Where to see whales in alaska

What is the best month for whale watching in Alaska?

The best time to whale watch is from April to November, when approximately 600 humpbacks inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Whale watching tours are offered in Juneau and near Glacier Bay.

When can you see whales in Alaska?

Humpback whales tend to be more visible in the months of June and July. If you’re hoping to view black and white orcas, taking a cruise during May or June is your best bet.

Where in Alaska can you see whales?

During summer, they can be found almost everywhere along Alaska’s coast, from Southeast to the Bering Sea, including Gulf of Alaska areas close to Anchorage and Alaska’s road system.

Where is the best place to see whales?

Top Whale -Watching Destinations Santa Barbara, California. Monterey Bay, California. Kodiak Island, Alaska. San Juan Islands, Washington. Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Virginia Beach. Long Island, New York. Cape May, New Jersey.

What is the best month to go to Alaska on a cruise?

Alaskan cruise season is May through September with July and August being the highest season attracting the most travelers. Convention holds that the best months to cruise Alaska are July and August when the temperatures are at their highest and the weather is generally sunnier.

Are the waters rough on an Alaskan cruise?

Rough Waters : The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska , which is much rougher. Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season.

Can you see the northern lights from an Alaskan cruise?

If you want to see the northern lights , you have to be in the right place at the right time. This makes April through September the best time to cruise to Alaska to see the northern lights , especially near the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, when activity peaks.

What is the best time of year to go to Alaska to see wildlife?

Spring (March–May) offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities before trees and other vegetation leaf out. Ptarmigan migrate to central Alaska river valleys in March. Millions of waterfowl and shorebirds return to the Stikine River Flats, Copper River Delta, and other wetlands in April.

When can you see the northern lights in Alaska?

Alaska’s northern lights season is between mid-September and late April, peaking in March, though it’s a season defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity. Forecasting the northern lights means predicting solar activity, which is virtually impossible with our current technology.

What is the best time of year to drive to Alaska?

Best Time of Year to Drive to Alaska If you’re worried about conditions, schedule your move for late spring or summer, when the roads are most likely to be free from ice and snow. Major roads between the mainland United States, including the Alaska Highway , are maintained during the winter.

Which Alaska cruise route is the best?

The Inside Passage is the most popular route. Itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though there are some itineraries originating in Juneau .

Are there sharks in Alaska?

Shark is not a word most people associate with Alaska . There are three shark species commonly found in Alaskan waters: Pacific sleeper shark (Somniosus pacificus), spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi), and salmon shark (Lamna ditropis). Three of the four most vulnerable species were sharks .

What is the best time to go whale watching?

Summer Whale Watching (June, July, August): The Summer months are the best months to witness the world’s largest animal…the BLUE WHALE ! Southern California is the best place in the world to look for a Blue Whale as they seek the nutritious krill that allows them to grow to their epic size.

What time of day are whales most active?

The best overhead light is from 11 am – 3 pm , for beautiful blue waters. The calmest sea conditions tend to be before noon and towards sunset. The whales are active throughout the day and their behavior changes as groups of whales encounter each other.

What time of year is best for whale watching in Maine?

The best time for Maine whale watching begins in mid-April when hungry whales arrive to feast in local waters rich in sand eels, copepods, plankton, and fish. In October, they’ll head south toward warmer seas.