One of the main reason’s Seward is so popular is the abundance of wildlife found in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. While some species are migratory, many can be found locally year-round. However, the best time for wildlife viewing is typically earlier than most expect, with the highest level of activity occurring from mid-May through mid-June. The migrators arrive during this time and most species are easily found as they are actively feeding and seeking mates.

Harbor Seal

Abundant locally, harbor seals are the most widely distributed species of pinniped (walruses, eared seals, and true seals), they are found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Baltic and North Seas. Keep an eye out for ‘puppy heads’ at the surface of the waters of Resurrection Bay.

Steller Sea Lion

The largest of all sea lions, male Steller Sea Lions can weigh as much as 2,500 pounds and reach lengths of 11 feet. The Gulf of Alaska is home to the greatest numbers of rookeries and haul outs. Finding Steller Sea Lions is common on most water based tours.

Killer Whale/Orca

Often referred to as whales, Orca are actually the largest member of the dolphin family. Seward is home to three genetically unique types of Orca, Transient, Resident and Off-Shore. Transient orca predate on marine mammals and often travel alone or in small hunting groups. Resident orca are solely fish eaters, surviving primarily on salmon and traveling in larger family pods. Less is known about off-shore orca, which are thought to feed on sleeper shark. Finding orca tends to be best by boat, and are most readily found mid-May to mid-June, but can be found year-round.

Humpback Whale

The best Humpback viewing in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park tends to occur from mid-May through mid-August, when the whales are in our waters to feed on highly concentrated food sources after a long journey north from Hawaii. If you’re really lucky, you’ll have the opportunity to watch bubble net feeding, a highly specialized form of group feeding specific to Humpback Whales. The best way to find whales is by boat while visiting Kenai Fjords National Park during peak season, although a unique alternative during early season would be whale focused kayaking tours.

Puffins & Sea Birds

Most sea birds spend their entire lives at sea with the exception of relatively short periods of time on shore to next. Puffins, Cormorants, Murres, Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemont, and Auklets all call Seward and the Gulf of Alaska home during nesting season. For the best birding experience, try kayaking or small boat alternatives into Kenai Fjords National Park.

Which would be your bucket list animal sighting?

Seward Wildlife Viewing Tips