Whale Watching Report - Juneau 5/13/04

[juneau-ite]

An amazing run of sunshine weather, for this part of the country. I believe we are on our 21st day in a row of great weather and there is another 7 in a row being predicted for by the weather service. (I think we did have a sprinkles on day during that run)

Humpback Whales in the Juneau 'tour' area are increasing in number, seems we have between 9-14 in the general tour area, as of the last few days. The sunshine does seem to keep them moving around more, as they seek their prey species and we are noticing they are staying down a bit longer on their feeding dives than is typical. (We have seen this before, during long sunny stretches of weather).

Also seeing slightly higher than usual sightings of Orca (Killer Whales) than is typical. Hoping this will continue but it is common for the higher than usual sightings in April & May, then a decrease for June & July, and then an increase again in August & September.

The cow & calf Humpback that was first sighted on May 7th, has been in the area since then. This has been great and we have seen the calf provide some amazing behavior.

I am off to get back on the water again this afternoon and will check in again next week.

Hope this helps ...

[Dushi]

Thanks for the whale update Juneau-ite-

We still haven't decided on whether or not to go on a whale watching cruise in Alaska. In Cape Cod, back in the mid 1980s, the boats used to be able to get very close to the whales. In 1998, on a whale watch boat in Maui, we could not be within 150 feet of the whales so when a humpbank breached close to the boat, the captain had to power up and move away. All we could see was a fin, way out in the distance. It was a waste of $65pp.

Long story short, how close can the boats in Alaska get to the whales? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

NH

[karenbf]

Juneau-ite - Thanks! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] Do you mind keeping up the sightings for another week or two? We'll be in Juneau May 31st. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Fascination 11/01
Inspiration 6/02
Conquest 1/03
Holiday 7/03
Radiance 5/04

[Diva Onboard]

Hi Juneau-ite,

By all means, if you have the time, please keep us updated. We will be doing the whale watch wildlife quest in July. So we will be very interested in learning how the numbers are increasing.

There is nothing more beautiful that seeing a whale in its natural environment. Can't wait!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;7;18;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

<Marquee>I'm getting out there - SERENADE OF THE SEAS - July 18, 2004<Marquee>

[Diva Onboard]

Hello Juneau-ite!

Give us an update - please!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;7;18;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

<Marquee>I'm getting out there - SERENADE OF THE SEAS - July 18, 2004<Marquee>

[Diva Onboard]

Still looking for an update. What are those whales up to lately?

Hope they will be abundant and active when we're there July 18/25.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;7;18;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

<Marquee>I'm getting out there - SERENADE OF THE SEAS - July 18, 2004<Marquee>

[Diva Onboard]

I guess the whales left Alaska - there have been no updates in quite awhile.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;7;18;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

<Marquee>I'm getting out there - SERENADE OF THE SEAS - July 18, 2004<Marquee>

[judischoll]

Did Capt Larry Whale Watching last week while on the Diamond Princess and had a great time. Saw approx. 6 whales, some eagles, seals and great scenery, well worth the money and a highlight of my daughters trip.

[Diva Onboard]

Sure hope that they are active when we're there in a few weeks.

[Diva Onboard]

Well, just 10 more days and we are off to Alaska.


Any new whale watch reports?

[BuckeyeLady]

We were there June 16th and went whale watching w/Cap't Larry. We saw several humpbacks and also four Orcas (killer whales). Awesome trip. :)

[goblue]

BuckeyLady,


We're also on Cap't Larry on June 16 .
what time was your tour ?
we're on the one around 930 am ish ..