Prince william sound in alaska is the summer habitat for gray, humpback and orca whales, making april through september some of the best months to whale watch. Whale watching shore excursions alaska shore tours. The most important region for whale watching in alaska is the southeast around the inside passage with its countless fjords, glaciers, lakes and mountains. The harvest in the nations northernmost community was part of a relatively productive season for alaska s bowhead whaling. They mostly stay in the same area for 15 weeks or more, mostly in glacier bay or icy strait. Various species of whales migrate between the warm coastal waters of mexico and the frigid waters of alaska. Have done two alaska cruises and going back on a third next september. Alaska whale watching glacier cruise departing from anchorage. Humpbacks may be seen at any time of year in alaska, but most animals winter in temperate or tropical waters near mexico, hawaii.
Whales begin their migration from the warm waters of mexico in february arriving in alaska waters in april. The best time to see these majestic marine mammals is from june until august. Some of the whales here stay yearround, but they become especially active during the summer, when they do their feeding. We are all about the dream adventure of a lifetime with whale watch alaska.
Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the north. We hope this website will be a good inspiration for. An alaska cruise vacation will get you front and center to see humpback whales, orcas also known as killer whales, gray whales, and blue whales. Then, after your amazing experience whale watching in juneau alaska, its time to head to majestic mendenhall, the worlds only driveup glacier. International whaling commission regulations grant the community a combined quota of 25. Pdf testosterone trends within and across seasons in male. The whales come up to alaska in the spring to feed and then head south around october and stay down by hawaii for the summer. Committed to our community, we take pride in our services and our vast knowledge of the local waters. Captains bixler and krystin mcclure will help your small group plan an outing catered to your preferences.
From juneau to kodiak, these whale watching areas are popular among tourist and residents alike. June, july and august are great months for viewing orca whales particularly out of resurrection bay in seward, alaska. Juneau is the best spot for whale watching in alaska. From december to marchapril they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico.
Alaska up to 22 dead gray whales this season with 7 reported over holiday weekend alaskas 16th dead gray whale for 2019 was found stranded at surfers beach on kodiak island. Enjoy gorgeous scenery as you search for humpback and orca whales, then enjoy an allyoucaneat alaskan feast at the gold. Aug 05, 2012 humpback whale season started early for me this year. The hoonah whale season is roughly may to september. Whale watching tour juneau tours and shore excursions. Silence, then a gigantic form breaches the surface. Most species of whale bear a fin on their backs known as a dorsal fin. There are two things you definitely need to experience while youre in juneau. Sep 22, 2016 whaling season 2016 barrow, alaska keep an open mind as you watch the whaling process of the inupiat. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. Whale watching is also popular in southeast alaska so you may want to visit the travel juneau website for additional information about their whale season.
Youll want to bring binoculars, which you can use to spot whales. Upon arrival, you will meet your whale watching cruise excursion captain and staff who will welcome you aboard and give you a quick safety orientation. So, usually when you do an alaska cruise in the summer, youll spot some whales. Several pods of orcas, killer whales, reside in the prince william sound area and humpbacks can be spotted in the western portion midmay through september. See alaskan wildlife on this whalewatching tour in hoonah that takes you out onto the waters of glacier bay and icy strait, where humpback whales arrive each year to feed before heading south for the winter.
Please note that these publications are subject to change without notice. When you book your first tour online, contact us and well apply the discount when you want to book your second and third tours. Killer whales are present in alaska may thru september. Alaskan whales winter makin whoopee in hawaii pretty smart and summer havin babies and eating tons of fresh seafood in alaska. Most humpback whales within the alaskan population are seasonal migrants, moving. Marine mammal viewing alaska department of fish and game. I would recommend a glacier and wildlife day cruise out of seward. The whalewatching season here runs from approximately may to september. Your whale watching juneau adventure begins with convenient pickup near the cruise docks, followed by a 25minute drive through downtown juneau, with narration provided during the journey to introduce you to the sights of alaskas capital city and its rollicking history as a wild frontier mining town. We focus on the most interesting whales to watch, the best countries to meet them and the perfect time to go there. Be sure to check back as we continue to build the website and add more animals to the list. The 10 best alaska whale watching tours book alaskan. From the mighty caribou and the grizzly bears to humpback whale and seals, theres a good chance youll be close to more than one type of wildlife when you visit alaska. The following resources describe the whale sense program requirements that participating companies agree to adhere to during each whale watching season.
