Whale watching in the Inside Passage - Juneau
In Juneau we boarded a whale whatching trip and a view of the Mendenhall glacier.
We have seen some whales (no arkas though), but they are very difficult to spot and to follow?
The very powerful boats chased the whales, but once iunder water they allways came above water in a totally different area, often at the other end of the bat and miles away.
It is a nice sport, but disappointing if one thinks that touching the while is very easy.
At least in our case it was difficult !
This is what Royal Caribbean writes about this trip :
Experience two of Alaska’s premier attractions: glaciers and wildlife! Combine a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center and a whale-watching cruise in Auke Bay. The whale population is so great that the tour operator will give you a refund of 0 per adult and per child if a whale is not spotted on the trip.
Combine the Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching all in one excursion! Your fully guided tour will begin with a motorcoach ride during which your driver will share local history and points of interest as you make your way to your first destination, the Mendenhall Glacier with its stunning views and photo opportunities. While at the Visitors Center, Forest Service interpreters are eager to share facts and answer questions related to the natural forces that form these great rivers of ice. Tour the exhibits and view the glacier from this prime vantage point.
Your tour continues on to scenic Auke Bay, where you will board a sightseeing vessel and be guided through island-studded fjords famous as feeding grounds for the endangered north pacific Humpback Whale. In fact, the whale population is so great that the tour operator will give you a refund of 0 per adult and per child if a whale is not spotted on the trip! Your onboard naturalist and crew will point out sights and explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife that you may encounter - killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and bald eagles are commonly spotted and there is always a possibility to find a Sitka blacktail deer or bear along the shoreline. Snow covered mountains and green rainforests serves as a backdrop to your many photo opportunities. Use of binoculars and complimentary wildlife guide and map are provided along with complimentary snacks and beverages.
Comfortable walking shoes, a warm waterproof jacket and camera are recommended
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Bold eagles