Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted in July 2024 near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment.
The humpback whale Old Timer, was spotted by Dr. Adam Pack on July 29, 2024, in Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska aboard the M/V Northern Song with Alaska Sea Adventures on the annual Focus on Whales yacht cruise.
Adam Pack/NOAA Research Permit 26953 aboard the M/V Northern Song had eight guests, along side Captain Harley Ethelbah spotting and helping to document whales for his research to take back to the The Whale & Dolphin Institute.
Bulletin Board on the M/V Northern Song
A humpback whale’s tail is as unique as a fingerprint. The lobes, or flukes, at the end of the tail have scalloped edges that vary from whale to whale; the undersides feature distinct black-and-white patterns that mark a whale for life. You can see a photograph aboard the M/V Northern Song that showcases many of the different unique patterns.
When Adam A. Pack, a marine mammal researcher at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, was photographing whales in Alaska’s Frederick Sound in July, he photographed the whale and then submitted the photograph to Happy Whale to verify its identification.
Happy Whale is a unique artificial intelligence tool to capture whale patterns where they travel to, and who last spotted them.
Artificial intelligence-powered photo-matching algorithms help automatically identify the whales in submitted photos, aiding scientists in the field or others who need to look up previous sightings of a given animal.
“Happywhale has revolutionized our field and has made large-scale collaborations possible,” Dr. Pack said.
Dr. Pack was elated that evening to find out that his old friend “Old Timer” was alive as he was first spotted in 1972.
Old Timer is a male of at least 53 years, making him “the oldest known humpback whale in the world,” said Dr. Pack, who is also the co-founder and president of The Whale & Dolphin Institute.
Old Timer History
Dr. Pack had worried about Old Timer: The last time he had seen the whale, in 2015, was in the middle of a record-breaking, years long heat wave. Scores of seabirds and marine mammals, including humpback whales, died.
But after nine years, he saw with his eyes that Old Timer was still alive!
“It was heartwarming because I realized it wasn’t just the old whales who were perishing,” Dr. Pack said. “Some of them were resilient.”
Historically, tracking the whereabouts of the whales has been done the hard way: by scientists using their own eyes to compare new fluke photos with old ones. But future studies of Old Timer and other humpbacks of all ages are set to be accelerated with artificial intelligence. And Dr. Pack hopes it will help him learn how, and why, some whales can withstand harsh conditions.
Multiple humpback populations dwell in the North Pacific. Old Timer is part of a population that spends winters breeding in the waters around Hawaii and summers in southeastern Alaska, filling up on fish and tiny shrimp like animals known as krill or herring. These humpbacks have been the subject of an ongoing scientific study, which began in 1976 when a marine mammal researcher, Louis Herman, began photographing the whales and their distinctive flukes.
Dr. Herman conducted annual surveys, amassing an enormous collection of tail pictures that allowed scientists to keep tabs on individual whales over the course of their lifetimes. These fluke photos, which now number more than 30,000, have provided new insight into the lives of whales, from their migration patterns to their social behaviors.
“It’s one of the longest ongoing scientific studies of humpback whales in the world,” said Dr. Pack, one of Dr. Herman’s former students and colleagues and now leader of the whale project.
Dr. Adam Pack Documenting Whales on the “Focus on Whales” Cruise 2024
Earlier this year, Mr. Cheeseman, Dr. Pack and dozens of other researchers used Happywhale’s image recognition tool to estimate humpback whale abundance in the North Pacific from 2002 through 2021. Initially, the population boomed, climbing to about 33,500 whales in 2012.
But then it dropped sharply. This population decline coincided with the severe marine heat wave when Dr. Pack last spotted Old Timer. It lasted from 2014 to 2016 and slashed the supply of fish and krill. “There’s a lot more we want to learn about the event, but it is quite clear: warmer waters mean food is less available overall, and what is available is more dispersed and deeper,” Mr. Cheeseman said in an email.
The Hawaii humpback population was especially hard hit, falling 34 percent from 2013 to 2021. Although there had been some sightings of Old Timer reported after 2015, Dr. Pack was excited to finally set eyes on the whale himself. That excitement soon gave way to curiosity: Why had Old Timer survived when so many others had perished?
