We created the beluga sightings map as a quick reference for people to see where others are seeing belugas and we recommend taking a look there for current beluga viewing locations.  However, we wanted to pass along information that we have learned from our 18 seasons of ice-free surveys (April-October) that will help improve your chances of viewing the Cook Inlet belugas on your own.

CIBWs tend to cluster in seasonal hot spots that are tidal dependent.  In April and early May belugas can  be seen sporadically in the Kenai River, and in Turnagain Arm near Twentymile River.  These sightings are usually associated with the timing of the forage fish eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) spawning in these areas.  Mid-May through mid-August the belugas are usually congregated in large groups (over 100!) along the Susitna River Delta where they are feeding on the eulachon and salmon runs, calving, and socializing.  Beginning in mid-August, the large groups in the Susitna River Delta begin breaking up and moving into Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm.  The belugas can be seen moving into Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm on rising tides, and then moving out of these areas on the falling tides.  They will continue going into these areas well into October and December depending on ice conditions.  In late August or early September the belugas also return to the Kenai River and are sporadically seen throughout the winter.

The easiest locations for people to see CIBWs are along the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Twentymile River, the coastal trail in Anchorage between Westchester lagoon and Ship Creek, and the Kenai River.  Please, watch from shore only and do not approach them in any manner (boat, plane, kayak etc.)

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Seward Highway/Turnagain Arm

-Best time to see belugas is 3-4 hours before Anchorage high tide.  Belugas can be seen coming in with the tide.

-Best time of year is mid-August through October. Peak viewing is usually around the first week of September.

-Best viewing areas are Beluga Point, Windy Corner, the Bird Point viewing platform,  and Mile Post 95.5.  Please use only designated pullouts and parking places.  The highway along Turnagain Arm is a dangerous location due to the high amount of traffic and narrow passageway so please be careful and considerate of other drivers.

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Mouth of Ship Creek/Coastal Trail

-Best time of year to see whales is mid-August until the ice comes in.

-Whales are generally seen on falling tide/low tide, but have been seen on all tides here.

-Best viewing locations are Ship Creek boat launch, Coastal trail between Ship Creek and Westchester Lagoon, Pt. Woronzof, and Kincaid Beach area.

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Kenai River

-Best time of year to see whales in Kenai are March-April, late August-October.

-Belugas are seen on all tide cycles here.

-Best viewing locations are the between the river mouth and the boat launch,  Warren Ames Memorial Bridge, and Cunningham Park.

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We hope these tips help.   Don't forget to share your sightings and photos with us below. Happy beluga viewing !

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