How to see Whales in Alaska
A trip to Alaska is a guaranteed whale of a time. With its icy temperature and deep ocean waters, it is the perfect habitat for all types of whales. Fancy a bit of whale watching in Alaska? You’re in luck - you can catch one of these cute creatures on an Alaska whale watching cruise with Hurtigruten. Read on to find out how you can see some Alaskan whales.
Where is the best place to go whale watching in Alaska?
The best place to go whale watching in Alaska is Juneau. With nutrient-rich waters and plenty of wildlife, whale watching in Juneau is very popular. You can also go whale watching in Anchorage and the Icy Strait Point, though whale sightings here are less frequent.
What is the best time to see whales in Alaska?
May through to September is prime Alaska whale watching season. If you want to see a whale in full-scale, this is the best time to book your trip!
What kind of Whales are in Alaska?
Humpback Whale
Humpback whales are massive, reaching a length of up to 60 feet, and a weight of up to 30,000kg. These are probably the best and most animated whales to watch, as they are known to frequently breach the surface and sing mating songs that last for several minutes. They also use a bubble net feeding tactic that draws their unfortunate prey to the surface to be eaten. You can see Humpback whales in Alaska near the Bering Sea or Aleutian Islands.
Beluga Whale
Beluga whales in Alaska are hard to miss with their distinct white appearance. These medium-sized social mammals tend to hang out in groups of 3-6 and can be found in shallow coastal waters or large rivers. Belugas are often seen just south of Anchorage during mid-July.
Orca Alaska
Easy to spot with their black tops and white patches near the eyes, Orca whales in Alaska are gorgeous to behold. Known as dolphins rather than whales, Orcas were given the name ‘killer whales’ because they were observed hunting and preying on larger species. Sure enough, Orcas are known as some of the most powerful predators in the world, moving in a group that resembles a wolf pack.
Gray Whale
Standing out with its barnacle-covered skin, the Gray Whale is a bottom feeder that diets on krill and sediments from the sea floor. Despite their huge size (about the scale of a school bus), Gray Whales are a little harder to see than the others on this list. Your best chance is catching them in Kodiak or Sitka as they migrate from April to May.
You can get up close and personal with all types of whales on a Hurtigruten cruise. You can see whales while sitting on the deck of a cruise to Norway, or on a whale watching land excursion.