Top Whale Watching Spots on an Alaska Cruise

1. Juneau – The Whale-Watching Capital

Juneau is one of the best places for Alaska whale watching. The waters around Auke Bay and Stephens Passage are rich feeding grounds for humpback whales. Many excursions guarantee sightings due to the high concentration of whales in the area.

Visitors can book a whale-watching tour or watch from the cruise ship as whales breach and dive. The combination of stunning scenery and abundant marine life makes Juneau a top choice for whale enthusiasts.

2. Icy Strait Point – A Wild Experience

Icy Strait Point offers an untouched wilderness setting for whale watching. The waters near Point Adolphus are known for their large humpback whale population. Orcas also frequent the area, hunting for fish and seals.

This port provides excellent opportunities for spotting whales from shore or on a small boat tour. The remote location ensures fewer crowds, making it a peaceful and rewarding whale-watching destination.

3. Seward – Gateway to Marine Wildlife

Seward, located at the entrance to Resurrection Bay, is a prime spot for whale watching. The bay’s deep waters attract humpback whales, gray whales, and even fin whales.

Visitors can take a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise, which offers close encounters with whales, sea lions, and puffins. The dramatic coastal scenery adds to the experience, making Seward a must-visit for wildlife lovers.

4. Ketchikan – Occasional Sightings but Worth It

Ketchikan is not as famous for whale watching as other ports, but sightings still occur. Orcas and humpback whales sometimes pass through the waters near Tongass Narrows.

While whale sightings are less frequent, Ketchikan offers other marine wildlife experiences, including sea otters and seals. Booking a wildlife tour increases the chances of spotting whales in this region.

5. Glacier Bay – Stunning Scenery and Marine Life

Glacier Bay National Park is a breathtaking location for whale watching. The park’s protected waters provide a feeding ground for humpback whales.

Cruise ships often spend a full day in Glacier Bay, allowing passengers to watch for whales from the deck. The combination of towering glaciers and active marine life makes this a highlight of any Alaska cruise.

Types of Whales You Can See in Alaska

Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are the most commonly spotted whales in Alaska. These massive creatures can grow up to 50 feet long and weigh 40 tons. They migrate thousands of miles from Hawaii and Mexico to Alaska’s nutrient-rich waters, where they feed on krill and small fish.

One of the most spectacular behaviors of humpback whales is breaching, where they launch their entire bodies out of the water before crashing back down. Scientists believe breaching may help whales communicate, remove parasites, or simply play. Another fascinating behavior is bubble-net feeding, where groups of humpbacks work together to trap fish by blowing spirals of bubbles underwater.

Humpbacks are also known for their complex songs, which can last up to 20 minutes and travel for miles underwater. These songs are thought to play a role in mating and social communication.

Orcas (Killer Whales)

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are highly intelligent and social predators. They travel in pods and use sophisticated hunting techniques to catch fish, seals, and even other whales. Their striking black-and-white coloring makes them easy to identify.

There are two main types of orcas in Alaska:

• Resident Orcas – These orcas primarily eat fish and stay in specific regions year-round. They are often seen in Southeast Alaska.
• Transient Orcas – These orcas hunt marine mammals, including seals and porpoises. They travel over long distances and are more unpredictable in their movements.

Orcas communicate using distinct calls and whistles, and each pod has its own unique dialect. They are also known for their coordinated hunting strategies, often working together to create waves that knock prey off ice floes.

Gray Whales

Gray whales are long-distance migrators, traveling up to 12,000 miles round trip between their breeding grounds in Mexico and their feeding areas in Alaska’s Bering and Chukchi Seas. These whales are known for their mottled gray skin and white patches on their flippers and back.

Unlike humpbacks, gray whales are bottom feeders. They use their snouts to stir up sediment on the ocean floor, sucking in water and filtering out small organisms like krill and plankton. This feeding method leaves distinctive trails in the sand, which scientists use to track their movements.

Gray whales are often seen near Kodiak and the Kenai Peninsula, especially during their migration in the spring.

Fin Whales

Fin whales are the second-largest whale species, reaching lengths of 85 feet and weighing up to 80 tons. They are fast swimmers and can reach speeds of 23 mph, earning them the nickname “the greyhounds of the sea.”

Unlike humpbacks, fin whales rarely breach, but they are known for their powerful lunges when feeding. They primarily eat krill and small fish, using their baleen plates to filter food from the water.

Fin whales are sometimes spotted in Resurrection Bay near Seward, though they tend to stay in deeper waters.

Beluga Whales

Beluga whales are small, social whales known for their white coloring and rounded foreheads (melons). They grow up to 16 feet long and weigh around 3,000 pounds.

Unlike other whales, belugas can move their heads freely, allowing them to make expressive facial movements. They are also highly vocal, earning them the nickname “sea canaries” due to their wide range of whistles, clicks, and chirps.

Belugas are often found in Cook Inlet near Anchorage, where they swim in shallow coastal waters.

Bowhead Whales

Bowhead whales are massive Arctic whales, growing up to 60 feet long and weighing 100 tons. They have thick blubber that allows them to survive in the icy waters of the Arctic.

Bowheads are known for their huge heads, which they use to break through thick ice. They are also one of the longest-living mammals, with some individuals estimated to be over 200 years old.

These whales are rarely seen on standard Alaska cruise routes, but they inhabit the Bering and Chukchi Seas.

Minke Whales

Minke whales are small baleen whales, reaching lengths of 30 feet and weighing around 10 tons. They are fast and elusive, making them harder to spot than larger whales.

Minke whales are often seen in Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, where they feed on small fish and krill.

Tips for Spotting Whales on an Alaska Cruise

1. Know the Best Spots on the Ship

Position yourself at the front or back of the ship for the best views. Observation decks provide unobstructed sightlines.

2. Bring Binoculars

Whales can appear at a distance, so binoculars help spot details like tail flukes and dorsal fins.

3. Watch for Whale Signs

Look for blows (spouts of mist), splashes, and birds hovering over the water—these often indicate whale activity.

4. Be Patient

Whales don’t follow a schedule. Spend time watching the water, and you’ll increase your chances of a sighting.

5. Listen to Crew Announcements

Cruise staff often announce whale sightings over the loudspeaker. Stay alert and ready to move to a good viewing spot.

6. Dress Warm

Alaska’s weather can be chilly, even in summer. Wear layers to stay comfortable while watching for whales.

7. Have Your Camera Ready

Whales breach quickly, so keep your camera handy. Use a fast shutter speed to capture clear images.

Conclusion

Alaska whale watching is a highlight of any cruise, offering unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. Whether spotting humpback whales in Juneau, watching orcas in Icy Strait Point, or enjoying the scenic beauty of Glacier Bay, Alaska’s waters provide endless opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.

By choosing the right locations and following whale-watching tips, travelers can maximize their chances of seeing these incredible animals up close.