An exceptional setting within the protected waters of a single bay on alaskas admiralty island national monument, beautiful late season low angle sunlight, wintry. How can you prepare to see these majestic mammals on an alaskan whale watching tour. Whale sense alaska materials below you will find a number of downloadable resources supporting the whale sense program. Most of our coastal towns feature many excellent tour operators, some of them worldclass with naturalists, refreshments and other amenities on board. In addition, pack a good camera for capturing stunning photos and videos as well. We did see humpbacks in juneau this past aug and then in victoria, we saw tons of orcas. Best places to see whales in alaska and where to see whales in alaska is answered in full. For gray and humpback whale viewing april and may are the best times but they are often seen all summer. Your guide to whale watching in alaska in 2020 scenic states. Summer ice whaling in alaska united states the economist. Seasonal sea ice and arctic migrations of the beluga whale u. Whale watching in alaska is special since you can meet different species of whales here. The most common whales you are likely to see in alaska are orcas, or killer whales and humpbacks.
Two types of killer whales inhabit the gulf of alaska. For gray and humpback whale viewing april and may are. Alaska has resident killer whales and is the destination for migrating whales during the summer. Humpback whales bubble net feeding in alaska tony wu. Hop on board the all season missing lynx and lost lynx, the vessels bound for whatever seward ocean excursion suits your fancy. A journey north of the polar circle, from the largest oilfield in north america to the villages of the last whale hunters of alaska. Alaska s spectacular marine life and one of its best known glaciers all in a half day program on a boat holding a maximum of 40 guests. From juneau to homer, youll find many opportunities to explore the spectacular seascape, from the open ocean to steepsided fjords. Countless whales spend the summer near alaska shores feeding, and views of these mighty mammals are best in the waters near anchorage. Wind through the city with a guide from the area, and hear about the origins of the haidatlingit tribe, the impact of russian, european and american influences, and the gold that shaped the regions past and present. Alaska whale watching juneau 2020 all you need to know. If youre looking for whale watching opportunities during your alaskan cruise, juneau is the place. To learn more about these animals and where to see them, click on the links below. Its pretty muchguaranteed whale watching in alaska.
Marine mammal viewing alaskas marine mammals range from oceandwelling creatures, like whales, to those dependent on the oceans for food, like polar bears. Whale alert is a free iphoneipad application for fishermen, recreational. The whale watching tour doesnt disappoint and puts you up close and personal with all sorts of alaskan wildlife, of course with humpback whales being the focus of this halfday juneau shore excursion. With their fiveyear whaling quota up for renewal this summer, alaska s bowhead subsistence hunters are wrapping up an abundant spring season for the big town of barrow and a few other villages.
Whale migration patterns throughout alaska alaska shore. The 1918 flu pandemic decimated the population and economy of wales. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008. Every year, humpback whales and their calves return to feed on alaskas waters teeming with fish, making juneau a premiere humpback whale watching destination. In fact, the humpback whales are here every year throughout the summer months. The testosterone profile of male humpback whales follows a. Wales became an important whaling center due to its location along whale migratory routes, and it was the regions largest and most prosperous village, with more than 500 residents. In the vast waters that line alaskas coast, an encounter with a whale is likely, if not downright predictable.
Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the longest known maritime migrations. If youre planning on catching some humpback whales during the summer season, then prince. Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. Visit alaska to enjoy a unique whale watching experience during your cruise.
This program is sponsored by noaa fisheries and whale and dolphin conservation, and is celebrating 10 years of promoting responsible whale watching practices. Summertime is the best time for whale watching in alaska because thats usually the peak of the whale migration season. The best time for whale watching in alaska including juneau and seward plus alaska whale watching season and dates is covered in depth. The best and most reliable whale watching really requires going out in a boat. Now lets take a look at some of the top locations for whale watching in alaska. This was our first time to alaska, and whale watching was top on my list of to dos. How to see whales in alaska the best whale watching spots. Captain tobie and guide matt were fun, as excited as we were when whales were spotted, helpful, and made sure we were treated well in all ways. Your experience will be indepth, authentic, genuine and personalized. The humpback whale is a migratory species, spending its summers in temperate and subpolar waters, but mating and calving in tropical and subtropical waters closer to the equator. Alaska whale watching tours is dedicated to providing the best wildlife viewing and whale watching experiences in juneau. Based in anchorage, the alaska tours company offers three, fullday whalewatching cruises that last from six to nine hours.
