Whale Watching

Whale Watching

Experience an epic whale watching excursion and enjoy breathtaking scenery in the backyard of Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours. Glacier Bay whale sanctuary is the picture-perfect place to observe one of nature’s most magnificent giants in their natural habitat. In 1993, Glacier Bay was one of the few locations to be recognized by the United Nations as part of an international World Heritage site making it part of the largest internationally protected ecosystems.

Types of wildlife you will most likely see:

  • Humpback Whales
  • Orcas (killer whales)
  • Minke Whales
  • A variety of mammals, including Alaskan brown bears
  • Stellar Sea Lions
  • Sea Otters
  • Bald Eagle
  • Dall porpoises & harbor porpoises
  • Puffins
  • Arctic Terns
  • Phalaropes
  • Blue Herons
  • Glaucous-Wing Gulls

Fun Facts About Humpback Whales

  • Humpback whales live an average of 45 to 50 years but have been known to live as long as 80 to 90 years.
  • Humpback whales can grow up to 60 feet long and 80,000 pounds.
  • Humpback whales migrate up to 5,000 miles between breeding and feeding grounds. Populations that migrate between Alaska and Hawaii can complete the 3,000-mile trip in just 36 days.
  • Humpback whales can eat 23 hours a day in summer months which can be up to 3,000 pounds.
  • Male humpback whales create and “sing” songs that can be heard up to 20 miles away.
  • Humpback whale tails can be as wide as 18 feet.

Charters & Tour Dock Location

The Gustavus dock is about 10 miles from Glacier Bay Lodge, located south of the main intersection in town, at the end of Gustavus Dock Road. 

Taxi service is available to the dock and back.

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