Will there be Humpbacks in Icy Straight Point the first week of May?

[2206]

We will be in ICP on May 3.  Is it worth it to take a whale watching excursion?  I have read that the Humpbacks don’t arrive there until June.  Is this correct?  We are thinking of the excursion through Princess.  

[wolfie11]

Probably.  There are some whales that overwinter in SE Alaska.  Males usually arrive first in April/May and the the females with calves arrive later.  Whale density in any given area generally depends on an abundance of herring and other small forage fish.  Arriving whales need food and they will go where the food is.

[kickboxrca]

@2206 you are at ISP the day after us ... I am curious about the same thing.  I don't think we will know for sure until we get there.  How long are you in port?  We are only there for 4h after spending the day in Glacier Bay.

[2206]

We are there for a full day.  We have an excursion booked - “Whales and wildlife” at noon.  I hope we see something!

[MommaK2D2]

We were there in 2019 in early May (I think maybe the 6th) and there were many humpbacks. Enjoyed the whale watching- though we did see more baby whales close up in Juneau. I know it can vary from year to year.   

[YVRteacher]

Whale watching in Icy Strait Point is disappointing in May and is not worth the price.  You have a greater chance of seeing whales right from the shore than you do out on a boat.