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Whales in mid May

Ive watched some YT videos for whale watching tours. On 1 of them they said there was 1 type of whale ( humpback I think) in Ap4il and Orca's later in the year. If we're in Juneau May 21'st what type if any whales could we see. Are there even any at that time of year?

Visiting Juneau in mid-May is actually a good time for whale watching, as many species start returning to the area during spring after spending the winter in warmer waters. By May 21st, you have a good chance of seeing several types of whales, though sightings depend on weather, tides, and feeding patterns.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Humpback Whales: These are the most commonly seen whales in Juneau during May. They migrate from Hawaii and other southern waters to the nutrient-rich waters of Southeast Alaska to feed. You can often spot them breaching, tail slapping, or diving.
  • Orcas (Killer Whales): Some orca pods start appearing in May, though peak sightings tend to be later in the summer. Resident pods are more likely than transient pods at this time.
  • Other marine mammals: While not whales, you may also spot sea lions, seals, porpoises, and occasionally gray whales passing through on migration routes.

Tips for maximizing your whale sightings:

  • Book a reputable whale-watching tour in advance, as May is already the start of the busy season.
  • Look for tours that include naturalist commentary, as they can often locate whales more effectively.
  • Bring binoculars and warm, layered clothing. Even in May, temperatures on the water can be chilly, especially with wind and spray.
  • Consider tours that go into the larger channels or fjords, where humpbacks are more frequently feeding.

In summary, yes—you can expect to see humpback whales during your May 21st visit, and there’s a small possibility of spotting orcas as well. May is an excellent time to catch the beginning of the summer marine activity in Juneau.

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