whale song cruises

We went out on two whole day tours to whale watch with Whale Song Cruises and had an outstanding time. The trip was perfect in each and every way. Capt. Ron was very knowledgeable about whales. We did not know which direction to look one day as there were whales all around us. We took some awesome breaching photos. We highly recommend this company to do whale watching tours. We had an amazing two days whale watching. Bring your sandwich and chips for lunch.

My friends and myself took a tour out to see the glacier and it was fantastic. We had a leisurely trip out to the glacier and at the time seal/seal lions had their babies out on the glacier ice - we didn't bother them but slowed down to see them. We also got out to the face of the glacier and guide turned off the boat for us to just float around. We were fortunate enough to see the glacier calve 2 times what a wonder that was. We slowly made our way back to Petersburg through all the ice chunks - great trip and would do it over and over again.

this was an amazing trip. we got very close to the glacier and were lucky enough to see some ice break off....we also saw some seal pups on the ice....the ship is very nice clean and comfortable. on the way back we saw some whales in the distance and the captain stopped and let us see them. the only draw back is that there is no one on board that relays what we are seeing. the captain speaks when spoken to but there is no commentary on what we see, how big the glacier actually is about the seals and their pups in the area.....but if you want an amazing trip to a glacier this is it.

Frederick Sound, just north of Petersburg, is the summer home to hundreds of humpback whales. There was lots of activity, feeding, breaching, etc, and Ron, our guide, put us as close as he could to them. His boat is great, lots of room, both inside and out. The folks at Viking Travel were helpful in getting it arranged.

Great boat, smooth ride, you get closer than expected to the glacier. All the "usual" trimmings, seals, pups, eagles, birds and whales. Safe, comfortable, and warm. A very friendly, smooth trip. We enjoy taking our visitors as much or more than they do!

Capt Ron's boat is new, fast, and comfortable. He took us closer than we expected to the face of LeConte glacier--we saw harbor seals, humpbacks, and an eagle or two. The scenery could not have been better!

Captain Ron's new boat is a sweet ride. The whale's where amazing. Sunrise trip to the LeConte Glacier amazing. A trip of a life time. It will not be forgotten. Ron's a great guy with a good family. Denali or Frederick Sound whale watching???? That statement to me means a lot. Personally I would have a hard time choosing. Have you seen a whale breach? I have.....thanks to Captain Ron. Your trip will not be forgotten.

I went on the all day whale trip, after wrestling a bit with my budget. There is a sliding scale of rates at this operator, making it much more expensive to go as an individual than with others, even on an already scheduled trip with a full boat!From the start Captain Ron was strangely taciturn, not offering any commentary or information unless directly asked. As we left the channel into the bay, a fishing boat nearby called in to alert us to a group of humpbacks nearby. Instead of visiting them, we turned the other way to a bay where they often bubble net, but there were no whales there. He told the group we were looking for bubble netting, but offered no explanation for what that was until someone asked!After leaving the bay, we were then extremely privileged and lucky to see several close groups and spent about 45 minutes with them. That was fantastic! As others have said, he allowed them to get close but did not harass or pursue them, and maneuvered the boat so that we could get pictures.We then motored a long distance to see a lighthouse (!) and unfortunately the propeller sucked up a piece of wood, making it impossible to travel fast. We were faced with a 5 hour slow trip home.I asked if we would still stop for whales on the way back, and was assured that we would. Well, perhaps Ron was worried about his boat and perhaps he was worried about the time, but not only did he not stop or slow down as we passed the literally dozens of whales in the sound, he didn't even point them out to us and barely acknowledged me as I did. Me: " There's one breeching over there! " Capt'n Ron : "Yep."I saw many blows, breechings and flukes, some very near the boat, but he did not even alert the other passengers to watch for them. I understand that this was an unusual situation, but I could not understand why he would not attempt to ensure that the passengers would see as much as possible. He could easily have pointed them out without altering course. There was another passenger who had expressed interest in seeing eagles, and I ended up pointing many out to her while our captain was silent. There was no commentary of any kind- no history, geology, ecology, information on whales, birds or other wildlife- nothing that you would normally expect on a tour like this. Most of the passengers ended up sleeping or reading for most of what had turned into a 9 hour trip with about 45 minutes of actual time with the whales.That said, the Frederick Sound was full of humpbacks. I probably saw 30-50 individuals. The boat was extremely comfortable and drinks and hot chocolate were provided. It would be hard to say if I would do it again, but I have to say that even the limited time we spent with the whales was worth it and I would definitely try it again on a return visit. I would give Capt'n Ron the benefit of the doubt based on the other reviews here and assume that my trip was not typical.

My husband and I need many hands to count all the times we have joined Captain Ron Loesch over the years on the water in search of humpback whales, killer whales and other marine mammals. Each time we have been impressed by how Captain Ron has worked hard to give his guests good looks at local marine life in Frederick Sound. Whale Song Cruises offers day long voyages (from 9 am till 5 or 6 pm) out of tiny Petersburg, AK on the uncrowded waters of Frederick Sound. An advantage of day long whale watching out of Petersburg is that Captain Ron can spend time with the whales as opposed to the shorter voyages conducted out of busy SE Alaska cruise ports. For example, on a recent July 2013 whale watch, well over 100 humpback whales were individually bubblenetting for krill in the immediate vicinity of our boat in Frederick Sound. Captain Ron shut down the Glacier Run's engines in order to drift on calm water. We listened to the humpbacks blow for a several hours, watching the great whales as they fed on the rich krill "soup." Unlike whale watches out of crowded cruise ports, no other boats were around; we had the spectacular aggregation of humpback whales to ourselves.When whales are spotted, Captain Ron always exhibits respectful behavior toward the animals. One never knows what will be encountered or what behaviors will be exhibited. Leave your expectations at the dock when whale watching; you never know what the humpbacks will have in store for you. Perhaps a large resident group of killer whales will come your way. Or maybe some transient orcas will put on a show. One day may be quiet on the water when the next may offer humpbacks breaching and cooperatively bubblenetting. Whatever happens, quiet or spectacular, there is always something special about spending time in the company of whales.Big news in summer of 2013.....Captain Ron has a new boat, the Glacier Run. It is a swift vessel with a roomy interior and bus seating (ie, one faces forward toward the bow of the boat). The Glacier Run can accommodate up to 14 passengers. On our trips we had a more manageable 6 guests on board. There is a rear deck for viewing plus windows on either side of the cabin slide open for observation and photography. A stand up head is on board (ie, one can walk into the bathroom as opposed to some cramped heads we've seen on boats). Whale watching in a small boat that is low to the water ala the Glacier Run offers excellent nearly water level views of marine mammals, a definite plus for nabbing memorable photographic images of whales. There are some binoculars on board but you may also wish to bring your own. Bring along a lunch for you will be on the water all day long during Whale Song Cruise's whale watches. Soft drinks and water are available as a courtesy on board the Glacier Run but you may wish to bring along your own preferred beverage. Whale Song Cruises also offers shorter trips to the LeConte Glacier. I have been to LeConte on so many occasions that I have not yet traveled there with Captain Ron. While in Petersburg a visit to the LeConte Glacier should not be missed. The southernmost tidewater glacier in North America, LeConte is spectacular. The fjord is beautiful, with waterfalls, ice, birds, terrific watery reflections on a calm day and splendid mountain scenery. Cruise ships are unable to visit LeConte Glacier, a huge plus when one wishes to enjoy unspoiled wilderness. You may see harbor seals hauled out on glacier icebergs and if very lucky, possibly spot transient orcas cruising the fjord in search of a meal. Whale Song Cruises and Captain Ron come highly recommended. Book as many outings with Whale Song Cruises as time and budget allow...remember, each day on the water is different from the last.

Trip to Anan Bear Observatory was wonderful. The jet boat trip was fun, and we saw scads of bears doing what bears do, quite unconcerned with our presence. We saw Black Bears as well as Grizzlies fishing, a sow walking with cubs and parking on the trail with cubs (we detoured), and rough-housing with each other. Wonderful photos!

Not sure why the one reviewer so negative, but good to see other positive reviews. We had a great day, and Captain Ron did his best for us on the boat. Friendly and informative, this trip on a small boat was so much better than the 'bigger' tours in other parts of Alaska. Well worth the price, and highly recommended. We went the day before to the Leconte Glacier, and that was also a great trip.

A friend and I recently booked a tour to the LeConte Glacier with Captain Ron, Owner of Whale Song Cruises in Petersburg Alaska. Even though there were only two of us booked for that day, Captain Ron made the trip. His boat was roomey, very clean, and well maintained, with comfortable inside seating with windows filling both sides, and plenty of room outside to move about a bit and take photos. The boat also had an enclosed marine toilet. Captain Ron was very friendly and conversed with us freely. He provided ample time for photographs at various desired locations. A yummy snack of hot chocolate and crackers with salmon dip was also provided. It was so good the two of us ate it all. Captain Ron handled the boat with skill and caution in amongst the ice. The price for the cruise was in line with what one would expect to pay for such an outing. We had an absolutely amazing experience on board his boat. I would very highly recommend Whale Song Cruises to anyone who is wanting to experience LeConte Glacier with an experienced guide.Thank you Ron for a very memorable trip!

I, myself as well as family members have been out with Captain Ron and have not seen a cleaner boat and felt more safe. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this glacier, whale watching tour to anyone! Well worth the experience.

I spent less than $200 and saw, whales, harbor seals, steller seal lions, mountain goats and a black bear. That's not including the most incredible glacier ever, or the different birds. This trip is highly recommended.

Very unsafe operator, didn't provide the services promised, boat was filthy.