Alaska’s coastal waters are home to some of the most recognizable marine mammals in the world. Whales, seals, sea lions, and otters thrive in nutrient-rich oceans that support large food chains year-round. These animals are most commonly seen along the coastlines of Southcentral and Southeast Alaska, as well as in the Bering Sea and Arctic waters. Seasonal migrations bring species like humpback and gray whales close to shore during the summer months, while others, such as sea otters and harbor seals, remain in coastal areas year-round. Boat tours, coastal viewpoints, and even roadside stops can offer opportunities to see marine mammals in the wild, often against a backdrop of glaciers and rugged shoreline.

Check out some Marine Mammals below:

Humpback Whale — Megaptera novaeangliae
Orca (Killer Whale) — Orcinus orca
Beluga Whale — Delphinapterus leucas
Gray Whale — Eschrichtius robustus
Harbor Seal — Phoca vitulina
Sea Lion (Steller Sea Lion) — Eumetopias jubatus
Sea Otter — Enhydra lutris
Walrus — Odobenus rosmarus
Ribbon Seal — Histriophoca fasciata
Bowhead Whale — Balaena mysticetus