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They spend their summers feeding in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas before heading back down to warm waters in the fall. In Alaska, you typically won’t see gray whales breach or spy hop, but you may see them spout or raise their fins or flukes while they’re feeding. Luckily, whales can often be spotted in the area during those months.
Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide
It’s a voyage filled with wonder, beauty, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Minke whales can be found in Alaska’s waters throughout the year, but they are most seen from May to September. These smaller whales are known for their curious and playful behavior, often approaching boats to investigate.
Where To Go Whale Watching In Alaska
Alaska is big with a lot of different bodies of water surrounding the state. And throughout the summer, different whales head to different areas of the state. Beluga whales make their way up the Kenai River, typically in the spring, typically around the mouth of the river. The Kenai River feeds into Cook Inlet and they are still studying why belugas take up residence here.
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As for gray whales, they are more likely to be spotted earlier in the season, while blue whales are more prevalent during the last half of the summer in Alaska. Whether you’re on a large cruise ship, a small expedition vessel, or even sea kayaking, Alaska provides you with a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of whales up close and personal. Keep reading to discover the best months to plan your Alaskan cruise for an unforgettable whale watching experience.
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However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Holland America Princess, and Royal Caribbean have Alaskan Inside Passage cruises departing from Vancouver at the end of April. Carnival has 14-day Alaskan cruises departing from Seattle and Long Beach in late April. Weather, ocean conditions, and limited sunlight make winter cruising to Alaska impossible. Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, travel guides, and more. At AAA, we offer a wide selection of cruise itineraries to those explorers who want to get up close and personal with Alaskan wildlife, landscape, and culture.
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The guest shots they post will give you an idea of what people are wearing for fancy dinners and sporty excursions. Mid-July to September – This is the time to specifically see beluga whales. Last year, it was late August when I first spotted beluga whales as I was driving along Turnagain Arm. The beluga whales will follow the salmon and hooligan runs and your best chances to see them are around high tide.
What to Expect in Every Month of Alaska Cruise Season
The best time for whale watching can vary based on your specific location within Alaska. The Inside Passage, which includes ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, is a popular region for cruise ships and offers excellent opportunities for whale watching throughout the summer season. The Gulf of Alaska and the Kenai Fjords National Park are also known for their whale-watching opportunities. Zip across the water in an eco-friendly zodiac boat, which will bring you closer to sea animals including orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, seals, and sea lions.
The seven- and nine-day itineraries sail roundtrip from Seattle, and a recent search found fares more than 80% off published fares, starting at $499 per person. Balcony cabins are still available on the season’s inaugural sailing at a discounted fare of $1,029 per person. As for land trips, June sees Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park open, both of which offer stunning floatplane and flightseeing adventures.
Top Whale Watching Tours in Alaska
On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer. One of the most iconic whale species found in Alaska is the humpback whale. These majestic creatures migrate from Hawaii to Alaska during the summer to feed, mate, and give birth. Humpback whales are well known for their acrobatic displays, including breaching, tail slapping, and lunging out of the water, making for a mesmerizing spectacle.
While it may seem counterintuitive that a popular time to travel would mean that cruise fares are lower, the reason is that there are more ships operating at this time. With more options to choose from, you can typically find a good deal if you are booking for the period that stretches between May and June. This period also seems to have longer daylight hours than earlier stretches. This means you have more time to stroll the deck of your ship and look out onto Alaska’s stunning landscapes and glaciers. On top of that, some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife species tend to be at their most active and visible when the weather cools off towards the end of summer. While this can be incredibly enticing for nature lovers, it can be off-putting for those who do not enjoy the cooler temperatures.
Of course, it’s your responsibility to make sure to book a time slot that matches your time in port! The time you need to be back on the cruise ship “back-on-board time” is usually 30 minutes before departure. To be safe, you can make sure your selected whale watching tour will end 1-2 hours before the cruise ship’s departure time. Interestingly, Alaska and Hawaii share a unique connection regarding whale watching. Many of the humpback whales you’ll see in Alaska’s waters during the summer make an epic migration to the warmer waters of Hawaii during the winter months.
Eavesdrop on Whale Conversations on This First-of-its-kind Cruise Through Alaska This Summer - Travel + Leisure
Eavesdrop on Whale Conversations on This First-of-its-kind Cruise Through Alaska This Summer.
Posted: Thu, 10 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
They’re spotted infrequently, though, so I wouldn’t plan a trip around seeing them. Alaska is a special place to cruise because it’s very different from standard tropical cruise destinations. Cruises to Alaska don’t occur during the months of January, February, March, November and December. The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren’t able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska. 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.
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