Experience the Wonders of Alaska's Marine Life at the Alaska Sealife Center

Tucked away in the small coastal town of Seward, Alaska lies one of the state's crown jewels - the Alaska Sealife Center. Having had the pleasure of visiting this remarkable aquarium and research facility, I'm delighted to share an inside look at this Alaskan treasure.

Upon arriving at the Sealife Center, you're immediately greeted by a towering statue of two humpback whales mid-breach, hinting at the marine adventures that await inside. Stepping into the main entrance, you're immersed in the sights and sounds of Alaska's rich marine environment. Interactive displays detail the state's diverse ecosystems and wildlife, providing background on the animals you're about to encounter.

The main aquarium space centers around a two-story tall, 335,000-gallon Gulf of Alaska exhibit. Home to stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and puffins, this recreated coastal habitat features underwater tunnels and panoramic views to observe the animals' natural behaviors. During my visit, I was fascinated watching the playful sea lions dart around the tank, occasionally swimming up to the glass to greet curious visitors. The puffins flapped their colorful wings as they dove into the water searching for food.

Beyond this expansive exhibit, the Sealife Center showcases a number of other marine species. In the seabird arena, tufted puffins and other birds fly freely overhead and even land on visitor's arms during daily feedings. Nearby otter tanks house adorable North Pacific river otters, where you can watch them swim and play with enrichment toys.

For cold-water creatures, the aquarium features tanks of moon and spotted jellyfish whose tentacles billow hypnotically. Wolf eels poke their spotted heads out from rocky crevices, while giant Pacific octopuses astound with their otherworldly appearance. Exhibits also include rockfish, lingcod, and other local Gulf of Alaska fish species.

Yet what makes the Alaska Sealife Center truly unique is its hands-on animal encounters. Visitors can get up close with creatures during naturalist-led Touch Tanks throughout the day. Here, you can feel the rough skin of a sea star, touch the hard shell of a giant chiton, and even hold colorful hermit crabs and sea cucumbers. For a more immersive experience, you can also sign up for additional hands-on Animal Encounters with puffins, octopuses, and jellyfish.

As Alaska's only public aquarium, the Sealife Center has an important mission beyond inspiring visitors. Its research laboratories and animal rescue program aid marine conservation efforts statewide. Scientists here conduct studies on fisheries ecosystem health, oil spill impacts, and climate change effects on Alaskan waters. The site also serves as the main marine mammal rescue center for the region, rehabilitating and releasing injured seals, sea lions, whales, and other animals. Visitors can watch the staff veterinarians tend to rescued animals through viewing windows into the hospital.

Any trip to the Alaska Sealife Center offers an opportunity to learn about and support the state's precious marine resources. Before leaving, I recommend stopping by the Center's gift shop. Filled with educational toys, books, apparel, and art, it's a great place to find souvenirs that give back and raise awareness. Proceeds from the store help fund the aquarium's research and rehabilitation initiatives.

No visit to coastal Alaska would be complete without spending a day immersed in the remarkable underwater world of the Sealife Center. From playful sea lions to giant Pacific octopuses, the aquarium provides an eye-opening encounter with the state’s diverse marine species. Just as enthralling are the behind-the-scenes research and conservation efforts that make this site so unique. If you're looking to be inspired by Alaska's spectacular seascapes and wildlife, you'll find no better place than Seward's Alaska Sealife Center.

To plan your own amazing visit: https://www.alaskasealife.org/