Marine Life in Alaska (2025) | Wildlife You Can See on an Alaska Cruise

Steller sea lions are among the largest and most memorable marine mammals you may see in Alaska. They are often spotted hauled out on rocky shores and small islands in loud, active groups. In the water, they are fast swimmers that travel widely in search of fish. From a cruise ship, look for dark shapes on rocks near shorelines and for splashing activity around feeding areas.

Sea otters are a favorite Alaska wildlife sighting, often seen floating on their backs while grooming, feeding, or resting in kelp beds. They have extremely dense fur and spend a large part of the day keeping it clean and insulating. Sea otters may also use small rocks to help open shellfish while they feed. Sheltered waters and kelp forests provide some of the best viewing conditions.

Harbor seals are commonly seen in Alaska's bays and fjords. They may be spotted swimming near the surface, resting on rocky shorelines, or hauled out on ice in glacier-influenced areas. These seals often gather in small groups and are especially notable during scenic cruising days near fjords and tidewater glacier regions.

Dall's porpoises are fast and energetic, and they are known for racing alongside boats and riding bow waves. Their black-and-white coloring can resemble an orca at a distance, but they are smaller and have a compact, beakless head. Sightings are most common where deeper water comes close to shore, including channels and open seaways along Alaska cruise routes.

Walruses are known for their long tusks and whiskered faces. They use their tusks for hauling out onto ice or rocky areas and for defense. Walruses are not commonly seen on standard Inside Passage itineraries, but they are part of Alaska's broader marine ecosystem and may be encountered on more northern or specialized routes.

Tip: If walrus viewing is a priority, look for itineraries or excursions that focus on Alaska's more northern coastal regions.

The giant Pacific octopus is one of Alaska's most fascinating marine creatures. While you won't typically see one from a cruise ship, it is sometimes featured at aquariums and marine centers and may be encountered by divers or on marine-focused excursions. It is known for intelligence, problem-solving behavior, and the ability to camouflage in rocky underwater habitats.

Salmon are central to Alaska's marine ecosystem and help drive seasonal wildlife activity along both coasts and rivers. During summer, salmon runs draw marine predators and seabirds near river mouths and coastal feeding areas - and they also influence bear viewing in some regions.

Chinook Salmon (King)
Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon species and are highly prized by anglers. They are found across many Alaska regions and return to major river systems to spawn.

Red Salmon (Sockeye)
Sockeye are a favorite for Alaska cuisine and are closely associated with strong seasonal runs in select watersheds.

Silver Salmon (Coho)
Coho are known for powerful runs and are popular with anglers in both streams and saltwater.

Pink Salmon (Humpback)
Pinks often return in large numbers and are common in many coastal streams.

Chum Salmon (Dog)
Chum are strong fish and are often seen in mixed runs alongside other salmon species.

Halibut are a well-known bottom-dwelling fish in Alaska and a popular target for fishing charters. You won't typically spot halibut from a cruise ship, but they are a major part of Alaska's sportfishing culture and are frequently featured in shore excursions and local menus in port.

Alaska's rivers and lakes are famous for trout fishing and draw anglers from around the world. While trout are a freshwater species, many cruise travelers encounter them through guided fishing excursions near port towns or on inland day tours.

Rainbow Trout
A cornerstone of Alaska freshwater fishing, especially in clear rivers and lakes.

Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are rainbow trout that spend part of their lives in the ocean and return to rivers to spawn.

Cutthroat Trout
Found in coastal regions and known for the distinctive red slash under the jaw.

Brook Trout
Often called brook char, found in parts of Southeast Alaska.

Lake Trout
A cold-water char species found in deep lakes, including glacial and mountain lake systems.

Alaska supports a wide range of additional fish species across coastal waters, rivers, and lakes. Depending on your itinerary and shore excursions, you may hear about or encounter species such as arctic char, Dolly Varden, arctic grayling, whitefish, lingcod, salmon shark, and burbot.

Arctic Char
A cold-water char species found in lakes and river systems across multiple Alaska regions.

Dolly Varden
A locally abundant char found along Alaska's coast, often encountered in freshwater fishing contexts.

Arctic Grayling
Recognized by a sail-like dorsal fin; found in streams and lakes.

Northern Pike
A powerful predator fish found in parts of Alaska, especially Interior waters.

Whitefish
Common in northern waters and important in many local fisheries.

Lingcod
A popular saltwater sportfish found in deeper coastal waters.

Salmon Shark
A powerful ocean predator associated with Alaska's salmon-rich waters.

Burbot
The only freshwater cod in North America, found in cold inland waters.