We are pleased to announce the brand new NaturesLens Bubble-netting Whales of Alaska photography holiday, which is scheduled for March 2026 – specifically, 25th March – 1st April 2026. This photography holiday promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.
There are many exciting highlights of the Bubble-netting Whales trip, but here are those which we think are the standout items which await the guests who join us:
- Spend seven nights on a full-board basis in the picturesque setting of Sitka, Alaska, immersing yourself in the beauty of this unique location.
- Enjoy single occupancy accommodation for seven nights at a hotel located in central Sitka, which provides convenient access to charming surroundings.
- Embark on six full days aboard a fully licensed vessel led by one of Sitka’s most skilled skippers as you witness the bubble-netting whales demonstrating extraordinary intelligence & teamwork in their feeding frenzy.
- Capture breathtaking images as humpback whales launch out of the water simultaneously, their throat grooves bulging with herring, showcasing their remarkable feeding behaviour.
- Photograph the mesmerising sight of brown bears & a flurry of gulls & bald eagles converging in the seawater, creating a dynamic & captivating scene.
- Witness what Planet Earth has described as “one of nature’s great events.” Only a hundred humpbacks worldwide have mastered this unique fishing technique, making Sitka the prime location to observe this phenomenon.
This new photography holiday offers an exclusive opportunity to capture the beauty & grandeur of nature in its purest form, providing you with unforgettable memories & stunning images to cherish for a lifetime.
What is the unique behaviour of the Bubble-netting Whales?
Bubble-net feeding is a fascinating phenomenon observed in some species of whales, such as humpback whales. During this behaviour, a group of whales releases a net of bubbles from their blowholes to encircle a school of fish, creating a barrier that forces the fish into tighter groups. The whales then swim through the concentrated fish with their mouths open, allowing them to gulp down large amounts of prey in one go easily.
This cooperative feeding technique showcases the intelligence & social behaviour of these marine mammals as they work together to improve their hunting efficiency. Studies have shown that bubble-net feeding is a learned behaviour passed down through generations within whale populations, highlighting the cultural significance of this unique feeding strategy.
The Humpback Whales
Humpback whales, also known as Megaptera novaeangliae, are majestic marine mammals famous for their haunting songs & acrobatic leaps from the water. These baleen whales are found in oceans around the world, migrating thousands of miles between their feeding & breeding grounds. Humpbacked whales are renowned for their complex vocalizations, which are believed to be used in mating rituals & communication. These gentle giants can weigh up to 40 tons & reach lengths of 60 feet, with their distinctive knobby heads & long pectoral fins making them easily recognizable. Despite their massive size, humpbacked whales primarily feed on tiny krill & small fish by filtering seawater through their baleen plates. Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect these magnificent creatures from threats such as entanglement in fishing gear, habitat degradation, & climate change.
Where is Sitka?
Sitka is located on Baranof Island & the westernmost city in the United States, on the outer coast of Alaska‘s Inside Passage. The city serves as a vibrant cultural & historical hub, home to a rich indigenous Tlingit heritage, evident in its totem poles & local art scene. Sitka’s stunning natural beauty encompasses lush forests, rugged mountains, & picturesque coastal views, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts & wildlife lovers. With a population of around 8,000 residents, Sitka offers a unique blend of small-town charm, Alaskan wilderness, & fascinating history, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.
We have limited guest places for this exceptional Bubble-netting Whales photography expedition & would love it if you chose to join this exclusive group of guests.
If you are as excited as we are about this unique opportunity & would like to join the trip, be sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible to secure your spot on this remarkable photography holiday.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact either David or Pui Hang.
