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Tag: Whale Watching Cruise

  • What You Should Bring on a Whale Watching Cruise

    What You Should Bring on a Whale Watching Cruise

    Cruises are a great way of seeing whales. Many popular itineraries go straight through whale territory, so you’ll have a good chance of spotting the large marine mammals. But simply booking a cabin on the cruise isn’t enough to swing the odds in your favor. If you really want to maximize your whale spotting abilities, you’re going to want to have the right gear. Luckily, whale watching isn’t rocket science. (Just as luckily, it’s also not really marine biology either.) As long as you have the bare necessities, you should be ready to tick “seeing a whale” off your bucket list.

    The most important thing you can have in your whale watching kit is a pair of binoculars. While cruise ships do a good job of getting you near to the action, they can’t always guarantee that you’ll be up close and personal with the animals. Having binoculars enables you to actually watch what’s going on even if you are far away. This is especially key if you are on a large ship from a company like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. They can’t get nearly as close as a smaller vessel, so having binoculars is basically a prerequisite. You’ll also be able to spot smaller wildlife like birds and otters if you have binoculars with you.

    Depending on where you are, you should also consider bringing along several warm layers. Many whale watching cruises take place in cold areas as the whales migrate, and proper clothes will let you stay out on the deck for longer. You never know when a whale might appear, and having a jacket (or two) to keep you warm while you wait will help ensure you don’t miss anything. While many travelers just opt for down jackets, we also suggest bringing along a hardshell jacket as well. Not only will it help protect you from the wind, but it will also keep you dry in the case of rain or sea spray.

    Another critical set of items to have is everything related to sun protection. This includes sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Whether you are in a warm environment or not, these can all really help you out. Having the sun in your eye will directly impede your ability to spot whales, and sunscreen will make sure you can spend hours on deck without worrying about a burn.

    Finally, you’ll need to bring along tempered expectations. Although whale watching is incredibly exciting, going into it with the right mindset will ensure you don’t walk away disappointed. Be ready to spot whales if they appear, but remember that they are wild animals. If they decide not to show themselves on any particular day, just be happy to be out and enjoying nature. There will always be another chance!

  • A Look at Major Marine Cruises’ Alaskan Spring Wildlife Cruise

    A Look at Major Marine Cruises’ Alaskan Spring Wildlife Cruise

    Alaska is a world class cruise destination. The state is lined with towering mountains, glowing glaciers, and vibrant forests, all of which can be seen from a ship’s deck. But you don’t need to cruise to Alaska to get this experience. There are also many companies that allow visitors to the state to charter smaller boats for cruises that only last a day – or even half of a day.

    One of these cruise lines is Major Marine Cruises operating out of Seward. They offer a variety of exploratory boat tours, but only one runs in late winter: the Spring Wildlife Cruise. We recently had the chance to hop on the Spring Wildlife Cruise to check it out for ourselves, and we were definitely impressed.

    This particular itinerary begins at the Harbor 360 Hotel. We arrived there, checked in, and immediately hopped on the boat. It was a small vessel, but it had two decks and two indoor seating areas. It also boasted a bar with some food options, though none of it was complementary on this trip. We sat down inside, and after a quick briefing, the ship was off.

    For anyone wondering: yes, a cruise through the Kenai Fjords area of Alaska in March is cold. We bundled up with fleece, down, and windbreakers, but standing on the deck was still quite chilly. With a round trip time of four hours, though, the suffering seemed worth it to make sure that we didn’t miss anything. And to be sure, the cruise started off strong, making us even more convinced to stay on the deck the whole time. Within minutes, several bald eagles and otters had been sighted, and the cloudy Alaskan winter weather made for surprisingly perfect sightseeing.

    As the boat sailed through Resurrection Bay, more animals were spotted. The captain did an excellent job of explaining all the wildlife in the area, giving us info on everything from fish to birds. We passed a massive group of sea lions warming up on a rock, but one of the biggest highlights was the mountain goats. The operators deftly pointed out two tiny white dots balancing high up on the cliffs above us. With the included binoculars, we could still just barely see them. Spying them in such a crazy position was pretty exciting.