Between may and september, humpbacks stay in the northern parts of the passage to feed. Instead of heading south in august like i normally do however, i went north in july to alaska, where i had an opportunity to witness and photograph one of the most extraordinary spectacles in the natural world. Whale sense celebrating 10 years of responsible whale. Juneau whale watch all you need to know before you go. Whether you want to go whale watching for orcas, humpbacks, grays or beluga whales, most alaska whale watching tours are just an easy day cruise away. Whaletrips alaska the best tips for whale watching in. I spent quite a few hours outside on sea days and saw lots of whales.
From the remote northernmost town of barrow, to the lush southeast and even near downtown anchorage the states whale watching opportunities are the crowning jewel of many alaska vacations. To todays people, the history of whalehunting has largely been relegated to barbarisms of the past. Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, orcas, belugasall of them inhabit the waters around the state. Major marine tours has been a proud participant of whale sense since 2017, and we are excited to announce that we have completed our training again for the 2019 season. Whether you are visiting alaska on a cruise ship, or traveling on land, there are numerous opportunities to experience the thrill of seeing a whale in person. Orca whales usually pass through the islands in greatest numbers between midmay and midoctober when the salmon runs are strongest, although its possible to spot them through the rest of the year. In the point hope region, spring and summer temperatures have been on a warming trend since the 1980s. When is the best time for whale watching in alaska. Turnagain arm and alaska wildlife tour from anchorage.
Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. For whale watching from the ship you have to be up high and forward so that you can get the best 180 degree or more view. The humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae is a species of baleen whale. During the feeding season, humpbacks make unrelated vocalizations for herding. Want to whale watch, see glaciers, go bird watching or just check out hidden coves. The ad11s have become an easy pod for tour boats to identify, having two. Whale watching in alaska is fun, accessible andexciting. But you could also see whales in the spring and fall. Youll have the best chance of seeing whales if you book a whalewatching expedition between april and september. The san juan islands, located 140 km north of seattle in the heart of salish sea, is the most famous place for orca whale watching.
In the season so far, the crews have landed eight whales and struck and lost ten. A summer whale watching trip in southeastern alaska will give you lifelong memories of wildlife encounters. Blues and minke whales also feed in prince william sound during the summer. Naturally, inquiring minds want to know about the exciting arrival of the humpback whales. And it has orcas, gray whales and humpbacks along with rainforests full of bears and cougars.
Best time to see whales in alaska whale watch juneau. Whaling season 2016 barrow, alaska keep an open mind as you watch the whaling process of the inupiat. Whale sense celebrating 10 years of responsible whale watching. Jul 11, 2017 humpback whales watching in auke bay near juneau. What type of whale youll see depends on what region of alaska youre sailing through, while the number of whales you may encounter largely. Whale watching cruises in anchorage, alaska usa today. In northern alaska, spring whaling season yields estimated. Whale sense is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies in the us atlantic and alaska. Alaska whale watching tours best in seward, whittier. I was just wondering if i were going to try and find a cruise to alaska it would have to be during whale season. Point hope, the village caught between tradition and climate change. From the boat, you may also spot orcas, seals, and sea otters.
Best time to see whales in alaska alaska whale watching. Various species of whales can be seen throughout alaska during the months of may through september. The best time for whale watching in alaska getaway usa. Alaska sea adventures fallwinter whale trips alaska sea. Alaskas spring whaling season a success despite challenging.
Whaling, however, has a long, significant and colourful history in the north, and should not be so casually dismissed. This one was definitely one of the better ones because we were not a full boat again, it was before the start of the tourist season, i felt like we had a lot of personal attention and the crew seemed very relaxed. Whaling in alaska and the yukon by murray lundberg. Many species of whale venture to the rich waters near alaska each summer to feed and provide the opportunity. A whaling season in alaska a deep dive into the lives of the last alaskan whale hunters, and a sensitive look at the harsh changes underway in the arctic.
Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf. Get to know juneau and discover the beauty of mendenhall glacier on this 2. Seasonal presence and potential influence of humpback whales on. May and september are typically less touristy and chillier. Seward spotlight the mmt blog whale sense celebrating 10 years of responsible whale watching. Step into alaska juneau whale watching tours and hiking. When is the hot season for the arrival of humpback whales in juneau, alaska. Alaska up to 22 dead gray whales this season with 7. Unlike whale watching in the open ocean, the waters of juneau alaska are more restricted, which brings the whales closer together.
On average, the humpbacks enjoy a feast of herring a mere 15 to 30 minutes from port, teaching their young to dive and hunt and delight in the cool alaska waters of the inside passage. Although alaska whales generally do not possess hind limbs, some whales such as sperm whales and baleen whales sometimes have rudimentary hind limbs. On any given day trip youll likely see huge rafts of sea otters, horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, humpback whales, or. Alaska whale watching tours whalewatching in alaska. The killer whale orcinus orca is the largest member of the dolphin family and lives in small groups called pods, which are usually made up of family members ranging from juveniles called calves to adult males called bulls. Alaska whales where to see whales in alaska for 2017. This juneau whale watch and glacier tour is an unbelievable way to do both in a single excursion helping keep your alaska shore excursions cheap. Anchorage whale watching deals in anchorage, ak groupon.
Glacier and whale watching cruises to kenai fjords national departing from anchorage, alaska, wildlife viewing, photography and calving tidewater glaciers. Its not all just kangaroos and koalas in australia, but also a great place to meet humpback whales along the east coast. Species profile alaska department of fish and game. Juneau exclusive whale watching excursion juneau excursions. Alaska had the hottest year on record in 2014, and this summers temperatures have been above normal across the state. In alaska you can meet orcas, gray whales and humpbacks. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic. If you find yourself on an alaska cruise, i highly recommend a whale watch. Killer whales of southern alaska north gulf oceanic society.
An exceptional setting within the protected waters of a single bay on alaskas admiralty island national monument, beautiful late season low angle sunlight, wintry mountain backdrops, and an amazing gathering of humpback whales all combine to create an opportunity. The highlight was seeing the humpbacks lunge feeding. Alaska whale watching includes where to see whales in alaska. This combo is the best way to make the most of your day in juneau.
Whale watching in alaska many species of cetaceans, whales, dolphins, and porpoise, inhabit or migrate through alaskan waters. We specialize in the finest juneau whale watching and hiking shore excursions and can arrange custom trips by land and sea for families or groups seeking private wilderness experiences. The oil giant shell is preparing to drill for the first time in the arctic ocean off the shore of alaska, promising to manage the risk of a spill. The where and when of the best time to see whales in alaska. Explore the waters around juneau aboard a scenic cruise. In return, companies are allowed to use the current year whale sense logo in their advertisements, and are recognized as members of the whale sense program. Such seasonal phases of sea ice breakup in the spring and sea ice freezeup in the fall govern the accessibility and productivity of alaskas arctic. With we try to inspire and give you the best information about whale watching. The inupiat hunt whales for subsistence, the same way their ancestors did centuries ago. A whale watching cruise in alaska is an incredible way to see some of the worlds largest mammals. All our cruises have been the last ones of the season so late in september. Travel alaska recommends spring whale watching, too. Alaskas seafoodrich waters are the summer home of many different kinds of whales.
See alaskan wildlife on this whale watching tour in hoonah that takes you out onto the waters of glacier bay and icy strait, where humpback whales arrive each year to feed before heading south for the winter. May 09, 2016 i have been on six other whale watching trips and this was the first time i actually saw a whale. You can enjoy marine wildlife with whale watching from seward in kenai fjords national park. Alaska whale watching tours alaska shore excursions. Sep 28, 2016 alaska s spring whaling season a success despite challenging sea ice. This familyrun company operating out of valdez will show you the best glaciers, with great customer service along the way. While out on the water, there is no doubt that youll see humpback whales this is the time of year they travel to alaska to feed on thousands of pounds of krill a day. If we can spend more time on the water then we will. Whale watching and wildlife tours with wild alaska point adolphus in southeast alaska near the glacier bay national park and preserve, gustavus, alaska is one of the best spots in the world to enjoy viewing humpback whales. The 10 best alaska whale watching tours book alaskan excursions. During the whaling season, which usually begins in april and lasts until june, 10 of them will hunt. Fallwinter whale expeditions join us for a unique and remarkable alaska whales in fallwinter photography adventure.
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