Whale Watching in Alaska: When, Where & What To Expect

Nothing compares to viewing an animal in their natural habitat. It’s a humbling experience, especially when it comes to whales, one of the more entertaining Alaska creatures to spot. When you go whale watching on an Alaska cruise, you could see a humpback breach, an orca pod on a hunt, or even, if you’re very, very lucky, a gargantuan blue whale zooming through the water. Alaska waters are known to host eight different species of whales that inhabit or migrate through its seas and fjords.

Your ship’s crew can answer many of your specific questions about whales onboard an Alaska cruise, but here are some of the most common questions about whale watching in Alaska.

• Alaska is one of the best whale-watching destinations on Earth, with up to eight species commonly spotted along the Inside Passage and Southcentral coast.
• Prime viewing locations include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Kenai Fjords, and Prince William Sound, where nutrient-rich waters attract whales all season.
• Best time to see whales is April–November, especially June and July for humpbacks and May–early June for orcas; blue, gray, and beluga sightings are more seasonal and rare.
• You can see whales from the cruise ship, especially from open decks and verandahs, but shore excursions provide the closest and most reliable encounters.
• Whale-watching tours are comfortable and guided by experts, often with heated cabins, outdoor decks, and naturalists who follow responsible wildlife rules.
• Pack for cold, windy conditions, and bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens, since boats must stay 100 yards away by law.
• Excursions from Juneau offer the highest chance of sightings, with some tours even offering guaranteed whale sightings.

To fully immerse yourself in the Alaska whale watching season, set sail on your Alaska cruise between early May to early June for the best chances to watch orcas, who like to hang out near Juneau, Ketchikan, and Seward. You can identify these cunning carnivores by their black-and-white markings.

There are three orca subspecies—residents, transients, and offshore. Residents, as their name suggests, stay in their home turf and feed on various types of fish; some resident orcas almost exclusively eat salmon. Transient orcas eat mammals, such as harbor seals. Offshore orcas are elusive and live far from land. Little is known about offshore orcas’ preferences or family structure.

One last bit of trivia: Orcas aren’t whales at all; they’re the largest member of the dolphin family.

Every year in summer, more than 500 humpback whales glide into Alaska’s Inside Passage, like the wildlife version of spring break. Humpback whales are commonly spotted in June and July and are a joy to watch, especially if they’re bubble-net feeding. Juvenile humpback whales like to leap out of the water and breach … just because they can! This is one of the more common whales you’ll see in Alaska.

Check out our Alaska Inside Passage Cruises with convenient departures from Seattle and Vancouver for the chance to see humpback whales on Holland America Line adventures.

Blue whales "summer" in the eastern and northern Gulf of Alaska in July and August and are just returning to Alaska after extreme whaling drove almost the entire population to extinction.

Blue whales are the largest of all whales and the biggest and loudest animal on earth today — possibly of all time.

Imagine three school buses, all lined up — that’s the length of a blue whale. Their tongues weigh as much as a full-grown elephant. As big and glorious as they are, it’s rare to spot blue whales while whale watching in Alaska.

Blue whales favor open waters and are rarely seen from shore.

Resident belugas are commonly seen in Alaska mid-July to August, snacking on the hooligan and salmon in the silty waters of Turnagain Arm. These cream-colored, smiley whales are not only conventionally the cutest, but also the best singers — the belugas’ vocal range has earned them the nickname "canaries of the sea."

The weight of a school bus and weighing in at 30 tons, gray whales tend to follow Alaska’s outer coast. These whales swim cape to cape across the openings of fjords and bays. Their spring trips skirt Alaska in April and June, with the largest concentration of gray whales passing the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak areas in May.

The crew notifies passengers of whale sightings, but if you have a verandah, spend some time scanning the ocean for the signature plume of water — it’s often the first indication of a whale. Holland America Line ships are perfectly mid-sized and have wide-open decks, so you’ll enjoy Alaska wildlife sightings with a little extra space. Upon boarding, scope out viewing areas so that you’re prepared to beeline to them when those magical Alaska whale watching moments occur.