Now, Dr. Pack is hoping to dive deeper himself, with the help of Happywhale. He plans to investigate how humpbacks survived the lean years and whether there are any discernible patterns. Could Old Timer’s age have been an advantage?
“It is possible that Old Timer’s been around enough to be adaptable when certain food resources are limited,” Dr. Pack said.
The idea remains speculative, and it is not yet clear whether Old Timer was the exception or the rule. “How many whales like Old Timer were resilient to this devastation of marine resources?” he said.
Overall, it was a fabulous Alaskan cruise, spotting over 200 whales in 8 days, witnessing countless amounts of bubble-feeding, and seeing Old Timer!
Bubble-net Feeding
This article should be credited to Emily Anthes is a science reporter for the New York Times, writing primarily about animal health and science. Additional information was reported by local Alaskan Captain Harley Ethelbah with Alaska Sea Adventures, who has been cruising the Inside Passage for over 40 years.
Dr. Adam Pack & Captain Harley Ethelbah
There are two annual Focus on Whales cruises aboard the M/V Northern Song in July. They are heavily focused on the Inside Passage and whales, but there are many other incredible sites to experience, including glaciers, bears, hot springs, and incredible cuisine. Learn how to hop aboard a whale cruise with whale and dolphin scientist Dr. Adam Pack and experience his incredible work at Alaska Sea Adventures!
This is the ultimate adventure for whale and dolphin enthusiasts.
What is the difference between a large Holland America cruise to Glacier Bay in Alaska versus a small 8-10 passenger yacht cruise through Southeast Alaska, and which one is right for you?
Here, we dive into why take an Alaskan cruise, what makes each unique, and how much an Alaskan cruise costs so you can choose what experience you’re looking for!
Large Alaskan Cruise Ships
The larger Alaskan cruise ships, like Holland America, are approximately 780 feet long and carry 1,500-2,000 people per cruise.
The larger ships offer many amenities, including multiple dining options, theaters, casinos, onboard shopping, spas, pools, and fitness centers. These cruise ships feel like a city with a bustling, energetic atmosphere and live entertainment with many activities and options onboard and a view from your deck.
How much does an Alaskan cruise cost?
These large cruise ships can be more economical due to the large number of people aboard, and they can be an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. The prices can start at $1,000 to $5,000+ per person for 7 to 10 days.
Your shore excursions are booked separately, so an additional cost depends on your interests and what you want to experience in the ports. Some activities include whale watching, fishing for a halibut, town tours, or shopping. These ships give you a more traditional cruise experience focused on the boat’s features and the onboard activities versus adventure.
These large Alaskan cruise ships, like Holland America, will stop in major ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway for your day excursions. These towns often have five large ships daily in port; therefore can get entirely inundated with travelers. The number of travelers can sometimes exceed the actual number of residents. In 2020, the population in Ketchikan, Alaska, was 13,948.
Where does a large cruise ship depart and return to?
These ships can leave from Vancouver, BC, Canada, Seattle, Washington, or Seward, Alaska, and cruise to Southeast Alaska.
What is the cuisine like on an Alaskan cruise ship?
These larger ships tend to have multiple dining options, including local cuisines, upscale fine dining restaurants, casual, more buffet-style restaurants, or international options such as Italian, Asian, or French-flavored dishes. There are several ethnicities and experiences to choose from.
Let’s compare a smaller Alaskan cruise to see what makes the most sense for you!
Smaller Alaskan Yacht Cruise
A smaller wooden boat or yacht cruise may carry 6-20 passengers, and the approximate length is 85 -120 feet.
Since yacht cruises naturally have fewer passengers, this leads to less congestion in public areas and when heading ashore for excursions. These smaller Alaskan cruises may not stop at the large ports. They are focused on finding more unique rugged highlights or the locals favorite stops throughout the Inside Passage.
How much does an Alaskan yacht cruise cost?
