Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Gone whale watching in alaska cme travel news continuing. Distribution and activity of male harbour seals during the mating season. A truly amazing, jawdropping experience, when vacationing to maui during the winter season, a humpback whale watch is a mustdo.
Captain tobie and guide matt were fun, as excited as we were when whales were spotted, helpful, and made sure we were treated well in all ways. The origination of this game is hazy but one common belief is that whale and other game over the horizon could be spotted using this method. Many whale species have similar migration patterns as the humpback whale, traveling between mating and feeding season. How to see whales in alaska the best whale watching spots. It is also known as the white whale, as it is the only cetacean of this colour.
This was our first time to alaska, and whale watching was top on my list of to dos. During a gray whales twelve to thirteen month gestation period, the female will have migrated from baja california to alaska and back, arriving in the warm lagoons. When it comes to the various types of seasons for marine mammals such as whales their seasons can be broken down into two primary seasons known as mating season and feeding season. The calves are suckled for 7 months and follow their mothers on the spring migration towards the polar seas. One of the most dramatic whales that visits the gulf of maine is the humpback whale, whose latin name megaptera novaeangliae means big. When the mating and births are complete, and the temperatures in the northern hemisphere begin to rise, the whales return to the foodrich alaskan waters pregnant, or with their newly born calves around mid march. Check with local visitor bureaus and chambers of commerce for information. Best time to see whales in alaska alaska whale watching. Hop on board the allseason missing lynx and lost lynx, the vessels bound for whatever seward ocean excursion suits your fancy. Join a whale watching cruise to see them breed, play, or snack on plankton, and youll learn about the whales secret world. In total, that journey of nearly 3,000 miles takes six to eight weeks to complete, with humpbacks attaining an average speed. From may through september there are many opportunities to see whales from the deck of an alaskan cruise ship.
Umingmak an inupiaq work that means musk ox, in reference to the strong odor that males give off during the mating season to attract females. These humpback whales spent the summer months feeding in alaska and have now arrived in hawaii, after traveling nearly 3,000 miles. Want to whale watch, see glaciers, go bird watching or just check out hidden coves. Enjoy gorgeous scenery as you search for humpback and orca whales, then enjoy an allyoucaneat alaskan feast at the gold. Daily boat tours to tracy arm rarely return without whale sightings and youll often spot many on a single trip. Then, during the winter they travel to mostly hawaii, central america, asia, or mexico for mating and rearing their young. Based in anchorage, the alaska tours company offers three, fullday whale watching cruises that last from six to nine hours. Autumn is the mating season for moose, goats, caribou and muskoxen, and even winter offers a chance to spot deer. In late spring and summer they arrive in the waters of alaska where they feed and teach their offspring to hunt. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in. The where and when of the best time to see whales in alaska. Based in anchorage, the alaska tours company offers three, fullday whalewatching cruises that last from six to nine hours. Humpback whale species profile, alaska department of fish and. What is the best time to see wildlife during an alaska.
The 10 best alaska whale watching tours book alaskan excursions. The puerto vallarta humpback whales return from their summer feeding grounds along the pacific coast from california to alaska to the sea of cortez beginning in november of every year. During the summertime, the blue planet sees them cruising the waters of alaska, east russia and british columbia. Depending on the species of whale and where they live their mating season can vary, but it typically occurs during the colder fall and winter months where whales can take. The largest portion of the harvest happens in november during the rut, when both sexes respond to a call resembling the bleat of a fawn. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale.
The current season, spanning from january to march, is mating time for a variety of species. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii. Related to mule deer, sitka blacktailed deer are smaller and stockier than the columbian blacktailed deer found in the pacific northwest. But our shamu doesnt jump through hoops like he does at sea world. The best and worst time of year to whale watch in maui. In southeast alaska, the sitka blacktailed deer is the most frequently pursued species of big game. An alaska cruise vacation will get you front and center to see humpback whales, orcas also known as killer whales, gray whales, and blue whales. During late november and december, heavy snow sometimes concentrates deer at low elevations. Humpback whales utilize a polygynous mating system, with males competing aggressively to mate with estrous females. In total, that journey of nearly 3,000 miles takes six to eight weeks to complete, with humpbacks attaining an average speed of. Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, orcas, belugasall of them inhabit the waters around the state.
A whale watching cruise in alaska is an incredible way to see some of the worlds largest mammals. Gray whales at point reyes point reyes national seashore. Summertime is the best time for whale watching in alaska because thats usually the peak of the whale migration season. After a nonstop 68 week and 6,000mile migration from alaska, approximately 12,000 north pacific humpbacks arrive in the hawaiian islands every year around middecember for a season of mating, birthing, and nurturing their newborn calves. Alaskan waters boast a wide range of whale inhabitance. Each winter, an estimated 20,000 gray whales travel the 6,000 miles from the chilly waters of alaska to the balmy bays of mexico. During the whaling season, which usually begins in april and lasts until june, 10 of them will hunt. However, the orca whale calls alaska home and can be typically seen year round. Whale watching cruises in anchorage, alaska usa today.
