Something magical happens in Alaska every spring that puts the planet’s most majestic creatures directly in the viewing path of humans. Alaska is surrounded by the North Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. As a result, dozens of whale species are seen frequenting the waters of what the world knows as The Last Frontier.
Springtime is whale time in Alaska. This is when thousands of humpback and gray whales find their way northward from the tropical waters of Mexico and Hawaii to eat krill and plankton in abundance in Alaskan waters. Throughout the spring and summer, whale watchers can enjoy unmatched views of these majestic creatures.
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While spring is considered the best time for whale watching in Alaska, some species of whales and other marine mammals are present throughout the year. Here’s a rundown of spotting times for Alaska whale species:
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Humpback (May through September)
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Orca Whales/Killer Whales (Year-round)
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Gray Whales (March through May)
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Beluga Whales (July through August)
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Minke Whales (May through September)
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Fin Whales (Spring and Summer)
The only question left is where to catch glimpses of these beautiful marine mammals! This roundup of whale watching opportunities will help you find the best place for whale watching in Alaska during your upcoming trip.
1) Icy Strait Point
One of the best ways to spot whales in Alaska is to sign up for a three-hour whale watching tour from Icy Strait Point Excursions. Departing from the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub in Hoonah, Alaska, our shore excursions bring you to the waters of Icy Strait Point near Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay to reach one of Alaska’s largest summer populations of humpback whales.
Icy Strait Point is considered the best place for whale watching in Alaska by many because humpbacks surface near Hoonah each summer to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Often weighing up to 50 tons, these mammals show off their diving, blows, and whale songs as their beautiful tails are seen rolling with the chilly tides.
It’s even possible to witness humpback whales participating in a habit called bubble net feeding that involves forming a pod underwater to blow air that creates a wall of bubbles that forces plankton and krill to the surface.
Each whale watching tour with us includes:
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Round trip transfers
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Comfortable heated cabins
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Clean restrooms
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$100 whale sighting guarantee
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“Anytime Shuttle Pass” to get back to your cruise ship on regular shuttles from Hoonah to Icy Strait Point
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10% discount that can be used at the popular Oso Gordito Food Truck on the harbor in Hoonah
Passengers also get to see sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, and porpoises during these incredible adventures! In addition, it’s not uncommon to see brown bears ambling along on the shoreline.
Don’t miss your chance to see these stunning animals of the Alaskan wilderness. Book your spot on one of our whale watching tours today!
2) Kenai Fjords National Park
Covering nearly 670,000 acres on the Kenai Peninsula in southcentral Alaska, this national park is known for its ice field, glaciers, and coastal fjords. While exploring the park, you are most likely to encounter the impressive sight of humpback or orca whales gracefully swimming through the pristine waters.
These majestic creatures often put on a show, breaching and tail-slapping, leaving visitors in awe of their power and beauty. Gray whales, fin whales, and minke whales have all been spotted from time to time.
Whether you choose to embark on a boat tour, kayak along the coast, or simply enjoy the scenic views from the shoreline, the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an experience that will leave you in awe.
3) Prince William Sound
Spanning 10,000 square miles of water, Alaska’s Prince William Sound is a hotbed for whale sightings. Species that occupy the protected waters here include humpback, minke, fin, and killer whales.
Most people who pick this spot for spotting humpback whales and other marine mammals pick up cruises and excursions from Whittier, Valdez, or other towns along the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system.
4) Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, located in southeastern Alaska, is not only a haven for glaciers but also a paradise for whale enthusiasts. As a Humpback Whale sanctuary, Glacier Bay attracts more and more humpbacks each year. In fact, you might even spot one of the few dozen humpbacks to hang around all year instead of joining the migratory humpbacks that only stick around from June through September.
A jewel of southeastern Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve contains more than 1,000 glaciers. In addition to being a great spot for whale watching in Alaska, it is also a top spot for harbor seal, bear, and mountain goat sightings.
5) Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay near Seward is a fjord within Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The moody landscape here has rugged alpine glaciers, jagged cliffs, and soaring seabirds. With the waters of Resurrection Bay being quite protected, a number of marine species find their way here.
In fact, it’s quite common to see back-floating sea otters and harbor seals covering the rocky shore. Puffins are known to perch on the cliffs when they’re not bathing in the swells off the shore of the bay. This is also a top spot for seeing Steller sea lions in Alaska.
If you’re coming for a whale watch, you can usually expect to see humpback whales during the right season. Orca whale pods also favor this spot for hunting.
6) Turnagain Arm
In the Anchorage area, Turnagain Arm is a place where you might see a beluga whale tracking salmon toward the Cook Inlet. Belugas tend to follow the tides down the arm just yards away from shore while chirping.
If you’re looking for an Alaska whale watching opportunity that doesn’t require a boat, Beluga Point in Anchorage is a rocky outpost that juts into the waters of Turnagain Arm a little bit south of the city.
7) Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park
Located near Juneau in Southeast Alaska, Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park is a haven for adventure seekers looking for a thrilling kayaking whale watch adventure. Just be aware that whale watching in Alaska via a kayak is a high-endurance activity that requires proper gear and preparation.
Aside from the awe-inspiring humpback whales and orcas, visitors to this marine park are often treated to sightings of playful sea lions, graceful seals, and a variety of captivating seabirds. The park’s diverse ecosystem provides a rich habitat for these fascinating marine creatures, making every kayaking excursion a potential encounter with Alaska’s incredible wildlife.
Fulfill Your Dream Of Whale Watching In Alaska
Have you always dreamed of floating among gray whales, killer whales, sea lions, and marine mammals in the frothy, jewel-like waters of the Alaskan wilderness? While the best time for whale watching in Alaska generally happens when humpback whales migrate for the warm season, you may actually be able to see a humpback whale anywhere from April to November. Of course, whale watching in Alaska can be a year-round activity if you’re looking for orcas.
We offer guaranteed whale watching tours in Icy Strait Point which many consider the best spot for whale watching in Alaska! We bring you directly to humpback whale feeding and migration locations. The best part is that you can simply sit back on our comfortable boats with heated cabins and roomy viewing decks to enjoy an unforgettable day on the water.
Our three-hour excursions can accommodate groups of up to 30! Cruise ship passengers in Hoonah can easily get to and from their ships using our free “anytime” shuttle service. Book your spot with us for this adventure of a lifetime today!