The smaller boats or yacht cruises are generally more expensive due to the smaller number of passengers, the higher level of service with crew, and the more intimate adventures in the region. These Alaskan yacht cruises can range from $6,000 to $12,000 per person for 8 days, or if you wanted the entire boat, this could average $60,000 – $70,000 for 8 days for 6-12 passengers. This is a fabulous way to gather your friends and family and plan your cruise based on your Alaskan bucket list and what you want to see.
Typically, these costs include the excursions, as they are the focus of the adventures aboard the boat!
The smaller yacht cruises focus on a more immersive and adventurous experience. They may take you out on side trips, kayaking, or a tender boat into the local areas’ hidden gems.
In Southeast Alaska, US Forest Service Permits are required in these remote areas. Cruise ships cannot put people on the beaches without permits or travel in certain regions. The limited number of permits helps to manage the number of boats and preserve the rugged naturalness that makes Alaska so special. The passenger doesn’t typically pay anything additional for the licenses, but each yacht charter may charge differently. It isn’t like a day excursion fee. So, it can be important when choosing a cruise to ensure your yacht charter has many licenses for the areas you may want to explore in Southeast Alaska or Glacier Bay.
Smaller cruises can also visit more unique destinations that larger ships cannot access due to the size of their boat. That inlet or bay just may not be deep enough. Petersburg, Alaska, is a community of Norwegian folks made up of commercial fishing, and this is one of those ports the large boats can not get into due to the size of the Wrangell Narrows. They can’t get through there due to the depths and narrow passage.
These smaller yacht charters will visit more rural ports and destinations like Petersburg, Kake, Baranof Warm Springs, Le Conte Glacier, or Five Finger Lighthouse, which are areas that the larger ships can’t get into. These small villages and local highlights make Alaska rich in culture and adventure!
Some of the activities you might experience aboard a yacht charter are:
- Whale watching for humpback whales or killer whales
- Spotting wildlife such as bears, porpoises, sea otters, seals, deer, or moose
- Visit a sea lion rookery
- Bald eagles and many other birds
- Soak in a hot spring
- Fishing for halibut, salmon, shrimp, or crab
- Lighthouses
- Hiking to waterfalls or beach-combing
Le Conte Glacier is the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere and not a destination for large ships. Le Conte Glacier is located 25 miles from Petersburg and is a favorite due to all the caving ice.
Travelers get an up-close view of the large icebergs in Le Conte Bay
Soaking in Baranof Warm Springs
Hidden Falls, also known as the bear hatchery. Hidden Falls Hatchery is one of the largest salmon hatcheries in the Baranof Island region in Southeast Alaska. It‘s renowned for its substantial contribution to the local fishing industry, releasing millions of salmon fry annually. We call it the bear hatchery, as the bears show up to feed on the salmon. These are some well-fed brown bears!
Hidden Falls Hatchery
This off-the-beaten-path, hidden local gems are the experiences you can expect to adventure into on a smaller, locally captained yacht cruise.
So, if you have an adventurous spirit, this is an incredible way to experience Southeast Alaska and truly a lifetime trip!
Where does a private yacht charter start?
They typically start in Southeast Alaska in Juneau, Petersburg, or Ketchikan. This gives you more time in the local area to explore versus traveling long distances on the boat at a time and just viewing the scenery.
What is the cuisine like on an Alaskan yacht cruise?
A yacht cruise is a smaller, more intimate dining experience, so typically, everyone eats together in a family style. This can be a great way to chat with the Captain or local crew and learn more about the region, their local experiences, and the history firsthand.
As you know, Alaska has an incredible abundance of seafood, so you may experience wild Alaskan salmon, freshly caught halibut, King or Dungeness crab, rockfish, clams, or even glacier ice in your cocktails! The onboard chef will typically accommodate food requests such as gluten-free or vegetarian.
Fresh Alaskan Halibut – Alaska Sea Adventures
Conclusion
Ultimately, your best choice depends on your budget, personal preference for how you want to experience Alaska and priorities. If you are looking for a more traditional cruise experience with a wide range of amenities and onboard activities, with the boat more of the experience, a large cruise ship may be a good option. You will see many of these large boats cruising into Glacier Bay and can sit back and enjoy the scenery and have the entertainment of a big ship!