    One important thing to note, though, is that you may not have great odds of seeing a whale on this itinerary. Although Major Marine Cruise’s website teases the possibilities of spotting humpbacks and orcas, we saw nothing of the sort. In all honesty, the whales were probably enjoying much warmer waters far south of where we were. If whale watching is your goal, you may want to wait until a later season.

    While the cruise was billed as a wildlife excursion, the surroundings themselves were an equally big draw. Resurrection Bay is an impressive, glacier-carved inlet that leads directly out to the open ocean, and it’s a sight to see in late winter. Snow-capped mountains rise directly out of the ocean, and the water has an icy stillness to it.

    The environment feels almost hostile, but it has a sort of lonesome, aching beauty to it. This feeling is only heightened by the history of the area, which the captain seemed to be an expert on. Oceanside prisons and abandoned military facilities from WWII dotted the bay’s coast. Hearing about them deepened the cruise experience; with the harsh wind in our faces, it was easy to imagine the hardships of anyone who was faced with staying in this area for long periods at a time.

    Winter and early spring will never be the most popular seasons for a boat tour in Alaska, but there are good reasons to book a cruise like the Spring Wildlife Cruise. It’s a unique experience, and at just $89, it’s a pretty affordable tour option for winter Alaskan tourists. If you’d like to learn more about this itinerary, check it out on the company’s website.

  • The Best Spots for Whale Watching Cruises

    The Best Spots for Whale Watching Cruises

    Whale watching cruises are among the coolest things you can do. It’s a truly unique experience. While relaxing on the comfort of a ship, you get to observe some of the most incredible animals on our planet. What’s not to love? If you’re considering hopping on a cruise ship to try your luck at seeing some whales, here are our recommended spots. These locations are considered the best for whale watching. And hey, you’ll still get some beautiful views of nature even if the whales are too busy to show themselves.

    Alaska

    This one is pretty obvious. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Alaska, and it’s easy to see why. The locales are breathtaking, the excursions feel adventurous, and there’s a high likelihood of seeing whales. There are a lot of different whales to spot in Alaska, ranging from orcas to humpbacks. You can charter a small or large boat if you’re visiting almost any port city in Alaska, or you can simply book a longer Alaskan itinerary that includes a whale watching portion. Summer is the most popular season for Alaskan whale watching, but you can go almost year round… if you have the right clothes. Brr.

    Galapagos Islands

    Wildlife enthusiasts flock to the Galapagos Islands every year to take a look at the beautiful animals that can be found there. Most Galapagos itineraries aren’t focused on whale watching specifically, but that shouldn’t dissuade anyone hoping to see some cetaceans. Whales are constantly found in the waters near these islands, so any and all cruises in the area are effectively whale watching cruises. If you time your trip right, you might even see blue whales! Whale sharks and dolphins are just bonuses.

    San Juan Islands, Washinghton

    Not everyone can afford a magnificent expedition to see whales. The good news is, though, that you don’t have to travel far from home to go whale watching. The west coast of the United States offers many opportunities to sight large marine mammals, with Washington State being one of the nation’s finest locations. You can easily book a day cruise around the San Juan Islands. There, you can see orcas throughout the entire year. Warmer temperatures also bring the chance to see other whales ranging from minkes to greys.

    If you’ve never been whale watching before, we strongly suggest adding one of these cruises to your bucket list. There’s just something indescribable about seeing such a large and majestic animal in its natural habitat.

  • Whale Watching in Seattle

    Whale Watching in Seattle

    If you live in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, or anywhere you can get to Seattle from this winter and early spring, consider going whale watching in Seattle. Until April, it will be the perfect time to enjoy viewing some of the most amazing animals on the planet before they migrate away for the summer. After that, until October, you’ll be hard-pressed to find glimpses of the spectacular creatures anywhere close by.

