More whale opportunities leaving Vancouver or out of Seattle?

[FaithPlus1]

I've gone on 2 NCL cruises that left out of Vancouver returning in Seward (I'm a party of 1 and go whenever the rates have dropped). I've been frugal each time first getting a guaranteed oceanview room (lucked out and had a huge porthole with a very minor obstruction which was being on the walking/jogging path), and then a guaranteed interior (room was okay). I've decided to take the plunge and finally get a balcony because I remember hearing people tell me how they regularly saw whales out of their balcony. 

 

That said, which route are you more likely to see whales on a July/August cruise? Going Vancouver to Seward, or going Seattle to Seattle?

 

I realize there's a high chance that the cruise will end up canceled, so I have guarded optimism.  Thanks

[wolfie11]

Vancouver.  The ships go inside Vancouver Island, where there are lots of whales.

[Heidi13]

Agree with Vancouver, as we have a resident pod in Georgia Strait and sightings are common at Robson Bight at the top of Vancouver Island

[Budget Queen]

However.   you need to invest a lot of time,  "looking"  getting like seconds of view.  🙂    I  spend a great deal of time,  and am always successful.   But,  I also know specific areas where they are frequently seen.    

 

It's pure chance,   but, you won't see any if you don't look.  🙂   

[LdyMags]

Vancouver! Done both ways but saw the most whales when we did Seward to Vancouver! I spent a lot of time on deck at the back of the boat looking for them though!  If you get into Vancouver a day or so early, you can also go out whale watching with some great companies there!

[Budget Queen]

To increase your viewing opportunities,   you always track from ahead,   not from the back.   Scanning is necessary,  tracking exhalations-  which is how you see the animal.   You then have extended viewing by tracking.    looking back- you've missed over 50% of your potential viewing.    It's important if you want the most success-  you've got to be on the move- forward and side to side.  🙂    

 

Educate yourself on behaviors.   These are sea animals who spend 95% +++  of the time, under the water.  🙂   Gaining these skills are of significant benefit in knowing and identifying  what you are seeing .