 |  |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q. What about the boats, is everything a 'small boat experience'?
A. We are proud of the six pack experience that our small boats offer guests. However, these boats
cannot operate in rough water conditions like our larger boats can. On the day of your tour, if the water
conditions are such that it does not make for a good experience on our smaller six passenger boat, you
will be given the option of either canceling your tour for a full refund or, if we have space available you can
be added to a group on one of our larger vessels. Thank you for your understanding with this matter that
is out of our control.
Q. What if I have another tour scheduled before or after your tour?
A. If you have another tour scheduled that end within an hour before your pick up time or beginning
within an hour after of your scheduled drop off time of our tour, you will need to let us know as soon as
possible. We do not want to compromise our tour because of scheduling conflicts. This is not fair to the
other passengers. We will call a taxi to take you to where you need to go and payment is your
responsibility. We try to schedule our tours with ample time between tours to ensure there is time to take
passengers to the Mendenhall Glacier and to allow for any unforeseen delays. Contact Callie if you are
considering multiple tours, so we can help maximize your limited time.
Q. What type of whales are near Juneau, Alaska?
A. Humpback and Orca Whales. We have seen Humpback Whales on 100% of our trips since 2004. We
see Orca Whales about 20% of the time.
Q. What is the best time of the year to see whales around Juneau?
A. The best months are May through September for Humpback Whales.
Q. Do you have a whale sighting guarantee?
A. No/Yes. After seeing whales on 100% of the trips, we decided not to use this as a means to get
customers. We promise to do the best we can to locate whales on each and every trip. But if you do not
see a whale on your tour, you will receive a 50% refund. We have always had this policy.
Q. How long will we be with you and what happens during that time?
A. From the time we depart from your pick up location until the time we return you, it will be about 4 1/2
hours which includes round trip transportation from your pick up location and a 15 minute stop at the
Mendenhall Glacier.
TOUR TIME-LINE EXAMPLE:
If your tour meeting time is 9:20am, we plan for transportation to leave by 9:30am and arrive at the harbor
where our boats depart by 10:00am. When you arrive at the harbor, you will be met by your captain or
guide and have an opportunity to use the restroom on land (there is one on the boat, it's just not as roomy)
and then you will head down the dock to board our vessel for your whale watching adventure! You will
start heading back to the harbor at approximately 12:35pm (depending on where your are) so that you can
be disembarking by about 12:55pm to meet your returning transport at 1:00pm. You will then head to the
Mendenhall Glacier for you complementary 15 minute stop, you will leave the glacier by about 1:30pm and
head back to your original location by 2:00.
Q. Can you see whales anytime of the day?
A. Yes. Humpback Whales surface + or - every 15 minutes to breathe.
Q. Is it better to go whale watching in the morning or in the afternoon?
A. History has taught us that it makes no difference. We have seen whales on 100% of our tours for the
last 8 years. Being the wild animals that they are, you just cannot predict when they will be more active!
They have no set time for breaching, tail lobbing, peck slapping etc. If you happen to witness this
behavior, you know you are seeing something special. :)
Q. How close can we get to the whales?
A. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that boats may not approach
Humpback Whales closer than 100 yards (300 ft).
Q. Can you offer assistance with German Speaking Guests?
A. Yes, click HERE to read an article by Sven & Anja (2014 guests). They are also happy to help
translate if needed!
Q. Will you pick us up? How do we get to your boat?
A. Yes. We will pick you up in our courtesy van near your cruise ship or hotel and drive you out to the
boat and return you to your ship/hotel when we are done with the tour.
Q. Is there a bathroom on board.
A. Yes, flushing toilet and locking door.
Q. Are the boats covered and do they have heaters?
A. Yes. The boats have enclosed cabins with large windows and heaters if the weather is cold.
Q. Is the water rough around Juneau?
A. Juneau is located in - (the inside passage) there is no open ocean water near Juneau. You are within
sight of land at all times. Between May and the end of August the water is usually pretty calm. The wind is
usually 15 mph or less. Although an occasional storm can blow through. In September expect it to be
rainy windy and chilly on the water. SEE: Chart of the Juneau area.
