Discover Alaska's Whales: Small-Group Experience
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port
Juneau, Alaska, US
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activityLevel
Easy Activity
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excursionType
6,14,All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$220
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 3¾ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals included
What a great way to put into practice your personal travel ethos and leave beautiful, memorable Alaska even better than you found it on this Cruise with Purpose adventure.
This small-group outing (maximum 18 privileged guests) will travel aboard a fully-permitted research vessel for a closer look into the habitat of humpback whales. The boat has a heated and covered cabin, a low-to-the-water build, large opening panel windows, and an open bow and stern -- features specifically designed to meet the challenges of observing wildlife here in Alaska.
As you head out from the quaint harbor at Auke Bay, your guide will share the current understanding of humpback whale research and what is known about activities and feeding patterns here in Alaska. Whale sightings are guaranteed, and you're also likely to see seals, porpoise, sea lions and other marine animals, all while doing some significant good as you contribute to a whale research program.
You'll explore the foundation of the food chain by drawing plankton samples, taking a look at live sea animals in a touch tank, and using a GPS camera to identify whale species while recording their various behaviors.
You will also have the satisfaction of being a marine scientist for a day and knowing your efforts have made a contribution to understanding the delicate marine environs of Southeast Alaska and the whales' interaction with their habitat.
Please note: All activities on this tour are operated by permit and regulation through the ADFG and NOAA in support of the University of Alaska and the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program. You will receive a $100 cash refund from the tour operator at the conclusion of the tour if a whale is not sighted on the trip. The small group size of this tour ensures a personal and interactive atmosphere making the most of this authentic Alaska experience. Participants should be old enough and agile enough to walk up to 200 yards, including down a sloped ramp to the boat harbor, and back. Dress warmly in layers -- it can be cooler on the water. Binoculars are available for your use. Bottled water and a snack pack are provided. Tour operates in all weather conditions. Each guest receives a frame-able postcard with access to a digital publication as a memento of the trip. Participants are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's Capture Juneau Photo Contest. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed.