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Of course, booking a veranda stateroom or suite can increase your chances of spotting these majestic creatures up close. Humpback whales are commonly sighted in Alaska from May to September, while gray whales can sometimes be seen during their migration period from January to May. Humpback whales are one of the most popular whale species that visitors can see during an Alaska cruise. These magnificent creatures migrate to Alaska's waters from Hawaii and Mexico for food and raising babies.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in June
You’ll enter the humpback whale feeding waters just outside of Glacier Bay, where tons of marine species congregate. With the help of the onboard naturalist, you have the chance to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, Dall porpoises, brown bears, bald eagles, and puffins. The TAZ also offers private charters for more intimate experiences around Gustavus.
Best ports for viewing whales in Alaska
However, they often travel in bigger, open waters so it’s less common to see them near shore. Fin whales travel to the Bering and Chukchi Seas in the summer and live in the Gulf of Alaska and other areas further south in the winter. We often stay at an area just past the town called Lowell Point where you have near complete views of the bay.
How To Visit Independence Mine Alaska – Thrill of Gold Rush
Summer workers (typically college students) begin to arrive for the peak tourist season, and shops and restaurants open for the summer. May is a practical choice for Alaskan cruisers who are on a limited budget but want to have slightly warmer and drier weather and more chances to see wildlife. Your views will likely include snowy mountains, but they are gorgeous nonetheless. May is an excellent cruising month for birdwatchers as migratory songbirds start to arrive in Alaska and seabirds gather in their nesting spots or rookeries. Keep an eye out for my favorite, the ever-adorable puffins, Arctic terns, cormorants, and bald eagles. Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise.
The top spots for Camping in Alaska
There are so many different landscapes to see, from the beautiful coastlines and forests to the insane amount of glaciers. Whichever camera you bring, though, remember to spend some time away from the lens and view whales without the use of a screen or camera viewfinder. While capturing photos is something you may value, it’s just as important to spend time during the excursion away from your electronics. When whales are spotted by the captain, an announcement will be made on the loudspeaker to let guests know there are whales near the ship. When this happens, expect a flood of guests quickly heading to the outside decks eager to catch a glimpse of whales. In Icy Strait Point there are fewer excursions to choose from, leading many to save whale watching for their day in this port instead.
Whale Watching In May
This can give guests the best of both worlds by experiencing two of Juneau’s most popular attractions. The peak season months for cruise season are July and and August, the warmest months of the year. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.
Whale migration patterns and what this means for whale watching in Alaska
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Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska.
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Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska (from an Alaskan)
While I listed several Alaskan whale-watching outfitters, use caution if you choose another company. Read online reviews and research the company’s website before buying your tickets. Negative reviews and a lack of qualified captains or naturalists are red flags when booking your tour. Reach out to us today, and together we'll have your first Discovery Call and start planning your next unforgettable vacation. The fastest way to connect is to email us directly, and we'll reply within 24 hours, 365 days of the year. September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals.
The Inside Passage, a popular route for Alaskan cruises, is a prime location for spotting orcas. While you’re on the boat, you’ll enjoy delicious and local cuisine, with many of our cruises offering fine-dining options. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife. A September cruise has its benefits, including less crowding and cheaper prices. However, a cruise this time of year will also slightly decrease your chance of viewing wildlife and make for sleepier ports of call because most summer workers return home for college.
The best month to visit Alaska depends on what you hope to experience during your trip. From the Alaska State Fair in the Mat-Su Valley to the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival, there is so much to do in this glorious state in August. Blueberries are in season, with berry festivals following, bears roam the hills, and Seward’s Silver Salmon Derby is the perfect place to cast your fishing rod.
Discover all our Alaska whale watching shore excursions on an unforgettable trip to the Great Land. Alaska boasts over 2,000 miles of coastline along the North Pacific, creating a vast marine playground for various species of whales. The state’s waters are part of the larger Alaska Current, a nutrient-rich flow that serves as a feeding ground for marine life. This makes Alaska a veritable buffet for whales, attracting them in large numbers. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness. 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!
Icy Strait Whale Adventures brings the Hoonah Tlingit hospitality to your vessel when you explore the Southeast Alaska waterways. Since the entire crew are descendants of the Hoonah Tlingit, you’ll gain tremendous insight into their ancient culture. Your captain will steer you close enough to the feeding grounds for magnificent views without disturbing wildlife.
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