Alaska is home to many wild giants like moose and bears, but its biggest creatures of all—its many whale species—occupy its coastal waters.
As noted by Alaska Collection, “Alaska’s pristine icy waters are the perfect habitat for the world’s largest mammals.”
While some whale species stay in the area year round, others have migration routes, spending the winter in warmer waters to the south, and returning home to Alaska and its cooler waters during the summer. This makes May-September the best whale watching months for those wanting to get a closer look at these beautiful giants.
On my family’s Alaska cruise, one of our excursions was a whale watching trip departing from Auke Bay, Juneau. Even though we were there in August and despite being dressed warmly, I had been perpetually cold throughout the trip, so I braced myself for the worst. I figured the wind out on the water would make for a very chilly boat adventure, but I was hoping the whales would make it all worth it.
To my surprise, it wasn’t as cold as I’d imagined it would be, so I spent most of the three-hour tour on the outside decks of the catamaran, scanning the waters of Stephens Passage, a favorite summer feeding ground for humpback whales, for any sign of movement.
It wasn’t long before we spotted our first humpback whale! We continued to see spouts all throughout the tour, getting more and more excited with each sighting. We were also lucky enough to see them dive down, arching their tails as they gracefully disappeared below the water’s surface. While seeing the area’s famous humpback whales was definitely the highlight, we also saw a few Steller sea lions resting on a buoy and plenty of seabirds.
Our tour ran throughout the late afternoon, and the sun was starting to set by the time we were heading back to shore. Even if we hadn’t spotted any wildlife, the landscape itself would have been worth seeing. It was so peaceful out on the water, and the natural beauty was stunning in this part of Alaska as well. Dark blue mountains topped with white snow caps surrounded us everywhere we looked, and the sun sparkled over the black water.
Whale watching can definitely be a fun activity for the whole family, but you also want to make sure that your tour isn’t having a negative impact on the wildlife you encounter or potentially endangering the whales in the process. Our natural human curiosity compels us to get up close with wildlife to get a better look, but we also need to be mindful of the animals' needs and respect their space. We need to remember that we’re visitors in their home.
There are also federal laws protecting marine mammals in Alaska, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that tourists and operators alike must be aware of and follow at all times in order to keep the animals safe.
If you’re wondering how you can do your part to ensure their continued well-being and conservation, a program called Whale SENSE has been established to promote responsible whale watching. The program is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and is offered to commercial whale watching companies.
Their website describes their role below:
Whale SENSE is a voluntary conservation program for whale watching companies concerned with responsible viewing practices, ocean stewardship, and education. By choosing a SENSE-ible tour, you help promote responsible whale watching practices that keep whales safe.
Tour operators who undergo annual training and evaluation are then recognized for their commitment to responsible practices through the Whale SENSE designation, which helps tourists make better choices when it comes to which company to support and put their trust in. Companies with the Whale SENSE decal operate according to the Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines produced by NOAA, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
For a list of tour companies with the Whale SENSE designation operating out of Juneau, click here.