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While each departure point has its merits, we found our trip from Valdez to be particularly rewarding. The weather was more favorable, and the whale sightings were spectacular. In contrast, our trips from Whittier were often marred by fog, which can be a common occurrence in that area. Alaska isn’t just another state; it’s a wildlife paradise that offers some of the most spectacular whale-watching opportunities in the world.
This Is What To Expect On A Whale Watching Cruise In Alaska
I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world. As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure! Finally, Beluga Whales are a critically endangered species, making their sighting particularly memorable and important. Beluga Whale sightings tend to occur before and after high tides in Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.
Changing seasons – September whale watching in Alaska
The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival.
June to August
I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went - Royal Caribbean Blog
I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went.
Posted: Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In fact, it’s so unique that some travelers aren’t quite sure how to prepare for it. Whale watching excursions available in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park are known for sightings of humpback whales, bald eagles, sea lion colonies, and puffins during the cruise. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences, including cruising around Stephen's Passage to see humpback whales and glimpses of the Mendenhall Glacier. They travel to Alaska between May and September to hunt for food and raise their babies in the nutrient-rich waters of the region.
These black and white giants are the largest members of the dolphin family and can grow up to 30 feet in length. June and July are the best times to see these gentle giants in action, with various locations offering opportunities for spotting them. Here are some popular excursion ideas for those who want to maximize their chances of seeing whales in the wild, and possibly even more than one kind of species. The best whale watching ports of call are typically Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka in Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia in Canada. There are whale cruise options that range from small boats to larger catamarans. I prefer the larger boats like Major Marine as they handle the large waves better.
Yes, it’s possible to see whales from a cruise ship, but you’re much more likely to see them on a smaller whale cruise. It’s possible to spot whales from shore in Homer and even Whittier, but it’s not a normal occurrence. Different whales come to Alaska at different times throughout the summer. Humpbacks can be found all around the coastal waters from May to September.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching Cruise
Embarking on an Alaskan cruise not only allows you to explore the stunning fjords and glaciers but also provides an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of whales in their natural habitat. However, to maximize your chances of encountering these gentle giants, it is essential to time your cruise correctly and understand the factors that affect whale sightings. The warming weather even allows cruise ships to penetrate Arctic waters, giving you the opportunity to see polar bears on Wrangel Island.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska - TripSavvy
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 07 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time & Place To Watch Humpback Whales
Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered. Whether it’s a lone humpback or a pod of orcas, every whale sighting leaves a life-long impression. In our experience visiting nine renowned whale-watching spots in Alaska, we only witnessed this breathtaking behavior once. According to a naturalist we recently toured with, only about 1 in 10 whale-watching trips get to see such a spectacle.
I’ve included tips on the weather, wildlife, daylight, and the general experience you’ll have each month of the Alaska cruise season to determine when to set sail for the 49th state. To appropriately prepare for the Alaska whale watching season, pack to spend a few hours in windy and chilly outdoor weather on an observation deck. Find out ahead of time if the Alaska whale watching tour provides a meal and plan to bring lunch if not. Once aboard, prepare to be amazed by Alaska’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Not only will you witness the majestic humpback whales, but you may also spot Orcas, seals, sea lions, sea otters, and a variety of birds. The local guide will enrich your experience with fascinating insights into the region’s natural wonders.
40 glaciers retreat from the Harding Icefield, while icebergs and sea stacks fill the waterways. The rich waters of the coastal fjords attract a wide range of whale species to feed throughout the year. Humpback whales and orcas take centerstage during summer, and gray whales pass through the fjords during spring. These months coincide with their feeding season, as humpback whales migrate to Alaska’s nutrient-rich waters to feed on krill and small fish.
Expect less activity and fewer shop openings in some smaller port towns in May since most summer workers are in college and won’t arrive until June. There are exciting marine animals that you can see this early in the Alaskan springtime. The average rainfall in Juneau during the month of April is 2.77 inches.
Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova. Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska. You may have other reasons for visiting Alaska outside of whale watching, so you may want to take all that into account. The best spots onboard to watch whales from the ship are from a private balcony, Promenade deck, upper pool deck/running track, and outdoor area at the Windjammer. Orcas are apex predators who live in whale pods of dozens of other whales.
If you are prone to seasickness, don’t hesitate to pack seasickness remedies with you for your whale watching excursion, whether medication or natural remedies. While the ship is sailing through the northern Pacific waters, whales can sometimes be spotted from the ship. This can happen in the open ocean on the way to or from Alaska, or while the ship is sailing through the Inside Passage. However, while there are a few locations to see whales on land, the best method of whale watching in Alaska is to get out on the water via a guided whale-watching cruise. There’s a reason whale-watching typically tops the favorites list of Alaska cruise excursions.
You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around.
For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.
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