Alaska Whale Migration

Coastal Life

With the changing of seasons, the Alaskan coast moves from icy stillness to layers of vibrant life. Where fall once signaled the beginning of southern migrations, the spring welcomes in new life and returning residents as the ice melts. The days lengthen and animals start to rouse just as others are making their annual trip back. Many coastal species follow the warming waters to northern regions for an abundance of food. These organic incentives to the Alaska whale migration create the thriving and growing ecosystems we love to observe and explore.

Mass migrations of whales occur typically for breeding and food resources. That is why Alaska provides a great window of opportunity to whale watch from the months of April to September. You may catch these gentle giants floating through the ocean from your boat deck or even on the shorelines of bays. Many companies even provide whale watching tours on primary migration routes.

Alaska Whales

Tidal glaciers provide excellent feeding grounds for whales migrating

Whales of Alaska

The most common migrant to the beaches of Alaska are the endangered Humpback whale. As many as 10,000 humpbacks will migrate to Alaska each year. They enjoy the abundance of food provided by the seasonally warm waters the arctic provides. Many different species will also migrate to Alaska for similar reasons such as the Orca, Beluga, and Grey Whales, among many other species.

Many of these whales depend mainly on the food supply they enjoy in Alaska to supplement them through the entire year. During the spring and summer months the arctic waters start to warm and provide an ample feeding ground. These supply bountiful food networks made up of plankton, krill, and small fish for the whales. The warm water is an invitation to start migrating thousands of miles to gorge. Once the water starts to drop in temperature in the fall the food supply does as well. (NOAA)

ocean whale Alaska

A Humpback whale migrates through the Prince William Sound in the spring.

After the food supply declines the whales will migrate thousands of miles towards more tropical waters. The food supply can be low in the tropical regions as well so whales use this opportunity for breeding and reproducing. With a low supply of nutrients, the whales survive off of fat reserves they had stored during summer feasting. And then, every spring, the whales start the migration all over again.

First Hand Experiences

An interaction with whales, whether from the beaches or close to the bow of your boat, has a deep impact. These experiences give you an immersive interaction with the coast and display the symbiotic connection between wildlife and ecosystem.  If you are looking to observe the natural migration patterns of whales, the Alaskan shorelines will be one of your best opportunities.