    In Seattle, the geography is ideal for whales who desire to birth and nurse their young somewhere relatively safe, before heading off on their new life adventures. And, it’s perfect for onlookers who wish to spy the majestic whales, which include Orcas, Gray Whales, and Minke Whales.

    If you’re in Seattle or can get to Seattle before the whales leave for bright horizons, consider taking a whale-watching cruise with any of the following companies.

    Orcas Island Eclipse Charters and Whale-Watch Tours

    Orcas Island Eclipse Charters and Whale-Watch Tours provides whale watching near Orcas Island Ferry Dock. Boat tours with Orcas Island Eclipse Charters and Whale-Watch Tours are guided, and they take passengers journeying on a vessel that has a galley and heated cabin.

    Puget Sound Express Whale Watching in Seattle

    View Orcas, humpback whales, and other beautiful wildlife on a Puget Sound Express Whale Watching cruise. These cruises adventure around the San Juan Islands, just north of Downtown Seattle, and they bring cruisers on a whale-watching ride that lasts just more than an hour aboard a comfortable boat with indoor seating and spacious decks.

    San Juan Island Whale and Wildlife Tours

    Some say that the San Juan Islands are the best places in the world to view wild Orcas. San Juan Island Whale and Wildlife Tours will take you to these islands so you can experience whale watching with professionals who know the best vantage point to spot the graceful beings. Along with viewing Orcas and other whales, this tour offers instruction on how we can all be better stewards for the planet.

    Have you been whale watching in Seattle? If you have, and you’d like to share some of your adventures with us, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

  • Channel Island Cruises

    Channel Island Cruises

    Channel Island cruises are exciting small-ship cruises that take passengers around the beautiful Channel Islands, off the coast of Santa Barbara in California. These cruises are perfect for those who want to enjoy day trips to gorgeous islands where land exploration, kayaking, and snorkeling are possible.

    There are 8 California Channel Islands. Together, these islands feature diversity in animal and plant life that is not seen in many other locations in the world. The Channel Islands ecology tells a story about the history of the Southern California Bight. The islands are home to many species and subspecies that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

    Wondering what to expect on a Channel Islands cruise? Here’s a bit of what you’ll experience:

    • A Marine Sanctuary – The 4 northern Channel Islands make up the southern boundary of the Santa Barbara Channel. Together, with Santa Barbara Island, they comprise the Channel Islands National Park. The area of water surrounding these 5 islands (out to a distance of 6 miles) makes up the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
    • History – On a Channel Island cruise, you’ll learn about the rich history of human use and habitation of the Channel Islands. Native Americans are said to have occupied these islands as far back as 13,000 years ago. The Chumash Indians lived well and prospered on the northern islands. In recent times, fur hunters, squatters, and ranchers thrived on the islands.
    • San Miguel Island – San Miguel Island, the westernmost and most exposed island, is one of the windiest places in the United States. Six types of pinnipeds call San Miguel Island home: California sea lion, harbor seal, northern elephant seal, Guadalupe fur seal, northern fur seal, and Steller sea lion.

    Channel Island Cruise Companies

    The following cruise companies offer day cruises to and around the Channel Islands:

    Island Packers

    Island Packers takes passengers to Anacapa Island (the closest to the mainland) for day trips, wildlife viewing, and kayaking. The company sails to Santa Cruz Island for overnight adventures, hiking, and kayaking. Those who want to see ocean creatures can take an Island Packers Channel Islands cruise to view blue, humpback, and gray wales in the Santa Barbara Channel.

    Condor Express

    Condor Express Channel Islands cruises offer whale watching, kayaking, and party boat trips to the Channel Islands. These cruises leave from Santa Barbara and they last anywhere from a couple of hours to all day.

