Sitka or Juneau for whale watching

[vino100]

I will be on the Westerdam Sept. 6th. I really want to go whale watching in either Sitka or Juneau but tend to get sea sick. Is one area better than another when it comes to rough seas? Also which area has more whales? Thanks in advance for any info.

[pipedreams62]

I would say Juneau easily. You'll see tons of whales. Sitka has a great trip with Davey for puffins and sea otters and is really a great day as well.

[PMJ]

Just got back from the Veendam last week and went whale watching with Harv & Marv in Juneau. It was fabulous. We were late getting back because we saw so many whales. And nobody was seasick at all, even tho we all felt a little queasy crossing the Gulf of Alaska from Seward. The ship is small, but very smooth. Jay and Jaylene were excellent guides, too.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have seen lots of whales in both Sitka and Juneau.

Sept 6 -- weather tends to be more rainy some years.

I would choose Juneau this late in the season for whale watching.

[IRL_Joanie]

I will be on the Westerdam Sept. 6th. I really want to go whale watching in either Sitka or Juneau but tend to get sea sick. Is one area better than another when it comes to rough seas? Also which area has more whales? Thanks in advance for any info.


I have done whale watching in both and Juneau is far and above the best!!!! We whale/nature watched in May 2008 and 2009 on Auke Bay and I swear my hubby thought the Killer Whales and Humpbacks had just been released from traing at Sea World. They played with us wherever we went in the bay!!!!

BTW, go to Walmart or Walgreens and buy "Sea Band" you will NOT be sea sick!!! It has something to do with a pressure point on the wrist. I swear, 2008 my hubby was really bad and went through Dramamine like it was candy. This year, 2009 I made him 'try' the Sea Band I had bought and he never suffered for a second!!!! They are about $5.00 USD each.

[PMJ]

It seemed like we stayed in the bay most of the time and it was pretty calm. Some people wore sea bands on their rests and thought theyw ere very helpful.

[WhansaMi]

I highly recommend Capt. Larry in Juneau. After that experience my daughter decided she wanted to become a marine biologist. :-)

[EbayCruiser]

Captain Larry in Juneau was absolutely fabulous!! My DH and I still talk about that whale watching excursion. It was amazing!!

I tend to get seasick also but took bonine and did not get seasick. His boat is fairly large and a great ride .... you will love it!! :)

[luvs2travl]

Ditto Captain Larry in Juneau! Here is a link to his website:
www.orcaenterprises.com (http://www.orcaenterprises.com)

We used his service on both our Alaskan cruises in '07 and '08 and were thrilled with him and his excursions. Seating is limited as his boats are small (42' and 52") so you might want to reserve early. Capt. Larry is great - he has over 35 years' experience, and there is always another naturalist on board as well. Pick up & drop off right at the pier for your convenience! DH also used his service for an awesome fishing trip in Ketchikan!

Smooth Sailing! :)

[NYGirl1002]

We saw lots of whales in Sitka with Davey. We followed a breeching whale and it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Also a whale came up not 3 feet from where I was sitting on the boat. Davey is a great and knowledgeable tour guide.

[vino100]

Thanks everyone for the info. I'm going to book whale watching in Juneau.

[bepsf]

Neither - That time of year, you'll be able to see tons of whales from the deck of Westerdam without booking an excursion (not as close as the excursions will get you - but you won't get seasick either!)
;)

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

We saw whales from our balcony right out of Seattle and alongside the ship in Sitka. I almost wished we hadn't wasted money doing a wildlife viewing excursion in Sitka, we could have seen them for free on the ship. There were otters, whales, and eagles all around the ship where you dock in Sitka! Too many other great excursions in Juneau, in my opinion.

[LVSue]

I would say Juneau easily. You'll see tons of whales. Sitka has a great trip with Davey for puffins and sea otters and is really a great day as well.

A big second to Pipedreams! We've been on Orca's WW with Cap'n Lar 5 times; the 6th scheduled for September. Also on Davey's twice, with another scheduled in May—we saw whales both times, plus all the other stuff. IMHO simply seeing wildlife and whales from the ship does not compare with personal excursions, especially those in smaller boats—6-30 pax (frankly no experience with those in larger boats).