The Thrill of Whale Watching:
An Alaskan cruise is not complete without a whale watching adventure! Whale watching in SE Alaska is always a tremendous experience. Working on cruise ships in Alaska was one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life. During those seasons, I was also able to participate and enjoy at least 50 whale watching excursions. In addition, I spotted dozens more whales from the cruise ship bridge for enthusiastic cruise ship passengers.
Humpback Whales:
The majority of Alaska whales are humpbacks. Alaska’s humpbacks mate and give birth in Hawaii, but they come to Alaska to eat. Humpbacks get their name from the hump on their dorsal fin. And eat they do! They eat about twenty’-three hours a day! When, you ask, do they sleep? Humpbacks have two identical brains. Since humpbacks are mammals, they need to breath. Once
or twice a day they come to the surface to sleep. One side of their brain is awake telling their body to breathe, while the other side of the brain is sleeping. Because they look like logs in the water, this behavior is called “logging.”
Humpbacks can be fifty feet or longer and weigh a thousand pounds a foot. Their tail and pectoral fins are each approximately one third the length of their bodies. Occasionally, a humpback jumps straight out of the water. There are different postulations as to why humpbacks exhibit this behavior, but no one is really clear as to why. Seeing this, though, is incredible, and it creates quite a huge spray!
Why Humpbacks in SE Alaska?
Humpbacks do not eat in Hawaii, so when they migrate to Alaska each spring, they are hungry! Alaskan waters are RICH with krill and herring which the humpbacks seem to instinctively know and crave. Humpback babies are born in Hawaii. Since the mother has not eaten all winter, she needs to eat a lot in order to get enough fat on the baby for it to survive in chilly arctic waters. Consequently, the entire time humpbacks are in Alaska, they are eating–except for the brief time each day when they are logging.
What is Bubble Netting?
Sometimes (generally later in the summer season) a female humpback will come upon a school of krill or herring that she somehow knows is too much for her alone. This begins an incredible phenomenon knosn as bubble-netting.
This female humpback begins to swim in a clockwise motion, all the while singing. Her singing attacks other humpbacks. Sometimes only two or three or are attracted, but often a dozen or more. As this group of humpbacks continue to swim, they blow bubbles upward. When the leader of the group determines there are enough fish together in the middle of the “net” their bubble created, she suddenly leaps straight upward with her giant mouth wide open. The other humpbacks follow suit, and each gets a belly full of fish.
Where Should I Whale Watch?
If you are in SE Alaska, Juneau is the place. Humpback whales come to Alaska to feed, and they predominantly feed in the icy waters of Stephens Passage near Juneau. You can also do some amazing whale watching in the Kenai Peninsula in South Central Alaska or near Hubbard Glacier. In fact, you may see humpbacks anywhere in Alaskan waters. You will see some of this footage in my blog Cruising in Alaska.
Can You See Whales from a Ship?
Yes, but you must be at the right place at the right time. Whale watching in SE Alaska sometimes occurs on board the ship. The excursions near Juneau “guarantee” you will see whales OR they will refund your money. Guess what? In over 50 whale watch experiences near Juneau, I saw whales every single time. Granted, sometimes more than others and sometimes more spectacular than others. Remember. Alaskan waters are pure nature and not a theme park!
Best Weather for Whale Watching in SE Alaska?
ANY weather. Humpbacks are mammals and give live birth. Therefore, rain or shine whales will be in Stephens Passage. Humpbacks must come to the surface every 8 – 10 minutes to breathe, so you will see them regardless of weather. The best way to spot them is to watch for their 10–12-foot spout; the rest is pure pleasure. Usually, a humpback will spout two or three times before diving and exposing their gorgeous tail. Here is a good rule of thumb: Tail up; whale down! Whatever the weather, you’ll treasure whale watching in SE Alaska.
What Else Will I See when Whale Watching in SE Alaska?
You are likely to see Steller sea lions (named by George Steller), eagles, jumping salmon, dolphins, Dahl’s porpoise, and maybe an orca or two (the Killer whale). Orcas are the largest of the dolphin family, and they are NOT whales. They get their name because they Kill whales!
You will also see at least two of Alaska’s old lighthouses: Sentinel Island Light-House and Point Retreat Lighthouse. If you’re lucky, you might capture a prize-winning picture of an eagle and sea lions on a buoy in front of Herbert Glacier.
These days Alaskan lighthouses are automated, but the buildings are still there. If you care to know more about Alaska’s lighthouses, there is an entire chapter (including photos) in my book, Rendezvous with Majesty. I’m confident that this book will be most helpful to take with you on your next Alaska experience!
Where to Book Whale Watching in SE Alaska?
Cruise ship shore excursion desks offer great day whale watching trips. These are as good as any, but not my favorite—for one reason only. There are usually more people on their boats than a boat from a smaller, private company. A smaller number of tourists makes it much easier to spot whales and capture those special photographic shots.
The security you receive booking on the ship is advisable for many since you are guaranteed not to miss the ship. Regardless of what cruise ship excursion desks say, private companies don’t miss the ship either. It’s merely a personal choice.
You can pre-book with your cruise line before sailing or book aboard ship. There are several local whale watch companies in Juneau. If you are flying into Juneau, your best bet is to book locally. Whatever way you book your excursion, you will never regret the experience of whale watching!
Alaska Blogs, Books, and DVD:
Click here to visit Kathy’s Alaska Bookstore; here you will find four different books and two discounted offers. These books are LOVED by thousands. Her two “Little House” books are true adventure stories from a bygone era. They contain NO profanity, NO sex scenes, and NO violence. In addition to these popular two books, Kathy also has an adorable and educational picture book for early readers and preschoolers, AND a great book about Alaska’s glaciers.