    Channel Islands Whale Watching

    Channel Islands Whale Watching cruises feature Captain Frank at the helm. Captain Frank has 35 years of experience guiding ships through the Santa Barbara Channel and around the Channel Islands. His Channel Island Whale Watching cruises entertain, educate, and inspire. If you take one of Captain Frank’s cruises, you’re sure to leave with a deeper understanding of the islands and of life in the area.

    If you’re visiting California, we recommend you take one of these cruises to the Channel Islands. You’ll surely enjoy exploring the Pacific in this unique and special location. Even if you don’t have plans to visit Southern California, we think it’s a great idea for you to make them! Enjoy the gorgeous land, waters, and life that lives in this miraculous area on Earth.

  • Whale Watching on the Atlantic Coast of the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

    Whale Watching on the Atlantic Coast of the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

    There are an enormous number of whale watching cruises along the East Coast of the United States, but they aren’t distributed evenly. Some places are basically meccas of whale watching, whereas others are surprisingly void of any whale watching opportunities. Over the course of a couple of months, we tried to dig up every whale watching cruise company on the Atlantic Coast. We wrote articles on a state-wide level, but as the whale watching opportunities increased as we headed north, we started writing about not only states, but individual cities and towns. It’s impossible to say if we included every single company that offers whale watching cruises on the East Coast – almost certainly not, as it is likely that at least some outfits remained hidden from our searches – but what follows is pretty close to a comprehensive guide.

    We’ll begin on the southern end of the coast, where there isn’t much whale watching, and then work our way up north, where there is a ton of whale watching. In Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina – the states on the southern end of the East Coast – there don’t appear to be whale watching cruises per se. However, the right whale migration runs right past these states, and right whales give birth off the coast of Georgia and Florida, so it is possible to see whales from all of these states, on shore or in a boat. However, right whales are extremely rare, so it is hard to spot them, and there aren’t enough to support any sort a business for whale watching cruises. As an alternative, you might consider other eco-tours in these states (e.g., the swamp cruises of Florida), as some of them are a bit like whale watching cruises, in that you sail around on a boat looking for animals.

    Once you reach Virginia, or more precisely Virginia Beach, there are whale watching cruises, but they are fairly limited, and are only offered during a brief window the year, from about December through March. In Maryland, we weren’t able to find any whale watching cruises, and in Delaware there appears to be only one company in the entire state. When you get as far north as Cape May, New Jersey, though, it becomes easier to find whale watching cruises. Whales like humpbacks stay in the cool waters of the northeast for the summer to feed, so there are relatively stable whale populations off the coasts of the northern states during the summer. However, in New Jersey and slightly further north in New York and Connecticut, there aren’t many options to choose from. We actually couldn’t find any whale watching cruises that depart from Connecticut, and there are only a few between New Jersey and New York.

    Now, though, we arrive in Rhode Island, where the serious whale watching begins, and there are several companies that operate out of this small state. Moving slightly further north you find yourself in Massachusetts, which is essentially the center of whale watching on the East Coast. There are numerous whale watching cruises in Boston, Gloucester, Newburyport, Hyannis, Plymouth, Provincetown, and Nantucket Island. We call Massachusetts the center of whale watching on the East Coast, but only because of the sheer number of opportunities. The quality of whale watching is just as good in New Hampshire, where there are cruises that depart from Rye Harbor, Hampton Beach, and Seabrook Beach, and in Maine, where cruises depart from Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Portland, and Kennebunk. The whale watching from Rhode Island up to Maine is world class.

    Clearly, there is a lot of whale watching on the Atlantic Coast, but it is heavily concentrated in the north. There are whales all along the coast, but they are much easier to see in the northern states because there are a lot of them, and they are there for an entire season. However, there are a few scattered whale watching cruises offered below the hub of Massachusetts, and even in the southern states, where there are no whale watching cruises to speak of, it is still possible to take tours that focus on marine wildlife, and you can also see whales from the coast on rare occasions. If you are on the opposite side the country, check out our complementary guide to whale watching on the Pacific Coast.

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