Regardless of whether or not you want to see whales on an Alaskan cruise, you’ll find that there are several different options available to you. These options include Orcas, Humpback whales, and Minke whales.
Humpback whales
During your whale watching excursion, you will find several whale species, most notably humpback whales. These whales are the largest members of the dolphin family. They are known for their song-like sounds and breaching.
These whales are often found in the waters of Alaska, where they feed on crustaceans and small fish. They can be found in Alaska’s waters year round, but peak sightings are in the summer months. During your cruise, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as whale watching, kayaking and naturalist tours.
During the summer, humpback whales migrate from Hawaii to Alaska for food. They are able to find plenty of food in Alaska’s nutrient rich water. After their feeding, humpback whales head back to Southcentral Alaska.
They travel in groups called pods. There are three types of pods: resident, transient and noisy. Each pod targets fish and other marine mammals.
Humpback whales can be seen throughout the state. Some of the best areas to see them are Frederick Sound and Point Adolphus. A naturalist will provide fun facts about these majestic whales.
You can also find fin and minke whales in the waters of Alaska. These whales can be spotted in the Gulf of Alaska during July and August. These whales are large, with a fluke tail that can reach 15 feet.
Some whale-watching excursions offer refreshments and naturalists. These boats can accommodate up to 100 passengers. It is also a good idea to pack light weight stocking caps to protect your face from rain.
Humpback whales can be found in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska, close to Anchorage. They are not as easily spotted as minke and beluga whales. They are shy creatures.
Orcas
Taking a whale watching cruise is a great way to see Alaska’s natural splendor. There are a lot of advantages to doing a whale watch on a small ship, compared to a day tour.
You’ll find whales in many places in Alaska, but the best locations are those closest to their migration routes. This means you’ll have an excellent chance to see them. The best time to view orcas is during the months of May and June.
Orcas are one of the largest members of the dolphin family, weighing in at over thirteen thousand pounds. They are known for their tall black tails and white belly. These whales travel in groups called pods, and have distinct calls. They also communicate by whistles and clicks.
There are three types of orca pods, each with their own unique behaviors. These include the offshore orcas, the resident orcas, and the open ocean orcas. The open ocean orcas spend most of their time out of sight. The most impressive of the three are the offshore orcas, which can be found in the Beaufort Sea.
Orcas are considered to be the most intelligent of the oceanic mammals, as they are able to learn how to hunt and then pass on their skills to their offspring. Orcas can stay up to a hundred miles away from shore, traveling up to 100 miles per day.
Orcas are often spotted on an Alaskan cruise. They tend to travel in large groups, and are known for their impressive jumping abilities. They also have a dorsal fin that can reach six feet in the largest males.
There are a number of whale watching excursions you can book from Juneau. Westwards Cruises offers a 10-day cruise that visits many scenic anchorages, including those near glaciers.
Minke whales
During an Alaskan cruise you are sure to see humpback and fin whales, but you are also likely to see minke whales. These whales are the most common baleen whales in Alaska. They are found throughout the North Pacific and north Atlantic ocean basins.
These whales are generally solitary, but they do sometimes congregate in feeding pods. These whales feed on krill and schooling fish. In addition, they sometimes breach the surface. When they do, they can be quite noisy. They often make vocalizations that sound as loud as jet planes.
These whales have the largest population of any whale species. Some populations are migratory, while others stay local. Most common in the Aleutian chain, but they can also be seen in the Gulf of Alaska.
In the Pacific, Minke whales feed on krill and other small fish. They are the smallest baleen whales in the world. They are considered too fast for whale hunters to capture. However, there are some populations that still undergo annual hunts.
There are two subspecies of the common minke whale. The southern populations are more diversified, and they feed on plankton and other small schooling fish. The northern populations are mainly krill eaters.
In the north Pacific, the minke whale is the only whale species that migrates in the winter. It is also the most commonly harvested baleen whale in the world. The average length of the Minke Whale is about 27 feet, but some individuals can reach up to 35 feet. They are the smallest baleen rorqual whales.
Female minke whales ovulate twice a year. They become sexually mature at about six years of age. They give birth to one calf each year. The newborn calf weighs around 1,000 pounds and remains with the mother for about five to six months.
Flexible itineraries
Seeing whales on an Alaskan cruise is one of the joys of the trip. Depending on the ship and port, you can find whales on almost any itinerary. However, certain times of the year are better for viewing certain types of whales.
Orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales are all common on an Alaskan cruise. Orcas live in family pods and feed on salmon through the fall. They usually migrate to southern waters of the Pacific Ocean during winter. They also travel to the Turnagain Arm near Anchorage during the summer.
When traveling on an Alaskan cruise, it’s important to find a ship that has expert whale spotters. Smaller cruise ships can provide more flexibility in viewing whales. They can reach whales that larger cruise ships can’t, and can share intel with other boats.
When planning your vacation, it’s best to take into account your budget and your desire to see whales. In some cases, you may not be able to afford a day tour in Vancouver or Seattle. But if you want to view the whales in an intimate setting, booking an overnight Alaskan small ship cruise is the way to go.
If you do happen to encounter a whale during your stay, it’s always best to have a naturalist on board to explain what you are seeing. Often, they will also answer your questions. Some tours even have an onboard photographer who can give you tips on photographing the wildlife.
In Alaska, whales feed until late fall. Many cruise ships stop to view whales while sailing through the Inside Passage. A captain may even make a stop for a half hour or two, if the whale sightings are good.
Cost
Seeing whales on an Alaskan cruise is a great way to experience the wilderness of Alaska. There are many types of whales that can be seen in the area. Some of the most common include orcas, gray whales and humpbacks.
Aside from seeing whales, you may also see other wildlife on your trip. Some of the best places to see whales are in the area around Point Adolphus. The Mendenhall Glacier is a great spot for viewing wildlife as well.
While the best time to see whales in Alaska is in the summer, you can still have a whale sighting on your way to or from the state. You may even get lucky and see a few while paddling or kayaking.
The most common whales to be seen in Alaska are humpbacks and killer whales. These whales can reach up to 40 feet in length. They are large and can live for decades.
The most expensive way to view whales in the area is to take a whale watching excursion. There are a number of tours that offer this experience. However, most are limited to whales that are close to shore.
A better choice is to take an overnight small ship cruise. These vessels are designed for the waters of Alaska and are more likely to encounter whales than larger vessels. Some of these ships have inflatable crafts that can be used to get closer to whales.
You should also be sure to pack the appropriate clothing. A waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes are a must. You should also take a telephoto lens. You should also bring a light stocking cap with a built-in visor.
Another way to see whales is by taking a tour of the Alaskan Railroad. The Coastal Classic Train is a four-hour ride from Anchorage to Seward.
