Whales, Bears, Eagles – See Them All Responsibly & Up Close
A humpback whale arching its tail against icy blue waters, a massive brown bear fishing along a riverbank, or a bald eagle soaring overhead as you sip your morning coffee on a deck overlooking the wilderness. In Alaska, wildlife isn’t a photo backdrop – it’s part of the story. If you’ve dreamed of these unforgettable encounters, here are ten must-see moments for your bucket-list adventure.
- Whale watching in coastal waters
From orcas gliding through fjords to humpbacks breaching before your eyes, Alaska’s marine wildlife is world-class. - Brown bears at salmon runs
The sight of a bear poised at a rushing stream during salmon season is awe-inspiring. Nothing says you’re in the wild like watching these animals take center stage to perform their role in this natural activity that’s been shaped by thousands of years of evolution. - Bald eagles and sea-bird rookeries
Eagles swooping above waterfalls and gathering in nesting sites – especially along southeast Alaska – offer dramatic moments for families and photographers alike. - Moose promenading through tundra
In regions like Denali, spotting a bull moose amid wildflowers or marshland adds a serene, unexpected wildlife highlight. - Sea otters, puffins and other “smaller” wonders
Not all encounters are grand in scale. Watching a raft of otters floating on their backs or a puffin bobbing at sea brings a smile, especially for multigenerational travelers. - Glacier rivers and their creatures
Meltwater streams carved by glaciers host fish, beavers and occasionally curious mammals – so having guides that know the terrain makes all the difference. - Flight-seeing with wildlife from above
A flightseeing tour offers a bird’s-eye view of wilderness where caribou, wolves and vast herds roam. - Tidewater glacier calving & marine mammals
As chunks of ice break off into the sea, look for seals, whales, and seabirds to swoop in and add to the already majestic spectacle. - Night-sky wildlife moments (aurora + foxes + owls)
If you travel in the shoulder or winter seasons, you may encounter a fox or owl under the glow of the northern lights – a magical combo that’ll leave you in awe of nature’s pure beauty. - Leave No Trace
Crucial to Alaska’s ecosystems and beauty? The need for sustainable travel. Be sure to stay 50+ yards away from bears, let eagles fly undisturbed, and keep kayaks quiet around sea otters and other marine creatures. The beauty of Alaska is in its unspoiled terrain. Travelers are urged and required to leave The Last Frontier just as they found it – untouched.
Make wildlife memories that last a lifetime. Talk to your AAA Central Pennsylvania Travel Advisor about our Alaska tours featuring expert naturalist guides, small-group wildlife excursions and sustainable adventures. Your wildlife wonderland awaits.
