Juneau Whale Watching & The Importance of Whale SENSE
Embarking on a boat tour to see whales in the wild can be a thrill of a lifetime. And, Juneau whale watching is some of the best you’ll find in the world. The most common whales seen in the area are humpbacks which travel from the warm waters of Mexico and Hawaii to feast in our colder feeding grounds.
It’s possible to spot humpback whales anytime from April through November. But keep in mind that the peak time is May through mid-September. This is when there are approximately 600 humpbacks in the region and success rates are close to 100 percent. Orcas are seen on about 10 percent of whale watching trips in Juneau. Plus, there’s all sorts of other wildlife to see. Harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles can all be spotted. And, if you’re lucky, you might see a brown or black bear roaming the shores.
With the Alaskan capital often named at the top or among the top of the best ports in the state for whale watching, it’s one of the most popular activities. In fact, about a quarter of the nearly 1.7 mission cruise passengers that arrive every year join a whale watch excursion.
The impact of whale-watching boats on whales in Juneau
Not surprisingly, the large number of whale watching boats and their passengers can also have an effect on the whales. Research conducted by Dr. Heidi Pearson, professor of marine biology at the University of Alaska Southeast, found that humpbacks change direction more often, swim faster, and have higher breath rates in the presence of whale watching vessels. Their behavior indicates that they may be taking measures to avoid them, expending more energy in areas with whale watching boats.
The extra energy that whales use to avoid the boats could potentially have a negative impact on their feeding. And, ultimately that negatively affects their health. The humpbacks’ main goal when visiting Juneau and the Inside Passage region is to feed. They must replenish their energy reserves which are lost when fasting in the southern breeding and calving grounds. Additionally, mothers have calves to nurse, requiring a significant amount of food and energy.
Whale-Watching Benefits
This is not at all to say that whale-watching is an activity that should be avoided. There are positive educational, economic, and other benefits to the activity.
Whale watching boat tours are a great way for visitors to learn more about whales. In turn, that can result in more support for the guidelines and regulations that can protect them. It might even inspire some young people to embark on careers involving marine mammals that can further help ensure the animals are protected in the future.
Whale SENSE
The bottom line is that there can be a good middle ground through sustainable whale watching, benefiting both humans and whales alike.
That’s why Alaska Luxury Tours practices Whale SENSE. This voluntary program focuses on sustainable whale watching to ensure the whales have the space they need. It recognizes commercial whale-watching companies that adhere to a commitment of responsible ecotourism practices.
Companies participating in Whale SENSE must agree a number of criteria that includes:
- Adhering to the program criteria, including sticking to whale-watching guidelines
- Having all staff complete annual training and an evaluation
- Completing an annual stewardship orject
- Ensuring advertising follows responsible viewing practices
Following each part of this important commitment as well as educating all captains, naturalists, and passengers to have “SENSE” when whale watching, setting example for other boaters, and encouraging ocean stewardship can help ensure our humpback whales stay safe. At the same time, guests can expect a meaningful and educational experience.
Why Alaska Luxury Tours
Participating in the Whale SENSE program, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is just one of the reasons we think you should choose Alaska Luxury Tours for your whale-watching excursion in Junueau.
Following ethical guidelines helps to ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We’re also the only company offering a truly luxurious, private experience. It includes pick-up at dockside right next to your cruise ship or from your hotel. Transport to your private yacht is provided via our “Land Yacht, ” a luxury Mercedes. A master captain/naturalist, Alaskan beer, wine, champagne, coffee, soft drinks, snacks, a charcuterie board and snacks for the kids, are all included too.
It really doesn’t get better than that, but if you want to make it extra-special, you might add a premium option. Private chef services include dining on a world-class meal served by an expert chef, perfect for a celebratory occasion. But either way, you can be sure that the staff at Alaska Luxury Tours will go above and beyond to provide every guest with the thrill of a lifetime.