Table Of Content
Belugas travel in herds of up to 1,000 and are best known as being incredibly vocal. They are also unique in that they can swim into freshwater areas like rivers. However, they often travel in bigger, open waters so it’s less common to see them near shore.
Best Alaska cruise lines
The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest. During the Alaska cruise season (May-September) Icy Strait Point has temperatures ranging from in the mid-50s to the mid-60s (Fahrenheit). The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway.
How can I choose a responsible whale watching company in Alaska?
It’s important to note that while the months highlighted above are considered the best for whale watching, sightings can never be guaranteed. Whales are wild animals, and their behavior can be influenced by various factors. However, by choosing to cruise during these months, you maximize your chances of witnessing these incredible creatures in all their glory. Not only is the weather better, you get more hours in the day in the late summer. While daylight hours begin declining in September, they’re near their peak in mid-summer.
Trip Planning Help
Trips to shore rarely involve large port cities except for embarking and disembarking – instead, they drop kayaks in the water from the ship or use a rubber skiff to reach a deserted shoreline for a hike. The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell or Haines. Try the salmon chowder, halibut sandwich, salmon dip, and sangria made with local berries. Seating is limited, so if there are two cruise ships in port, expect a longer wait. The guides will share oral history, storytelling, and songs of the Tlingit people. You also might see whales, sea otters, Dall porpoises, and other marine animals and birds as you glide through the ocean waters.
Explore related stories
Plus, by booking a whale watching tour in your departure port, more time is opened up while in Alaska to book other types of shore excursions. 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! A room in the middle of the ship will move less than one at the front or back, and a stash of anti-nausea medications can offer comfort and relief. You’ll be especially glad you have it with you should you take a small boat excursion to see the whales up close since smaller vessels can get jostled by the waves.
Seasickness medication or remedies
These apex predators roam the waters in search of fish, seals, and other prey. During the summer months, orcas can often be spotted hunting in groups, making for dramatic sightings for cruise passengers. Embark on a breathtaking adventure with a Whale Watching Cruise in Alaska, where the icy waters teem with majestic marine life. Join us as we explore the wonders of Alaska’s pristine wilderness, offering expert tips and insights for an unforgettable cruise experience. Discover the thrill of witnessing magnificent whales in their natural habitat, set against the backdrop of stunning glaciers and rugged coastlines.
Cast a fly or Deep Sea Fish
Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. They can navigate narrower waterways and get closer to shorelines, which allows for enhanced wildlife sightings and access to smaller, off-the-beaten-path ports. Yes, an Alaska cruise can be a fantastic option for families, including those with young children.
You’ll enjoy the opportunity to interact with and support the local Tlingit tribe that runs this port. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn the history of the Tlingit people from a Tlingit guide. Departing from the Adventure Center, you’ll travel through Icy Straits in a traditional dugout canoe.
You can take pictures from viewpoints or hike the 1-mile Hidden Lake Loop Trail. Your SkyGlider pass is good all day, so you can ride up and down at your leisure. There are great chances to spot wildlife here, including Sitka Black Tailed Deer, bald eagles, and whales.
In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares. Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The whales head to Alaska in the warm summer months, mostly between April and September. In the more southern areas of Southeast Alaska, they may even stay until November. Here are some popular excursion ideas for those who want to maximize their chances of seeing whales in the wild, and possibly even more than one kind of species. The best way to ensure you’ll see whale wildlife in action while on a cruise to Alaska is to visit ports of call that are near whale migration paths and feeding zones in the region.
And throughout the summer, different whales head to different areas of the state. The simple answer is that you can see whales all along the coast across Alaska. But considering Alaska has the longest coast in the US with about 34,000 miles of shoreline, here’s a better breakdown. Orcas are apex predators who live in whale pods of dozens of other whales. These orca pods travel to Alaska between May and September, hunting for food using cooperative hunting techniques, similar to a pack of wolves or a pride of lions.
From my experience, I wouldn’t recommend spending my time trying to take a bunch of photos on your iPhone. I don’t often go back and look at these videos and the actual experience gets a bit lost. I also don’t think these photos/videos turn out very good unless you’re really close to a whale. My best tip to see the whales up close is to bring a compact pair of binoculars. The two most common whales are Orcas (killer whales) and humpbacks, both impressive whales to witness. Alaska is big with a lot of different bodies of water surrounding the state.
No comments:
Post a Comment