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Anchorage Birdwatching

Our most recommended Anchorage Birdwatching

From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour

1. From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour

Embark on a guided sightseeing cruise from Seward along Resurrection Bay from Seward with guided commentary. Encounter native wildlife like whales, puffins, sea otters, and more before witnessing the natural beauty of the Kenai Fjords National Park. Benefit from a shuttle from the railroad depot or the cruise ship port. Then, head off the beaten track in search of wildlife where they often appear through Resurrection Bay. With the help of binoculars, watch as sea otters carry their pups on their bellies. Marvel at the speed of the Dall's porpoise as they surf the vessel's wake. Be awed by the size and majesty of orcas, humpbacks, and other incredible whale species, and learn about their habitat from the onboard guide. Take in the wild natural beauty of the Kenai Fjords National Park.

From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch

2. From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch

Experience up-close views of the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this round-trip cruise from Seward. Sail past the majestic Holgate and Aialik Glaciers and enjoy a complimentary deli lunch. Listen as the captain explains the surrounding geology and wildlife. Step aboard a stable, high-speed catamaran for a full day of exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Start your cruise in Resurrection Bay and learn about the park, the surrounding area, and wildlife from your captain. Allow your captain to take you to the best wildlife viewing areas for the opportunity to see stunning marine life including whales, otters, seals, and thousands of seabirds. Head out into the Gulf of Alaska past Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Take advantage of getting up close with 2 active tidewater glaciers, Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier as your cruise stops nearby. Watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacier ice break off and crash into the water. Experienced deckhands will secure a chunk of glacier ice to make the most amazing cocktails and glacier margaritas.

From Anchorage: Turnagain Arm and Wildlife Center Tour

3. From Anchorage: Turnagain Arm and Wildlife Center Tour

Experience Alaska’s spectacular nature and wildlife on a full-day trip from Anchorage. Take one of Alaska’s most breathtaking drives down Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, before getting a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Start your day tour with pick-up from your hotel in a comfortable passenger van. You'll be driven to your first stop, Potters Marsh Bird Sanctuary, a scenic area where you can marvel at amazing bird life, along with moose and other wildlife. After that, stop by the Beluga Point viewing platform to spot Beluga Whales and other marine life in Turnagain Arm, as well as taking in the breathtaking mountain views. Next, you'll visit Bird Point to stretch your legs and get a beautiful view of the Turnagain Arm, and see where the tidal bore occurs. Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to take a tour of the 200-acre facility. See Alaska’s land mammals in their natural habitats, including bears, moose, wolves, elk, deer, eagles, and much more. Take the drive back to Anchorage with one last stop at Falls Creek, before being dropped off at your desired destination.

Seward: Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords Orca Cruise

4. Seward: Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords Orca Cruise

Enjoy an unforgettable day at sea in Seward and search for orcas. Learn all about these fascinating marine creatures from your guide. Visit Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park and admire the orcas, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Meet your guide and the crew at the Seward Harbor 360 Hotel Dock to board your cruise. Head on an adventure into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Explore the area’s orca hot spots and communicate with other vessels about recent sightings to maximize your chances of seeing orcas. Learn about these whales along the way from your knowledgeable captain and crew members, who will provide narration throughout the cruise. Hear the haunting calls of these animals for yourself through our onboard hydrophone if conditional allow. End your cruise on a high and enjoy a day out you won't forget in a hurry, if you are a fan of orcas or love marine life, then this tour is right up your street.

From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour

5. From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour

Witness the ice-covered Barbara Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Chugach State Park, on this guided walking tour from Anchorage. Learn all about the flora and fauna of the area from your guide on this wintertime nature excursion. Departing from Anchorage, follow the South Fork Eagle River, observing ice dam formations created by freezing temperatures and fast-moving water. Reach the base of the 25-foot Barbara Falls and see shimmering icicles, ice bridges, and falling water frozen in time. See the vegetation that lives within the diverse forest. Admire the towering species such as white spruces, paper birches, and aspens that drape the frozen ground below. Learn about the intriguing biological processes happening within the lichen, mosses, and trees that dominate the environment from your guide. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as moose, snowshoe hare, rodents, and birds.