However, there are certain months that youre more likely to see certain species of whales. Abstract to the 20th biennial conference on the biology of marine mammals. The calves drink as much as 600 liters of milk per day to help prepare them for the trip towards colder waters. That show, of course, is the north pacific humpback whale mating season that lasts for up to five months, where these 40ton creatures swim south from alaska to mate in hawaiis warm waters. So, usually when you do an alaska cruise in the summer, youll spot some whales. These migrations are timecoupled to the breedingmating season. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf. From december to marchapril they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico. Come spring, when the water warms, the whales travel back north again. These migrations are timecoupled to the breeding mating season. The gray whales make the trek to alaska to the feeding grounds of the bering sea to feast on millions of tiny crustaceans a delicacy in the gray whale world before traveling south to the. Alaska s cruise season runs from may through september and whales can be spotted during that entire time.
What is the best time to see wildlife during an alaska vacation. The whale watching season in mexico is reasonably short. Homer is one of alaskas most popular summer destinations, located at the end of the u. Take a whale watching trip to the hawaiian islands where theyll be swimming near colorful coral reefs, or hop a flight to juneau, one of alaskas best places to see whales in. For the first time, mating humpback whales have been captured in a photo. The research is used to inform management decisions and enhance recovery efforts for this endangered species. Calves are born weighingin at around 3000 pounds and grow at a rate of 200 pounds a day during the first few weeks of life. Mating season is a particularly interesting period of time to observe wildlife as they put on entertaining performances. Alaska whale watching juneau 2020 all you need to know. Many communities in southeast and southcentral alaska offer whale watching tours. This is one of the last great animal migrations and it happens every year as humpback whales travel between alaska and hawaii. Females give birth in warm tropical waters because the young only have a thin layer of blubber to keep them warm. Hunting, butchering and distributing the animal, village leaders say, is how elders teach young people the culture. Scientists estimate that twothirds of the entire north pacific humpback whale population return to hawaii to breed, calve and nurse their young.
Come along for the ride to catch a glimpse of hawaiis gentle giants and winter visitors, the humpback whale. At this time of the whale watching season there are new whales arriving every day, males and females. Although the best time to see the whales is during the months of may right through to the end of september. Sitka blacktailed deer hunting information, alaska. Mating entails long migrations to oceanic breeding grounds, vocalizations or songs and, sometimes, large groups of male whales, such as humpbacks, competing for females in violent. Autumn is the mating season for moose, goats, caribou and muskoxen, and even winter offers a chance to spot deer, sheep and mountain goats in. Time of the year during the puerto vallarta whale watching season does make a difference. Mating and calving both occur mostly in the lagoons of baja, although mating has been observed while whales pass the point reyes lighthouse during both north and south migrations. They can be seen near seward alaska in the waters of resurrection bay. During the beginning of the puerto vallarta whale watching season we typically encounter only adult humpback whales. The humpback whale is a migratory species, spending its summers in temperate and subpolar waters, but mating and calving in tropical and subtropical waters closer to the equator.
By the start of the official puerto vallarta whale watching season, december 8th, the population of humpback whales in the bay of banderas in puerto vallarta. Humpback whales wildlife viewing, alaska department of fish. Whale watching in alaska is special since you can meet different species of whales here. Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the longest known maritime migrations. We did see humpbacks in juneau this past aug and then in victoria, we saw tons of orcas.
Jun 26, 2019 it is one of the rarest in the world, which can be spotted in glacier bay national park and preserve or tongass national forest. Ferrengi alaska cruise season is may though septmay can be a bit early for wildlifewe have been in july and sept i think we saw more wildlife in july but saw plenty last weeki have downloaded somephotos in the cruisemates gallery under alaska 2008 if anyone would like to take a. Whale migration patterns throughout alaska alaska shore. Mating season is in the summer while winters are for hibernation and birthing. Onboard whale naturalists, hydrophone, and delicious food, premium bar drinks, and warm chocolate chip cookies all included. Beyond that, whale meat is considered an alaska native soul food. These animals that live in the wild are strong, fast, smart and extremely beautiful. Whale watching hilo shore excursion hawaiian cruise tours. It is just about impossible for us to go out on the boat during this time and not see their abovewater displays and hear their songs. Delphinapterus leucas is an arctic and subarctic cetacean.
