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Humpbacks can be spotted slapping their tails and even breaching out of the water, and are the most acrobatic of the whales. You’ll find the biggest difference is that orcas travel in pods while humpbacks are typically solo travelers. 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. Freddy is considered unique for accomplishing this activity on his own with a special spiral bubble pattern.
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]
Can you See Whales from Shore?
Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
Once you reach a common feeding area for humpback whales, you’ll get the chance to see them breaching, bubble-net feeding, and performing other awe-inspiring activities. There’s a wide range of iconic Juneau experiences that include plenty of whale watching. 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.
What Happens On Adults-Only Cruises?
The best time to cruise Alaska really depends on what you’re hoping to see and do! If you’re eager to spot whales, aim for mid-June through mid-August, when these majestic creatures are most active. The arctic waters have suitable whale food in abundance during the warmer summer months, but when the weather starts to change they head to warmer waters. After this month, you’re no longer going to see humpback whales as they’ll be following in the blue whales’ footsteps and heading to the Pacific Ocean and Central America by the end of the month. So, plan your Alaskan cruise wisely, embrace the best months for whale watching, and savor every moment as you embark on a journey to encounter these magnificent giants of the sea. It’s a voyage filled with wonder, beauty, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first cruise, our guide will help you make the most of your Alaskan adventure. Each part of the season offers something different, so aligning your cruise with these times will maximize your chances of a successful fishing experience. Whether you’re a novice or an avid angler, Alaska’s rich waters provide an unforgettable salmon fishing adventure. It’s important to note that while the peak whale season is during the summer, sightings are not guaranteed.
Save On Shore Excursions (And Support Local)
Tucked into an inlet in Southeast Alaska, many cruises departing from Seattle, Seward, or Sitka stop at this beautiful, native-owned port. Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. 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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The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Royal Caribbean Blog
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Remember that while the peak whale season in Alaska spans from May to September, there are specific months, such as June and July, where the chances of seeing these majestic creatures are at their highest. However, nature is unpredictable, and sightings can never be guaranteed. Patience, a sense of adventure, and a love for the unknown are essential ingredients for a successful whale watching experience. 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. April to November is the best time to see whales in Alaska and that nicely aligns with the Alaska cruise season.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in September
While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting. Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe. Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova.
Whales are wild animals, and their behavior can be influenced by various factors, including weather conditions and availability of food. However, the summer months offer the best opportunities for witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The crew notifies passengers of whale sightings, but if you have a verandah, spend some time scanning the ocean for the signature plume of water—it’s often the first thing you see. Holland America Line ships are perfectly mid-sized and have wide-open decks, so you’ll enjoy Alaska wildlife sightings with a little extra space.
These dramatic performers like to leap out of the water and breach … just because they can! In Juneau, for example, you can book the “Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching, and Wildlife Quest” excursion which brings you on a whale watching tour followed by free time to explore Mendenhall Glacier. This can give guests the best of both worlds by experiencing two of Juneau’s most popular attractions. It’s a good idea to bring binoculars on an Alaska cruise regardless of if you booked a whale watching tour or not.
To increase your chances of successful whale watching while on board, hang out on one of the cruise ship’s many open-air decks—some would say the best way to see Alaska and its surreal beauty. Therefore, the best time to cruise to Alaska to see whales is any time throughout the cruise season. These vessels may not stop in local ports, instead anchoring at night and offering guests the chance to hike a remote shoreline, whale-watch from a kayak or attend a presentation by indigenous artisans. If any ports are visited, they're likely to be smaller communities like Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg and Yakutat. At the Icy Strait Point port you’ll also find restaurants, nature trails, kayaking, and a beach where you can often spot whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. 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.
They’re not easily spotted like in Seward and some years not many are spotted at all. I’ve personally never seen a whale in Kachemak Bay (we visit each summer) which is likely why there aren’t big whale watching cruises here. Orcas, or killer whales, can be seen in Alaska’s waters throughout the year, but they are most sighted from May to September.
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. If you are doing a one way cruise to or from Alaska, consider a whale watching tour in Seward before or after the cruise. This can be a good option for guests interested in other excursions while on the cruise but still wanting to book a whale watching tour before heading home.
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