Q. What will the weather be like? Click here for the current weather in Juneau :)
A. 68% chance of clouds and rain. We are located in a rain forest and it is usually cooler on the water. In
2011, the average temperature on the water was around 55 degrees. A good combination to wear is an
outer layer that is wind/rainproof with a fleece coat underneath, this will keep you warm and dry. If you are
from a warmer climate, you might want a hat and gloves. May and September can be windier and colder.
A comfortable passenger is a happy passenger!
Q. Do people get sea sick on your boats?
A. Almost never. 15 passengers in the last 10 years.
Q. If the water is too rough to go on the tour, can we get a refund?
A. Yes, full 100% refund. Refunds are generally processed immediately, however it gets very busy during
the season and may take up to 14days.
Q. When I make a reservation after April 1st, why do I have to pay in full with no option for a
deposit?
A. Since we are such a small operation, we have three people (Kayla, Kayla and Colleen) handling all of
the reservations, payments, follow ups, scheduling, and phone calls. Once the season begins, they do not
have time to re-invoice everyone who has a balance due.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. 100% refundable. If you cancel at least 30 days before tour date. Refund may be subject to a 3%
administrative fee if you request a check refund and your original payment was via credit card.
Cancellations 15-29 days prior to your tour date will receive a 50% refund*. No refunds for no-shows or
cancellations withing 14 days of tour date. Refunds are generally processed immediately, however it gets
very busy during the season and may take up to 14days. *No additional administrative fees for partial
refunds.
Q. What happens if we miss our cruise ship because the boat breaks down?
A. First, we have never had anybody miss their cruise ship. We guarantee we will get you back to your
cruise ship before it departs.
If we fail:
1. You will receive a full refund for the whale watching tour.
2. Each passenger on board will receive $100.00.
3. We will pay the boat or plane fair to get you to your next port of call.
4. If needed, we will provide food and lodging.
Q. What other things of interest might we see on the whale watching tour.
A. Eagles, Sea lions, seals, lighthouses, mountain glaciers, remote islands and
beautiful mountains.
Q. Can I smoke or drink alcohol while on the whale watching tour?
A. For the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, smoking and drinking are not allowed.
Q. If we would like to go to the Mendenhall Glacier, how do we get there?
A. Depending on our transportation schedule for that day, we offer a complimentary stop either before or
after (at our discretion) your whale watching tour. You will be taken to the Mendenhall Glacier for a brief
(approximately 15 minutes) visit before heading back to the cruise ship or out to your whale watching tour.
If time allows, you have the option to stay and catch the glacier shuttle bus back. The cost is about $8.00
per person for a one way fare. If the shuttles have quit for the evening (usually around 5:30 pm), we can
call a taxi to pick you up at a certain time at your own cost. If you have an exclusive tour, there is a little
more flexibility and we may be able pick you up from the Mendenhall Glacier to take you to the harbor for
the whale watching tour. After the tour, we would take you directly back to your ship.
Q. How many passengers can you take on a boat at one time?
A. 6 is the total number of passengers we can take on a boat at one time. Children are included in the
total. Six total, big or small. (see minimum age policy)
In 2010 we added a custom built 12 passenger whale watching boat for groups from 7 to 12 people. All in
one party, one reservation. There is an option, if the Alaskan is available, that we may put mixed groups
up to 12 guests on that vessel if all guests agree.
Q. What if we have more than 6 passengers in our group?
A. We have 4 boats, so its possible to book boats at the same time. The boats would travel togeth
er making it even more of a fun adventure. You have an opportunity to take pictures of the other group
with a scenic background. In 2010, we added a custom built 12 passenger whale watching boat for
groups from 7 to 12 people. All in one party, one reservation. There is an option, if the Alaskan is
available, that we may put mixed groups up to 12 guests on that vessel if all guests agree.
Q. What happens if we sleep in (or something like that) and are late getting to the Harv and Marv's
courtesy van?
A Our tours are designed to help maximize passenger's limited time in port and because of that
limited time in port, it is important to be on time so we can leave on time. Passengers often have
other tours or plans for the day where we drop them off at their next location. We feel this is not
fair for the other passengers who are on time. WE WILL WAIT 10 MINUTES and then leave for the
tour. You will NOT receive a refund. Please be on time. If there is space on a later tour, we will
try to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee that the later tours will have space.