If you are looking for a more intimate and adventurous Alaskan experience, you can tailor to your Alaskan bucket list, getting up close to the face of the glaciers, wanting to experience all the wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and bald eagles, cruising through the fjord’s, some fishing, and no schedule so you can linger on that pod of whales breaching and exploring the rugged outdoors, then a small boat cruise would be the choice for you!
Alaska Sea Adventures – M/V Northern Song and a Float Plane Ride
Alaska Sea Adventures is an all-inclusive, 8-10-passenger yacht cruise. We take you through the ice, closer to glaciers, and travel across waters where others can’t go due to the challenges of the sea, with our 85-foot custom expedition yacht. This motor vessel is built for Alaska with a steel hull for bumping up against the ice and NIAD stabilizers for a comfortable cruise!
During our 50 years, we have accumulated over 800 US Forest Service permits, taking you to remote areas where other charters can’t go.
Our 6-pole halibut permit allows you to catch that Alaskan “butt” (halibut)!
Yelloweyed Rockfish
Captain Harley, a local commercial fisherman, leads Alaska Sea Adventures. So, your yacht cruise will be immersed in the region’s locally sourced ingredients.
Cuisine and local seafood are Harley’s passions, so this is an internal part of your experience. Each evening, Harley shares his 40 years of fishing expertise during dinner, explaining the catch of the day and how the commercial fishing industry has evolved.
Golden Crab Feast, Seafood Risotto, and Shakshuka for Breakfast
You might even catch a glimpse of commercial fishing boats in action or haul a crab pot yourself!
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your personal preference of how you want to experience Alaska and your priorities. If you are looking for a more traditional cruise experience with a wide range of amenities and onboard activities, with the boat more of the experience, a large cruise ship may be a good option.
Suppose a more adventurous exploration focusing on exploring the magical details of the Inside Passage, getting up close to the face of the glaciers, and viewing the bears feeding in the streams is what you’re looking for.
In that case, a small yacht cruise is truly incredible. Not being on a schedule is pretty luxurious, so you can have the freedom to snap 100 pictures of that pod of whales breaching and exploring the fjords; then, a small boat cruise may be the right choice for you and your family!
Alaska Sea Adventures – M/V Northern Song and a Humpback Whale
An Alaskan yacht cruise is more than just a trip; it’s an immersive experience into one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Download our curated bucket list guide to inspire your Alaskan adventure!
By Captain Harley Ethelbah
Baranof Island is an island in the northern Alexander Archipelago in the Alaska Panhandle, in Southeast Alaska. Baranof Island is home to around 8,000 people in the community of Sitka, Alaska, and has 617 miles of coastline. It is the fourth biggest island in Southeast Alaska and part of Tongass National Forest, the United States’ largest national forest. Baranof is one of my favorite islands due to the abundance of brown bears. I love showing travelers our Baranof bears! And Baranof brown bears are unique. Stay with me here, and I will tell you why!
Baranof is one of the ABC Islands, comprising Admiralty Island, Baranof Island, and Chichagof Island. These three islands are known to have the highest density of brown bears in North America—one bear per square mile.
Baranof Island is the most rugged of the region’s major islands, with peaks above 4000 feet.
The entire eastern shore of Baranof Island is washed by the waters of Chatham Strait, which, with its extensions, Lynn Canal and Taiya Inlet, is one of the world’s great fjords. Taiya Inlet is a fjord located in Southeast Alaska, on the mainland opposite Baranof Island. It’s part of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and is known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, waterfalls, and dense rainforest. Sea otters, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins inhabit the area.
By Captain Harley Ethelbah
The commercial Sitka Sound herring fishery has always been a significant event in Southeast Alaska for many reasons other than fishing! This is a very unique opportunity to witness an abundance of humpback whales, bubble-net feeding, eagles, otters, sea lions, and many different species of birds, all feeding on the herring and spawning. This commercial fisheries focus is on the herring roe, which is sought after by many species in the marine environment.
