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Whale Watcing in Alaska

Alaska Whale
Watching Tours

Unforgettable Alaska Whale-Watching Tours in Kenai Fjords National Park

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to experience Alaska's majestic marine wildlife, our whale-watching tours through Kenai Fjords National Park are second to none. This incredible park is home to an abundance of marine life, including orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, Dall’s porpoises, sea otters, and harbor seals. Nestled along the coast of the Gulf of Alaska, Kenai Fjords is a haven for whale-watching, especially from late spring through early fall when nutrient-rich waters attract these magnificent creatures. Our small-group tours are led by experienced guides who take you to prime whale-sighting locations and share fascinating insights into the behaviors and habitats of these animals. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer, a first-time visitor, or an avid wildlife photographer, this is the kind of trip that leaves a lasting impression.

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Imagine cruising through glacier-carved fjords, spotting humpbacks breaching in the distance or orcas slicing through the water alongside the boat—all while surrounded by dramatic scenery and pristine wilderness. Our guides provide all the context you need to make the most of this extraordinary experience, helping you understand what you're seeing and why these waters are so vital to marine life. Not only do we offer some of the best whale encounters in Alaska, but we also prioritize education, comfort, and unforgettable views. To learn more about Kenai Fjords National Park and why it's considered one of Alaska’s top whale-watching destinations, visit the official NPS page here. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—book your whale-watching adventure today with Alaska Saltwater Tours, and experience Alaska in its most raw and awe-inspiring form.

Watching Whales with Alaska Saltwater Tours

According to the official Alaska State Website, whale-watching excursions are highly popular. Indeed, whales, dolphins, and porpoises of various kinds can be found living in or passing through the waters of Alaska. One of the reasons the Kenai Fjords National Park offers the best whale watching in Alaska is its varied whale population. 

 

We offer a unique chance to observe whales in their natural environment. You can expect to see the following on our tours:

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  • Orcas

  • Gray whales

  • Humpback

  • Fin and minke whales

minke whale breaching the surface
Minke Whale

Orcas

Orcas, the largest member of the dolphin family, are frequently referred to as killer whales. They can swim up to 30 mph, weigh up to 10 tons, and are between 15 and 30 feet long. Orcas can be divided into three groups: resident, transient, and offshore. On our tours, resident orcas are most frequently spotted feeding on fish. Less frequently observed transient orcas visit the area to feed on marine mammals, including seals and Steller sea lions. 

 

VIEWING PERIOD: All year round 

BEST AREA OF VIEWING: May to June

Pod of Orka Whales near Alaska

Gray Whales

Gray whales travel the longest migratory route of any mammal each year, covering nearly 10,000 miles round-trip between Baja and the Bering and Chukchi Seas. These whales start their northward migration in late February and reach Alaska in the spring. They spend the summer eating in shallow Arctic waters before starting their southward migration around the middle of October. 

 

VIEWING PERIOD: March through May

Gray Whale breaching the surface in Alaska

Humpback

In the Alaskan seas, the enormous humpback whale is a frequent sight. Although humpback whales can be spotted all year long in Alaska, most of them migrate there in the winter to give birth and reproduce in the warmer seas of Hawaii. This migration covers roughly 3,500 kilometers and lasts 4 to 8 weeks. Humpback whales return to Alaska in the spring to spend the summers feeding in the state's nutrient-rich waters. 

 

BEST VIEWING PERIOD: April to October 

VIEWING PERIOD: May through August

Finback Whales

The second-largest mammal and one of the fastest whales, fin whales, also known as finback whales, may reach speeds of up to 23 mph. They can be found in all oceans, moving from the winter's warm waters to the summer's cooler ones. 

 

VIEWING PERIOD: May through September

Finback whale during a sighting in Alaska during a whale watching tour

Alaska Saltwater Tours Await You!

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We're a family-owned business passionate about the unique wildlife and environment in the Kenai Fjords National Park. We are proud to help you discover this beautiful region of Alaska, home to some of the most mesmerizing whale-watching tours. 


So, don't miss out on your chance to watch the whales, glaciers, and wildlife of the Kenai Fjords under the guidance of our Alaska-born and bred captain and our team of experts.

humpback whale breaching the surface just long enough for whale watchers to get a glimpse

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With Our Unique Whale Watching Excursions

You'll have the chance to explore the park's breathtaking landscape in addition to seeing some of the most spectacular animals on earth. So come on out and go with us on a memorable voyage! Alaska is a photographer's dream come true.

Woman photographer with DSLR camera and telephoto lens in Alaska on a Whale Watching Tour

We are proud to offer one of the most beloved Alaska whale watching tours through Kenai Fjords. So, you'll get to enjoy not only the unique landscape in the national park but also the wildlife diversity. There will be whales aplenty and many more exciting wildlife sightings. 

Image by Nadine Shaabana

Ashley, K says:

 

"The whale-watching tour was a lot of fun.

The scenery was beautiful, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly.

I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Alaska."

Image by Adam Dillon

Brian S says:

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"I was really impressed with the tour.

The guides did a great job of keeping everyone safe while also providing us with a lot of info about the area and the whales.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great whale-watching experience."

Alaska Saltwater tours
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