Whale Watching and Photography in Alaska

Few wildlife experiences compare to watching whales in the waters of Southeast Alaska. This region’s nutrient-rich fjords, sheltered bays, and deep channels provide an ideal feeding ground for several species, offering photographers and wildlife watchers a front-row seat to a wide range of behaviors. Our photo tours and workshops offer you numerous opportunities to capture these moments. Learn more about where to find whales, their behaviors, and how to photograph them in this full article.

Why Whales Come to Alaska

Each year, many whale species migrate thousands of miles to reach Alaska’s waters. They travel from their winter breeding and calving grounds in warmer coastal waters off Hawaii, Mexico, or Central America. The main reason they come here is to feed. Alaska’s cold, nutrient-rich waters support vast populations of fish, krill, and other prey, making it one of the best places in the world for whales to fatten up during the summer months.

Humpbacks, orcas (killer whales), gray whales, minke whales, and occasionally fin whales are the species you can expect to see. Humpbacks and orcas are the most commonly spotted, with gray whales making impressive migrations along the coast, and minkes showing up in smaller numbers. Fin whales, the second-largest species in the world, appear less often but can sometimes be seen in deeper waters.

Watching these species feed and interact here offers a glimpse into an essential part of their life cycle.

Bubble-Net Feeding

One of the most fascinating behaviors to witness is bubble-net feeding, performed by groups of humpback whales. Working in coordinated groups, the whales dive below schools of herring and release columns of bubbles in a circle, herding the fish into a dense ball. The whales then lunge upward through the bubble ring with mouths wide open.

This action-packed feeding event typically takes place in late spring through summer. Look for it in areas like the Kenai Peninsula, Frederick Sound, Chatham Strait, and around Point Adolphus near Glacier Bay.

Breaching

When a whale propels itself completely or nearly completely out of the water, the result is breathtaking. Breaching is seen in both humpbacks and orcas. Scientists are still studying the reasons behind it, but possibilities include communication, play, or helping shed parasites.

Breaching can happen at any time, but late summer and fall are good periods to observe it. Be ready, as it often occurs without warning. Using burst mode can improve your chances of catching the full sequence.

Spyhopping

Spyhopping is when a whale pokes its head vertically out of the water, sometimes holding that position for several seconds. This allows the whale to take a good look at what is happening above the surface.

Spyhopping is most often seen with orcas but can happen with humpbacks, too. When photographing this behavior, keep your camera ready at eye level, as it can be brief and unexpected.

Tail Slaps and Pectoral Slaps

Tail slaps occur when a whale lifts its massive fluke out of the water and smacks it forcefully onto the surface, producing a sharp sound and splash. Pectoral slaps follow a similar pattern using the whale’s long front flippers. These behaviors may serve as communication or warnings to other whales. Both behaviors are common in humpbacks and can happen when whales are feeding, traveling, or socializing.

Where to Go and When

Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the best places in the world to watch and photograph whales, but the opportunities extend farther west as well. The Kenai Peninsula offers excellent whale viewing along its rugged coastline and in the fjords. Productive spots include:

Frederick Sound, known for large groups of feeding humpbacks
Icy Strait and Point Adolphus, excellent for seeing humpbacks and orcas
Glacier Bay National Park, with rich feeding grounds and scenic backdrops
Stephens Passage, which often offers close views of humpbacks and orcas
Kenai Peninsula, where you can look for humpbacks and orcas in Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay, especially during summer boat tours

Late spring through early fall is the prime whale-watching season. Humpbacks arrive in large numbers starting in May and feed throughout the summer. Orcas can be spotted year-round, but are seen more frequently during these months.

Photography Tips

For photography, use telephoto lenses like a 70-200mm, 200-400mm, or even 500mm and greater to capture close-ups while keeping a safe distance. A longer lens gives you more flexibility to frame whales at varying distances, especially when they breach or perform tail slaps. Keep your shutter speed high, around 1/1000 second or faster, to freeze fast action. Watch for patterns. If a whale's tail slaps several times, it may do so again. Breaching whales sometimes breach more than once. Finally, anticipate rather than react. If you see seabirds gathering or bait balls near the surface, bubble-net feeding might be starting.

Why Take a Photo Tour with Us

Taking a photo tour with us puts you close to the action in a way few others can offer. We use small, private boats that allow us to navigate quiet waters and approach whales without disturbing them. Our timing is carefully planned based on years of experience and real-time knowledge of whale movements, so you get the best chances to see and photograph key behaviors like bubble-net feeding and breaching. Along the way, we often encounter other spectacular wildlife, including sea otters, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles, adding even more variety to your photo opportunities. We focus on the best locations and moments for photography, helping you get clear, dynamic shots while ensuring safety and respect for the animals.

Whale watching in Alaska offers a mix of surprise, power, and grace. With some patience and preparation, it can provide some of the most rewarding wildlife photography opportunities anywhere, and we are here to make sure you do not miss a moment. You can also join us for a dedicated whale watching outing on our Cape Cod photo tour.