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You’ll have the chance to learn about local history and culture from your guide, see spectacular views, and spy local wildlife like brown bears, Sitka deer, and eagles. There are no bear guarantees, however chances are good that you will spot some wildlife during this excursion. Hosted by an Alaska fisherwoman and wilderness chef, you’ll learn about local fishing, preserving, and cooking techniques. You’ll get to see an expert filleting demo and even grill your own catch of the day on an alder-wood grill. Whether you are looking for adventure, great seafood, or want to learn more about Alaska Native History, here are some of the best Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions. This former fish cannery, which was built in 1912, has been renovated for cruisers.
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One of the most sought-after experiences for tourists visiting Alaska is whale watching. The sight of these magnificent creatures breaching the surface of the water leaves travelers in awe. While late spring and early summer might offer pleasant weather in the lower American states, Alaska’s far north latitude means that temperatures are still cooler. If you choose to cruise Alaska during this time, bring water-resistant clothing and plenty of warm layers. Discover all our Alaska whale watching shore excursions on an unforgettable trip to the Great Land. You can identify these cunning carnivores by their black-and-white markings.
Alaska Cruise in October: Chilly Weather and Cruise Deals When You Cruise Alaska in October
Best time to go on a cruise - The Points Guy
Best time to go on a cruise.
Posted: Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
July is the peak time for wildlife watching — and Alaska whale watching cruises are priced accordingly. Whales, porpoises, bears, eagles, otters, and other animals are out in abundance. It’s more a case of adjusting expectations and balancing your budgetary needs. The best time to go whale watching in Alaska is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, whales migrate to Alaska’s waters to feed, providing ample opportunities for sightings. The peak season for whale watching in Alaska is typically in July and August, when the weather is mild, and the waters are calm, making it an ideal time to spot whales.
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On the other hand, large ship cruises come with a variety of amenities, including multiple dining options, diverse entertainment, and expansive fitness centers, making them a bustling hub of activity. These ships are more stable in rough waters, providing a smoother journey. During the shoulder season, you can often find attractive deals on Alaskan cruises, as there are fewer families traveling due to school being in session. Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation. Regardless of the time you choose to cruise Alaska, be sure to pack a pair of binoculars to enhance your whale-watching experience.
Whale Watching Education
Most whale tours range from 3-6 hours and are popular in Seward, Whittier, and the Inside Passage (Juneau and Sitka, for example). It’s possible to spot whales from shore in Homer and even Whittier, but it’s not a normal occurrence. Juneau can be a good spot to see whales from shore, although you’re much more likely to spot them from a boat. In Seward, we’ve always had the best luck spotting whales and other wildlife at the end of May through July. This is all anecdotal, but when we visit Seward in the fall (around Labor Day), we’ve never see whales from shore.
Walkie Talkie On Cruise Ship: Are They Allowed? Which Is The Best?!
Planning your perfect Alaskan cruise would be best suited sometime between May and September. In order to have this once in a lifetime adventure, timing is everything. Whale-watching is an experience that fills your mind with wondrous images and your heart with experiences not to be forgotten for a lifetime. Prepare to be captivated by the majesty of Alaska’s whales and create lifelong memories that will leave you longing to return to this remarkable destination. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Whittier is 55 miles southeast of Anchorage beyond the head of Turnagain Arm.
August Whale Watching
This is a great option for those curious about Alaska Natives and their culture. During the Alaska cruise season, the high temperatures in Icy Strait Point range from the low 50s to the mid-60s. It’s one of the less rainy Alaskan ports, with an average of 67 inches of rain per year.
Whale Watching In September
If you are hoping to avoid the rain, the best time to travel to Icy Strait Point would be in May or June. 90% of Alaska (including Icy Strait Point) lies within the Alaska Time Zone. The Alaska Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone. Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.
What is the best time of year to visit Icy Strait Point?
Here they may be seen vaulting out of the water in a graceful breech or bubble-net feeding, an activity they only do during their summer months. Many visitors fly directly from Anchorage (about an hour on a jet) or take an airplane from Homer. The Seward Highway runs southeast of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm for almost 50 miles. July and August can be extremely busy months for the Alaska cruise industry. With the warmer weather, it is not unusual to see an increase in the number of people looking to enjoy Alaska’s untamed wilderness. On top of that, some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife species tend to be at their most active and visible when the weather cools off towards the end of summer.
Unlike other forms of travel, seeing last minute super saver fares is a rarity for this kind of in-demand cruise. Booking early and putting down a deposit means you lock in the low, early bird rate (and, if you like, you can make monthly payments toward the balance for easy budgeting). Your deposit is refundable (usually up to one to two months before the sailing date) and should the price drop, you can always call and ask for an adjustment. My favorite place to see whales in Alaska is in Resurrection Bay, which is the body of water that sits outside of Seward. I’ve been on multiple whale watching cruises in the area as well as a sailing trip to Thumb Cove with my friends and I’ve always seen whales.
An Alaska whale-watching cruise is one of the best ways to see the world’s largest mammals in their natural habitat. During an Alaskan vacation, you’ll spot feeding humpback whales, orcas swimming with their offspring, and gray and blue whales splashing in the water from a front-row seat. Overall, the summer months of May to September offer the best opportunities for whale watching in Alaska, as this is when many whale species are most active in the region’s waters. If spotting wildlife is a priority, consider cruising during the salmon runs, when bears are most active and can be spotted from the decks of the ship.
I prefer the larger boats like Major Marine as they handle the large waves better. If you have a professional camera, a monopod will help take the weight off your forearms while you wait for whales to appear. A good strap is also nice to have (not the standard one like in my photo below). Another item we suggest bringing along is a high-resolution camera with a long-range zoom lens. If you prefer to be inside, pick public areas with large windows instead.
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