Whales are elusive creatures, often hiding in remote parts of the ocean and avoiding humans altogether. But luckily for us, they have to come to the surface to breathe and give us a chance to see these giants of the sea. Alaskan waters house several different kinds of whales, most commonly playful orcas and mammoth humpbacks but also minke, Gray and Beluga whales. Watch whales play and breach in nature’s greatest show!
1. Ketchikan Outdoors Zodiac Expedition (2868 S Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan)
At this cool Ketchikan excursion, you can pilot your own motorised dinghy, a 14 foot inflatable boat, with stops at various locations and a personalised tour by a friendly guide. Explore the waters off the island of Ketchikan, one of the most beautiful places in the southeast Alaska Inside Passage. Traveling in your own boat will allow you to find some peaceful water and watch the wildlife from whale, sea lions, harbour seals and jumping fish.
2. Kenai Fjords Tours (1304 4th Avenue, Seward)
On the 4 hour Grey Whale Watch Tour, you'll cruise a Resurrection Bay route in search of a good view of the California Gray Whales, who have traveled more than 5,000 miles up from Baja California, and pass by the mouth of the Bay. This is a great, easy tour for the whole family and with any luck, you'll see some magnificent views of the whales.
3. Ashore Water Taxi (4246 Homer Spit Rd, Homer)
This family-run business offers rides throughout the waters of the area on their 24-foot vessel. Offering a day trip to Kachemak Bay State Park to see orcas, beluga whales, and minke whales and occasionally humpback and finback whales.
4. Phillips Cruises & Tours (100 West Camp Road Whittier)
Out of Whittier, Phillips offers a 26 Glacier tour of Prince William Sound and whales are definitely in the area. Orcas and Humpbacks are common and occasionally a Minke whale will appear. The catamaran boats that this tour uses have a no-seasickness guarantee, so this tour is great for those without a fondness for the rolling waves.
5. Whale Watch Alaska (3701 Amalga St, Ste B
Juneau)
This unique 3 1/2-hour tour of Auke Bay out of Juneau is equipped with an amplified hydrophone system so you can listen to the whales underwater! They are so confident that you will see a whale that it's guaranteed.
6. Lazy Otter Charters (green roof just left of the East Boat Ramp in Whittier)
Cruise deep into the heart of Prince William Sound to search for humpbacks and orcas. You'll also see as Dalls porpoises, large rafts of sea otters, and rookeries of fascinating sea birds! This 8-9 hour tour is personalised to each group of 6 people and is a great way to see the beauty of Prince William Sound.
7. Major Marine Kenai Fjords Tour (9170 Jewel Lake Rd, Ste 203
Anchorage)
This family-owned tour operator offers luxurious cruises of the Kenai Fjords National Park. The Grey Whale Watching Tour follows their migratory route in the spring and is about 4 hours long.
Have you been on a whale watching tour in Alaska? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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