Are you wondering about the best time to cruise Alaska for whales because you’ve always dreamed of seeing these massive and majestic beauties in the wild? Timing your Alaska cruise for peak whale watching is a common thing. Of course, the perk of cruising the crisp waters around the Last Frontier is that you’re also likely to catch glimpses of brown bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, and many more wildlife species.
When is the best time to cruise Alaska for whales? Let’s get this important detail on the table right from the start. The peak season for whale watching in Alaska runs from May through September. This also happens to be peak cruise season. However, knowing that whales are seen in abundance during the summer months is only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning a successful whale watching excursion for the record books.
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There are many tips and tricks to know. Depending on the different whale species you want to see, the peak window moves around a little. In addition, you may be able to enjoy the sights with fewer crowds if you have some flexibility for when you can book your Alaska cruise.
Let’s break down all the details that go into planning the best time for Alaska cruise to see whales!
1) The Best Times To See Certain Species Of Whales When You Cruise Alaska
Whale watching in Alaska is an opportunity to admire several different majestic whale species in the wild! While there will be chances to see whales of all types, you might want to be intentional about how you book a whale watching tour if you have your heart set on seeing a specific type of whale.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best times to see specific whales during Alaska whale excursions:
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Gray Whales: March to May
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Humpback Whales: June and July
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Minke Whales: May to September
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Orcas: May to June
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Beluga Whales: Mid-July to August
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Blue Whales: July and August
While these peak times for seeing different types of whales in Alaska provide a good idea of when you can expect to see specific species, it’s not uncommon for certain whale populations to linger for several months in certain spots.
For example, orca whales are seen throughout the year in Alaska even though prime viewing is from May to June. While humpback whales are most abundant during the middle of summer, they are commonly spotted from May through August.
It’s always a good idea to contact a whale watching company to get specifics on what you can expect to see when you book on certain dates.
2) Booking A Whale Watching Tour Is The Best Way To See Whales In Alaska
While it’s very possible that you’ll randomly spot whales in the water from your cruise ship or while hanging out by the shore, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll have a whale encounter just because you’re in town during peak whale season. Only whale watching excursions that bring you to the specific points where whales roam can guarantee that your Alaska vacation will be a certified whale watching adventure!
Luckily, booking a whale watching excursion in Alaska is a breeze. Icy Strait Point Excursions caters to cruise ship passengers by offering shore excursions in Icy Strait Point, Alaska right near the port in Hoonah. We offer guaranteed whale watching experience that brings our passengers to humpback whale feeding and migration locations.
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of booking your whale watching adventure with us:
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By exploring the area near Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay, you’ll be in the home of one of the largest summertime populations of humpback whales found anywhere in Alaska!
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Our comfortable boats have heated cabins and viewing decks
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Easy departure from Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub
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You’ll take off just a short walk from your cruise ship
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You’ll see spectacular scenery as we travel 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska
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We’re so confident in the abilities of our captains and crew that we offer a $100 “whale sighting” guarantee!
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If you want to see more wonders of the Alaskan wilderness, our bear search tours on Chichagof Island provide a one-of-a-kind experience in a place with one of the highest populations of bears per square mile!
Don’t miss your best chance to see whales in Alaska! Book your spot online with Icy Strait Point Excursions today!
3) Here’s How Close You’ll Get To Whales
As the world’s largest mammals, gray whales can weigh 90,000 pounds. At 50,000 to 80,000 pounds, humpback whales aren’t very far behind them. While whales are massive and intimidating, the truth is that the fragility of the environment makes them extremely vulnerable. It goes without saying that whales deserve respect for the safety of every person and creature involved!
With this in mind, you may be wondering how close you can get to whales during a whale excursion in Alaska. Based on standards set by the National Marine Fisheries Service, tours need to maintain a 100-yard spacing from whales while either approaching whales or sailing in whale watching areas. However, it’s very common for whales to approach a boat at a much closer distance once the boat has stopped.
By respecting whales, reputable tours actually offer guests some of the best chances to get amazing photos of humpback whales from a close distance!
4) You Might Be Able To Combine Whale Sightings And The Northern Lights
The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is from late August through late April. This is the time of year when longer, darker nights allow for impeccable viewing from around 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. nightly. The spring and fall are especially great for viewing because the Earth’s tilt around the equinoxes enhances auroral visibility.
What does that mean for your chances of seeing the northern lights if you come to Alaska during peak whale season? While the lights are technically active all year, the Alaskan summer’s lack of darkness makes it almost impossible to see them. However, timing your visit for the edges of whale season in April or August could make it possible to experience both during your vacation.
5) Whales Can Be Spotted At Popular National Parks In Alaska
While it’s not always easy to get to Alaska’s national parks if you’re exploring coastal Alaska on a cruise ship, there are certainly opportunities for epic whale sightings at parks.
Whale Watching In Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park near Resurrection Bay in Alaska is home to several whale species. While humpbacks are the most common whales seen at Kenai Fjords National Park, it’s not unusual to see orcas, fin whales, gray whales, blue whales, minke whales, and sperm whales passing through during migration via the Gulf of Alaska.
Are There Whales At Denali National Park?
No, Denali National Park doesn’t have a coast. However, Denali does offer 6 million acres of stunning wilderness that is home to grizzly bears, caribou, Dall’s sheep, moose, snowshoe hares, bald eagles, and more.
All hope is not lost for a whale sighting in Denali. Denali is notably home to a geological formation called the Whale’s Tail. This ridgeline found between Tokositna Glacier and Ruth Glacier unmistakably resembles a giant whale tail!
Whale Watching With Experienced Local Captains
Don’t let another summer pass by without booking a trip during the best time for Alaska cruise to see whales! You don’t need to be a whale expert to get access to known migration and feeding spots for Alaska’s whale species.
Simply book a tour with Alaska’s most experienced captains and whale guides with Icy Strait Point Excursions. Our trips are perfect for families and we promise you an unforgettable day with a whale sighting guarantee! We also carefully build our tour times around your ship’s schedule to ensure that you’ll be back on your ship on time.
With spots for peak whale season filling up quickly, we recommend booking the best whale watching excursion in Alaska today!
