Whales are an integral part of Alaska’s coastal ecosystem, making it a popular destination for whale watching tours. The best time to see them depends on the species you hope to spot, but it all starts with choosing a cruise that has the right whale-watching locations and timing for you.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit whale watching places close to juneau Alaska. This is when the whales come back to Alaska to eat after spending the winter in warmer waters off of Hawaii, Baja California, Mexico and Central America.
Humpback whales are a common sight along the coast in southeast Alaska during this time of year. These colossal animals, some measuring up to 29 tons, are hungry and need to store up on an abundance of fish and krill before they migrate up north in the fall.
Whether you’re on a whale watching cruise or hoping to spot them from shore, these awe-inspiring marine mammals will make your trip unforgettable! If you want to see the biggest and most amazing of them, it’s worth looking into a whale-watching excursion in Juneau.
This port city is surrounded by multiple deep waterways and numerous islands, making it a prime spot for spotting whales. Whether you opt for a tour that stops in Auke Bay, or the more popular Lynn Channel and Gastineau Channel, you’re bound to get an up close look at these majestic creatures as they feast on a sea full of tasty catches.
You’ll also be treated to a glimpse of glistening glaciers against a backdrop of breathtaking sawtooth-peaked mountains when you visit the city in spring. If you’re willing to go a bit further, take a flight or ferry to Icy Strait in the northwest corner of the state.
In addition to the humpbacks, you’ll be able to catch sight of blue whales, sperm whales, minke whales, and fin whales. They’re primarily found in the Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska, though they can be seen in other areas as well.
If you’re looking to see a smaller whale, Belugas are another good bet. You’ll often see these migratory white whales swimming in Cook Inlet near Turnagain Arm during salmon runs. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to listen to their unique vocalizations as they swim past.
While these elusive animals live in deep water thousands of meters below the surface, you’ll find them swimming in the open ocean during the summer months. You’ll also likely be able to watch them bubble-net feed, as they use their enormous mouths to create a fence of air bubbles that entices and confuses fish. This is a highly synchronized, incredibly complex activity that shows the depth of these smart whales’ intelligence.
Summer
During the summer, Alaska’s waters are packed with whale activity. Thousands of whales travel from the warm waters of Hawaii and Mexico to feed in our rich, nutrient-rich marine waters. This includes humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales, orcas, and others.
One of the most popular ways to see whales in Alaska is by taking a boat tour. Often, this is done on small-ship cruises that allow travelers to get up close and personal with the animals.
The best time to take a cruise is during the summer, when whales are most active in the area. However, it’s not impossible to see whales at any point of the year, especially if you’re on a smaller ship that can get into the heart of the action.
Juneau is home to many different kinds of whales, but humpbacks are among the most common in this region. These humpbacks are known for their long migrations from their winter homes in the southern Pacific to their summer feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska.
A whale-watching adventure is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re standing on the bow of the vessel watching a pod of whales in the distance or you’re snapping photos from the sidelines, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these incredible mammals in their natural habitat.
When you’re whale-watching, it’s important to be patient and to be aware of your surroundings. You may have to wait a few minutes for the whales to come out of the water, and it’s also possible that you won’t see anything until they dive down deep again.
You may also find that the whales are swimming near the surface of the water, so you may have to look closely to spot them. The best places to view these animals are the waters in and around Anchorage, especially Turnagain Arm.
Another whale that is easy to spot in the waters of Cook Inlet is the Beluga whale, which is found in small groups. They’re commonly seen during the mid-summer months to the end of August.
Sperm whales are a rare sight in the Gulf of Alaska, but they can be spotted in July and August on the northern and eastern parts of the Gulf. These toothed whales consume a variety of sea creatures, including squid and fish.
Fall
Fall is the time of year when many different species of whales migrate to Alaska. It is the perfect time to see Humpback, Gray, Orca, Blue, and Fin whales.
Spring & Summer:
During the summer months, humpback whales travel from Hawaii and Baja, Mexico to their breeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. They spend their summer feeding in the rich waters of this area before returning to the colder northern waters in late October.
A cruise aboard a whale watching boat is the best way to increase your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures. Tours are available from Ketchikan, Sitka, or Kodiak.
The crew onboard these vessels will be happy to provide you with information about the local pods and how to spot them. They will also give you tips to make your whale watching experience more successful.
You should also bring a pair of binoculars or other optics that you can use for close-up viewing. Depending on the boat you choose, you may need to wear a life jacket or other protective gear.
Orca whales can be spotted year-round in Alaska’s rich waters. These whales travel in pods of 4 to 7 and are very active during the salmon run. They also frequently scavenge for prey like octopus and sea lions.
These large whales can be seen from shore, though they are primarily spotted during whale watching tours. They can be elusive, but if you are lucky enough to catch sight of one, it will be an unforgettable moment!
In September, many of these whales will be passing through the Kenai Fjords on their way north. This is a great time to take a full-day whale watching cruise in the Kenai Fjords National Park to maximize your chances of spotting them!
If you’re interested in a more relaxed experience, try an early-morning or mid-afternoon tour. This gives you more time to explore the waters, and the chance of seeing a more active population of whales.
During this time, you will likely encounter humpbacks bubble-net feeding. This is a highly coordinated activity that reveals the whales’ intelligence and sense of teamwork.
Winter
There are several different species of whales that call Alaska their home and the best time to see them is usually between April and September. However, you may be able to see them at any time during the year.
Humpback whales are the most commonly seen in Alaska’s waters, but you’ll also spot Gray, Fin, Minke and Blue whales, as well as Orcas. Some of these whales, like humpbacks and orcas, migrate from their winter feeding grounds in the warmer waters of Hawaii, Mexico and Central America to the waters of Alaska during the spring.
The best place to watch them is in the Inside Passage, where you’ll likely find a number of tour operators. The fjords and channels of southeast Alaska are the perfect habitat for these colossal creatures, who come to gorge on krill and fish in summer.
Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward is another popular spot for whale watching. It’s a beautiful, protected bay that attracts whales and other wildlife all year long.
It’s a good idea to pack some sunscreen, rain gear and a snack or beverage in case it isn’t sunny when you set off on your tour. Depending on where you go, the summer season can be very hot and humid in Alaska, so make sure to pack plenty of layers.
You’ll also want to bring binoculars or a telescoping camera, which will help you identify the different whales you see. While you’re on the water, you can also enjoy some breathtaking views of mountains and coastline.
During this time of year, orcas are spotted more frequently in southeast Alaska, particularly around Resurrection Bay, and along the coast of Ketchikan and Petersburg. Orcas typically arrive in this area during mid-May when the salmon return to spawn, though they can be seen throughout the summer months as well.
Other notable whale species include Belugas, which can be spotted along the Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm in the spring and summer months. They tend to be seen in a group and are incredibly photogenic, especially if they have been circling the coast for some time. Finally, you’ll be able to see some of the smaller species of whales, including Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoises and Harbor porpoises, during this time of year.
