Alaska Wildlife
Juneau, Alaska is home to an abundant amount of wildlife. Migratory birds, like the Arctic Turn, fly from all over to spend their summers here. Humpback whales travel all the way from Hawaii because our waters are so full of food. Bald Eagles actually out number people in most parts of Alaska and can be seen in huge numbers all around Juneau. On our Whale Watch trips you can expect to see, aside from Humpback Whales, Bald Eagles, Dall Porpoise, Sea Lions, Seals. There is also the possibility to see Orca Whales and if you visit the glacier on our Glacier Combo trip there is a great chance you will see Black Bear (possibly with young cubs).
Following is a brief description of some of the animals you can see in Juneau:
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)- During our season we find Humpback Whales on more than 99% of our tours. There are many humpback whales that feed, socialize and play in the waters near Juneau from mid-April through October. Humpbacks are among the most playful whales, and often breach (leap from the water), bubble net feed, and slap their tails while we watch. We find humpback whales more often than any other mammal. Most of the humpback whales here in Juneau spend their winter in Hawaii. There are a few humpback whales that can be found here year around.
Orca Whales
Orca (Orcinus orca)- Orca whales, also known as "Killer" Whales, can be seen any day of the year in the Juneau area. These hunters search for salmon and small marine mammals over a large area. We see a "pod" of Orca about every 5 to 15 days during the summer, as they hunt nearby. Orca whales are active and fast moving, and stay in tight family groups for their entire lives. The family pod will travel together with the dominate males traveling in a separate group nearby. The orca whales can be seen with their fins rising out of the water. The alpha male of the group will have the tallest fin, sometime up to 6 ft. out of the water. These whales are found in all oceans over the world. Length up to 30 ft. (9.1 meters).
Sea Lions
Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus)- Steller Sea Lions are curious and often approach the boat singly or in groups. Occasionally, these animals are known to steal your fish from your fishing line. These animals can be seen hauled out on channel markers or rocks from April through September. In addition, these animals can be herd grunting continually while they sun themselves on the haul outs. Hundreds live near Juneau. Endangered and population declining in western Alaska, but they are doing better in Southeast Alaska. Males are up to 10.5 ft. (3.2 meters), Females are up to 7 ft. (2.1 meters).
Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles. Bald Eagle information
Porpoise
Dall's Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)- This strikingly marked, fast swimming porpoise loves to ride the bow wave of a boat...sometimes. They are very playful and will often jump out of the water. These animals are seen on most trips until July, and then occasionally through September. These fun playful animals are a wonderful addition to any trip. Length up to 6.5 ft. (2 meters).
Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)- These quiet, shy animals are hard to spot and rarely surface more than once near boats. Occasionally seen in passing. Length up to 6 ft. (1.8 meters).
Seals
Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina)- Harbor Seals are common, but shy and reclusive. These animals often haul out on rocks or blocks of ice. They can be seen as their small round heads bob in and out of the water. Seals exhale as they dive and can reach great depths. Hundreds live near Juneau and are seen on many of our tours. These cute little animals are a favorite picture opportunity for many passengers on tour. Length up to 5 ft. (1.5 meters).