise in maneuvering the boat allowed us to get up close and personal with the whales while respecting their natural habitat. Under Captain Mike's guidance, we felt like we were in capable hands, enabling us to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the breathtaking surroundings.
Speaking of the surroundings, Juneau's coastal waters were a sight to behold. The dramatic landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear waters provided a stunning backdrop for our whale watching adventure. Witnessing these magnificent creatures gracefully swim and breach against such majestic scenery was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Furthermore, the attention to detail and customer service provided by Harv and Marv's team were exceptional. From the moment we arrived at the dock, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism. The vessel was clean, comfortable, and equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure our comfort during the excursion.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that Harv and Marv's commitment to responsible whale watching practices was evident throughout the trip. They prioritize the well-being of the whales and adhere to strict guidelines to minimize any potential disturbance to these incredible animals. It was reassuring to be part of a company that values ethical tourism and conservation efforts.
In conclusion, my experience with Harv and Marv's Whale Watching in Juneau, Alaska was simply outstanding. From the knowledgeable guide, Emily, to the skilled captain, Mike, and the breathtaking scenery, every aspect of the tour exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in Alaska, I highly recommend Harv and Marv's for an exceptional whale...
Read moreThe whale watching was great, we saw tons of whales and other marine animals. The naturalist was super friendly and informative. The reason I’m giving 3 stars ? The TLDR version? (The captain was a jerk) Long version I love being on the water and on boats of all types and 10 years ago this month I married my best friend and we took our honeymoon at Pictured Rocks Michigan where we took a boat tour to see the rocks. As we boarded the boat I made a joke to my wife about me driving the boat.. we both had a laugh. Later during the tour the captain announced that if there were any youngsters on the boat that wanted to drive it to come on up. A 1/2 dozen kids lined up for a picture behind the wheel driving the boat. There were lots of laughs when I joined the kids in line and the good natured captain jokingly asked if I needed a boost into the seat. Every excursion we’ve taken since I’ve requested the same thing- a quick photo op behind the wheel (the boat doesn’t have to be moving) I’ve got great memories with captains on everything from a paddle wheel riverboat to a million dollar catamaran & (even a 1000 ft cruise ship) I was thinking the whale tour would be no different and up to this point the captain seemed like a very likable guy.. during a slow moment as the tour was over I made my request for a quick pic behind the wheel (didn’t ask to drive the boat) and was taken aback by his response.. he practically laughed at me and kinda scoffed at the thought as if I was asking to do something that took way too much expertise and wasn’t capable.. even though several times he left the seat while the craft was underway to shut a hatch. I get it - he doesn’t know me and maybe he didn’t feel safe but he could simply said - sorry buddy it’s against company policy.. hopefully the company can use this review to improve their experience and possibly invite the kids (young and old) for a picture in the future. You never know when that moment might spark a lifetime of memories and love of the sea in a person.
I’ve attached a picture of the river boat in Fairbanks - that is a 5 star...
Read moreI recently went on a whale watching tour with Harv and Marv’s, and it was an exceptional experience. Although we originally booked a 6-person trip, we ended up having to join the 49-person boat tour due to inclement weather. We considered cancelling the tour, as a few of us have had disappointing experiences on larger tours but decided to stick it out since it was our last weekend in Juneau. Despite the change, it turned out to be a fantastic trip.
Captain Dalton was a standout; his expertise and enthusiasm made the trip truly memorable. He navigated the larger boat with impressive skill and ensured everyone had great views of the wildlife. The larger boat is well-designed, allowing for excellent visibility from various points, and Dalton's efforts made sure that we all had great views for the entire trip despite the rough conditions. My party spent the majority of our time upstairs in the cabin with Captain Dalton and he did a great job of navigating, entertaining us, and providing education throughout the duration of the trip.
Our naturalists, Coral and Cory, were also fantastic. They answered lots of questions and their enthusiasm for and knowledge about the wildlife and area added so much value to the trip.
The boat itself was super comfortable. We were offered drinks and snacks and had access to a restroom on board. There are two, warm interior areas that are completely enclosed for when we needed a break from the cold rain and plenty of outside space to get good views of wildlife all around the boat.
Overall, Harv and Marv’s delivered an outstanding whale watching experience, even with the change in plans and less than perfect weather. Huge shoutout to Captain Dalton, Coral, and Cory. I would...
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