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise whale watching adventure, expect a thrilling but comfortable outing. Most tours feature heated cabins, outdoor viewing decks, expert naturalists, and smooth cruising through calm channels that whales frequent. Captains follow responsible wildlife guidelines, giving guests incredible views while protecting the whales’ space. You may witness breaching, tail-slapping, or bubble-net feeding — especially in summer, which is widely considered the best time to cruise Alaska for whales.

To appropriately prepare for the Alaska whale- watching season, pack to spend a few hours in windy and chilly outdoor weather on an observation deck. Bring a warm, waterproof jacket, and touchscreen gloves. Wear comfy walking shoes with good traction in case it gets slippery. Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens. Without a decent camera and a long lens, it’s near impossible to get amazing shots of Alaska whales, as all boats are required by Alaskan law and international agreements to stay at least 100 yards away from whales. Find out ahead of time if the Alaska whale- watching tour provides a meal, and plan to bring lunch if not.

Book Alaska shore excursions from Juneau, Sitka, or Icy Strait Point for the best whale watching in Alaska. Whale sightings in Alaska are so frequent during certain times of the year that some tours guarantee at least one sighting.

Whether it’s a lone humpback or a pod of orcas, every whale sighting leaves a life-long impression. Ready to experience it for yourself? Start planning your whale watching cruise today.

To make the most of Whale Watching Alaska, keep these tips in mind:

• Optimal Timing: The best time to see whales in Alaska is typically June and July for humpbacks, and May to early June for orcas.
• Best Value: Group tours are the most affordable whale watching option, while luxury or private tours offer premium experiences.
• Top Viewing Locations: Juneau and Icy Strait Point lead Alaska rankings for whale sightings, with strong opportunities in Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound.

Marvel at the diverse wildlife the Great Land has to offer as a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise. Excursions depart from the cruise port of Juneau, Alaska.

Convinced? If you’re ready to see Alaska whales up close, here are some of the many unique experiences you can take:

Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest takes you through Stephens Passage, a favorite feeding area for humpbacks. Relax in a warm cabin with large viewing windows as a naturalist points out whales and other wildlife along the way.

Private Whale Watching gives your small group exclusive viewing time with humpbacks, orcas, and other marine wildlife. Enjoy a flexible, personalized route with comfortable indoor seating and plenty of space for photos.

Whale Watch & Marine Mammal Safari offers reliable humpback and orca sightings in the nutrient-rich waters off Icy Strait Point. Watch for seals, sea otters, and soaring bald eagles as you cruise with an expert naturalist.

Witnessing whales in Alaska is a truly unforgettable experience — from peaceful tail slaps to dramatic breaches against glacier-lined horizons. Whether you want a small-group experience, a luxury outing, or a family-friendly tour, there’s an excursion for every traveler. Browse our wide selection of Alaska cruise itineraries.

What is the best month to see whales in Alaska?

June and July are prime time for humpbacks, often showcasing dramatic lunge- and bubble‑net feeding. If orcas are your dream, aim for May to early June when pods cruise the Inside Passage in peak numbers.

What part of Alaska is best for whale watching?

Juneau and Icy Strait Point are standouts, with nutrient-rich waters that draw whales in close and often. The broader Inside Passage hums with life all season, serving up frequent sightings by day boat and from the rail.

Is Juneau or Ketchikan better for whale watching?

Juneau typically delivers more reliable encounters during peak season thanks to protected feeding grounds and quick runs to hot spots. Ketchikan can still be fantastic, but Juneau’s consistency makes it the go‑to for bucket‑list whale days.

Is whale watching in Alaska worth it?

Absolutely — few places on earth put you this close to ocean giants in glacier‑studded waters. Between tail slaps, misty blow spouts, and wild coastal scenery, it’s a show you’ll talk about long after you sail home.