Table Of Content
They migrate along the west coast of North America, with some individuals reaching as far north as Alaska’s Arctic waters. While the promotional photos may show gorgeous sunny blue skies, an Alaskan whale watching cruise can be a decidedly chilly affair. A lightweight stocking cap with a built-in visor much like a baseball cap will keep you warm and shield your face from any drizzling rain. While they have stiff competition, the stately orcas with their natural black and white “tuxedos” are often the crowd favorite. Orcas love munching on the king salmon running the waters of Resurrection Bay from early May through to early June.
Seward Ocean Excursions
The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024, From Whale Watching to Glacier Tours Condé Nast Traveler - Condé Nast Traveler
The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024, From Whale Watching to Glacier Tours Condé Nast Traveler.
Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
This bounty of food also attracts other marine mammals and you may find sea lions trailing behind humpback whale pods, picking off larger fish escaping the huge mouths of whales. This region is also home to a large number of sea otters which can be seen floating in rafts or by themselves, usually near shoreline kelp beds. Alaska cruise whales are commonly sighted in coastal waters and travelers should be looking throughout their voyage. If whale watching Alaska is important to you, plan a small ship cruise that includes the following areas on your itinerary. Here we delve deeper into each of these commonly sighted whales in Alaska.
View all of our activites
Stunning wilderness and abundant wildlife combine with an occasional whale splash for an unforgettable adventure. Notwithstanding very unusual circumstances, I feel very confident in saying that these tour companies will get you back to your cruise ship on time. The best cruise ports in Alaska for whale watching are Juneau and Icy Strait Point. Another way to increase your odds of seeing whales from the ship is to book a veranda stateroom or suite. 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.
Best time for Whale Watching in Alaska 2024 - Best Season - Rove.me
Best time for Whale Watching in Alaska 2024 - Best Season.
Posted: Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time To See Orcas (Killer Whales)
Witness the wonders of breaching whales at Kenai Fjords National Park, or play with brightly colored puffins as you explore the harmony of the Alaskan ecosystem. From the mighty caribou that meander on land at Denali National Park to the seals that own the ocean in Kuskokwim Bay, the web of life is a delicate balance here, and it plays out in front of your eyes. Cheer on your favorite dog sledding team, or take the family on a crabbing expedition in Ketchikan. No matter your choice of adventure, you'll be amazed by all that Alaska has to offer.
For Travel Agents
Mosquitoes are common in Alaska, so pack bug repellent, and be sure to keep it handy on shore excursions. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation. Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.
Sign Up for Special Offers
Here, you can often see humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. The area is also known for its historical significance and Tlingit culture, adding an educational aspect to your whale-watching journey. Just outside of Glacier Bay National Park sits Point Adolphus, one of the premier sites for whale watching Alaska.
Whale-Watching Excursions in Sitka
Vessels that transport passengers on a whale watch excursion are allowed to approach as close as 100 yards to a humpback whale — a distance that hardly requires binoculars to get an up-closelook. If you’re not fixated on professional photography, you’ll still have an unforgettable experience. The best marine wildlife tours offer routes through Resurrection Bay.
Glacier Wind Charters Whale Watching
Little is known about offshore orcas’ preferences or family structure. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. In Alaska, where moose graze next to massive mountains, there's no shortage of wild adventure. The Tongass National Forest is the nation's largest forest, and its flora and fauna come alive amongst the glaciers, fjords and Coast Mountain peaks that it encompasses. Caribou and brown bears peek through veils of mist under the towering canopy of trees, and eagles fly through the treetops. Whether you reach the forest by trail, boat or floatplane, be sure to trek along the many hiking paths that wind throughout the area.
Ketchikan, known for its rich Native American heritage, also offers fantastic whale watching tours that allow visitors to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Humpback whales are commonly spotted in Alaska from May to September. These months coincide with their feeding season, as humpback whales migrate to Alaska’s nutrient-rich waters to feed on krill and small fish. During this time, travelers on an Alaskan cruise have a good chance of spotting humpback whales breaching, tail slapping, or engaging in other behaviors that make for memorable wildlife sightings.
Board a catamaran and cruise around Stephen’s Passage, where you’ll have the chance to see humpback whales and get glimpses of the vast Mendenhall Glacier, which spans an impressive thirteen miles long. Finish off your outing with a stop at Orca Point Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a traditional salmon bake breakfast. An Alaska whale-watching cruise is one of the best ways to see the world’s largest mammals in their natural habitat. During an Alaskan vacation, you’ll spot feeding humpback whales, orcas swimming with their offspring, and gray and blue whales splashing in the water from a front-row seat. Witness Alaska’s diverse marine life, from humpback whales to orcas, in its natural habitat on a wildlife-watching boat tour. You’ll be surrounded in one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska with Glacier Wind Charter’s small group tours.
Some people swear it’s impossible to get seasick on a large, luxurious cruise ship, but there are those of us who can prove otherwise! 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.
As your journey comes to a close, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages while soaking in the last moments of this unforgettable tour. You’ll then be returned to your starting point in downtown Juneau. Based on our experience, this tour stands out as one of the best Alaska whale-watching tours we’ve had. For an unparalleled Alaskan experience in Juneau, we can’t recommend the Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour highly enough. After being warmly greeted at Juneau’s main cruise terminal, you’ll be whisked away to the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier for a 45-minute self-guided exploration.
No comments:
Post a Comment