A sailing voyage along the Alaska coastline is sure to include celebrity sightings of some of the animal kingdom’s biggest stars, all set against awe-inspiring landscapes of towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
A sailing voyage along the Alaska coastline is sure to include celebrity sightings of some of the animal kingdom’s biggest stars, all set against awe-inspiring landscapes of towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
“Alaska is a place that constantly reminds you of just how small you are in the grand scheme of things,” wrote Jon Krakauer, whose bestselling book, Into the Wild, is set in Alaska. “It is a humbling experience.”
Krakauer’s words aptly reflect the staggering scale of the Alaskan landscape, but they just as easily describe the delightful jolt in perspective one gets from observing at close range such a thrilling array of Alaska. Embark on a whale-watching excursion and catch a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching beside your boat — and, if you’re close enough, feel its splash—and you’ll know what it is to forget everything but a sense of awe. Dig deeper and you’ll find that the fascinating biology and behaviors of these animals have plenty to teach us about our own place in the ecosystem. From whales, puffins and salmon to bears, eagles and sea otters, here’s where to spot Alaska’s most captivating creatures.
Along the Inside Passage
Cruising along this famous route between the islands and the mainland takes you through pristine waters, wilderness and a breathtaking abundance of wildlife. Bald eagles are an unmissable sight, thanks to their dramatic seven-foot wingspans and striking white-feathered heads. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, whose peak diving speed of 220 mph makes them the fastest animal on the planet. Humpback whales are the most common type seen here, though you can also spot orcas skimming along the surface of the water or breaching like humpbacks. Other marine friends to make are Steller sea lions, who roar rather than bark, adorable back-floating sea otters and black-and-white Dall’s porpoises, named for the naturalist William Dall. On land, keep your eyes peeled for caribou (both males and females have antlers), black-footed red foxes and, yes, bears. With black bears weighing between 200 and 500 pounds, and grizzlies from 500 to 800 pounds, won’t you be glad to “meet” them from the yacht?
Icy Strait Point
The Gulf of Alaska is world-renowned for its whale-watching, and Icy Strait Point may be the crown jewel. This private port by the Tlingit village of Hoonah sits near the Point Adolphus feeding ground, drawing one of Alaska’s greatest summer populations of humpback whales. Expect spectacular sightings of the creatures’ bubble-net feeding, flipper slapping and breaching while keeping your eye out for orcas, sea lions, porpoises and seals. Other highlights include a renovated cannery museum celebrating salmon’s starring role in Alaskan history, and fishing, birding and bear-watching excursions at nearby Spassky Creek.
Whittier
With its scenic harbor and rich marine culture, Whittier offers a gateway to Alaska’s stunning wilderness. Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of Prince William Sound, where you can embark on a sea-kayaking tour through tranquil waters, surrounded by glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife like whales, sea otters, and puffins. Whittier’s charm also extends to its fascinating history, with opportunities to learn about its strategic role during World War II and its unique connection to Alaska’s rugged frontier spirit. Whether you're exploring the waters or delving into the town’s captivating past, Whittier invites you to experience Alaska’s natural wonders up close.
Ketchikan
The gateway to Alaska for many travelers, Ketchikan’s dazzling natural beauty is matched by its lively culture, rich Native traditions — and abundant wildlife. The classic experience is watching the eye-popping numbers of salmon spawning here in summer. Starting downtown near buzzing Creek Street, follow the 1.5-mile Salmon Walk along Ketchikan Creek, offering multiple views of the famous salmon ladder, where countless determined fish jump against the rushing waterfall as they fight their way upstream. The mesmerizing sight offers incredible photo opportunities as well as insight into the salmon lifecycle and this unique ecosystem.
More Wildlife Gems
Other wildlife highlights of your Alaska itinerary include the capital city of Juneau, with unforgettable opportunities for whale-watching and dogsledding, and Vancouver, British Columbia, where you can either start or end your Alaskan adventure with visits to Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park, and the renowned Vancouver Aquarium. For quieter, off-the-beaten-path ports, don’t miss Petersburg, 100 miles south of Juneau, located on Frederick Sound, where hundreds of humpback whales congregate in summer, and Wrangell, situated on the Stikine River, a designated wilderness area whose plentiful salmon draw black and brown bears to its shores.