Q. Is there a discount for children? (see minimum age policy)
A. Sorry, because of our limited seating capacity, we are unable to offer any discounts.
To help keep all of our customers as happy as possible, we will only take children under the age
of thirteen (13) if it is an exclusive tour or groups of five our six.
Q. Why are you called Harv and Marv, when their names are Pete and Jay.
A. Pete and Jay have been friends since junior high school (1970's). One day after Pete
watched a movie which the only sane character was Harv. He started calling Jay, Harv. Jay
getting a little tired of this, replied by calling Pete, Harv or Marv. They have called each other
Harv and Marv for over thirty years now.
Q. We see all these photos of whales, how many can we really expect to see on a trip?
A. We have seen as many as 25 in one day, but we are happy if we get to see 2 to 3 different
Humpback Whales per trip.
Q. You have lots of photos of whales breaching and bubble feeding, what can we really expect to
see on the tour?
A. By far, most of the time we just watch the whales swimming through the water, coming up
to breath every 7 to 15 minutes. We always enjoy seeing the fluke or tail, but they don't always
show their tail when they dive. We see a whale breach on about 14% of our trips. In 2011 we saw
bubble feeding on 16% of the tours. Each trip and each day is different.
Q. We have heard you now have a new 12 passenger boat (new in 2010)?
A. YES!!!!! The M/V Alaskan, custom built, sailed very successful 2010, 2011, 2012, & 2
013 seasons taking many exclusive groups of 7 to 12 people, all in one party. We do not generally
combine groups from different parties on this boat, but it is possible. If we will be combining
parties, you will be notified ahead of time and you will have the option not to book with a mixed
(unrelated) party. Please note however, that may be the only option if it is a busy day and we are
all full.
Q. Where is Eileen?
A. Eileen is still around, she has worked hard for the past few years and has decided to enjoy
some R&R. However, she is still helping out and available whenever she is needed. Kayla,
Kayla, and Colleen are now in their third season as our Reservation team and they have done a
wonderful job of handling phone and email reservations and inquiries.
Q. Are there changes going on at Harv and Marv's?
A. YES!! We have expanded our team! ~ We have realized the demand is growing and we want
to make sure we can continue to offer the same level of service and business model that you
have all grown to expect AND offer more space so we don't have turn away as many guests. We
will be adding one more departure per day for each vessel and will also be adding a new captain
(more info to come soon). In addition, we have added Dock Representatives to assist guests in
finding their transportation, and have also shuttle/van drivers to enable the captains to take that
one additional trip each day. So, look for some new friendly faces as you arrive into Juneau, and
we look forward to seeing you!
Q. We have heard you hired new captains, how did this affect the personalized tour Harv and
Marv's is famous for?
A. We hired Captain Steve Olmstead beginning in the 2009 season, he has received 100%
satisfaction from his passengers on every tour since. Steve also received the most thank you
email's and highest reviews of the three Captains. Captain Shawn joined the Harv and Marv team
in 2010 season and beyond and has been a great asset to the H&M team but after the end of the
2014 season, Captain Shawn has decided to pursue other interests.
In 2011, in addition to Harv, Marv, Steve and Shawn, we also hired Liz, Tony, and Russel. We are
deeply saddened to announce that Captain Tony passed away just prior to the 2012 season start.
For 2012, we added Jayleen Beedle as our newest captain. As you may be aware, Jayleen is the
daughter of Jay and Eileen and has been working with Harv and Marv's for quite some time. She
is an experienced photographer and guide and will make an exceptional addition to our captain
line-up!
For 2013 & 2014, our Captain line-up included returning Captains Steve, Shawn, Liz, Jayleen,
Russel, and Louis. You may have also met Captains Monroe and Scott!
For 2015, our Captain line-up will include returning Captains Steve, Liz, Jayleen, Russel, and
Louis as well as the newest additions to our team, Captain Shel, Captain Jeff and Captain Derek.
Q. We have heard lots of good things about your company, so what are some of the negatives?
A. Since we operate smaller, personalized boats, if the water is rough, a larger vessel (40 to 150
passengers) will give you a smoother ride.
A. There are three big steps to get in and out of our boats and the van parks about 300 yards
away from our boat. If you cannot walk 1/2 mile or up and down stairs with ease, you should
consider booking with a different company.
