Whale watching in September

[Junebug1]

Are whales still in Alaska in September? We would like to go on a whale watching tour, but aren't sure which port would be best. Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchican? Do most people pre-book, or are there tour guides at the dock when you get there?

 

Any info would be appreciated.

June

[Comingaboard]

Are whales still in Alaska in September? We would like to go on a whale watching tour, but aren't sure which port would be best. Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchican? Do most people pre-book, or are there tour guides at the dock when you get there?

 

Any info would be appreciated.

June

 

 

They certainly are in Juneau in Sept.. Most people prebook as it might be impossible to go if the port is loaded with other ships the day you are there. Don't know about Sitka but Ketchikan would not be as easy as Juneau for whale watching.

[Toyz711]

some whales live in the area around juneau all year round. the ones that migrate start their trip to hawaii around late oct or early nov. ketchikan is not known. for it's humpback population, juneau is.

the small boat operators work out of their homes, the ones we hear about on this board, they don't hang around the docks. they do fishing as well as whale watching...the small boat operators can only take 6 passenger.

orca enterprises has an office at the docks..across from the tram office. i don't know about their policy on "walk-ins". i guess if they have room they would do it. but you would have to go right to their office is see if they have room.

the whale watching boats go out of auke bay, about 20 mins from the juneau cruise docks. if you waste too much time hunting a tour, you are going to miss out. if you are in juneau during the afternoon, remember: the sun sets around 7pm. ocra has a tour at 3pm (?), when we got back is was dark. (sept of '06)

[Budget Queen]

Yes the whales are in Alaska through the cruise season. Out of Juneau, 100% chance of humpbacks. Out of Sitka, is varied wildlife, with usually humpback sightings, although not as extended as in Juneau. In Sept. out of Sitka, the puffins are viewable with an independent operator through the first 10++ or so days of Sept. They then return out to sea, until spring.