Saturday, January 24, 2015

Experiencing Whale Watching Tours In Alaska

By Janine Hughes


The world truly is a beautiful place with lots of different sites to take in. There are a variety of breathtaking sites, but few can compare to what is offered in whale watching tours in Alaska. Beginning with the majestic mountains and pristine waters of the northern state, no one is disappointed. The panoramic views of the beautiful landscapes will remain forever imprinted in one's mind.

Aside from the beautiful landscapes are the majestic mammals. The large creatures with their gentle eyes can often be seen from up close, making it a trip that won't soon be forgotten. In fact, as they have become accustomed to being on display, they are not fearful of coming close to the boats, and often swimming beneath them. For anyone who can be a part of this, it's an experience of a lifetime.

Depending on the given circumstances and times of the year, some tourists may get to see tens of whales. There could be a variety of them, such as with humpbacks or orcas. Aside from these, people can also enjoy seeing bears and sea lions, among others. Although getting a glimpse of these gentle giants is magical, so too are the beautiful glaciers. One can expect the crew of the chartered boat to provide lots of information, but doing one's own research can really make the most of this trip.

For instance, the humpback is known to leap and jump out of the water close to the shore, with the longest pectoral fins of any type of whale. Anyone who's done their homework would also know that the humpback must eat approximately half ton of food daily, just to survive. The Minke species can also be seen swimming along the Alaskan coastline. However, it's important for someone to keep a close eye, as they are so quick they can be difficult to spot.

Killer whales, or the orcas, hunt in groups known as pods. These are very distinct, with black and white bodies, and tail fins that can be visible to the naked eye, as they swim so closely to the surface. These creatures hunt lots of different prey, including dolphins and penguins.

An Alaskan tour that allows one to enjoy the most beautiful creatures in their own habitat is an experience no one should miss. In order to do so properly, it's important to plan ahead. For one thing, the trips book quickly. For another thing, it's important to take the right tour with the best reviews that come from testimonials of previous tourists.

It's important to pack properly for such a trip, considering it's usually done with once-in-a-lifetime. Start by planning for warmth, because it can be quite cold, even if the sun is shining. The cool chilly breeze can keep many inside, rather than on the deck enjoying the view. The best advice is to dress in layers, and definitely bring a rainproof jacket with a hood, in case of rain.

Sunglasses would also serve anyone really well. The bright sun can be quite blinding, interfering with glimpses one might have on such a trip. It's definitely tempting to snap photos of what may be, but be careful not to experience the entire trip behind the lens, as so much can be missed. Keep in mind that these glimpses last only a couple of seconds.




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