Powerful.
Orca: Apex Predator
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Orca Info.
Many people visiting Alaska are hoping to fit a whale watching trip into their itinerary, and orcas (also known as “killer whales”) are definitely a sight to see while you’re in Juneau. Before you visit, here’s everything you need to know about Alaska’s orca population. Let’s dive in!
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Orca Videos.
Seeing Orcas cruise through the waters of Southeast Alaska is an absolute treat for me. To be able to see them in the wild, carefree and thriving brings such joy - a joy that I would like to share with you!
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Orca Diet.
Orcas are part of the dolphin family, and some speculate that the nickname was actually intended to be “whale killers,” because orcas will prey on marine mammals. Let’s take a closer look at a typical diet for orcas and how they approach feeding in the wild.
What You Need to Know About Seeing Orcas in the wild
Many people visiting Alaska are hoping to fit a whale watching trip into their itinerary, and orcas (also known as “killer whales”) are definitely a sight to see while you’re in Juneau. Before you visit, here’s everything you need to know about Alaska’s orca population. Select your location below and let’s dive in!
What time of year?
From what I understand, Orcas can be seen around Alaska year round. That being said, I am not on the water the whole year for many reasons (e.g., water conditions are not the best, weather kicks up, in a different state, etc.).
In my experience and from looking at when I have captured photographs and videos of Orcas over the last few years, it has been in early summer (around May) and into late summer (end of August/early September). My best guess is that I witness more of them towards the beginning of May because that is when we get a strong king salmon run.
Orca pods move quickly and rarely seem to stay in one spot for a long time. Generally speaking, covering more ground (navigating to several places vs. sitting in one location) gives you the best opportunity to see them.
