The best places to go whale-watching in Alaska are Kenai Fjords National Park, accessible from Seward, and Juneau, in the southeast. The season runs from May through September, peaking from June through August. Humpback whales,orcas, and gray whales are the most commonly sighted species during these cruises, which are often guided and sometimes take place against a backdrop of glaciers.
Seeing a humpback whale breach the icy waters of a fjord is one of the highlights of a trip to Alaska. Every summer, these cetaceans migrate to these nutrient-rich waters to feed, offering a spectacle that can be viewed by boat. This guide, based on data fromthe Tourism and ParksOffice, details where to go, when to go, and how to spot them.
This article is part of our series on things to do in Alaska and complements our guide to Alaska’s wildlife. It pairs well withbear watching and glacier cruises.
Where can you go whale-watching in Alaska?
There are two main regions: the south-central region, around Seward, and the southeastern region, around Juneau. Here are the best spots.
1. Kenai Fjords National Park, from Seward
Kenai Fjords National Park, accessible from Seward, offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the state. Cruises sail along Resurrection Bay and the glacial fjords. You can spot humpback whales, orcas, gray whales, otters, and puffins, often against the backdrop of a glacier. The harbor is just a few minutes from downtown Seward and three hours from Anchorage.
2. Juneau and the Southeast
The capital city of Juneau is one of the world’s best spots for humpback whale watching. Tours depart from Auke Bay toward Stephens Passage, a rich feeding ground for humpbacks and orcas. Many cruises end near the Mendenhall Glacier. Frederick Sound, further south, is another summer hotspot.
3. Inside Passage and Prince William Sound
The Inside Passage and its towns of Sitka and Ketchikan offer numerous excursions, as does Glacier Bay, renowned for its humpback whales. Prince William Sound, accessible from Valdez or Whittier, offers both whales and glaciers. Kachemak Bay, near Homer, rounds out the options.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Alaska?
The season runs from May through September, coinciding with the cetaceans’ summer arrival. Gray whales pass through during their migration, starting in April and May. Orcas arrive in May, followed by humpback whales beginning in June.
The peak viewing period is from June through August, when humpbacks feed in large numbers. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times. Cross-reference these tips with our guide on when to go.
| Period | Species | Observation |
|---|---|---|
| April through May | Migrating gray whales | Bonne, south-central coast |
| May | Arrival of orcas | Bonne to Seward and Juneau |
| June through August | Humpback whales | Best time, peak season |
| September | Humps before departure | Very good, fewer crowds |
What’s a whale-watching trip like?
Whale watching takes place by boat, on cruises lasting two to eight hours, often led by a naturalist guide. Vessels range from large, heated catamarans to smaller, more intimate boats limited to just a few passengers. Binoculars and a telephoto lens are useful.
Trips depart from the ports of Seward, Juneau, Whittier, or Valdez. During peak season, it’s best to book in advance, especially for smaller boats. A local agency selects the best tour operators and schedules the trip based on the weather and tides.
Frequently Asked Questions: Whale Watching in Alaska
Where can you go whale watching in Alaska?
The best spots are Kenai Fjords National Park, accessible from Seward, and Juneau, in the southeast. Whales can also be spotted in the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, Frederick Sound, and Prince William Sound. These areas are home to humpback whales, orcas, and sometimes gray whales.
When is the best time to see whales in Alaska?
The season runs from May through September, peaking from June through August. Gray whales pass through during their migration from April to May. Orcas arrive as early as May, followed by humpback whales in June, which come to feed all summer in Alaska’s nutrient-rich waters.
What kinds of whales can you see in Alaska?
Humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales are the most commonly spotted—the three most iconic species. Also found there are minke whales, Dall’s porpoises, as well as sea otters, seals, and sea lions. More than a dozen species of cetaceans frequent the state’s waters.
What can you see from Seward?
Departing from Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park cruises travel along Resurrection Bay and the glacial fjords. You can spot humpback whales, orcas, gray whales, sea otters, seals, and puffins, often against a backdrop of glaciers. The harbor is just a few minutes from downtown.
What is a whale-watching trip like?
Whale watching takes place by boat on cruises lasting two to eight hours, often led by a naturalist guide. Vessels range from large catamarans to smaller, more intimate boats. Binoculars and a telephoto lens are helpful. Trips depart from the ports of Seward, Juneau, or Whittier.
Are humpback whales present all summer long?
Yes. Humpback whales migrate annually from the warm waters of Hawaii or Mexico to Alaska, where they feed intensively from May through September. During this time, you can see them breaching, slapping the water with their tails, or hunting using the spectacular “bubble net” technique.
Can you combine whale watching with glacier tours?
Yes. Cruises in the Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound naturally combine whale watching with close-up views of sea glaciers. This is one of the highlights of these trips: seeing whales and then witnessing an ice front calving on the same day, all against a backdrop of fjords.
Should you book a whale-watching tour in advance?
During peak season, from June to August, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially for smaller boats and the most popular time slots. Trips are weather- and sea-condition dependent. A local agency will schedule these excursions into your itinerary and select the best tour operators.
Last updated: August 24, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
Terra Alaska is a local travel agency specializing in custom trips to Alaska and a member of the Terra Panamerica network. We design trips that include whale watching in Seward, Juneau, and Prince William Sound. Discover our expertise as a local inbound travel agency.
Contact us to plan your trip or explore our suggested itineraries.
Sources
U.S. Travel and Tourism Office (marine wildlife in Alaska); National Park Service (Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay). Data collected in 2026.
