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At both ends of the cruise, everything about the baggage handling and transfers went so smoothly. Visit the Alaska Sealife Center, a public aquarium and research facility on the shore of Resurrection Bay just south of downtown Seward. While not focused specifically on whales, the center staff recently rehabbed a baby beluga whale to health and its scientists sometimes study whales. Its displays and habitats open a vivid window (literally) on Alaska’s marine world.
Northwestern Fjord Glacier and Wildlife Cruise
These areas are known for their rich marine ecosystems and frequent whale sightings. As a traveler, being prepared for Alaska’s diverse weather and sea conditions means you’re set for an unforgettable journey. Lazy Otter is also equipped to assist with organizing camping trips for you and your family. There’s no rigid schedule to adhere to, especially on day tours, allowing you the flexibility to spend more time at locations that captivate you the most.
Whale Watching in Japan: An Insight into Marine Wonders and Tradition
Based on our extensive travels and first-hand experiences, here are the top spots to witness these marine giants. One of the reasons Alaska stands out as a prime whale-watching destination is its commitment to nature conservation. The state is home to several protected coastal areas that serve as sanctuaries for marine life and offer unparalleled whale-watching experiences. Kenai Fjords National Park and Glacier Bay National Park are two such havens that deserve special mention. However, further into the article, you’ll find many more tips and suggestions. We show you a few more tours, as we have visited nine places so far.
HAPPY WHALE WATCHING IN ALASKA DURING YOUR CRUISE!
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Central North Pacific stock of humpback whales has grown to over 21,000, exceeding recovery goals. The Inside Passage alone is said to have the highest concentration of humpbacks, with over 500 whales. Alaska isn’t just another state; it’s a wildlife paradise that offers some of the most spectacular whale-watching opportunities in the world. For the ultimate blend of cost savings and customizations, collaborate with folks you meet on the ship to book a semi-private tour.
Variety of Whale Species
My husband and I enjoyed all the off board activities offered daily. On small ship Alaska whale watching cruises, the captain and crew are expert whale spotters and they will announce when whales are in the area. The ship’s crew also shares intel with other ships and boats in the region, to help one another find animals. Additionally, onboard naturalist guides enhance your knowledge of whales in Alaska, their habitat and relevant conservation issues. Guides will offer narration and answer questions while viewing whales from the ship.
Our Top Alaska Whale-Watching Tours
April to November is the best time to see whales in Alaska and that nicely aligns with the Alaska cruise season. Like most of us, whales enjoy Alaska in the spring and summer months, when the days are long and food is plentiful. Some whales are in Alaska year-round, while others migrate to the state during summer months. When planning what to pack for an Alaska cruise, be sure to bring a sturdy strap for your camera. If you’re going on a whale watching excursion while in port, consider bringing a dry bag to protect your camera and valuables from water or ocean spray. Alaska Saltwater’s small-group whale watching, wildlife, and glacier tours offer daily excursions into the pristine Kenai Fjord National Park.
How To Experience Alaska Whale Watching On An Alaskan Cruise
So, if you’re ready to turn your whale-watching dreams into reality, keep reading. Imagine the thrill of whale watching in Alaska as a humpback breaches the water, its massive body momentarily airborne before splashing back into the ocean. Minke whales can be found in Alaska’s waters throughout the year, but they are most seen from May to September. These smaller whales are known for their curious and playful behavior, often approaching boats to investigate. Travelers on an Alaskan cruise may spot minke whales surfacing to breathe or diving gracefully beneath the surface. Gray whales are usually present in Alaskan waters from April to November.
Explore Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks
Alaskan cruise passengers 'freak out' as pod of whales burst through ocean surface - UNILAD
Alaskan cruise passengers 'freak out' as pod of whales burst through ocean surface.
Posted: Sat, 15 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Yes, it is possible to see whales from a cruise ship in Alaska, especially when traveling through areas like the Inside Passage. Many cruise lines also offer dedicated whale-watching excursions. Whale watching in Juneau, Alaska, is often considered better than Victoria, mainly due to the higher likelihood of seeing a variety of whale species, including humpbacks and orcas, in their natural habitat. Alaska, often called the Last Frontier, is a land of staggering beauty and unparalleled natural diversity.
Also known as killer whales, orcas are technically a toothed whale and member of the oceanic dolphin family. Imagine three school buses, all lined up—that’s the length of a blue whale. As big and glorious as they are, it’s rare to spot blue whales while whale watching in Alaska. Your ship’s crew can answer many of your specific questions about whales onboard an Alaska cruise, but here are some of the most common questions about whale watching in Alaska.
We estimate that orcas in Alaska are seen about every third orca whale watching cruise so if you see them, consider yourself very lucky. Whale watching in Alaska is more than just a tourist activity; it’s a journey into the wild. Our top three spots that we can’t recommend enough are Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Seward. While we’ve had our share of foggy days and rain-soaked tours, these experiences only add to Alaska’s untamed allure.
On any given day trip you’ll likely see huge rafts of sea otters, horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, humpback whales, or even bald eagles. Stan Stephens offers two daily tours, one of which features Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Southcentral Alaska. From the grandeur of its national parks and glaciers to the richness of its local culture and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this magnificent land. So, after your whale-watching expedition, extend your stay and dive deeper into the wonders of Alaska. Sitka’s unique location, facing the open ocean, provides a different whale-watching experience.
Keep an eye out for other wildlife, like eagles, sea lions, seals, sea otters. You may even see coastal brown bears, eating plants along the shore. This family-run company operating out of Valdez will show you the best glaciers, with great customer service along the way.
However, the most awe-inspiring sightings were from the beach at Icy Strait Point itself. The whales leaped so gracefully from the water that we were too captivated even to take photos. If shopping is high on your priority list, you’ll get the best deals — and best finds — the further away you are from the port. The boutiques closest to the ship have high markups and are rarely stocked with a good assortment of local products. It’s a cruise unlike any other — one that people often describe as the trip of a lifetime. Blue whales are the largest of all whales and the biggest and loudest animal on earth today—possibly of all time.
Most of our coastal towns feature many excellent tour operators, some of them world-class with naturalists, refreshments and other amenities on board. We bring you not just authentic Alaska itineraries and insider tips but also a treasure trove of our own photos and first-hand experiences from the places we've explored and activities we've relished. We’ll also provide an unbiased breakdown of the pros and cons of each Alaska whale-watching spot, sparing you any potential disappointments. This insider knowledge could save you a pretty penny, especially considering the often steep price tags of whale-watching tours in Alaska. But where in Alaska can you reliably witness such awe-inspiring whale-watching moments? With so many destinations claiming to offer this experience, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
From May to September, humpback whales that have migrated north from their winter feeding grounds feast on Alaska's plentiful krill, herring, and bait fish, eating up to a ton of food per day. Orcas, popularly known as killer whales, also make appearances in Alaskan waters with their pods. Sightseers may see both types of whales on a Juneau whale watching excursion, especially during the summer months of May and June for orcas and June and July for humpback whales. The best month for whale watching in Alaska is typically July or August. These summer months offer the highest likelihood of seeing a variety of whales, including humpbacks and orcas, due to favorable weather and abundant marine life.
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