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In Icy Strait Point, guests can book a kayaking excursion that brings them on a tour through the waters of Port Frederick. This is a route commonly followed by humpback or killer whales, so passengers will have a chance of spotting whales while on a kayak. The fall salmon run also attracts bears and other predatory species to the rivers and shorelines, making viewing them from a cruise ship deck much easier. Humpback whales, orcas, seals, and other marine species are also more active during these months. In this post, I share a month-by-month guide about the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise. I’ve included tips on the weather, wildlife, daylight, and the general experience you’ll have each month of the Alaska cruise season to determine when to set sail for the 49th state.
Whale Watching Tips during an Alaskan Cruise
While late spring and early summer might offer pleasant weather in the lower American states, Alaska’s far north latitude means that temperatures are still cooler. If you choose to cruise Alaska during this time, bring water-resistant clothing and plenty of warm layers. Each month within the April to September stretch offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Icy Strait Point: Alaska’s Hidden Gem for Intimate Whale Watching
You might see bears that are continuing to fatten up before hibernation. Humpback whales have yet to begin their migration to warmer waters, so you will still be able to see them, especially in early August. In August, the wildlife can sense that winter is on its way, and activity picks up to prepare for the months of cold, snow, and darkness. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s. We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
Patience, a sense of adventure, and a love for the unknown are essential ingredients for a successful whale watching experience. The best time to go whale watching in Alaska is during the winter and summer months of May to September. The reason being is that whales migrate from the warmer water of Hawaii, Baja California, Mexico, and Central America to the colder waters of the Alaskan feeding grounds. When you book either of these whale watching tours, you will be asked which cruise ship you are arriving on as part of the booking process.
It’s not just about preserving the experience for future generations; it’s about respecting the natural world as it is, in all its unpredictable beauty. Are you dreaming of an up-close encounter with some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures? In this guide, we’ll explore the best places for whale watching in Alaska, share insider tips, what types of whales you’ll encounter, how to get to each spot, and more. We help you plan an unforgettable marine adventure based on our experiences. The peak season to view the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is between late August and late April, which unfortunately doesn’t overlap much with the Alaskan cruise season.
Seeing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness from the comfort of a cruise ship is a true bucket list item for many people. That said, deciding when to embark on your adventure can significantly impact the overall experience. We have detailed packing lists to guide those planning an Alaska cruise or a land-based adventure. Check out our Alaska Cruise Packing List if you’re setting sail or our general Alaska Packing List for summer activities and Alaska road trips.
The smaller whale watching boats will typically be either around a 20 passenger boat, but there are smaller whale watching boats too. When it comes to whale watching in Alaska, there can be big whale watching boats with 100+ people, or there can be small whale watching boats. Generally speaking, the best time to see whales in Alaska is in the summer. If you are looking for uncrowded observation decks and a quieter experience, you may want to avoid this peak season or try September, when things tend to wind down. July and August can be extremely busy months for the Alaska cruise industry. With the warmer weather, it is not unusual to see an increase in the number of people looking to enjoy Alaska’s untamed wilderness.
How to See the Northern Lights from Anchorage, Alaska
Even on the smoothest of days, the rocking of a small boat can make some passengers feel seasick. There are whale cruise options that range from small boats to larger catamarans. I prefer the larger boats like Major Marine as they handle the large waves better. If you have a professional camera, a monopod will help take the weight off your forearms while you wait for whales to appear.
Resurrection Bay: A Year-Round Haven for Marine Life
To help you plan your perfect trip, we will explain which months are the best for Alaskan cruises. We’ll also discuss factors you may not have considered, such as visibility of the Northern Lights, financial costs, and more. And especially as Alaska is so different compared to your typical warmer cruise destination.
While you’re on the lookout for wildlife, you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery found along the Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. An Alaskan cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of whales in their natural habitat. By understanding the factors that affect whale sightings, knowing the peak whale season, and following essential tips, you can enhance your whale watching experience and make lasting memories.
It’s possible to spot whales from the shoreline but nothing compares to the experiences you have seeing whales as you get to go further out in Resurrection Bay. Most commonly sighted whales in this area are humpback whales and orcas, but you can occasionally see gray whales and fin whales. It’s a good idea to bring binoculars on an Alaska cruise regardless of if you booked a whale watching tour or not. Alaska’s scenery is so vast that sometimes a closer look through binoculars at mountains, glaciers, and wildlife is helpful.
Kayaking tours are an exciting way to blend an adventurous activity with wildlife viewing. Some tours depart right from port communities, while others take you out by water taxi to remote bays, fjords, and coves for a day of paddling. Tours are available for a wide range of ages and experience levels and offer incredible up-close views of Alaska’s marine wildlife and coastal landscapes. To maximize your chances of seeing whales, consider taking a dedicated whale-watching tour in addition to your cruise. Local experts on these tours can help you spot and learn more about these magnificent creatures. Be sure to check with your cruise operator or tour provider for the most up-to-date information on whale-watching opportunities during your specific travel dates.
Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise. However, the views and ability to go sightseeing from your room on ocean days make the higher price worth it. Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter. The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports. Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise.
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