One of the primary reasons why Alaska and its Inner Passage should be on everyone’s bucket-list is its spectacular wildlife. A native wonderland to many beautiful creatures, this is one destination where you need to keep your binoculars and camera at the ready. Here are 10 animals you can spot while cruising Alaskan waters.
Orcas
Two of the best places to spot this dramatic sea mammal are the Johnstone Strait and the Lynn Canal. Travelling in family groups called pods, they swim close to the surface and boast a tall dorsal fin that begs to be noticed.
Humpback whales
Another type of whale you’ll have a high chance of spotting is the famous humpback whale. The summer is the best time to spot them, with the Inside Passage being a popular spot for them to surface.
Bears
When you step off the ship, you’ll likely come across either the brown or black bear while on an excursion. In fact, Alaska boasts about 98% of the U.S. brown bear population. There are plenty of places to find them in Alaska – such as Katmai National Park and Preserve, Admiralty Island and Denali National Park.
Bald Eagle
Southeast Alaska is one of the best places to spot the National Bird of the United States. The Chilkat Valley, in particular, is an amazing spot to catch a glimpse: between 200 and 400 eagles (and more than 80 eagle nests) have been found in the reserve.
Dall Sheep
This unique species of sheep is native to Alaska and western Canada, but you’ll definitely need to venture in from the coast to spot them. With a preference for subarctic mountain ranges, excursions that involve hiking or mountain climbing are more likely to assure sightings.
Moose
We don’t want to guarantee that you’ll spot any of the animals on the list, but we will say that the moose is a very likely possibility. they are not particularly shy creatures and like to wander into towns and villages – including the capital Anchorage.
Mountain Goat
As the name suggests, you’ll have to find yourself up a mountain in order to get close to these shaggy-looking creatures. However, they do like to play on coastal cliffs so there’s a chance you’ll see them from your cruise ship (remember your binoculars).
Puffins
This distinctive bird species can be found along the southern Alaskan coast. Cruisers will have the highest chance of spotting them between May and September when they nest in notches along the rocky coast.
Sea Otters
These entertaining and friendly sea creatures can be found in the shallow coastal waters of southeast Alaska. The state is described as the heartland of the sea otter range, so sightings are common.
Grey wolf
Though not impossible, you will need to keep your eyes peeled for the grey wolf – with morning and night being the most likely. But even if you don’t see one prowling the Alaskan landscape, you’ll still be treated to the sounds of its famous howl.