Did you know that early August is the best time of year to cruise Southeast Alaska? That’s because the world-famous salmon run is happening!
Don’t know what that means? Once a year, several species of salmon leave the ocean & return to the rivers where they were hatched to spawn. Scientists have determined they make this incredible journey based largely on smell & it’s honestly one of the most harrowing & incredible feats of nature an animal can undergo & guess what? That migration peaks in late July/early August.
Okay…so a bunch of fish swim home. What’s the big deal? What does that have to do with cruising to Alaska? Well…since salmon are a keystone species, when they congregate, it also means almost all the other major animals in the area also congregate making it the most incredible time in Alaska to see wildlife! We are talking bears, orcas, seals, bald eagles & more! Not to mention the high population of humpback whales feeding in the extremely nutrient-rich waters. In short, right now is the best time of year to cruise to Alaska.
Besides the wildlife, let’s not forget how incredible the scenery is! Every cruise to Alaska will visit a glacier or two, but our favorite place is Glacier Bay National Park. With eight tidewater glaciers & over 1,000 total glaciers in the park, it is one of the most spectacular places in the world! Plus! When ships arrive, a National Park Ranger will come aboard to narrate your time in the Bay helping you to spot wildlife & the best scenery.
To really immerse yourself in everything Alaska has to offer, each of the ports you visit are filled with great adventures just waiting to be experienced. You could go halibut fishing or whale watching, see a lumberjack show, take a train into the Yukon, visit a sled dog summer camp, or go for a hike. We’ve even done a trail Segway tour & snorkeling in Alaska! The possibilities truly are endless
Alaska is huge, so what about the rest of the state? Good question! If you want to explore the interior, consider doing a one-way cruise & pairing it with a land-based tour. You can visit places like the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. With options from 3-14 extra days, you can certainly get your fill of this glorious state.
Feeling inspired? NOW is the best time to book next summer’s trip to this incredible place.
