Boasting a selection of wildlife that’s truly second to none, Alaska is one of North America’s top biodiversity hotspots. On an Alaska yacht cruise, passengers can view some of the world’s most remarkable sea life – from beluga whales to king crabs – up close in their natural environment.
If you’re considering an Alaskan sea cruise, it’s important to devote some of your pre-journey time to studying the local wildlife. Add these three animals to your ‘to see’ list and make sure to look out carefully for them during your cruise.
Short-tailed Albatross
The short-tailed albatross is a truly remarkable bird. Found in small numbers as far afield as Japan’s northern islands, these beautiful birds can be spotted on the Pacific Coast from Washington all the way up to the extreme north of Alaska’s Bering Sea.
Boasting a seven-foot wingspan, these incredible birds were almost hunted to death during the early days of the feather trade. Today, however, they’re easy to spot from the boat as you travel along the Alaskan coastline.
Humpback Whale
Weighing in at close to 80,000 lb., the humpback whale certainly isn’t a lightweight ocean critter. Almost hunted to extinction in the early 20th century, these protected whales are now flourishing in Alaska, where they’re a protected species.
Admire the majesty and sheer size of the humpback whale – which can measure as much as 50 feet in length – as you travel the Alaskan coastline. During summer, it’s easy to spot these giant sea creatures as you cruise through Alaskan waters.
Northern Fur Seal
A staple of the Inuit diet for years, northern fur seals almost disappeared due to the hunting policies of previous generations. Today, however, they’re easy to spot on an assortment of offshore islands along the Alaskan coastline.
Known for their sheer size and extreme sexual dimorphism – males are, on average, four times larger than females – these remarkable seals may not be cute, but they’re certainly a sight to behold.
Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevewall/8369697667/sizes/z/in/photostream/
