Alaska is a wonderland for wildlife enthusiasts, offering some of the most incredible animal sightings in the world. From the towering peaks of the mountains to the icy waters of the coastline, Alaska is home to an extraordinary variety of animals, including brown bears, bald eagles, orcas, sea otters, and humpback whales. If you’re an animal lover, a trip to Alaska promises an unforgettable experience of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Here’s a guide to the best wildlife tours in Alaska that will leave you awe-struck and deeply connected to nature.
1. Whale Watching in Juneau
Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is one of the top spots for whale watching in the world. The waters surrounding Juneau are rich in marine life, and it’s here you’ll find some of the most reliable whale watching tours. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness humpback whales breaching, orcas hunting, and sometimes even gray whales passing through.
One highly recommended tour is the Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour, where you can not only marvel at these majestic creatures but also explore the stunning Mendenhall Glacier. As you cruise through the waters of Auke Bay, your naturalist guide will provide insights into the whales’ behavior, migration patterns, and the surrounding ecosystem. It’s a must-do for anyone hoping to get up close and personal with Alaska’s largest marine mammals.
2. Brown Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, Katmai National Park is synonymous with brown bears, and the park is one of the best places to see these mighty creatures in action. The Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Tour is a unique way to witness one of nature’s most captivating spectacles—bears fishing for salmon. In late summer and fall, the bears gather at Brooks Falls, where you can watch them catch salmon as they leap upstream.
A visit to Katmai offers a rare chance to see these bears in their natural environment, with little to no interference from humans. Whether you’re observing the bears from a safe distance or capturing photos of their behavior, the experience is nothing short of magical. The area is only accessible by floatplane or boat, making it an adventure in itself just to get there.
3. Sea Otter and Wildlife Kayaking in Ketchikan
Known for its lush scenery and vibrant wildlife, Ketchikan offers plenty of things to do in Ketchikan for nature lovers. One of the best ways to experience the diverse marine life in the area is by going on a sea otter and wildlife kayaking tour. These tours allow you to paddle through the calm waters of Ketchikan’s protected coves, where you might spot playful sea otters floating on their backs, harbor seals, and even the occasional humpback whale or orca in the distance.
Your guide will help you navigate the waters while providing valuable insights into the local wildlife. Kayaking offers a peaceful, low-impact way to explore the region, and the experience of being in such close proximity to these curious creatures is absolutely unforgettable.
4. Bald Eagle Watching in Haines
Haines, Alaska, is often referred to as the “Bald Eagle Capital of the World,” and for good reason. Every year, thousands of bald eagles migrate to the area, especially in the winter months, when the Chilkat River and the surrounding landscapes become a prime feeding ground for these magnificent birds. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Tour is one of the best ways to see eagles in their natural environment.
This tour offers a combination of scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and hiking in the preserve. From November to February, you can see thousands of eagles perched on trees or soaring high above the river, hunting for salmon. It’s a breathtaking sight that is sure to impress anyone who loves birds or wildlife photography. The preserve is also home to other wildlife, including moose and bears, making it a great all-around nature tour.
5. Arctic Wildlife Safari in Barrow (Utqiaġvik)
For those looking for a truly unique adventure, Barrow (now known as Utqiaġvik) in Alaska’s far north offers an Arctic Wildlife Safari that is unlike any other. The tour takes you to the Arctic Ocean coast, where you’ll have the chance to see polar bears, seals, and a variety of bird species, including puffins and snow geese. The rugged terrain and vast tundra landscape offer an entirely different experience from the forests and coastlines of southern Alaska.
During the summer months, you may even witness the dramatic spectacle of the Midnight Sun—when the sun doesn’t set for several weeks. This tour is more remote and requires a bit more planning, but it’s an extraordinary experience for animal lovers looking to discover Alaska’s northernmost wildlife.
6. Puffin Watching in Seward
Seward, located on the Kenai Peninsula, is one of the best places in Alaska to see puffins up close. A Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise will take you through the dramatic fjords of Kenai National Park, where you can spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins, murres, and kittiwakes.
The Kenai Fjords are home to incredible marine life as well, such as sea otters, seals, and humpback whales. But the puffins steal the show with their brightly colored beaks and comical personalities. These small seabirds nest along the cliffs, and if you time your visit right, you’ll see them flying or diving for fish in the fjords.
7. Moose and Wildlife Viewing in Denali National Park
Denali National Park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape, with towering peaks and sprawling tundra, but it’s also home to a wealth of wildlife. On a Denali Wildlife Safari Tour, you’ll be guided through the park’s 92 miles of pristine wilderness, where you can spot moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and even wolves.
Denali is one of the best places in Alaska to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, and a guided safari tour increases your chances of seeing these incredible animals up close. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer or just a nature enthusiast, Denali is an unmissable destination for animal lovers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the majestic whales of Juneau or the playful sea otters of Ketchikan, Alaska offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness wildlife in some of the most stunning and remote landscapes in the world. These tours provide a rare chance to see animals in their natural habitats, all while connecting with the natural beauty and rugged charm that makes Alaska so special. No matter which tour you choose, prepare to be amazed by the raw power and beauty of Alaska’s wildlife.
