Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Breathtaking Whale Watching Tours In Alaska

By Janine Hughes


The beautiful world can be explored in so many ways. One excellent way comes with whale watching tours in Alaska. It starts with the beautiful landscapes of this northernmost state. The snowcapped mountains, waters, and wildlife will always leave behind memorable images to anyone whose witness them.

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.

A smart tourist will learn to pack properly for this type of special trip. Keep in mind that it can be quite chilly, with the breeze coming off the open waters. This is true even when the sun is shining, so to experience this trip of a lifetime, dress warmly enough to be outdoors throughout the tour. A raincoat with a hood is also essential, in case it rains.

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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