From Anchorage: Valley and Forest Hike with Naturalist Guide

6. From Anchorage: Valley and Forest Hike with Naturalist Guide

Marvel at the wonders found in one of the Chugach State Park's fondest, glaciated valleys. On this guided tour from Anchorage, hike the Eagle River trail system, where boreal forests and salmon spawning streams are found. Enjoy snacks, bottled water, and optional trekking gear. The first portion of the hike takes you to the network of forested trails found at the Eagle River Nature Center, nestled deep along the north fork of the Chugach State Park's massive Eagle River. The hike features a portion of the historic Iditarod dog sledding trail that’s no longer in use. That means there won't be any dogs giving you a ride on this adventure ─ just your two feet. Onward, reach through thick spruces and birches while keeping an eye out for wildlife. You may see the American dipper swimming in a tributary warmed by geothermal heat or a moose and small mammals like the snowshoe hare or red fox. For the second portion, take a short ride to the Chugach State Park's waterfall, Barbara Falls. This section is a short half-mile walk that features local plants, fungus, and point-and-shoot photo opportunities around every corner. It's super rewarding and a great way to conclude the tour.

Anchorage: Scenic Drive and Nature Walk Guided Trip

7. Anchorage: Scenic Drive and Nature Walk Guided Trip

Head off on a sightseeing drive from Anchorage. Hear about the local area as you ride in comfort to Chugach State Park and the Palmer Hayflats Wildlife Refuge Area. Go on a guided nature walk to local lookouts and lakes, and take in great views of the surrounding area. Start your tour from downtown Anchorage. Head to the first stop as your knowledgeable tour guide brings to life the history, flora and fauna, and famous local legends of the area. Discover incredible locations within Chugach State Park and the Palmer Hayflats Wildlife Refuge Area such as Glen Alps Overlook, Eagle River Nature Center, and Eklutna Lake. Head south down the Turnagain Arm and conquer part of Falls Creeks Trail, or go north to take a leisurely stroll around Reflections Lake and explore the beauty hidden just outside Anchorage. Top it all off with an adventure to secret glacier views or unexpected trails to cascading waterfalls. Whatever the location or activity, Alaska will not disappoint. Your guide will customize the tour to the interests and desired activity level of the entire group.

From Anchorage: Flora and Fauna Nature Walk with Naturalist

8. From Anchorage: Flora and Fauna Nature Walk with Naturalist

Take off from Anchorage on a guided walk through nature. Enjoy an easy hike, learn about Alaska’s vegetation and animal populations, and see one of the Chugach State Park’s most photogenic alpine valleys. You’ll start by meandering through hemlock forests scarred by thrashing leeward winds from the Turnagain Arm. Snowshoe hares make their homes here, attracting the rare lynx living in the area. In June, wild geraniums, bluebells, and forget-me-nots pop up. Spot blissful blueberries, funky fungi, and changing colors that tell us when summer is coming to a close. Every season is a wealth of surprising encounters. No matter when you take your hike, you’ll get to see something memorable. The flora and fauna of the Glen Alps will tell you the story of an ecosystem living in harmony just outside of Anchorage. Moose and bear birth their young in spring and mate during the fall months. Many animals travel through the mountains and valley in search of their favorite feed, providing ample opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography.

Other Sightseeing Options in Anchorage

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What people are saying about Anchorage

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 7 reviews

The crew was amazing, knowledgeable, helpful, & polite. Our captain was awesome and gave us the right amount of information and took us to some great spots we saw some wonderful things.

Everyone on staff was very friendly. Our captain was very knowledgeable and good at finding the wildlife we wanted to see. We got to see orcas, which was a nice surprise!

We had a nice day trip to view the mountains outside of Anchorage. Our guide was super sweet and made us feel very welcome. And the views were breathtaking.

I had a really great time. I like the narration about the area. Staff was friendly and we saw a lot of animals plus the area is beautiful.

Great trip! Staff was excellent! Very knowledgeable!