Humpback whales bubble-net feeding on herring is one of those wildlife spectacles you won't soon forget. And it's just about the most intense and exciting wildlife photography I've ever done.

Working together, a group of Humpback whales force the abundant herring into a small area on the surface and then, all at once, the whales rise in a group, mouths wide open, and consume the herring.

Then the whales will meander about, spouting and diving, some showing their tails, until they all dive and disappear. Then it's a waiting game.

Below the surface, the whales start the dance again, finding herring, surrounding them, blowing bubbles to corral them and once again, surfacing to feed. But you don't know exactly where.

This happens over and over again.

Besides the whales, we may see bald eagles, gulls, fishing boats, and other marine mammals. And the scenery is just stunning.

About our captain and the boat

Our boat captain is Captain Gary of Captain Gary's Sitka Adventures. Gary was born and raised in Sitka and has spent much of his life on the water.

Like photographing any wildlife, there’s a bit of a learning curve with whales as you get to know their habits. Fortunately, that curve will be greatly shortened by Captain Gary, who has spent a lot of time watching whales and knows their habits.

Captain Gary is practiced at predicting where the whales might reappear. He also uses a hydrophone to listen in on the whales (see the video below) and will point out the audible clues that will tell us when the whales will rise. The sounds are eerie and beautiful. The hydrophone will also give us an idea of how close the whales are. It's very exciting to hear them getting louder and louder, knowing that the louder it gets, the closer to the boat the whales will be. And they're sometimes so close you can actually smell their breath when they spout (something else that you won't soon forget).

Plan to arrive by March 27th.

Starting on the 28th and for the next two days we'll head out on Sitka Sound for three full days to photograph the spectacle of Humpback whales working together to feed off of the abundant herring. We’ll probably also see eagles, seals, sea lions, otters and other critters as well.

Our comfortable boat features a head (sailor-speak for bathroom) and plenty of room inside for stashing gear and taking breaks. We'll be out all day and will have lunch on the boat. Gary provides water and snacks only, so be sure to bring your lunch aboard.

If we have two boats, we'll always be in the same area, photographing the same whales and scenes.

You can read more about bubble-net feeding (and see some more pictures) on the Sitka Conservation Society website.
And you can see some of my pictures from Sitka in my Sitka gallery on my website.

Time, weather and conditions permitting, we may also try to visit some landscape photo destinations while on land, like harbors, Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park), and downtown Sitka. Chances are you'll be worn out from the day on the boat though.

Plan your departure for March 22nd.

Lodging:

Lodging can be found at any of the several hotels in town as well as in vacation homes and apartments found on sites like VRBO and AirBnB and Sitka Travel. Not all of these are in downtown Sitka, so be sure to verify the location. You'll want to be within walking distance of Crescent Harbor.

Some Hotels in downtown Sitka:

The Aspen Suites Hotel Very nice, recommended. Only a couple blocks from the harbor.

Baranof Lodge Probably the least expensive. Only about three blocks from the harbor.

Sitka Hotel Variety of room types. Basic rooms are small but clean. About a block or so from the harbor.

Transportation:

If you're staying in downtown Sitka, no transportation is needed as everything we'll need is within walking distance. Some hotels (Sitka Hotel and the Baranof Lodge) have their own shuttles, otherwise, taxis are available from the airport. And we may even be able to arrange a pickup if we're all arriving at the same time.

If you wish to get a rental car, the least expensive option is Sitka Car Rental. All their vehicles are older and well-used SUVs. But they are a fraction of the cost of the big name rental companies. I've used them many times and though the vehicles have their quirks, they've been reliable for me. And if you do have problems, Sitka Car Rentals is quick to resolve them.

Flights

Alaska Airlines flight 67 from Seattle arrives in Sitka at 6:20 p.m. on March 27th. This is the recommended flight.

Meals

All hotels have at least a microwave and refrigerator. Some hotels (and probably all rental homes and condos) have kitchenettes or full kitchens. There is a small grocery store near downtown Sitka a short walk from the downtown hotels. And there are plenty of restaurants in Sitka just a short walk away.

Daily lunch will be on the boat. As  mentioned above, you need to bring your own. You'll therefore need to go to the grocery store after arrival to stock up for the next morning. There is also a nearby Subway that should still be open after we arrive.

Pricing

$4350 ($4200 if paying both deposit and balance by check or Zelle)

Prices do not include lodging, meals, transportation or trip cancellation insurance (see below).
Visit the Sign Up Page for details on paying by check.