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However, don’t forget to appreciate the jaw-dropping natural beauty around you. With gigantic glaciers, snow-capped peaks, ice-carved fjords, and temperate rain forests, Alaska’s waterways are a slice of heaven. If your eyes are glued to your camera and binoculars the entire time, I promise you’ll regret it.
Have a Few Hours in Anchorage? Here’s What to Do
It’s a cruise unlike any other — one that people often describe as the trip of a lifetime. From May through September, you'll have ample opportunities to see Humpback whales, Gray whales, Blue whales, Orcas and Beluga whales as they migrate to Alaska for food and breeding. Orcas are frequently spotted in Alaska's waters and can be seen in May and June as well. It provides a unique opportunity to witness these animals thriving in their natural habitat while being surrounded by stunning mountains and glaciers. Moreover, bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the various species flocking back after spending winter months elsewhere. Bubble-net feeding is typically done in groups, when numerous whales blow bubbles around a school of fish to trap and later feast on them.
Whale Watching In September
For quality pictures, clean your camera before the cruise begins and bring a rag to wipe off the water. And listen to your captain and crew to stand in the best position for unforgettable photos. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your whale watching opportunities during your Alaskan cruise. Another common whale species encountered in Alaska is the orca, commonly known as the killer whale. These highly intelligent and social creatures can be seen traveling in pods, hunting and foraging for food.
Eavesdrop on Whale Conversations on This First-of-its-kind Cruise Through Alaska This Summer - Travel + Leisure
Eavesdrop on Whale Conversations on This First-of-its-kind Cruise Through Alaska This Summer.
Posted: Thu, 10 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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Overall, our 3 best whale-watching Alaska spots are Juneau, Icy Strait Point / Hoonah, and Seward. There’s nothing quite like seeing an orca take a spectacular leap or see the sheer size of a humpback whale in person. Which type of whale you see will depend on your location and the time you go. Make sure to check whether your tour company provides food, and if not, whether you are allowed to bring some snacks of your own. As those sea breezes may get a little chilly, we would suggest you bring lightweight jackets or sweaters with you. The reason different species migrate at different times is due to their differences in gestation period.
Freddy is considered unique for accomplishing this activity on his own with a special spiral bubble pattern. Follow me as I explore my own backyard and destinations around the globe. My best tip to see the whales up close is to bring a compact pair of binoculars.
When Is Whale Watching Season In Alaska?
Rain, fog, and wind are all par for the course, which can make capturing that perfect photo a bit challenging. Once, we had such bad weather that we didn’t even take our cameras out. 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. In fact, the journey from Alaska to Hawaii is one of the longest mammal migrations, covering approximately 3,000 miles. If you’re interested in witnessing this incredible journey from both ends, you might want to consider whale watching in Maui, Hawaii.
Alaska Port Cities Worth Exploring
June and July are the best months to see humpback whales in Icy Strait Point, where visitors can enjoy whale-watching excursions that offer opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures up close. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. While you may not be able to see beluga whales or gray whales, there are still humpback whales and killer whales that you can see during this time.
What Species of Whales Can You Spot on an Alaskan Cruise?
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. For these reasons, it’s imperative to get your timing right for your whale watching in Alaska.
How to Plan the Best Alaska Cruise - Travel Alaska
How to Plan the Best Alaska Cruise.
Posted: Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:02:13 GMT [source]
With amenities like heated cabins and expansive windows, you’re all set for a two-hour quest to spot Humpback Whales and other native marine life. An onboard naturalist will provide insightful commentary, making the experience both educational and awe-inspiring. While some photos may not be picture-perfect due to challenging weather conditions or distant whale sightings, they offer a genuine glimpse of what you can truly expect on such an adventure. Alaska’s waters offer diverse whale-watching experiences, from humpbacks and orcas to gray whales. Each species has its own unique behaviors and habitats, providing a rich tapestry of encounters for whale enthusiasts.
Kodiak Island sits right on a migration path, and the salmon-rich waters welcome the return of whales every April. The island even hosts the jovial Whale Fest to celebrate the majestic sea creatures. Whale watching is a personal pastime of mine, and Alaska is a bucket list destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Every summer, whales make their long migration from the warmer waters of Mexico and Hawaii to the food-rich waters of Alaska.
However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Weather, ocean conditions, and limited sunlight make winter cruising to Alaska impossible. Blue whales are the largest of all whales and the biggest and loudest animal on earth today—possibly of all time. Blue whales "summer" in the eastern and northern Gulf of Alaska in July and August and are just returning to Alaska after extreme whaling drove almost the entire population to extinction. Check out our Alaska Inside Passage Cruises with convenient departures from Seattle and Vancouver for the chance to see Humpback whales on Holland America Line adventures.
Humpback whales are well known for their acrobatic displays, including breaching, tail slapping, and lunging out of the water, making for a mesmerizing spectacle. As the school season begins and fall approaches, cruise prices start to dip, affording the opportunity to snag a last-minute bargain for Alaska. We still recommend planning ahead though, as an increasing number of tourists have been booking cruises each year in September.
Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for. You might see bears that are continuing to fatten up before hibernation. Humpback whales have yet to begin their migration to warmer waters, so you will still be able to see them, especially in early August.
Having your own private veranda will allow you to step out or lounge by the water, maximizing the amount of opportunities you’ll have to look out at the ocean. Many whales including humpbacks are busy eating as much as possible in the summer months. This is to sustain them in Hawaii all winter where they mate and raise their calves, so one theory is that they’re busy eating and hunting. In Seward, we’ve always had the best luck spotting whales and other wildlife at the end of May through July. This is all anecdotal, but when we visit Seward in the fall (around Labor Day), we’ve never see whales from shore. The best places for whale watching on the road system is Seward on Resurrection Bay.
Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House. Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises.
A room in the middle of the ship will move less than one at the front or back, and a stash of anti-nausea medications can offer comfort and relief. You’ll be especially glad you have it with you should you take a small boat excursion to see the whales up close since smaller vessels can get jostled by the waves. Whale watching on an Alaska cruise is nothing short of spectacular, and not just because of the magnificent wildlife. The jaw-dropping scenery, fun shore excursions, and onboard luxury make for a truly unique travel experience.
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