The Sitka Sound herring fishery takes place in March and April every year in the sound of Sitka, Alaska. Sitka is a small island located in Southeast Alaska, also known as the Inside Passage. There is a population of approximately 8,426 people in the small town of Sitka. Sitka heavily relies on the seafood industry. Fishing and processing of salmon, cod, halibut, herring, and other marine products are significant contributors to the local economy as well as tourism.
The arrival of the herring in Sitka Sound is like the announcement of Spring! Winter is still trying to hold on, but Spring pushes through, and the weather changes. When that weather changes, the herring will arrive and be ready to spawn between mid-March and the first part of April.
I was an active commercial herring sac roe fisherman for many years and was formerly the owner of the M/V Jean C. I share my experience in the fishery with our guests aboard the M/V Northern Song as they watch the season transition. The herring are caught by seining with a net, as pictured below.
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The commercial fishing boats seining for herring with Mount Edgecumbe in the background
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Mount Edgecumbe is also a gorgeous landmark and a dormant stratovolcano located on Kruzof Island, Alaska, about 15 miles west of Sitka and 3,201 feet in elevation. A popular hiking trail leads to the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area after the snow melts.
Another reason why this time of the year is so special for this yacht cruise is the humpback whales are migrating from Hawaii☀️ and come to fatten up after a long winter of mating. The famous humpback whale bubble-net feeding is a regular event!
Travelers often wonder what bubble-net feeding is and what I am referring to is how humpback whales coordinate through song and the act of blowing bubbles to form underwater “bubble nets” to capture one of their food source herring.
A view from the bow of the MV Northern Song with bubble-net feeding
Concentrations of humpback whales are observed and predator activity from eagles and sea lions builds. The herring spawn will soon emerge, when the temperatures are just right turning the water into a milky turquoise green as the spawn permeates the seas!
Thousands of bald eagles show up to eat the herring row as they wash up on the beaches around the sound.
After the herring event, the grey whales show up to wallow in the mud and shift through the substrate for herring eggs. Grey whales can be up to 49 feet long and 90,000 pounds in weight. They are known to be a more playful with their tale slapping and spy hopping, so they are fun to observe. They are not bubble-feeders; they are bottom feeders. They stir up sediment with their lower jaws, filtering through the ocean floor.
Humans are not the only ones interested in herring. In fact, humans are the most minor prey on this precious natural resource, herring. The herring roe plays a significant role in both the natural and the culinary human ecosystem. Its unique texture and flavor make it a sought-after delicacy in certain cultures. The primary harvest is for the sac roe, which is obtained from female herring during this event.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game monitors the fishery through aerial surveys, vessel sonar surveys, and test fishing. They also coordinate with industry vessels to conduct test fishing as necessary to determine the herring size and roe quality. They will then work with the fisherman on the appropriate fishing time and areas. This is all monitored in the efforts to complete sustainable fishing practices.
Guests aboard the M/V Northern Song photograph all the fisherman in Sitka Sound
Captain Harley with Herring Roe on the Beach
At Alaska Sea Adventures we take a different perspective to experience this annual event, which is why we call it the Sitka Sound Herring Extravaganza, a unique Alaskan yacht cruise! We go to observe the whale behaviors, capture stunning photos of the bubble-net feeding, witness all the wildlife feed, and observing the fisherman as they pull in their seine nets full of herring. I talk about the history and evolution of the fishery, take our travelers to speak to the fisherman, and get an up-close experience of the boats leaning over with a huge net full! This has always been my favorite fishery and favorite time of the year! Our guests also love seeing all the bald eagles as they feed on the herring and get down close to the water to get those perfect shots!
Photo by Andy Wolcott
We also get to experience other exciting highlight of the area, Goddard Hot Springs. Goddard Hot Springs is a popular destination! It’s known for its natural mineral hot springs, which are some of the oldest in the state. We get to relax in the hot tubs, surrounded by scenic wilderness and beautiful views.
Experience Spring in Southeast Alaska for the annual Sitka Sound Herring Extravaganza! It is truly an amazing event, and a multi-day, all-inclusive yacht cruise is the perfect way to experience it!
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