A. If you have less than six (6) people in your group and do not pay for an exclusive tour, you
may end up with some people that are not so fun or enjoyable to be around! We have no control
over this. If you are concerned about other people on the boat, the exclusive tour may be the
way to go!
Q. Why do children have to be over the age of 13 or on a exclusive tour to go a tour with Harv and
Marv's.
A. Click here.
Q. How soon do we need to make a reservation?
A. You can wait as long as you like, (we need about 1 hour notice if you are in town and we have
space), however, it is best to make the reservation as soon as you can to get the dates and
times you want, some dates are filling up already.
As an example: A person who has been e-mailing and asking questions for awhile may lose the
spot they were interested in because someone else called or emailed and booked for that date
and time.
Q. How do we make a reservation and what is your payment policy?
A. Go to our contact page and send off an email or call Kayla, Kayla or Colleen.
To confirm a reservation, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking if paying by credit
card. If paying by check, payment in full is required 60 days prior to your tour.
Please make checks payable to Harv and Marv's and mail to P.O. Box 32825, Juneau, AK 99803
Your deposit/payment is 100%* refundable. If you cancel at least 30 days before tour date.
*If paid by check. If you pay by check we will issue your refund in full by check = 100% refund. It
costs us up to 4% each time we charge a credit card, when processing refunds, we may charge
an additional 3% admin fee. Refunds are generally processed immediately, however it gets very
busy during the season and may take up to 14days.
Q. What does downtown Juneau look like? What does the tram look like? Where will the van meet
us?
A. Click on the link to find pictures of the meeting locations - hopefully this will be helpful in
locating our van. Click here to see pictures.
Q. What do your boats look like?
A. Click here to see pictures of the boats.
Q. What other whale watching companies do we recommend? And what other activities are there
to do in Juneau?
A. We recommend going to the official Juneau travel website:
www.traveljuneau.com
Most of our competitors are listed here along with everything else there is to do in Juneau. Look
through them and pick the one that works best for you.
We hope this helps!
If you have other questions that are not answered here, please email us.
A. We are proud of the six pack experience that our small boats offer guests. However, these boats
cannot operate in rough water conditions like our larger boats can. On the day of your tour, if the water
conditions are such that it does not make for a good experience on our smaller six passenger boat, you
will be given the option of either canceling your tour for a full refund or, if we have space available you can
be added to a group on one of our larger vessels. Thank you for your understanding with this matter that
is out of our control.
Q. What if I have another tour scheduled before or after your tour?
A. If you have another tour scheduled that end within an hour before your pick up time or beginning
within an hour after of your scheduled drop off time of our tour, you will need to let us know as soon as
possible. We do not want to compromise our tour because of scheduling conflicts. This is not fair to the
other passengers. We will call a taxi to take you to where you need to go and payment is your
responsibility. We try to schedule our tours with ample time between tours to ensure there is time to take
passengers to the Mendenhall Glacier and to allow for any unforeseen delays. Contact Callie if you are
considering multiple tours, so we can help maximize your limited time.
Q. What type of whales are near Juneau, Alaska?
A. Humpback and Orca Whales. We have seen Humpback Whales on 100% of our trips since 2004. We
see Orca Whales about 20% of the time.
Q. What is the best time of the year to see whales around Juneau?
A. The best months are May through September for Humpback Whales.
Q. Do you have a whale sighting guarantee?
A. No/Yes. After seeing whales on 100% of the trips, we decided not to use this as a means to get
customers. We promise to do the best we can to locate whales on each and every trip. But if you do not
see a whale on your tour, you will receive a 50% refund. We have always had this policy.
Q. How long will we be with you and what happens during that time?
A. From the time we depart from your pick up location until the time we return you, it will be about 4 1/2
hours which includes round trip transportation from your pick up location and a 15 minute stop at the
Mendenhall Glacier.
TOUR TIME-LINE EXAMPLE:
If your tour meeting time is 9:20am, we plan for transportation to leave by 9:30am and arrive at the harbor
where our boats depart by 10:00am. When you arrive at the harbor, you will be met by your captain or
guide and have an opportunity to use the restroom on land (there is one on the boat, it's just not as roomy)
and then you will head down the dock to board our vessel for your whale watching adventure! You will
start heading back to the harbor at approximately 12:35pm (depending on where your are) so that you can
be disembarking by about 12:55pm to meet your returning transport at 1:00pm. You will then head to the
Mendenhall Glacier for you complementary 15 minute stop, you will leave the glacier by about 1:30pm and
head back to your original location by 2:00.