One of the most dramatic whales that visits the gulf of maine is the humpback whale, whose latin name megaptera novaeangliae means bigwinged new englander. Alaskan whales winter makin whoopee in hawaii pretty smart and summer havin babies and eating tons of fresh seafood in alaska. The whales come up to alaska in the spring to feed and then head south around october and stay down by hawaii for the summer. Noaa fisheries conducts research on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the sperm whale. I was just wondering if i were going to try and find a cruise to alaska it would have to be during whale season. Depending on the species of whale and where they live their mating season can vary, but it typically occurs during the colder fall and winter months where whales can take advantage of the warmer tropical climates near the equator. Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the north.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. Whales begin their migration from the warm waters of mexico in february arriving in alaska waters in april. The best time to see these majestic marine mammals is from june until august. Hop on board the all season missing lynx and lost lynx, the vessels bound for whatever seward ocean excursion suits your fancy. During breeding season, the male, or bull whale, copulates underwater with the female, or cow, in a complex mating ritual that varies widely from species to species. Nearly 25 years ago, a dramatic rescue of three gray whales trapped by sea ice off the coast of alaska went into motion, providing the basis of the new movie big miracle. The best time for whale watching in alaska getaway usa. Whens the best time to see whales in juneau, alaska. Best places to see whales in alaska and where to see whales in alaska is answered in full. During the breeding season of late november through january, females may mate with several males. Brown bears are the most active in the summer, from june to august.
Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins cetaceans in their natural habitat. Females give birth to a single calf about 7m long and weighing 2. They race more than 3,000 miles from the gulf of alaska to hawaii, then stay for a lengthy vacation, frolicking just off our shores and delighting spectators from december through may. Countless whales spend the summer near alaska shores feeding, and views of these mighty mammals are best in the waters near anchorage. Alaskas cruise season runs from may through september. But viewing them in their natural habitat is a completely different experience. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008.
Whale watching in maui is one of the most adventurous marine mammal encounters you can have. The 10 best alaska whale watching tours book alaskan. Hawaii is a popular destination for whale watching because, during mating season, humpback whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity. Breeding season takes place during the winter months when individuals inhabit tropical waters. May 01, 2014 its good to note that the humpback whales migrate on their annual. Adult whales can reach 45feet in length and weigh up to 40 tons one of the largest ever recorded humpback whales measured in at 89 ft. For a more detailed list of the whale species visitors can see when visiting alaska, click here.
Captains bixler and krystin mcclure will help your small group plan an outing catered to your preferences. If you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. Explore the waters around juneau aboard a scenic cruise. Alaskas spectacular marine life and one of its best known glaciers all in a half day program on a boat holding a maximum of 40 guests. Humpbacks may be seen at any time of year in alaska, but most animals winter in temperate or tropical waters near mexico, hawaii, and in the western pacific near japan. You can see the intimate moment on this page over the years, various videos such as.
The orca, or killer whale, is also common to juneau. National geographic videos humpback whales arrive in hawaii for mating season. Each year, the great humpback whales migrate some 4,500 miles, from summer feeding grounds in alaska, to mate in the warm waters of hawaii. It is one of two members of the family monodontidae, along with the narwhal, and the only member of the genus delphinapterus. Mating season alaska travel articles adventure life. In the waters near seward, alaska, the best time to see killer whales is during early may and the first. This large animal has a thick coat comprised of two layers, an inner and an outer. Captains bixler and krystin mcclure will help your. Some reside in these cold waters year round and some migrate for long distances returning in the summer months to feed upon the abundant sea life and to bear their young. Luckily, whales can often be spotted in the area during those months. From juneau to kodiak, these whale watching areas are popular among tourist and residents alike. Excursion tours to the tortuguero canals in costa rica. The best time to see alaskas resident orca whale pods are between early may to early june with whales being spotted during the months of june through september.
Whales are polygamous mammals, with females giving birth to live young and nursing them for several months. Whale watching tours are offered in juneau and near glacier bay. Killer whales can be seen in southeast alaska between early may and early june with whales more sporadically spotted in june through september. Mar 29, 2018 what is the best time to see wildlife during an alaska vacation. What type of whale youll see depends on what region of alaska youre sailing through, while the number of whales you may encounter largely. Whale watching in the fall months september, october, november humpback whales arrive at different times in the fall, sometimes as soon as. Alaska s spectacular marine life and one of its best known glaciers all in a half day program on a boat holding a maximum of 40 guests. Silence, then a gigantic form breaches the surface. This large animal has a thick coat comprised of two layers, an. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates.
The average october live weight of adult sitka blacktails is about 80 lbs 36 kg for does and 120 lbs 54. Gray whales at point reyes point reyes national seashore u. Take a whale watching trip to the hawaiian islands where theyll be swimming near colorful coral reefs, or hop a flight to juneau, one of alaskas best places to see whales in glacierchilled waters. Point hope, the village caught between tradition and climate change. Juneau whale watching tours and excursions juneau, ak. Humpback whale species profile, alaska department of fish.