Whale watching - best time

[Len3]

As you can see below - we've been to Alaska twice, but always in July/August. We've seen lots of bears lunching on salmon, but never have we seen a whale - jumping or doing anything. When is the best time to see the whales?

[CruiserBruce]

They are there all summer, so the entire Alaska cruising season is good.

[Len3]

Thanks for your reply, but the whales have not being seen when we've been in Alaska. Any thoughts from Budget Queen or others?

[chipmaster]

We went on July and had no issues getting mutiple whale sightings.

 

If you are looking for the jumps etc. those are chance events. I might think higher probability at their winter playgrounds?

 

You are fortunate to have seen bears each time IMHO.

 

As you can see below - we've been to Alaska twice, but always in July/August. We've seen lots of bears lunching on salmon, but never have we seen a whale - jumping or doing anything. When is the best time to see the whales?

[Budget Queen]

Thanks for your reply, but the whales have not being seen when we've been in Alaska. Any thoughts from Budget Queen or others?

 

Sorry, you weren't looking. Humpbacks are seen the entire cruise season. IF you want extended time viewing, then book a tour, out of Juneau or Hoonah- 100% sightings in both.

 

If you invest the time, you can see them from a cruise ship. It does require hours of looking in the right areas. A pair of wide angle binoculars are necessary, as well as proper attire. A ship naturalist can offer up to date information.

 

BUT- realistic sightings are blows, backs, and trails. Anything else is pure infrequent chance. "Jumping" is rare. Do not expect any more than the basics. IF you wish to see more, then you need to "watch" for many more hours and tours.

 

Not sure about your "best time" reference??? In general, it's the entire season, and any time of day.

[frugaltravel]

Thanks for your reply, but the whales have not being seen when we've been in Alaska. Any thoughts from Budget Queen or others?

 

Did you take a whale watching tour when you were in Alaska? That is key. Just happening to see them from the cruise ship is iffy at best - usually requires hours at the bow of the ship and hoping to see a couple of blows, tails or fins.

 

Even with a whale watching tour (best from Juneau or Icy Strait Point), you should only expect to see blow, tails and fins. If you take multiple whale watch trips, your chances of seeing more increases. But the key word is "chances."

 

ETA: BQ and I were posting at the same time!