Q. Can you see whales anytime of the day?
A. Yes. Humpback Whales surface + or - every 15 minutes to breathe.
Q. Is it better to go whale watching in the morning or in the afternoon?
A. History has taught us that it makes no difference. We have seen whales on 100% of our tours for the
last 8 years. Being the wild animals that they are, you just cannot predict when they will be more active!
They have no set time for breaching, tail lobbing, peck slapping etc. If you happen to witness this
behavior, you know you are seeing something special. :)
Q. How close can we get to the whales?
A. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that boats may not approach
Humpback Whales closer than 100 yards (300 ft).
Q. Can you offer assistance with German Speaking Guests?
A. Yes, click HERE to read an article by Sven & Anja (2014 guests). They are also happy to help
translate if needed!
Q. Will you pick us up? How do we get to your boat?
A. Yes. We will pick you up in our courtesy van near your cruise ship or hotel and drive you out to the
boat and return you to your ship/hotel when we are done with the tour.
Q. Is there a bathroom on board.
A. Yes, flushing toilet and locking door.
Q. Are the boats covered and do they have heaters?
A. Yes. The boats have enclosed cabins with large windows and heaters if the weather is cold.
Q. Is the water rough around Juneau?
A. Juneau is located in - (the inside passage) there is no open ocean water near Juneau. You are within
sight of land at all times. Between May and the end of August the water is usually pretty calm. The wind is
usually 15 mph or less. Although an occasional storm can blow through. In September expect it to be
rainy windy and chilly on the water. SEE: Chart of the Juneau area.
Q. What will the weather be like? Click here for the current weather in Juneau :)
A. 68% chance of clouds and rain. We are located in a rain forest and it is usually cooler on the water. In
2011, the average temperature on the water was around 55 degrees. A good combination to wear is an
outer layer that is wind/rainproof with a fleece coat underneath, this will keep you warm and dry. If you are
from a warmer climate, you might want a hat and gloves. May and September can be windier and colder.
A comfortable passenger is a happy passenger!
Q. Do people get sea sick on your boats?
A. Almost never. 15 passengers in the last 10 years.
Q. If the water is too rough to go on the tour, can we get a refund?
A. Yes, full 100% refund. Refunds are generally processed immediately, however it gets very busy during
the season and may take up to 14days.
Q. When I make a reservation after April 1st, why do I have to pay in full with no option for a
deposit?
A. Since we are such a small operation, we have three people (Kayla, Kayla and Colleen) handling all of
the reservations, payments, follow ups, scheduling, and phone calls. Once the season begins, they do not
have time to re-invoice everyone who has a balance due.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. 100% refundable. If you cancel at least 30 days before tour date. Refund may be subject to a 3%
administrative fee if you request a check refund and your original payment was via credit card.
Cancellations 15-29 days prior to your tour date will receive a 50% refund*. No refunds for no-shows or
cancellations withing 14 days of tour date. Refunds are generally processed immediately, however it gets
very busy during the season and may take up to 14days. *No additional administrative fees for partial
refunds.
Q. What happens if we miss our cruise ship because the boat breaks down?
A. First, we have never had anybody miss their cruise ship. We guarantee we will get you back to your
cruise ship before it departs.
If we fail:
1. You will receive a full refund for the whale watching tour.
2. Each passenger on board will receive $100.00.
3. We will pay the boat or plane fair to get you to your next port of call.
4. If needed, we will provide food and lodging.
Q. What other things of interest might we see on the whale watching tour.
A. Eagles, Sea lions, seals, lighthouses, mountain glaciers, remote islands and
beautiful mountains.
Q. Can I smoke or drink alcohol while on the whale watching tour?
A. For the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, smoking and drinking are not allowed.
Q. If we would like to go to the Mendenhall Glacier, how do we get there?
A. Depending on our transportation schedule for that day, we offer a complimentary stop either before or
after (at our discretion) your whale watching tour. You will be taken to the Mendenhall Glacier for a brief
(approximately 15 minutes) visit before heading back to the cruise ship or out to your whale watching tour.
