potential whale sightings during the scenic cruising

[paradiseisaprincessaway]

is there a better time of day to potentially see whales while we experience the scenic cruising hubbard glacier etc?

[Kamloops50]

is there a better time of day to potentially see whales while we experience the scenic cruising hubbard glacier etc?

 

Sighting are mostly in the early morning or early evening . The whales normally feed at sunrise and sunset.

[Budget Queen]

Sighting are mostly in the early morning or early evening . The whales normally feed at sunrise and sunset.

 

Very inaccurate information. Not factual. Both humpbacks and orcas- who are the most common to "see" are eating all day long.

 

They are "viewable" because they are mammals and have to breathe, which is 24/7

Edited April 2, 2015 by Budget Queen

[whale-watcher]

Sightings more common in certain locations, such as around the mouth of glacier bay, certain locations near Juneau, the Lynne Canal approaching Skagway, and Snow a Passage N of Ketchikan. Be out on deck scanning with good binoculars (I prefer 8x42 and high optical quality for use on a moving ship), and don't expect immediate sightings...you have to invest a lot of time. You could have luck in other locations as well.

[Budget Queen]

is there a better time of day to potentially see whales while we experience the scenic cruising hubbard glacier etc?

 

It depends what direction you are going? IF you are going from Hubbard glacier- south, AND transiting Icy Strait (the waterway). This is a humpback feeding area, which would likely be during your evening sailing.

 

Hubbard Glacier isn't the place to see whales. Pure low chance of sightings near the entrance.

 

If you state your itinerary- with times, I can offer suggestions for better opportunities for whale sightings. Also if you happen to be sailing in May- and round trip Seattle?

[Kamloops50]

Very inaccurate information. Not factual. Both humpbacks and orcas- who are the most common to "see" are eating all day long.

 

They are "viewable" because they are mammals and have to breathe, which is 24/7

 

I say that most days you are in port during the day . A naturalist on one Alaska cruise said that the whales other than Orcas are active at early morning and early evening . During the day they try and stay away from the area where Orcas are feeding to protect the babies.

[Budget Queen]

I say that most days you are in port during the day . A naturalist on one Alaska cruise said that the whales other than Orcas are active at early morning and early evening . During the day they try and stay away from the area where Orcas are feeding to protect the babies.

 

Sorry no, this is not accurate. Wrong information is being given.

 

With your "in port most days", why are whale watches 100% sighting successful then?

 

The transient orcas are NOT frequently seen and have hundreds of miles of range. The resident orcas are of NO threat.

Edited April 2, 2015 by Budget Queen