Whale Watching on a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour: An Unforgettable Possibility
Orca Jumping in Rudyerd Bay on one of Misty Fjords Tours. On this trip we had an entire pod swimming around the aircraft.
Whale Watching on a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour: An Unforgettable Possibility
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with whale watching being one of the most thrilling and memorable activities in the area. While many travelers explore these waters by boat or from the shoreline, experiencing the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Ketchikan from the skies on a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour offers an unparalleled perspective. Though whale sightings are never guaranteed, the possibility of spotting these majestic creatures adds an extra thrill to the adventure.
Whales You Might Encounter on a Misty Fjords Tour
The waters surrounding Ketchikan and the Misty Fjords National Monument are rich with marine life, and several species of whales frequent the area. Here are some of the incredible whale species you might see on your flight:
1. Humpback Whales
This Humpback was bubble feeding right off of dock just as we were departing for a sightseeing flight.
Humpback whales are known for their extraordinary acrobatics and massive size. On a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour, lucky guests may spot these magnificent creatures breaching the water's surface or performing their unique bubble-net feeding technique, which is a marvel to observe even from above. Although sightings are never certain, the chance to witness a humpback whale from the air is an exhilarating prospect.
2. Orcas (Killer Whales)
This pod spent the better part of the day in Rudyerd Bay swimming around
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are another possibility in the waters around the Misty Fjords. These iconic black-and-white predators travel in pods and can sometimes be seen cutting gracefully through the water or hunting together in perfect synchronization. The aerial view from a floatplane provides a unique opportunity to see orcas in their natural environment, offering a glimpse of their remarkable social behavior and hunting techniques.
3. Gray Whales
Gray whales are most often spotted during their long migrations. While not as commonly seen as humpbacks or orcas, these whales do occasionally make appearances in Southeast Alaska. Observing a gray whale from above, especially as it moves close to the coastline or feeds in shallow waters, is a moment of pure wonder.
You’ll have to excuse the blurriness of the photo, but this humpback was seen just outside the Misty Fjords
The Magic of a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour
While whale sightings are a possibility, they are not guaranteed on a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour. However, the experience is still breathtaking, thanks to the incredible views of the untouched wilderness that the Misty Fjords National Monument has to offer. Here’s what makes this tour so special:
Stunning Aerial Views Even without a guaranteed whale sighting, the expansive aerial views of the Misty Fjords are extraordinary. Towering granite cliffs, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear fjords create a landscape unlike any other. Seeing this pristine wilderness from above is a truly unforgettable experience.
Wildlife Beyond Whales While whales are a highlight, the Misty Fjords are home to a diverse range of wildlife. From the air, you might spot mountain goats on sheer cliff faces, sea lions basking on rocky shores, or black bears foraging near the water's edge. The Tongass National Forest, which surrounds the fjords, is one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests, adding to the incredible biodiversity of the region.
An Adventure Like No Other The chance of spotting whales on a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour adds an element of excitement to the flight. But even without a whale encounter, the tour delivers a breathtaking adventure, with serene lakes, dramatic fjords, and snowcapped peaks that leave a lasting impression. The floatplane experience itself is a thrill, taking you over some of the most remote and awe-inspiring terrain in Alaska.
The Perfect Way to Capture Ketchikan’s Beauty
A Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour is also a photographer’s dream. The elevated vantage point from a floatplane offers unique photo opportunities of the dramatic landscapes and, if you’re lucky, the chance to capture images of whales surfacing or breaching against the backdrop of the stunning Alaskan wilderness. The combination of panoramic views and the potential for wildlife sightings makes for a truly extraordinary photography experience.
Final Thoughts
While a whale sighting on a Deluxe Misty Fjords Tour cannot be promised, the mere possibility adds a sense of anticipation to an already extraordinary adventure. With or without whales, flying over the Misty Fjords and taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of Southeast Alaska is an unforgettable experience. For those seeking to explore Ketchikan’s wild landscapes and the rich marine life that thrives there, this deluxe tour offers an unforgettable journey into one of the most beautiful and pristine corners of the world.
