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Jeana
Guest
Has anyone taken the Whal Watching Excursion in Juneau with Princess? A lot of people recommend Capt. Larry. The price is about the same. What are the differences? They both leave from the same place.
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Howie
Guest
I have done both and as I said previously I prefer Capt Larry. The big difference is that with Princess you will be on a larger boat with many more people. It can tend to get crowded at the railing when whales are spoted. Yes you can stay inside and try to look over the people standing outside to see the whales. Another difference is that both will tell you about what you are seeing however with the smaller number of people aboard Capt Larry's boat you will have more time to ask questions directly to Capt Larry and his crew. A major difference, at least I think it is, is that you will find the naturalists from the different ships and cruise lines, including Princess, will be with Capt Larry. These people are also usually easy to talk to and also help with information about what you are seeing. I have met and talked with many of the naturalists on Capt Larry's boat I never found them on the Princess excursion.
The one big thing about Capt Larry is the smaller group and the more personal feel of the tour. You are not just another of a large group along for the ride. JMHO
The one big thing about Capt Larry is the smaller group and the more personal feel of the tour. You are not just another of a large group along for the ride. JMHO
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JacquieP
Guest
I vote for Captain Larry hand's down. It really makes a difference to be on a boat with 20-30 people instead of 60+ people. They do an excellent job.
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Jeana
Guest
Is it the same size boat as the cruise ships use? Facilities on board?
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Howie
Guest
Capt Larry uses a smaller boat then Princess will use. Capt Larry's boat does have a washroom on it, though it is small, and Capt Larry does provide beverages, such as juice and water, and also provides a snack, mainly smoked salmon crackers and cheese.
Capt Larry does have a platform ontop of his boat that he does allow 6 people on while watching whales for a higher up view. He only asks that you allow others a turn. He also has room to stand outside on the back of the boat. If you wish you can stay inside the boat in seats with tables. Capt Larry also provide binoculars if you did not bring your own.
Princess will try to fill their whale watch tour so that the boat is full if possible, Capt Larry will not fill his boat so people have a little more room to move. Capt Larry's boat is somewhat faster than the boat that Princess will use so it can get to whales faster or travel farther in the time alloted then Princess tours, if necessary.
Capt Larry does have a platform ontop of his boat that he does allow 6 people on while watching whales for a higher up view. He only asks that you allow others a turn. He also has room to stand outside on the back of the boat. If you wish you can stay inside the boat in seats with tables. Capt Larry also provide binoculars if you did not bring your own.
Princess will try to fill their whale watch tour so that the boat is full if possible, Capt Larry will not fill his boat so people have a little more room to move. Capt Larry's boat is somewhat faster than the boat that Princess will use so it can get to whales faster or travel farther in the time alloted then Princess tours, if necessary.
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reddarlene
Guest
We've never taken "Capt Larry" not sure what that is. But the Juneau Wildlife Quest is the best excurision that we have ever been on. We have taken it 6 times! We will probably go back this September when we return to AK.
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JacquieP
Guest
Captain Larry is a local guide in Juneau with very impressive credentials. He does not book passengers thru the cruiselines. You must book locally with the company called Orca Enterprises, and he's the boat captain. I have never spent a more enjoyable several hours on a tour anywhere.
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Lisa
Guest
I agree with Howie and Jacquie P.....was with Captain Larry this past Friday (7/30) and it was awesome! I've done both the Princess excursion and Captain Larry's. Hands down, Captain Larry wins! We were lucky enought to find a pod of 9 humpbacks bubble feeding.....we were there for almost 2 1/2 hours - the Princess tour and a tour from the HAL ship in port stayed in the area for 20 minutes at most and then took off. Who would you rather book with? Someone who is into a set schedule or someone who can bend his schedule to the whales? Yes, we did have to return by 12:30 to pick up the afternoon passengers, but we stayed most of our allotted time with this one pod instead of taking off for other sites. jmho
