Whale watching is a wonderful adventure here in Southeast Alaska, provided you are prepared ahead of time for the experience. With the bounty of the sea everywhere around us here, it would be easy to take all of this grandeur for granted. Believe me when I tell you that there is no possibility of that occurring to you as a visitor . However to make the trip more enjoyable for you and yours, a few tips might be in order.
One problem arises from the tendency of many visitors to assume that the hotel or cruise ship environment is the standard. Whale watch boats are all safe and comfortable, but do not represent the same ambiance as the security of a 4,000 passenger luxury liner.With the weather being what it is in Southeast, it's often the case that whale watchers are ill-clad and shod for the conditions that might exist out on the water. Many people visiting for the first time are not aware that It is always cooler out on the water than it is on the beach. For one thing, the water itself is cool relative to the air and thus provides a chilling effect . The primary reason for being cooler however is the wind-chill factor. Just a light breeze on the water will have you shivering, even on a sunny day that was warm and comfortable on the dock. Always plan for a cool day - it's always easier to get cooler than warmer. Bring a jacket just in case. Much of the time spent on a whale watch boat is often spent outside, in the elements. Knowing this ahead of time and planning for it would do much to add to the comfort of travelers. Being warm and dry will make the trip a much more enjoyable one.
One worry that can be dismissed is that of seasickness. The waters surrounding Juneau are relatively placid compared to the open water that many visitors expect. Our immediate area is all inside waters, as they are referred to. The large islands of the region protect the inside from any ocean effect, meaning that there is no ocean swell or surf. Most seasickness appears to result from the rolling motion that is caused by the ocean's swell and is a non-factor here. Many operators have a money-back guarantee that will refund a fare if a person gets seasick. I have never had to refund a trip as a result of seasickness and feel confident that I won't encounter the problem.
Another consideration when planning a whale watch is the issue of the vessel itself. A wide range of possibilities exist to choose from, there being a number of operators in the area. It would always be my suggestion to seek out the small boat option as a first choice, for a variety of reasons. Much of the charm of a whale watch trip is the personal contact and relationships that inevitably develop on a smaller vessel. My experience has shown me that the people that accompany you on your trip will have much to do with the success of the trip. To share the thrill of such an event with people , both known and unknown to you, will often add to a more meaningful memory. The tendency on a large boat is to avoid contact with persons unknown to you, and these are the people who are going to share an memorable day with you. It is often the case that I hear comments about the size of the groups that are present on large ships that tend to minimize personal contact. I find that it's inevitably the people part of the trip that adds the spice to what will no doubt be a special day in itself. The small vessel experience will provide an up-close and intimate experience that can be found in no other way.
Consider some of the points in favor of the small boat experience:
* owner-operators who are self-employed
* local, knowledgeable skippers
* no more than 6 passengers per trip
* unlimited access to the captain and crew for everyone
* flexible schedules and routes
* snacks and drinks usually provided
All in all, a whale watch trip is often quoted as the highlight of a trip through Southeast Alaska. The best way to get a big bang for the buck is to spend a few minutes to plan for a few details that will enhance the the trip even further. Once you get up close and personal with a 40,000 lb mammal, you will have a whole new understanding of our natural world here in Southeast.
