A Rich Tapestry of Wildlife: What to See and When
Alaska wildlife tours are one of the state’s top draws, and for good reason. Whether you plan on whale watching in Alaska or you want to see bald eagles and sea otters in their natural habitat, the best way to see our wildlife is from a cruise. Phillips Cruises & Tours is proud to offer Whittier’s best day cruises to see these glorious animals in their natural habitat. The best time to see wildlife in Alaska can depend on what you’re most interested in seeing.
Prince William Sound Wildlife By Season
Winter
Winter can be a great time to look for wildlife in Alaska. In some areas, you can see sea lions migrate to Shotgun Cove and can be seen hanging out on a large mooring buoy, and orcas and Dall’s porpoise are also year-round and can be seen during the winter. And if you want to view sea otters in Alaska, this is the best time of year for you: they love to hang around the harbor here in Whittier.
Spring
Spring brings Prince William Sound a variety of scenic wildlife-viewing opportunities. Bears start emerging from their dens as the days get longer, and animals such as Dall sheep, caribou, and mountain goats start to come out.
Summer
Summer is Alaska’s primary tourist season, largely because of the large number of wildlife that shows up this time of year. Bears are at their highest concentration, while moose and elk forage in large numbers. Starting in July, sea lions and fur seals give birth along the coast. And more than 200,000 seabirds call Prince William Sound their home in the summer.
Fall
The loudest denizens of the Prince William Sound and Chugach National Forest in the fall are the moose! Expect to hear them calling to each other in their rutting season. This time of year also marks the Silver Salmon run, which can extend as late as October. Keep an eye out for bears building up the last of their seasonal fat stores as they get ready for hibernation.
Prince William Sound Wildlife Highlights
When you research Prince William Sound wildlife, you’ll find an abundance of animals that are the area’s “crown jewels.”
- Whales: Humpbacks and orcas are the most common whales on the list, but a lot of whales pay visits to the sound. Minke whales and gray whales have been spotted on occasion
- Sea otters: These charismatic sea creatures are larger than you think: they can be up to five feet long, and weigh up to 100 pounds!
- Harbor seals: Look for these seals on sandbars and in harbors, usually catching some sun or snacking on a freshly caught cod.
- Sea lions: The kings of the beach, sea lions are named for their “roar” and bark.
- Bald eagles: Alaska is home to more than 100,000 bald eagles, and they’re stunning to see!
How to Get the Best Views and Photos on Your Cruise
The first rule of wildlife photography is to keep your camera ready! You never know when the opportunity will strike, and you don’t want to miss it. If your camera has a “continuous shoot” mode, you can get great results using it. We also recommend getting a telephoto lens if you have a traditional camera, so you don’t disturb the animals you’re viewing. Bring a tripod or another camera stabilizer while on deck. And practice on your local wildlife so you can get a good feel for your camera.
Book Your Wildlife and Glacier Cruise with Phillips Cruises & Tours
If you’re ready to go on the greatest adventure of your life, we’d love to be a part of it! Book a Prince William Sound tour with Phillips Cruises & Tours today, or learn more about the experience we offer.
Image credit: FillG
