Although populations are endangered or depleted in many areas of the world, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are abundant in the Juneau area, and most whale watching tour operators guarantee that you see some. They can be up to 60 feet long (18 meters), and females are larger than males. They are well known for their long pectoral fins (up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length) - the scientific name means "big-winged New Englander".

This photograph is © 2014 by Murray Lundberg, and is not to be copied without express permission.