Table Of Content
It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. If you’re looking to include a land tour on your cruise, Gastineau Guiding Company has multiple options. A hiking shore excursion to Mendenhall Glacier makes a fantastic addition to discover the scenery around Juneau. The hike takes you to coastal forests, tumbling waterfalls, and the mammoth glacier.
When is the best time for whale watching?
For women, a sparkly shirt and dressy pants or skirt are often sufficient, while men could bring along a sports coat and maybe a tie, depending on their own personal style. If you’re not sure about the dress code, check out the ship’s social media pages. The guest shots they post will give you an idea of what people are wearing for fancy dinners and sporty excursions.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time of Year for an Alaskan Cruise
In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska. However, even without the dramatic jumps, the experience remains extraordinary. The mere sight of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat teaches you humility and deepens your appreciation for nature’s wild, unpredictable beauty.
The Best Spots for an Epic Alaska Hiking Trip
Even as a local I find the experience simply awe inspiring each time we go. My family also goes fishing every year and whales can easily be spotted from the boat. The main reason why I recommend June and July as the best months to go whale watching in Alaska is simply for the summer weather!
It’s important to note that while the months highlighted above are considered the best for whale watching, sightings can never be guaranteed. Whales are wild animals, and their behavior can be influenced by various factors. However, by choosing to cruise during these months, you maximize your chances of witnessing these incredible creatures in all their glory. Gray whales, humpback whales, orca, beluga whales — Alaska has them all.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Royal Caribbean Blog
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Places for Whale Watching in Alaska – Final Thoughts
Summertime in Alaska means you’ll be able to see whales and be more comfortable while you do so due to the warmer weather. If you’re keen on seeing orcas, aim for the start of the month as is the best time to see them. Humpbacks are known for traveling the world over but do really enjoy the summer waters of Alaska. As the biggest animal on Earth, you might think that blue whales may be easier to spot than they actually are. Family favorite Disney Cruise Line offers 13 itineraries over the summer, including a seven-night itinerary from $3,467 per person. Technicalities aside, these formidable animals are apex predators with no natural enemies, meaning they rule the ocean.
I Took an Alaskan Cruise to See Bears, Killer Whales, and Secret Beaches — Here's How You Can, Too - Travel + Leisure
I Took an Alaskan Cruise to See Bears, Killer Whales, and Secret Beaches — Here's How You Can, Too.
Posted: Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
These smaller whales are known for their curious and playful behavior, often approaching boats to investigate. Travelers on an Alaskan cruise may spot minke whales surfacing to breathe or diving gracefully beneath the surface. 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.
Whales, porpoises, bears, eagles, otters, and other animals are out in abundance. It’s more a case of adjusting expectations and balancing your budgetary needs. Visitors can spot humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales between May and September. What makes Sitka unique is that it offers a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their feeding grounds, along with other marine life like sea otters, seals, and porpoises. The best time to go whale watching in Alaska is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, whales migrate to Alaska’s waters to feed, providing ample opportunities for sightings.
Alaska Whale Watching Guide: Best Time and Place to See Whales
Just as Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season in April, it’s the last cruise line to set sail in the state, and the only one to sail in October. 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. Alaska’s waters are home to several species of whales, each with its own unique characteristics and seasonal presence. For the ultimate blend of cost savings and customizations, collaborate with folks you meet on the ship to book a semi-private tour. The price per person is economical and you’ll have plenty of chances to add your own touches to the itinerary.
During whale-watching shore excursions, guests can witness different behaviors of Orcas such as spy-hopping, breaching, tail-slapping or fluking. Visitors may also spot orcas, gray whales, blue whales, and belugas during this season. While rare to see in comparison to humpbacks and gray whales, blue whales can also be seen in Alaska during the late summer months from July to September. June is the prime time for whale watching in Alaska, as the weather becomes more pleasant and various species of whales start to make their way to Alaskan waters. Humpback whales, known for their acrobatic displays and mesmerizing songs, are particularly active during this month.
And Gustavus allows you to take a Glacier Bay National Park cruise without booking a full Inside Passage itinerary. In addition to being the gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus sits adjacent to Tongass National Forest for thrilling hiking expeditions. So, plan your Alaskan cruise wisely, embrace the best months for whale watching, and savor every moment as you embark on a journey to encounter these magnificent giants of the sea. It’s a voyage filled with wonder, beauty, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. 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.
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. However, the summer months offer the best viewing of all whale species. After this month, you’re no longer going to see humpback whales as they’ll be following in the blue whales’ footsteps and heading to the Pacific Ocean and Central America by the end of the month. You’ll find the days start to be cooler in September in Alaska, which means the end of the summer’s whale watching season.
From Seward or nearby Whittier, you can also cruise to Prince William Sound for whale watching opportunities. The pristine bay contains glaciers, islands, snow-capped peaks, and vast wildlife. These tranquil waters host stunning species, such as humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and black bears. With the Fairweather Mountains towering above you, cruising Glacier Bay is an essential Alaska experience. Inside Passage cruise ships typically spend a full day prowling around the icy expanses of Glacier Bay. And during cruise season, that gives you ample opportunity to spot whales from the ship.
No comments:
Post a Comment