MARINE mammals

The waters surrounding Kenai Fjords are home to many awe-inspiring species, including sea otter, Dall’s porpoise, harbor porpoise, Steller sea lion, harbor seal, orca (killer whale), fin whale, gray whale, humpback whale, minke whale, and sei whale. Wildlife cruises (p. 20) are your best bet for spotting these animals in the wild.

A guaranteed way to experience our region’s marine wildlife is at the Alaska SeaLife Center (p. 61). In addition to being Seward’s most popular year-round attraction, the Center is Alaska’s leading public aquarium and only marine mammal rehabilitation facility. Your admission supports animal care and feeding, wildlife response, and groundbreaking research. Learn more at alaskasealife.org.

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

The US Fish and Wildlife Service manages and maintains over 5.9 million acres across the state of Alaska, including the Chiswell Islands, Rugged Island, and Barwell Island. Accessible only by boat, the refuge is where Stellar sea lions haul out and pup, colonies of seabirds nest, and marine mammals find safe-harbor. Visit the Refuge headquarters during the summer months at 95 Sterling Hwy in Homer, Alaska for ranger-led walks, guided tide-pooling, and more.

alaska STATE MARINE PARKs

Seward enjoys boat access to three Alaska State Marine Parks in Resurrection Bay. Popular with anglers, boaters, and paddlers, the DNR-managed parks encompass thousands of acres of sand and cobble beaches, spruce and hemlock forests, rocky cliffsides, and sheltered waters. Thumb Cove SMP offers two public-use cabins. On Fox Island, bucolic Sunny Cove and Sandspit Point offer breathtaking views of Eldorado Narrows, Callisto Head, Bear Glacier, and Aialik Cape.

Where mountains ice & ocean meet

Discover the many ways to explore Seward and Kenai Fjords, including some of the finest hiking and paddling in Alaska. Get your heart racing with activities like ziplining, flightseeing, sportfishing, and dog sledding. When you’re ready for a slower pace, our historic downtown, working harbor, and colorful murals offer a glimpse into our uniquely Alaska way of life. What memories will you make here?