When to Visit

Every month in Southeast Alaska brings something different. Whether you’re here to witness the majesty of bubble-net feeding, catch your limit on the line, or soak in the quiet magic of the landscape—there’s no wrong time to come, just the right time for you.

Here’s a guide to help you plan your ideal experience aboard M/Y Elysium:

Whale Watching & Bubble-Net Feeding | best time: March–April
Humpback whales typically bubble-net feed during the spring herring spawn, when the fish are plentiful and close to shore. This is one of the most dramatic natural events you can witness—cooperative, coordinated feeding by some of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures. Other whale sightings are common from late spring through early fall.

Fishing & Crabbing | best time: June–September
King salmon run strongest in June and early July. Sockeye are most active mid-June through July, and coho build later in the summer. Crabbing is also available throughout the season—fresh Dungeness right out of the crab pot is hard to beat.

Sightseeing, Hiking & Wildlife Viewing | best time: May–September
May–June: Crisp mornings, snow still on the mountaintops, and early wildflowers.
July–August: Lush green forest, long daylight hours, abundant wildlife activity, and delicious salmon berries.
September: Quiet anchorages, active bears along salmon streams, and a slower, more reflective pace on the water.

Photography & Solitude | best time: May and September
These shoulder-season months offer softer light, fewer crowds, and a deeper sense of stillness. Perfect for photographers, poets, or anyone wanting a more contemplative connection with the land and sea.