Trip highlights

Today we were lucky enough to see Orcas today! There was a whole family of them and everyone got a great view of these majestic creatures.

Did you know that more than 160 killer whales in eight resident (fish eating) pods regularly use Prince William Sound/Kenai Fjords as part of their ranges. Transient (marine mammal eating) groups are observed in the Sound less frequently, but some (the AT1 population) use the Sound year-round, according to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. These beautiful creatures are a big favorite of Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises staff. No matter how many times we see orcas, they still amaze us!

Resident orca pods in the Prince William Sound appear to feed primarily on a wide variety of fish such as salmon, herring, halibut, and cod. Transient pods may feed on any available species of marine mammal. The stomach of a killer whale found stranded near Prince William Sound contained a harbor seal, a harbor porpoise, and a Steller sea lion. Orca whales also have been observed preying on river otters, sea otters, squid, and several species of birds. Killer whales may briefly beach themselves to grab seals and sea lions from the shore, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

Many orcas live to be the average life span of a human, living long lives but reproduce slowly. Both males and females will have multiple breeding partners throughout their lifetimes. The maximum age which these animals can attain has not been determined but may be at least 50 years for males and 80 years for females.

We invite you to come aboard one of our comfortable and spacious catamaran boats and explore the Prince William Sound with us, and maybe you’ll be able to observe these beautiful creatures with your own eyes.