If time allows, you have the option to stay and catch the glacier shuttle bus back. The cost is about $8.00
per person for a one way fare. If the shuttles have quit for the evening (usually around 5:30 pm), we can
call a taxi to pick you up at a certain time at your own cost. If you have an exclusive tour, there is a little
more flexibility and we may be able pick you up from the Mendenhall Glacier to take you to the harbor for
the whale watching tour. After the tour, we would take you directly back to your ship.
Q. How many passengers can you take on a boat at one time?
A. 6 is the total number of passengers we can take on a boat at one time. Children are included in the
total. Six total, big or small. (see minimum age policy)
In 2010 we added a custom built 12 passenger whale watching boat for groups from 7 to 12 people. All in
one party, one reservation. There is an option, if the Alaskan is available, that we may put mixed groups
up to 12 guests on that vessel if all guests agree.
Q. What if we have more than 6 passengers in our group?
A. We have 4 boats, so its possible to book boats at the same time. The boats would travel togeth
er making it even more of a fun adventure. You have an opportunity to take pictures of the other group
with a scenic background. In 2010, we added a custom built 12 passenger whale watching boat for
groups from 7 to 12 people. All in one party, one reservation. There is an option, if the Alaskan is
available, that we may put mixed groups up to 12 guests on that vessel if all guests agree.
Q. What happens if we sleep in (or something like that) and are late getting to the Harv and Marv's
courtesy van?
A Our tours are designed to help maximize passenger's limited time in port and because of that
limited time in port, it is important to be on time so we can leave on time. Passengers often have
other tours or plans for the day where we drop them off at their next location. We feel this is not
fair for the other passengers who are on time. WE WILL WAIT 10 MINUTES and then leave for the
tour. You will NOT receive a refund. Please be on time. If there is space on a later tour, we will
try to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee that the later tours will have space.
Q. Is there a discount for children? (see minimum age policy)
A. Sorry, because of our limited seating capacity, we are unable to offer any discounts.
To help keep all of our customers as happy as possible, we will only take children under the age
of thirteen (13) if it is an exclusive tour or groups of five our six.
Q. Why are you called Harv and Marv, when their names are Pete and Jay.
A. Pete and Jay have been friends since junior high school (1970's). One day after Pete
watched a movie which the only sane character was Harv. He started calling Jay, Harv. Jay
getting a little tired of this, replied by calling Pete, Harv or Marv. They have called each other
Harv and Marv for over thirty years now.
Q. We see all these photos of whales, how many can we really expect to see on a trip?
A. We have seen as many as 25 in one day, but we are happy if we get to see 2 to 3 different
Humpback Whales per trip.
Q. You have lots of photos of whales breaching and bubble feeding, what can we really expect to
see on the tour?
A. By far, most of the time we just watch the whales swimming through the water, coming up
to breath every 7 to 15 minutes. We always enjoy seeing the fluke or tail, but they don't always
show their tail when they dive. We see a whale breach on about 14% of our trips. In 2011 we saw
bubble feeding on 16% of the tours. Each trip and each day is different.
Q. We have heard you now have a new 12 passenger boat (new in 2010)?
A. YES!!!!! The M/V Alaskan, custom built, sailed very successful 2010, 2011, 2012, & 2
013 seasons taking many exclusive groups of 7 to 12 people, all in one party. We do not generally
combine groups from different parties on this boat, but it is possible. If we will be combining
parties, you will be notified ahead of time and you will have the option not to book with a mixed
(unrelated) party. Please note however, that may be the only option if it is a busy day and we are
all full.
Q. Where is Eileen?
A. Eileen is still around, she has worked hard for the past few years and has decided to enjoy
some R&R. However, she is still helping out and available whenever she is needed. Kayla,
Kayla, and Colleen are now in their third season as our Reservation team and they have done a
wonderful job of handling phone and email reservations and inquiries.
