Alaska Whale Watching Cruises: What to Anticipate

Where Can You Spot Whales in Alaska?

When you embark on a cruise to Alaska, the options for adventure in the largest U.S. state are endless. One standout experience that awaits cruisers is whale watching. The Inside Passage, where Dinogo’s vessels navigate to various ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, is an excellent area for observing whales in their natural habitat. While many passengers can spot different marine species from the ship's deck, an excursion offers an even more intimate experience. On an Alaskan whale watching cruise, you might encounter the following.

What’s the Optimal Season for Whale Watching in Alaska?

Spring and summer provide the best opportunities for whale watching in Alaska, especially from May to September. Whales start their migration toward Alaska in February and typically arrive by April. If you’re cruising during these months, you might see whales from the ship’s deck, but for the best experience, a whale watching shore excursion is definitely recommended.

What Types of Whales Can You Encounter in Alaska?

1. Orcas

Though orcas are not technically classified as whales, they are the largest members of the dolphin family and are commonly referred to as “Killer Whales.” These magnificent creatures can often be observed from May to September along the Inside Passage, where they hunt, socialize, and raise their young. As noted by National Geographic, orcas can reach lengths of up to 32 feet and weigh as much as 6 tons, making them about twice the size of the average great white shark.

Orcas live in family groups called pods, consisting of dozens of individuals, and they communicate using distinct sounds transmitted through the water. Similar to wolf packs, orcas employ collaborative hunting strategies, such as herding fish into tight spaces or beaching themselves to catch prey. Passengers may have the chance to witness these behaviors alongside their playful antics, like tail slapping, breaching, and poking their heads above the surface to scan their surroundings.

In addition to the occasional sighting from the cruise ship, guests on Dinogo's Alaskan adventures can enjoy close encounters with orca pods by reserving one of our whale watching excursions. The Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest and the Ocean Wildlife and Orca Exploration tours are ideal for getting up close with not just wild orcas, but also humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises.

2. Humpback Whales

From June to September, these massive whales journey through the Inside Passage, showcasing their behaviors to cruisers, including breaching, splashing, bobbing their heads above water, tail slapping, and flipper slapping. These impressive displays are often amplified when they occur in groups as males compete for the attention of females.

Female humpback whales, which are generally larger than their male counterparts, can grow to nearly 50 feet in length and weigh as much as 35 tons. Whale watchers may catch sight of these enormous females from the ship or excursion boat, and they might also observe their sophisticated hunting techniques. Numerous scientists and observers have recorded intelligent humpback whales corralling smaller fish by blowing bubbles before consuming them, a technique known as bubble-netting.

The Alaska’s Whales and Rainforest Trails excursion guarantees whale sightings alongside a hike through a tranquil rainforest trail, where other wildlife can also be observed. The Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari similarly ensures whale encounters aboard a safari boat, guided by a professional photographer to help you capture stunning images.

3. Gray Whales

Every year, gray whales migrate to Alaska from southern California to feed and breed. Thousands can be spotted along the coast during the fall, particularly from locations like Ketchikan, as well as out at sea. While gray whales are roughly the same size as humpback whales, they can be identified by their smaller flippers and skin covered in barnacles.

Guests on whale watching excursions may catch sight of these uniquely shaped whales, and if fortune smiles upon them, they might also see minke whales gliding through the water. Smaller and more elusive, minke whales surface briefly for air before diving to greater depths. They typically swim alone or in pairs, making any photo or video capture of them a rare and treasured moment.

Alongside whales and orcas, guests on wildlife and whale watching excursions may encounter Dall’s porpoises, resembling miniature killer whales, as well as stellar sea lions, sea otters, and bald eagles. These exciting sightings are part of all our Alaskan cruises, including the popular 7-Day Alaska Highlights from Seattle trip.

Essentials for Whale Watching in Alaska

Whether you choose to join a shore excursion or watch whales from your cruise ship’s deck, be sure to bring binoculars for a closer look at distant wildlife during your Alaska cruise. Additionally, a good camera is essential for capturing breathtaking photos and videos, so don’t forget extra batteries and a backup memory card. For your comfort, pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements. You might also want to bring water and a snack to enjoy while waiting for the wildlife to appear.