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GIANTS OF THE DEEP

Whale Watching in Juneau, Alaska

Each summer, the waters around Juneau, Alaska, burst alive with a breathtaking display of nature’s slender—humpback whales
returning to feed in the nutrient-dense waters of the Inside Passage. For travelers seeking a glimpse of these giant marine mammals,
there can be no better backdrop than then the Mendenhall glacier waters of Juneau.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and accessible only by air or sea, Juneau is both remote and remarkable. Here, the cold waters
of the Pacific teem with life, from schools of herring to pods of orcas. But it’s the humpback whales that steal the show.
The humpback is a baleen whale and while some stay in the cold Alaskan waters during the winter, most choose to migrate to
Hawaii or Mexico to give birth to their young. At birth the average baby Humpback starts out a meager 4,000 pounds and 11-13 feet.
This pales in comparison to the mother who at a full-grown is 42 feet and weighs 70,000-80,000 pounds. Taking their name from the
fringed plates called baleen, these 30 inch long plates act as a sieve when they feed, filtering out the water and trapping the food
in their enormous mouth.
Feasting on the abundance of krill (shrimp-like crustaceans) and small fish, humpbacks consume 1.5 tons of food per day when
in Alaska. During migration whales rarely eat, relying on their fat reserves to get them to the frigid Alaskan waters.
Despite their size, humpbacks are surprisingly graceful. Watching one rise from the sea in a towering ballerina breach, then crash
down in a thunderous splash, is a moment that stays etched in memory. Visitors often find themselves speechless—awed by the
sheer power, beauty, and presence of these gentle giants.
Juneau’s whale-watching tours maximize sightings while respecting wildlife and preserving their natural environment. Boat cap-
tains and tour operators are often lifelong locals, offering history and insight into their tours with a combination of science, storytell-
ing, and stewardship. Tours range from a couple of hours to half-day excursions with both private and public tours available. While
whales are the stars, guests can also except to see bald eagles, sea lions and harbor porpoises playing in the wake of the boats.
The best time to see whales in Juneau is from May through September, with peak activity during the heart of the summer.
For many people who come to Alaska, whale watching is more than an outing. It’s a spiritual moment where you come face to
face with the most magnificent mammals mother nature has ever produced and you realize how humbling it is to be in the presence
of these creatures who call the icy waters of Juneau home.

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