Southeast Alaska’s Panhandle by Calendar

Photogenic Year Round

While Alaska does have a lot of variety because of its size, it’s needful to know that Alaska’s M/V Alaskan Harvest Inside Passage is not the frozen arctic as some may presume from the Lower 48. We have provided the following guide to give you an idea of what you will experience on a cruise aboard the Alaskan Harvest.

Encased by towering coastal mountains with a Japanese warm current from the Pacific Ocean, Alaska’s Panhandle misty maritime temperatures are subject to moderate year round temperatures that are quite comfortable. The average summer day temps range in the 60’s to low 70’s, with evening temps in the mid to lower 50’s.

family and glacier Southeast Alaska is always a good time to visit anytime of the year for those who love nature. One can view humpback whales, sea lions, seals, killer whales (orcas) and many different types of sea birds and waterfowl on any given day.

Throughout your cruise, you as a guest on the Alaskan Harvest, have the choice of many activities to enjoy; nature walks or hikes in the rainforest and beachcombing, kayaking, wildlife and glacier viewing, or try salt and/or freshwater fishing. While on these outings you may travel through several different ecosystems. Relaxing on board engulfed in a good read or movie and enjoying the awesome scenic view is good therapy as well. kayaker

Cruising on the water our guests will see pods of whales taking in photographic memories. Stops at sea lion rookeries gives all guests a safe view of the mammals, experiencing their loud roaring voices, rank smell and off-beat behavior.

Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable throughout each day as temps may change up to 20 degrees. A shirt with a light jacket or pullover sweater or sweatshirt, fleece or wool, and a light waterproof suit (coat and pants) with knee high waterproof boots, will suit your needs, along with your personal and on board clothing for relaxing.

May

Typically May is always the driest and sunniest month out of the whole year in S.E. Alaska. One can see 40 to 70 miles on these brilliant crispy clear days, viewing many snowcapped peaks far off that reach up to 14,000 feet. Spring has sprung and the majority of all flora and fauna are visible and in full bloom. True signs of spring are abundant and the brown bear, the lord of the forest, is emerging from his den and sighted along the forest edges.

summer field

June

This month provides unending daylight, for those who like to constantly be on the go, with whatever activity they enjoy. With almost 22 hours of daylight June 21st is the longest day of the year. Summer is in full swing all and fauna is in full, life is everywhere in every shape and form.

July

Salmon start their spawn up some streams, flocks of seagulls and egrets gather at stream mouths to pick and dine on the salmon, on sunny clear days. Mountain goats can be seen at the higher elevations, as the snow disappears.

August

The weather cools a bit in August but is still quite pleasurable. There will be a little more rain, and cooler out on the water. Warm and cool air mix this time of year and often produce very unique fog with its magical formations. An extra layer of clothing would be a good idea. The interesting and unpredictable brown and black bears are busy on all the salmon choked streams – feasting their fantasy. Excellent coho, or silver, salmon runs occur now also. Bear viewing and photography can be at its best.

List of Wildlife

Brown Bear
Black Bear
Mountain Goat
Sitka Deer
Wolves
Moose
Eagles
Gulls
Geese
Sea Ducks
Sea Birds
Killer and Humpback Whales
Sea Lions
Seals
Land Otters
Sea Otters
Dolphins
White-Sided Dall Porpoises
Harbor Porpoises

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