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Wondering what local food you absolutely have to try while visiting Ketchikan? The Alaskan Oyster Shack @Alaskan Oyster Shack serves fresh oysters grown in the cold, pristine waters of Southeast Alaska and sourced from small, local farms. Enjoy them freshly shucked on the half shell or grilled with bold, delicious toppings. Find the shack on Newtown Wharf near cruise ship Berth 4—and taste Alaska straight from the source. #AlaskanOysterShack #Ketchikan #AlaskaSeafood #SoutheastAlaska #EatLocal

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Checking out the Hot Wheels trading library in #ketchikan #neighborhoodlibrary #alaska #toycars

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Did you know there are different kinds of killer whales—and two orcas swimming in the exact same waters can live completely different lives? In Southeast Alaska, two ecotypes you may encounter are resident killer whales and Bigg’s killer whales, historically called transients. They’re the same species, Orcinus orca, but their diets, hunting strategies, social structures, and even communication patterns can be very different. Resident orcas are fish specialists. Salmon—especially Chinook—are an important part of their diet. Residents typically live in tight matrilineal family groups, and both sons and daughters can maintain incredibly strong lifelong relationships with their mothers. They can also be quite vocal while traveling and searching for fish. Bigg’s orcas specialize in marine mammals. They hunt animals like seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, and sometimes other whales. Because marine mammals can hear them coming, Bigg’s orcas often hunt quietly, using stealth to their advantage. They also commonly travel in smaller groups than residents. Researchers can identify individual orcas using features like their dorsal fin and saddle patch, and experienced researchers can use multiple characteristics—including appearance, behavior, associations, and acoustics—to help determine which population they’re seeing. But one of the most fascinating differences is culture. Orcas learn from one another. Hunting techniques, preferred prey, vocal dialects, and other behaviors can be passed through families and across generations. So the next time you see an orca, there’s a much bigger question than “Is that a killer whale?” Who is it—and what kind of life does its family live? Come learn more about the wildlife you encounter while exploring Southeast Alaska with us. Book your Whales & Lunch adventure at whalesandlunch.com. #whalesandlunch #OrcaFacts #KillerWhales #Ketchikan #WhaleWatching