What is the best month to see whales on an Alaskan cruise?

What is the best month to see whales on an Alaskan cruise? When is the Best Time of Year for Whale Watching on an Alaska Cruise? You're in luck. April to November is the best time to see whales in Alaska and that nicely aligns with the Alaska cruise season. Like most of us, whales enjoy Alaska in the spring and summer months, when the days are long and food is plentiful.

Is whale watching better in Juneau or Icy Strait?

The best place for whale watching in Alaska is Juneau, because there are so many whales that seeing whales on your excursion is guaranteed. Icy Strait is also very good for whale watching, but there are no guarantees for this port (though most tours do see whales.)

Which whale watching tour is best?

Do you get wet on whale watching tours?

It is easy to get wet while whale-watching, especially if you're on a boat where ocean water often sprays up onto passengers.

Can you see polar bears on an Alaskan cruise?

(Alaska cruise itineraries don't venture far enough north for polar bear viewing.) In general, small expedition ships strengthened to weather sea ice are the best vessels for a polar bear safari. Choose a cruise with onboard naturalists who are skilled in keeping an eye out for the hard-to-spot creatures.

Can whales damage cruise ships?

You can see chunks of boat float away. A 2022 study found that out of 49 attacks that year, whales damaged ships in about 73% of interactions. And 25% of those had to be towed back to port.

Are whale cruises worth it?

YES! There are few experiences in life comparable to the extraordinary feeling of seeing gregarious dolphins as they approach from every angle, excited to see our passengers aboard the safety of each of our vessels within our sea-worthy fleet. When asked if whale watching is worth it, our answer is an assured YES!

Do you get wet on whale watching in Alaska?

DON'T be disappointed if it's raining and misty, but DO bring your rain gear! At the very least bring a rain jacket but I would suggest rain pants too. Luckily the humpback whales don't care if it's raining or sunny. It's always wet and cold where they are!

How do cruises avoid whales?

For cruise ships, avoiding a whales requires that the captain, pilot, or other bridge personnel detect the whale at a sufficiently large enough distance to change course or speed. This often means detecting the whale several kilometers away.

What month are whales most active in Alaska?

Gray whales are the first to arrive, typically in April when they're often spotted off of Seward. By May, we start to see more orcas, then humpback whales come June. Alaska's peak whale season is considered to be May through September, and it's during this time that the boat tours operate.

What is the best month to see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line. Alaska Wildlife in July: July is the best month in Alaska for spotting much of the state's incredible wildlife.

Do you see whales from the cruise ship on an Alaskan cruise?

While the ship is sailing through the northern Pacific waters, whales can sometimes be spotted from the ship. This can happen in the open ocean on the way to or from Alaska, or while the ship is sailing through the Inside Passage.

Will I see dolphins on an Alaskan cruise?

At any time during the cruise season you'll certainly see some of Alaska's most amazing animal inhabitants, including whales, dolphins, bears and bald eagles. However, many migratory species are sighted more often during certain times.

Is Juneau or Skagway better for whale watching?

The best port for whale watching is Juneau. We went with Orca and had a good time. Of course, there is always a floating whale observation platform (i.e. the cruiseship).

What happens if a cruise hits a whale?

Collisions with vessels can be fatal. When a whale or sea turtle is hit by a ship or another vessel, these gentle creatures are likely to die or suffer a horrific injury. Ship collisions have been identified as a significant human cause of baleen whales (mysticete) mortality [1].

What side of ship is best for Alaska cruise?

If you are cruising north, selecting a starboard (or right-side) stateroom is best since the land is on that side. When sailing south through the Gulf of Alaska, choose a port side (left side) stateroom.

Is whale watching better in Juneau or Ketchikan?

Juneau is the best port for whale watching, because seeing whales is 100% guaranteed. Icy Strait is also a good choice for whale watching, because whales are abundant (though not guaranteed).

Is whale watching better in the morning or afternoon?

Whales are generally most active in the morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them. During the morning, whales tend to be more active as they start their day and may feed. As the day progresses and the sun sets, whales become more active as they prepare to rest for the night.

Do you tip on a whale watching tour?

A Gratuity is not required on most whale watching tours, but the crew works very hard, and they are the ones who make the experience possible, so it is recommended that you tip between $3-$5 per person.