Facts about the Sitka Whale
Whether you’ve visited Alaska before or this is your first trip, whale watching tours in Sitka tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adults and children. Sitka is on the outer edge of the Inside Passage. The region attracts thousands of seabird species to a nearby island each summer and is the habitat of spectacular wildlife species.
A whale-watching Sitka tour begins when your group boards a custom-built boat that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The scenery and wildlife in Sitka are unlike anywhere else in the world. Be prepared to observe magnificent whales and wildlife native to Sitka. Here are some interesting facts about the spectacular species of whales that astonish visitors on Sitka whale watching tours.
Gray Whales
The gray or grey whale has a smaller head than some species but can weigh up to 90,000 lbs, with a life expectancy of up to 70 years. They get their name from mottled, white patches on their skin caused by white whale lice. Their skin may have a bumpy appearance, the result of barnacles sticking to their skin. The migration route with the largest population of grey whales is in the waters between Baja California and Alaska. Grey whales are bottom feeder whales and scoop up large amounts of sand when feeding on shrimp, plankton, and crabs.
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales have massive fins and tails that they slap down on the water while hunting. Humpbacks may weigh more than 28 tons be 17 meters long. This species is a darker color than some whale species. Another interesting fact about Humpback whales is that each one has a marking that’s like the fingerprint of a human and is their identifying mark. Humpbacks are famous for breaching and for their haunting song. Their song may last for 10 to 20 minutes. These whales can repeat their song for hours at a time. The reason for the Humpback’s song isn’t known. However, the song changes each season.
Orca Whales
Another Sitka whale you may observe on a tour is the Orca, also known as the killer whale. The Orca is the most prominent member of the dolphin family. This species of whale is characterized by the distinctive black and white pattern on its body. Orcas are found in most waters worldwide, with the exception of portions of the Arctic Ocean and the Black and Baltic Seas. The Orca consumes a more diverse selection of prey than other whale species. The diet of the Orca may include:
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Fish
- Sea Lions
- Whales
- Seabirds
- Squid
On your whale watching Sitka tour, you may observe Tufted Puffins, Stellar Sea Lions, playful Sea Otters, and magnificent Bald Eagles. Although summer is a popular time for whale-watching tours in Sitka, it’s possible to spot them at any time of the year. The coastline of Sitka is a feeding ground for Humpback whales between July and December. Contact Sitka Whale Watch to schedule a tour!
