Whalewatching in
Petersburg Alaska is some of the best in the world,
especially in our part of Alaska's Inside Passage which is the best place for
any family vacations.
We will take you into the summer feeding grounds of one of the largest concentrations
of Humpback Whales in the world. Their scientific name of megaoptera novaeangliae means
'big winged new englander' because their huge pectoral fins look like wings.
It's hard to believe your eyes when you see one breach, hurling it's 40
ton bulk into the air. You almost believe they can fly with those huge wings.
If you are lucky enough to see a group of these graceful giants performing
their bubblenet feeding behavior it's
an experience that will take your breath away. Follow the link to a description of this activity.
Southeast Alaska is one of the few places in the world where you can see humpback whales practice this
method of feeding.
Our many years of working on these waters has allowed us to develop a wide network of contacts that keep us informed of the locations and activities of the whales. We are in frequent contact with other charter boats, commercial fishermen and bush pilots to pinpoint interesting action. Since there are so many whales in our area there is quite a bit of research being done here. We often exchange information with the researchers about behavior and movements. The Petersburg Marine Mammal Center was founded in our home port to give logistical support to researchers and educate the public about these incredible animals.
We often encounter other marine mammals including Orca
(killer whale), sea lions, seals and sea otter. The inside passage of Southeast Alaska is one of the richest environments in the world to see marine mammals
and to experience orca
whale watch. We have a large population of sea lions and can take you to places where we often see hundreds of these entertaining creature hauled out on the rocks. It's always exciting when the porpoises come to play in the bow wake.
When cruising through the steep glacial fjords keep your eyes open for mountain goats. They prefer the rocky cliffs and high meadows. Other wildlife possibilities include moose, deer and if you're really lucky, a pack of wolves. When kayaking in close to shore you might see mink, martin or river otters feeding in the inter-tidal zone.
Bald eagles are everywhere. It's a thrill to see these skillfull fishermen snatch a meal out of the water. There are several places where you can see them bring their catch to hungry young in their enormous nests. There is also a wide variety of sea birds to enjoy that inhabit these rich waters.
Alaska Passages, Inc. Scott & Julie Hursey P.O. Box 213 Petersburg, AK 99833 1-888-434-3766 (1-888-43-HERON) 907-772-3967 Phone & FAX