An Alaskan cruise is a dream vacation that will put you front and center for the best the state has to offer. This includes towering cliffs plummeting straight into the ocean, ice-blue glaciers shedding massive icebergs off of their faces, scenic towns, and, of course, purely Alaskan wildlife.
For many, a chance to see these majestic creatures like humpback whales, orcas, and bears is the highlight of the trip to the last frontier. Luckily, many of these animals can be seen directly from the cruise ships!
Having spent years riding the Alaskan State Ferries through these same waters, we know what to expect when it comes to wildlife spotting. So grab your binoculars and a deck chair as we take you through the animals you can expect to see on your next Alaskan cruise.
Humpback Whales
Did you know that during the summer season, the inner waters of Southeast Alaska, and specifically Frederick Sound, are home to over 1,000 humpback whales? They come to these nutrient-rich waters to feed, play and put on a show for passing ships.
You can spot these massive whales by their telltale spout as they take a breath before diving back underwater.
Once you’ve spotted one, keep your eyes open as you may get the thrill of a lifetime by catching a glimpse of one breaching. This is when the whale dives deep and propels itself fully out of the water!
Orcas (Killer Whales)
One of the smartest animals in the ocean, Orcas patrol the waters throughout Alaska in search of salmon, seals, and other marine animals to snack on. These whales travel in groups and can be tougher to spot than Humpback whales, as they are always on the move.
Keep an out around areas where rivers flow into the ocean or rocky outcroppings, as these can be home to salmon, seal, and sea lions, which all attract these hungry predators.
Did you know Alaska is home to both resident and transient orca pods? Resident orcas typically stay within a certain range and primarily eat salmon and other fish, while transient orcas have no set territory and primarily eat sea mammals like seals and sea lions.
Sea Otters
Sea otters are a favorite among visitors to Alaska for their calm demeanor and downright cuddly appearance.
These fluffy little marine mammals were nearly wiped out by the fur trade but have since made a huge comeback and can now be seen all over the coast.
The preferred food for sea otters is shellfish like clams, crabs, and mussels, so you can often find them floating in rafts in shallow bays where they can dive to the bottom and pick up their next meal.
Keep an eye out for baby sea otters in the late spring. When their mother heads off in search of a meal, they will fluff up the baby’s fur, which makes it float until she returns.
Harbor Seals
Harbor seals are a staple around harbors at ports of call and glacier fjords, where they like to rest on icebergs. These adorable spotted mammals are curious and will poke their heads up out of the water to take a look around and see what’s going on.
Around ice flows, you can often see dozens of them hauled out on icebergs, where they lounge the day away. This helps protect them from predators, and they don’t seem to mind the chilly conditions.
Watch closely as the ship’s wake can sometimes flip the icebergs, sending them off for a swim in search of a new resting place.
Steller Sea Lions
Sea lions are a very common sight up and down the coast of Alaska and can often be found in huge numbers on rocky outcroppings. Consider yourself lucky that you’re out on a boat and not right next to them, as these colonies are loud and stinky!
If you’re in port, head over to the docks where the charter fishing boats return. The fish scraps are often thrown back into the water after the day’s catch is cleaned, and the sea lions know where to find this easy snack.
Dall’s Porpoises
These playful animals are often best spotted following the ship’s wake, making them hard to spot. Keep an eye on the waves directly off the back of the ship while you’re underway, and you may just get lucky as they like to ride the surf, leaping up and over it before diving back underwater.
If you take a boat excursion out of one of the ports of call, you may get an up-close look at this playful activity, which is an absolute treat to see up close.
Bald Eagles
The iconic symbol of America, the bald eagle, is everywhere along the Alaskan coastlines. On some beaches, you may see dozens, if not hundreds, of these massive birds lined up, waiting for the chance to grab their next meal.
Some towns have trees locally known as the eagle tree, where the birds will congregate. Ask around at the ports of call, and they may direct you to the spot where you can snap a photo of 20+ eagles sitting in the same spot.
Puffins
Puffins are a favorite for many bird watchers for their unique appearance. Often seen along cliffs these birds can be seen tending to their nests and diving into the ocean below in search of a meal.
While Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the best places to see puffins, they can also be spotted in Southeast Alaska around Icy Strait, Sitka, and Glacier Bay.
Arctic Terns
Famous for their long migrations, which can cover more than 20,000 miles, these small birds are found near coastal waters from Yakutat up through the Prince William Sound (their range extends much further north, but the cruise ship’s range doesn’t).
If you spot a group of Arctic Terns, keep an eye on them. These birds are expert fishers and will hover directly over the water before quickly diving to pull a mouthful of fish out of the ocean.
Brown Bears (Grizzly Bears)
Consider yourself lucky if you’re able to spot an Alaska brown bear from the ship of an Alaskan cruise! These majestic creatures live in huge numbers on the islands throughout Southeastern Alaska and can often be spotted exploring the coastlines for clams or other tasty snacks.
If Sitka is on your list of ports of call, then head over to the Fortress of the Bear. This rescue center is home to brown bears where you can get an up-close look at these incredible animals!
Black Bears
Black bears are the more common of the two Alaskan bears you can spot along the shorelines during a cruise. Often mistaken for a rock from the boat, it’s best to keep an eye on any dark spots along the treeline, as sometimes these rocks will stand up and start moving!
Black bears like to use the coast as an easy way to cover ground and forage for berries, grasses, crabs, and mussels.
Sitka Black-Tail Deer
Sitka blacktail deer are often seen grazing along the coastal forests of Southeast Alaska. These deer, with their distinctive black tails, are most commonly observed in the early morning or late evening when they venture out to feed.