Q. Are there changes going on at Harv and Marv's?
A. YES!! We have expanded our team! ~ We have realized the demand is growing and we want
to make sure we can continue to offer the same level of service and business model that you
have all grown to expect AND offer more space so we don't have turn away as many guests. We
will be adding one more departure per day for each vessel and will also be adding a new captain
(more info to come soon). In addition, we have added Dock Representatives to assist guests in
finding their transportation, and have also shuttle/van drivers to enable the captains to take that
one additional trip each day. So, look for some new friendly faces as you arrive into Juneau, and
we look forward to seeing you!
Q. We have heard you hired new captains, how did this affect the personalized tour Harv and
Marv's is famous for?
A. We hired Captain Steve Olmstead beginning in the 2009 season, he has received 100%
satisfaction from his passengers on every tour since. Steve also received the most thank you
email's and highest reviews of the three Captains. Captain Shawn joined the Harv and Marv team
in 2010 season and beyond and has been a great asset to the H&M team but after the end of the
2014 season, Captain Shawn has decided to pursue other interests.
In 2011, in addition to Harv, Marv, Steve and Shawn, we also hired Liz, Tony, and Russel. We are
deeply saddened to announce that Captain Tony passed away just prior to the 2012 season start.
For 2012, we added Jayleen Beedle as our newest captain. As you may be aware, Jayleen is the
daughter of Jay and Eileen and has been working with Harv and Marv's for quite some time. She
is an experienced photographer and guide and will make an exceptional addition to our captain
line-up!
For 2013 & 2014, our Captain line-up included returning Captains Steve, Shawn, Liz, Jayleen,
Russel, and Louis. You may have also met Captains Monroe and Scott!
For 2015, our Captain line-up will include returning Captains Steve, Liz, Jayleen, Russel, and
Louis as well as the newest additions to our team, Captain Shel, Captain Jeff and Captain Derek.
Q. We have heard lots of good things about your company, so what are some of the negatives?
A. Since we operate smaller, personalized boats, if the water is rough, a larger vessel (40 to 150
passengers) will give you a smoother ride.
A. There are three big steps to get in and out of our boats and the van parks about 300 yards
away from our boat. If you cannot walk 1/2 mile or up and down stairs with ease, you should
consider booking with a different company.
A. If you have less than six (6) people in your group and do not pay for an exclusive tour, you
may end up with some people that are not so fun or enjoyable to be around! We have no control
over this. If you are concerned about other people on the boat, the exclusive tour may be the
way to go!
Q. Why do children have to be over the age of 13 or on a exclusive tour to go a tour with Harv and
Marv's.
A. Click here.
Q. How soon do we need to make a reservation?
A. You can wait as long as you like, (we need about 1 hour notice if you are in town and we have
space), however, it is best to make the reservation as soon as you can to get the dates and
times you want, some dates are filling up already.
As an example: A person who has been e-mailing and asking questions for awhile may lose the
spot they were interested in because someone else called or emailed and booked for that date
and time.
Q. How do we make a reservation and what is your payment policy?
A. Go to our contact page and send off an email or call Kayla, Kayla or Colleen.
To confirm a reservation, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking if paying by credit
card. If paying by check, payment in full is required 60 days prior to your tour.
Please make checks payable to Harv and Marv's and mail to P.O. Box 32825, Juneau, AK 99803
Your deposit/payment is 100%* refundable. If you cancel at least 30 days before tour date.
*If paid by check. If you pay by check we will issue your refund in full by check = 100% refund. It
costs us up to 4% each time we charge a credit card, when processing refunds, we may charge
an additional 3% admin fee. Refunds are generally processed immediately, however it gets very
busy during the season and may take up to 14days.
Q. What does downtown Juneau look like? What does the tram look like? Where will the van meet
us?
A. Click on the link to find pictures of the meeting locations - hopefully this will be helpful in
locating our van. Click here to see pictures.
Q. What do your boats look like?
A. Click here to see pictures of the boats.
Q. What other whale watching companies do we recommend? And what other activities are there
to do in Juneau?
A. We recommend going to the official Juneau travel website:
www.traveljuneau.com
Most of our competitors are listed here along with everything else there is to do in Juneau. Look
through them and pick the one that works best for you.
We hope this helps!
If you have other questions that are not answered here, please email us.
| Alaska Whale Watching with Harv and Marv's |
| Harv and Marv's P.O. Box 32825 Juneau, AK 99803 907-209-7288 tours@harvandmarvs.com |