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This area is a fantastic place to spot whales, so if you’re planning a cruise, you can see a variety of whales here. On occasion you can also see minke, sperm, and even blue whales, the largest animal on Earth. 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. They’re not easily spotted like in Seward and some years not many are spotted at all. I’ve personally never seen a whale in Kachemak Bay (we visit each summer) which is likely why there aren’t big whale watching cruises here.
Variety of Whale Species
I’ve been on multiple whale watching cruises in the area as well as a sailing trip to Thumb Cove with my friends and I’ve always seen whales. Another benefit of being in Alaska during this time is the amount of daylight. As it nears summer solstice in June, you’re going to see nearly 24 hours of daylight in Anchorage!
This Is What To Expect On A Whale Watching Cruise In Alaska
To enhance your experience when spotting for whales on an Alaskan cruise, packing polarized sunglasses and binoculars is a must. Polarized sunglasses can reduce the glare on the water, making it easier to spot whales. But it's not just whales that you'll see on these tours; expect to also spot seals, sea lions, and dolphins as they go about their daily routines.
Whale Watching In June
As August winds down, fall colors explode across the mountains, giving you gorgeous landscapes to explore by ship, train and foot. Cruise bookings can be difficult to come by in July, but with some careful planning ahead, you can secure cabins on either large or small ships. Fortunately, you don’t need to sweat too hard about that last one as there’s no bad month to do an Alaska cruise. Although the weather will likely include more rain, you have a better chance of viewing the Northern Lights, which might outweigh this drawback. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast. Cruising in September will give you the highest chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis on an Alaskan cruise.
Whale Watching In The Morning vs Afternoon
In fact, it was pretty warm the day we were seeking out the best Juneau breweries. Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots. 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.
Whale watching in your cruise departure port
Interestingly, they have a unique vocalization that can be heard for miles used for communication and mating purposes- an unforgettable experience when spotted during your cruise trip. Now that you know all about the best time to cruise to Alaska to see whales, don’t wait a minute longer and start planning your Alaskan vacation now. For those planning on going on an Alaska cruise soon, there are some important tips to make sure your whale watching experience is as memorable and exciting as possible. From how to increase your chances of spotting wildlife to what to pack in your suitcase, here’s everything you should know before heading off on your journey through the Last Frontier. I’ve lived in Alaska for well over 25 years and every single year I take at least one whale watching cruise.
Whether you spot humpback whales breaching, orcas swimming in pods, or gray whales gracefully migrating, witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is sure to leave you in awe. The Yukon, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park — Alaskan cruises offer direct access to the last American frontier. If you’re a first-time visitor, the vast tundra and glaciers of Alaska can feel intimidating. After all, in addition to figuring out how to respond if you encounter a moose, you’re also worried about the weather and which month would be best to plan your trip. While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed.
Are the seas rough on an Alaskan cruise?
A true fan favorite of the west coast of North America, these ridged sweethearts of the deep love to frolic in the Alaskan waters. They tend to make the northern part of the Gulf of Alaska their summer home. There is more narrowing down that we can do to have a better chance of you catching that perfect shot of your beloved whale. Planning your perfect Alaskan cruise would be best suited sometime between May and September.
Hatcher Pass typically opens up in July, depending on the specific Hatcher Pass weather conditions. Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line. If you want to spot herds of caribou, book an Alaska cruise that puts you in range of Denali National Park. And with salmon runs in full force, you can catch fishing bears in the southeast.
It’s a rare tour and a rare tourist who ventures to the remote Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi Seas. Bordering the north and northwest shores of Alaska, these frigid waters separate Alaska from Russia. The mighty gray whales call these unforgiving waters their home, but thankfully for visitors, they enjoy staying close to shore.
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go - USA TODAY
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go.
Posted: Sat, 27 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The best tour companies include Major Marine (my personal favorite) and Kenai Fjords tours. One of the most common areas to see whales is along the Inside Passage. Since this is a very concentrated area of whales, Southeast Alaska offers the best whale watching in Alaska. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. It’s common for whale watching excursion providers to offer a guaranteed whale sighting.
Make the short journey to Auke Bay to begin your quest to find humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, and harbor seals. The sea creatures steal the spotlight, but you could also spot brown bears and bald eagles. Juneau Whale Watch also has the option of combining a detour to the mighty Mendenhall Glacier as you search for whales. Alaska whale watching season stretches from May-September, and this parallels the whale migration to Alaskan waters.
The Alaska cruise season winds down in October, with only a few ships setting sail. Just as in April and May, you’ll likely have the water to yourself, and even fewer people in the ports you call upon. Along with cooler weather, you’ll also find lower fares that will please your bank account. In the past thirty years, the level of formality has dropped significantly on cruise ships and there is no need to pack a ball gown or tuxedo. However, many ships host a night or two on which fancier attire would be appropriate.
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