Whale Watching In Sitka
While you might know that Sitka sees tons of whales through the year, you might not know which types of how to know what kind you might be looking at. The provided information will help you be more prepared for Sitka whale watching before you even arrive.
Some whales migrate throughout the year, others stay in the colder waters of Alaska all year round. On top of that, it can be hard to tell which whale is which. But, luckily, Sitka is surrounded by water which makes yours odds of seeing a while during your visit that much higher. The best time to visit Sitka for whales is March-September.
What Kind of Whales Does Sitka Have?
Humpback Whales
Travel annually between Hawaii (where they breed) and Alaska. March-September are prime months for viewing.
How to spot one:
- Look for the notorious hump on their back.
- If you see a nice slow tail waving out of the water as they dive or a water spout, that is likely a humpback.
- If you are lucky, you might see one breach or bubble feed.
Orcas
Northern Resident and Transient are the most common types, with Southern Residents being much more rare. Usually found May-September similar to Humpback season.
How to spot one:
- Black with white patches.
- Males have a tall straight dorsal fin, females have a smaller curved fin.
- Usually spotted in pods.
Dall's Porpoise
Dall’s Porpoises can be found year round in the waters around Sitka.
How to spot one:
- Black with white patches (can look like small orcas)
- Like to play in bow waves.
- Very fast swimmers.
Harbor Porpoise
Often found in shallower water, hence the “harbor”. Can be seen around Sitka but are less common that the Dall’s Porpoise.
How to spot:
- Usually grey in color, mixed with browns.
- Slower moving than a Dall’s porpoise.
- Triangle dorsal fin and a short stout nose.
Pacific White Sided Dolphin
Typically the rarest of the bunch, dolphins can be seen in Sitka waters in the summer and fall months.
How to spot one:
- Energetic and acrobatic.
- A dorsal fin with black and white that curves toward the tail.
- Usually found in pods.
You might also spot a grey whale or a minke whale if you are lucky. They can be spotted during their migratory seasons, as they pass through Sitka.
Are Dolphins and Porpoises Whales?
People often think that dolphins are not considered whales
Did you know that scientifically, they are the same category as Orcas? They are all under the order name Catacea, which is where all whales are, and the suborder Odontoceti, meaning toothed whales. While they might be left out of the whale category often, they are still in the same suborder and a Sperm whale!
How Can I Find Whales on my Sitka Trip?
Here are two main ways to spot them
With the right plans and a bit of luck, you might just have some good changes of seeing whales.
The first, and likely best option, is to get out on the water, whether it’s a wildlife tour, a fishing trip, or a simple ride across the sound.
Your second option is to find the ocean, and look! A pair of binoculars is always helpful. Some locations that can be good for spotting whales are Harrigan Centennial Hall, John O’Connell Bridge, Whale Park, Totem Park, Halibut Point Rec among many others. Or even book a stay on the water.
