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Humpbacks can be spotted slapping their tails and even breaching out of the water, and are the most acrobatic of the whales. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy. If you want to spot herds of caribou, book an Alaska cruise that puts you in range of Denali National Park.
Woodinville Getaway: Pair Wine with Adventure
Secondly, choosing an independent tour provider at Canadian stops can be especially advantageous as they’re priced in Canadian dollars. Add in a few cocktails and lattes and you’re looking at a bill which averages $100 a day — before excursions. To mitigate the costs, consider picking up your own bottle of wine from a supermarket while on shore and packing a travel-friendly French press-style coffee thermos and gourmet grinds.
Orcas or Killer Whales
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge sets sail for the first time in Alaska this year and has four six- and seven-night itineraries in September, starting at $599 per person. For a cruise-tour option, Princess’ 12-day Denali Explorer itinerary blends five days on land with a weeklong cruise with mini-suite rates from $4,008 per person. The good news is that no matter which month you choose, your Alaskan cruise will reward you with incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime. September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals.
Guide To Taking The Best Shore Excursions In Sitka In 2024
The flukes, or tails, of humpbacks have distinct patterns that make it possible to identify individual whales. Icy Strait Point also provides a wonderful opportunity to see Freddy, a local favorite and one of Alaska’s most famous humpback whales. Unlike other whales that migrate south in the winter, Freddy stays in the bay by Icy Strait Point year round.
Seward: A Gateway to Marine Diversity and Nature’s Whims
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. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first cruise, our guide will help you make the most of your Alaskan adventure. While the tourism season in Alaska doesn’t really kick in until June, many small cruise ships start running tours in May.
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]
Some whales are in Alaska year-round, while others migrate to the state during summer months. The top destination for whale watching in Southcentral Alaska is Seward. Day cruises from Seward explore the beautiful, rugged coastline of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Half-day and full-day cruise options are available, with longer cruises traveling into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park to view massive tidewater glaciers. Humpbacks can be seen in the area from April through October with peak viewing time from May through August. Orcas are also commonly seen any time of year, with peak viewing time from May through June.
Travelers on an Alaskan cruise may spot minke whales surfacing to breathe or diving gracefully beneath the surface. Alaska’s waters are home to several species of whales, each with its own unique characteristics and seasonal presence. For whale watching on glacier sea days, it can be best to have binoculars. Even when the daytime temperatures are well above freezing, nighttime temperatures can dip below 32 °F, even in the summer. This is why you must pack for all weather conditions if you plan an Alaska cruise.
Alaska Cruise in June: See the Sights on an Alaska Summer Cruise
The best places to go whale watching in Alaska are from coastal communities in the Southcentral and Inside Passage regions, and from Kodiak in the Southwest region. Follow me as I explore my own backyard and destinations around the globe. Overall, the best locations for almost guaranteed whale sightings are out of Seward and Juneau. 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. There is nothing more exciting in this world than watching whales in their natural habitat.
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. Whichever camera you bring, though, remember to spend some time away from the lens and view whales without the use of a screen or camera viewfinder. While capturing photos is something you may value, it’s just as important to spend time during the excursion away from your electronics.
However, to maximize your chances of encountering these gentle giants, it is essential to time your cruise correctly and understand the factors that affect whale sightings. As the start of the whale watching season, May tends to be a dry month in Alaska, meaning the weather is pleasant and not too cold. Furthermore, fewer crowds mean a better chance to get close to whales and secure cruises at more favorable rates. For an unparalleled Alaskan experience in Juneau, we can’t recommend the Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour highly enough. After being warmly greeted at Juneau’s main cruise terminal, you’ll be whisked away to the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier for a 45-minute self-guided exploration. A cruise to Alaska is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe.
Packing-wise, you’ll still want to bring a raincoat, but you can probably leave your winter coat home if you are cruising in June. Rainfall slows down a bit in June, with about 13 days of the month having some precipitation. There are exciting marine animals that you can see this early in the Alaskan springtime.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Cruise Critic
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The tours are mainly focused on seeing glaciers, which are incredible to see regardless! One of my favorite places to see beluga whales is while driving along Turnagain Arm. Beluga Point is a popular spot to stop on the Seward Highway and it’s only a 45-minute drive from Anchorage. I highly recommend driving this road anyways because it’s absolutely beautiful. 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.
Alaska boasts over 2,000 miles of coastline along the North Pacific, creating a vast marine playground for various species of whales. The state’s waters are part of the larger Alaska Current, a nutrient-rich flow that serves as a feeding ground for marine life. This makes Alaska a veritable buffet for whales, attracting them in large numbers. When traveling from Vancouver in the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska, the waters are mostly protected and provide smooth sailing. If ports include Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, cruise ships must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which has notoriously rougher waters.
