If you’re planning a family adventure to see the Northern Lights, sailing from Seattle is a great option. There are a number of tour operators that offer charter boats and there are also several cruises that depart from Seattle.
When choosing a tour or cruise, be sure to consider the time of year and the length of the trip. You’ll also want to make sure that the tour or cruise you choose includes stops in places you want to visit, as well as the best spots to view the Aurora Borealis, so you can see this stunning natural phenomenon in all its glory.
If you are considering a Northern Lights vacation, cruising to Alaska is the best way to go. Here is everything you need to know about sailing from Seattle as a family to see the Northern Lights.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be seen from September to April, but the best time to see them is from late November to early March. This is when the nights are the longest and the Aurora Borealis is at its peak. If you want to see the Northern Lights on your cruise, you need to be in Alaska during this time frame. Most cruises to Alaska sail from Seattle in the summer, so you will need to do some research and find a cruise line that offers sailings in the off-season. You’ll also want to pack warm clothes, as Alaska can get pretty darn chilly in the winter months!
How long should my itinerary be?
There are a few things you should know before sailing from Seattle to Alaska to see the Northern Lights. First, cruises that sail to Alaska during the winter months are typically 7 to 10 days in length. You’ll want to make sure you choose a cruise that is long enough for you to experience all that Alaska has to offer, including seeing the Northern Lights. Less than a week is too short, as the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed day in, day out, but longer than 10 days in the Alaskan winter will have you longing for sun, surf, and sand in no time!
Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
There are some great places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, but some spots are better than others. Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and the Alaska Panhandle are all great places to try and catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Denali National Park
In Denali National Park, you can take a Northern Lights bus tour, which will take you to some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful and remote places in the state. This is not only a great way to see the Northern Lights, but a wonderful opportunity to see the best of the Last Frontier in its full magnificence.
Fairbanks
Another great option for seeing the Northern Lights is to head to Fairbanks. This city is one of the best places in Alaska to see the Aurora Borealis, as it’s located right under the “Auroral Oval”, where the Lights are most often visible. Fairbanks is also a great place to visit in its own right, with many fun things to see and do, such as dog sledding, ice sculpting, and visiting the world’s largest gold mine.
The Alaska Panhandle
For those who want to see the Northern Lights without venturing too far from Seattle, the Alaska Panhandle is a great option. This region, also known as Southeast Alaska, is easily accessible from Seattle by ferry and is one of the best places in the state to see the Lights.
