Bubble-net feeding is a cooperative hunting technique used by certain groups of humpback whales in Southeast Alaska. A pod works together to corral schools of herring by blowing a tightening ring of bubbles beneath the surface, then lunges upward through the centre with mouths open. The entire sequence — from the first bubbles appearing on the surface to a dozen whales erupting simultaneously — can last just a few seconds, & it is one of the most dramatic pieces of animal behaviour you can photograph anywhere in the world.
We now run dedicated photography trips to the waters around Sitka in late March & April, timed to coincide with the peak herring run when bubble-netting activity is at its most intense. The first week sold out immediately, so we’ve added a second repeat week to meet the demand.
What Makes This Trip Work Photographically?
The trip includes six full days on the water, working from small boats that can reposition quickly as feeding activity develops. The challenge — & the reward — is reading the surface signs. Experienced guides know the whales’ patterns & can anticipate where the next lunge is likely to occur, giving you critical seconds to frame & prepare.
A 100–400mm zoom is the most versatile lens for this work. When the whales surface close to the boat, the wider end captures the scale of the group lunge; when they feed further out, the longer end isolates individual animals. High frame rates & fast autofocus matter here — the eruption is explosive & brief.
Beyond the whales themselves, Southeast Alaska’s coastal environment adds depth to the portfolio. Bald eagles are ever-present, sea otters work the kelp beds, & the dramatic mountain-backed channels provide strong environmental backdrops that give context to the marine images.
Small Group, Experienced Guidance
The group is deliberately kept small so that everyone has space to work on the boat without competing for position. Guides with detailed knowledge of the local whale pods & their behaviour help the group anticipate activity & make the most of each encounter.
Whether you’re experienced with marine wildlife photography or this is your first time working from a boat, the combination of extended time on the water, experienced guidance, & the sheer frequency of feeding events across the week gives you the repetition needed to refine your technique & come home with images you’re genuinely proud of.
Dates & Booking
Our Bubble-Netting Whales of Alaska trips run in late March & April, timed around the herring spawn that triggers the most concentrated feeding activity. Full details, dates, & availability are on the trip page.
- NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access.
- Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance.
- Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips.
