Where To See Whales In Alaska?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Gustavus, AK. Gustavus, a tiny hamlet near the northern boundary of the Inside Passage, lies next to the inlet into Glacier Bay, a national park and protected waterway. …
  2. Icy Strait Point. …
  3. Juneau, AK. …
  4. Sitka, AK. …
  5. Wrangell, AK. …
  6. Petersburg, AK. …
  7. Ketchikan, AK.

What is the best month for whale watching in Alaska?

The best time to whale watch is from

April to November

, when approximately 600 humpbacks inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Whale watching tours are offered in Juneau and near Glacier Bay.

Where can we see whales in Alaska?

One of the most reliable spots for successful whale watching is

Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park

, near the bustling port of Seward. Boasting a rich marine ecosystem, the stunning protected bay offers exceptional whale watching.

Can you see whales from shore in Alaska?

Whether you are taking a whale watching boat tour or hoping to catch sight of a whale from a viewpoint on shore,

there are plenty of whale watching opportunities in Alaska

. While some whales can be seen year-round such as Orcas, many migrate north to Alaska from warmer areas during the spring and return in the fall.

Can you see narwhals in Alaska?


Most sightings of narwhals in Alaska are east of Point Barrow

. In summer they prefer deep coastal waters for calving and feeding, and transition in the fall/winter to waters ranging from 1000 meters to 5000 meters (over 3 miles!) deep.

Is whale watching better in Juneau or Icy Strait?


The best place for whale watching in Alaska is Juneau

, because there are so many whales that seeing whales on your excursion is guaranteed. Icy Strait is also very good for whale watching, but there are no guarantees for this port (though most tours do see whales.)

Can you see whales from cruise ships in Alaska?

Therefore,

the best time to cruise to Alaska to see whales is any time throughout the cruise season

. However, there are certain months when you’re more likely to see certain species of whales than others. Humpback whales tend to be more visible in the months of June and July.

Can you see orcas in Alaska?


Killer whales can be seen in southeast Alaska between early May and early June with whales more sporadically spotted in June through September

. They can be seen in the waters of Resurrection Bay, near Seward, as well as throughout Southeast Alaska, with the largest abundance found near Juneau and Ketchikan.

Can you see whales in Anchorage Alaska?

The best time to see whales in the waters around Anchorage, Alaska, is

between April and October

. A few Anchorage tour companies offer whale watching excursions via boat or sea kayaks.

What time of year can you see whales in Alaska?

Gray whales return to Alaska the first week of March. From

April through September

is prime whale watching for most species.

When can you see narwhals in Alaska?

The months of

May and June

are the best time to see narwhal as they swim close to the floe edge.

Where can I see beluga whales in Anchorage?

The best spots for beluga include

turnouts alongside the Seward Highway, Bird Point and – of course – Beluga Point

. Fin, minke, humpback, gray, and orca whales are among the dozen species that ply the rich waters of Prince William Sound and the waters outside Resurrection Bay.

What is the best port for whale watching in Alaska?

The best port for whale watching is

Juneau

. There are so many whales, that seeing whales on your excursion is guaranteed. Icy Strait also has abundant whales. You may also see whales on excursions from Seward, via Ressurection Bay or Kenai Fjords.

Can you whale watch in Fairbanks Alaska?

Alaska Saltwater Small Group Tours


Alaska Saltwater’s small-group whale watching, wildlife, and glacier tours offer daily excursions into the pristine Kenai Fjord National Park

.

When can you see beluga whales in Alaska?

Belugas are often seen from

mid-July through August

when salmon are running in Cook Inlet where their numbers have hovered between 300 to 375 whales since 2000. Belugas use sonar to find their way and catch fish in the silty waters of the inlet. Belugas are predators and also prey.

Can you swim with narwhals?

While viewing narwhal in the wild is incredible on its own,

swimming with narwhal is a bucket list experience many travellers can only dream of

.

Is there a narwhal in captivity?

Where can I see a live narwhal?

In spring and summer, chances to meet narwhals are best

along the coast of Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet or Resolute Bay in arctic Canada and in Thule in the north of Greenland as well as Umanak and Qeqertarsuaq in the west of Greenland

. Visiting these places is like going on an expedition, though.

Where can I see blue whales?

The only place to see them is in the wild. And

Dana Point, California

, is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. During the summer months there are more blue whales off our coast than anywhere else in the world. Blue whale watching in Southern California is typically May through October.

When can you see humpback whales in Alaska?

Humpback whales are found in the Barren Islands between Homer and Kodiak in summer.

June and July

are the best months to see them feed by bubble-netting where a group of whales will blow a net of bubbles to surround and confuse their prey then swim through the center, jaws wide, to scoop up the food.

How do you spot a whale?


Look close to shore, and look out across the horizon. Watch for anything that breaks the surface of the water. Look for boats, especially if they are stopped

. Sometimes the best way to find marine mammals is to find the other people who are watching them.

How long does it take to cruise to Alaska from Seattle?

On round-trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska, you’ll spend

seven days

visiting ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway and sailing through the stunning Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle.

What is the best month to take an Alaskan cruise?

While the state is beautiful during any season, the best time to cruise Alaska is

between May and September

. Between these months, there is an average of zero inches of snowfall in Juneau and Anchorage. The days are longer than they are in the winter, and there’s usually much more to do.

What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska?


May or September

The very beginning and very end of the Alaska cruise season typically sees the lowest prices for Alaska cruises. Generally speaking, May and September have the coldest temperatures of the Alaska cruise season, and it is also the time of year when school is still in session.

When can you see whales in Kenai Fjords National Park?

Kenai Fjords National Park offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in Alaska. Whales can be seen in the area year-round, but the best time for whale watching is

March through October

.

Are there sperm whales in Alaska?

They tend to not come in shallower than 150 or 200 fathoms of water and are seen rarely in nearshore waters or the waters of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. However,

in the past 30 years there have been changes regarding sperm whales in the Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage

.

Can you swim with orcas in Alaska?

This area also frequently has some larger visitors, including killer whales! Many people don’t realize this, but

the diving and snorkeling in southeast Alaska is considered world class

! The variety of marine life and the clear waters provide an incredible experience.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.