What is the best month for whale watching in Alaska?

If it's whales you want, it's whales you're gonna get. The best time to whale watch is from April to November, when approximately 600 humpbacks inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Whale watching tours are offered in Juneau and near Glacier Bay.



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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.

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The short answer: between April and November. Orcas can be seen hunting year-round, but the summer months are truly the best time to see whales in Alaska. Gray whales start to arrive in their seasonal migration in April.

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Best Place for Whale Watching in Alaska. 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.)

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from Rudee Tours suggests “Layers of clothing, and of course a camera!” Consider a rain jacket or windbreaker (waterproof jacket) if you get cold easily or don't like getting wet.

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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!

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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.

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(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.

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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.

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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!

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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).

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But Orcas Island IS a great place to go whale watching! Orca (or killer) whales live in these waters year-round with the most sightings between May and October, when the salmon runs are strongest. This region is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals in the wild.

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