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If shopping is high on your priority list, you’ll get the best deals — and best finds — the further away you are from the port. The boutiques closest to the ship have high markups and are rarely stocked with a good assortment of local products. You may have other reasons for visiting Alaska outside of whale watching, so you may want to take all that into account. October is one of the wettest months in Alaska, so prepare for low clouds and rain. Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing.
When do cruises go to Alaska?
Their tours are fun, laid-back, and they work hard to ensure you spot whales (even on the glacier focused day cruises). Alaska’s peak whale season is primarily during the summer months, spanning from May to September. During this time, the waters of Alaska become a feeding ground for various species of whales, attracting them in large numbers.
Can you See Whales from Shore?
This is the time of the year where you can see whales migrating around Alaska. No matter where you decide to go whale watching in Alaska it’s going to be very beautiful! There are so many different landscapes to see, from the beautiful coastlines and forests to the insane amount of glaciers.
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On the way, the catamaran will navigate through the waters of Sitka Sound, where you’ll have multiple opportunities to see whales, brown bears, and sea otters. Some excursions are even guided by a naturalist photographer, who will be on hand to give out tips and help you frame the best shots when photographing Alaska. If you’re looking to spot a more diverse amount of species, take an excursion along Stephen’s Passage and Auke Bay for whale watching and the chance to see frolicking seals and soaring bald eagles, too. While in Icy Strait Point, you’ll have the chance to take a shore excursion to Point Adolphus, an active feeding ground and one of the best humpback whale viewing areas in Alaska. Spotting wildlife at Point Adolphus is all but guaranteed, since a large number of whales gather here during the summer to feast on the nutrient-rich water found in the area.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Alaska? It Depends on Your Travel Plans. - AFAR Media
When Is the Best Time to Visit Alaska? It Depends on Your Travel Plans..
Posted: Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The grey whales travel the furthest in general with each migration journey being between 5,000 and 7,000 miles long. Of the eighty plus different whale species, each one has its own pattern of migration. Some species will travel thousands of kilometers every year to find breeding grounds and food. In Alaska, May is generally a settled and dry month with pleasant whether. Making sure your cruise is going as far north as possible will also help you see the elusive blue whale.
Juneau
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. Whales begin their migration from the warm tropical Pacific waters of Mexico and Hawaii in February. They head north at various speeds—gray whales usually come first, arriving in Alaska in April. June and July are prime-time for spotting humpback whales in Alaska and orca whales are frequently seen in May and June. From May all the way through September, all these species, as well as blue whales, minke whales and beluga whales can be spotted along coastal Alaska. These months coincide with their feeding season, as humpback whales migrate to Alaska’s nutrient-rich waters to feed on krill and small fish.
Keep your ears open for announcements on the ship’s loudspeakers, as they’ll often alert passengers if a whale has been spotted and will even let you know what side of the ship you’ll be able to see it. Look to shoulder season sailingsNot only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call. Icy Strait Point is a unique Alaskan port with many adventurous and culturally rich excursion opportunities.
The Best Months For An Alaska Cruise For Low Prices
However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. Different whales come to Alaska at different times throughout the summer. Humpbacks can be found all around the coastal waters from May to September.
Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska. Follow me as I explore my own backyard and destinations around the globe. For capturing close ups, a good camera with a long lens will get the best photos.
These cream-colored, smiley whales are not only conventionally the cutest, but also the best singers—the belugas’ vocal range has earned them the nickname "canaries of the sea." Imagine three school buses, all lined up—that’s the length of a blue whale. As big and glorious as they are, it’s rare to spot blue whales while whale watching in Alaska. It’s common for whale watching excursion providers to offer a guaranteed whale sighting. If you do not end up seeing a whale, they may offer you a partial cash refund.
Beluga whales are unlikely to be spotted on an Alaska cruise, as they spend their time further north in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Occasionally they may go as far south as Turnagain Arm near Anchorage, but it is highly unlikely you will spot a beluga whale on a typical southeast Alaska cruise itinerary. For the ultimate blend of cost savings and customizations, collaborate with folks you meet on the ship to book a semi-private tour.
This is due to the abundance of food sources, such as krill and small fish, that thrive in the nutrient-rich waters. Get ready to embark on a journey of wonder and discovery as we explore the captivating world of Alaskan whale watching. Alaska has a variety of whales, including humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales (orcas), beluga whales, blue whales, minke whales, bowhead whales, bottlenose whales, fin whales, and sperm whales. Homer is in Kachemak Bay which feeds into the large waters of Cook Inlet. Many whales make their way here each summer including humpbacks, minke, and orcas.
While not focused specifically on whales, the center staff recently rehabbed a baby beluga whale to health and its scientists sometimes study whales. Its displays and habitats open a vivid window (literally) on Alaska’s marine world. While they tend to be less of an issue while you are on a cruise ship on the water, they can be a menace on shore.
Hiking trails and tours also offer a deeper look into the scenic landscapes and historic sites around the area. To be prepared for varying conditions, pack versatile attire and include a lightweight rain jacket in your luggage to ensure your Alaskan cruise is comfortable and enjoyable. An Alaska cruise is an unforgettable experience, especially if you have never had the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of America’s Last Frontier. For these reasons, it’s imperative to get your timing right for your whale watching in Alaska.
There is also a focus on respecting the cultural traditions of destinations through cooperative regenerative tourism that preserves a community's unique history, culture and values. 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. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports.
In the colder, northern waters of Anchorage, beluga whales rule the sea. These smaller whales, about the size of a car, have beautiful white skin that helps you to see them when they’re further offshore. It’s not uncommon for waterfront diners in downtown Anchorage to spot them in the distance. They’re noted for being especially playful, particularly the jaunty babies. Also known as canaries of the sea, belugas love to sing and lucky tourists who take a boat excursion out into their territory might just hear them. The main reason why I recommend June and July as the best months to go whale watching in Alaska is simply for the summer weather!
