Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska SeaLife Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
An education and research-focused aquarium offering underwater views of Alaskan marine animals.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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45 within 3 miles
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18 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Marlene B8 contributionsA Place to Visit!Due to our wildlife cruise being cancelled, we went to the SeaLife Center and so glad we did. This is a wonderful place, filled with interesting information about life in the sea. We especially enjoyed the I-Sea-U where they care for the creatures. What a wonderful place for children and adults.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 29, 2023
- NewsByScottPhoenix, Arizona321 contributionsAlaskan wildlife up closeWe were here in March and it is really the only warm indoor activity you can do besides drinking. Yes it is pricey to go but considering what they do for rescue,rehab and research we believe it is money well spent. Plus based on seafood costs in restaurants I’m sure it is costly to feed these animals. They have a good selection of Alaskan wildlife to view here. They also have a variety of touch tanks. Every worker we encountered was friendly and engaging and they all appeared to love what they do! It seems more geared towards kids but we middle age adults left happyVisited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 15, 2024
- BobWEManhattan Beach, California752 contributionsGreat Variety of Alaska SealifeLocated at the south end of the Historic Downtown area/Resurrection Bay of Seward is the Alaska SeaLife Center. The aquarium is Alaska's only permanent marine rehabilitation facility and home to a wide variety of sealife including harbor seals, sea lions, Giant Pacific octopuses,Coho salmon, halibut, king crab stablefish, sea otters, puffins and other sealife. There is a touch tank where you get up close to a variety of non-dangerous marine life. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are everywhere to add to your experiences. There are walk in outside enclosures that provide you the opportunity to get up close to the sealife and to access a outstanding view of Resurrection Bay. Many of the creatures are in the center for rehabilitation which is an important function of the center. The center is expensive BUT there is not much else to do in town except drink and eat. A great place for families including the little ones.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 10, 2024
- looknforthedreamKarratha, Australia27 contributionsMust visit if you’re in the area!!What a fabulous experience. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Bit sad in parts but definitely an overall positive feeling after seeing it all. It’s also very educational and I hope they are able to continue their research and rehabilitation.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 18, 2024
- sainbashaIrvine, California4,381 contributionsSomething fishyThis is an aquarium located at Seward town in Alaska. When you are in this area, it is a good place to visit. Operating hours vary depending on season and it is better to book a ticket online as last entry is one hour before closing time. Again, an informative and educative place to visit. Specially for children it is a great place. It is a good activity for around 2 hours.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 26, 2024
- NapiliRTampa, Florida278 contributionsWell worth a visit.Small, focused sea life center. We saw the sea lions being fed which was delightful. Different animals are fed at different times so if you want to see some animal in particular, check the schedule. Tanks were all clean, and animals seemed well cared for. We especially enjoyed the puffins as we hadn't seen any up close in Alaska. Excellent gift shop. Seems expensive but consider it a donation to animal rescue.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 22, 2024
- jerrys01Bel Air, Maryland647 contributionsSeaLife everywhereThere are a lot of well-designed exhibits at the SeaLife Center. Our tour group was given 1.5 hours, which was more than enough time to view everything. I really enjoyed watching the seals, the sea lions, and some of the unusual birds, like puffins. As an aside, Seward itself is very walkable and very scenic in its own right.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 4, 2024
- 63impalaStoneham, Massachusetts1,627 contributionsExcellent place to visit.This is an excellent place to learn about the aquatic life of the area. They have so many different species of animals. The workers really care about this place and you could tell just by talking to them. If you are in the area, you have to spend some time here!Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 5, 2024
- Fearless588589908026 contributionsWell worth visistingSuch a well presented and informative sea life center. Presentations of birds, sealons and salmon were good and informative. Defitinitely worth doing before going out on a cruise on Kennai Fjords. Free shuttle bus goes to it.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2024
- DutchTXThe Woodlands, Texas766 contributionsNice exhibit, a little overpricedNice place for 2 to 3 hours; especially the bird exhibit is nice, to see puffins so close is extraordinary. Perhaps somewhat overpriced, but a nice break from rain or so. BTW, still bring your jacket with you as a few exhibits are outdoors.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,507 reviews
Excellent
2,072
Very good
1,061
Average
313
Poor
44
Terrible
17
kjrigoulot
Cleburne, TX30 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Reservations are required but we went mid week so we didn’t have a problem getting in. Masks are required for your visit. The aviary was our favorite and the staff were very informative. There aren’t too many “big animals” to see. The birds and ducks in the aviary, then a few seals and a few sea lions (their tank was being cleaned when we were there). There are quite a few tanks with smaller fish and sea creatures as well as a touch tank. It was clean and the staff were helpful. I gave it the average rating because of the cost. Our family of 5 cost $150 which is pretty pricey for the hour and a half it took us to get through the center. We would probably not go back if we visit Seward again.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel F
72 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We were super excited to check this place out after learning a lot about what they do via documentaries and reading. In the end the experience is of an overpriced small aquarium with lots of screaming children. All of the mammals and birds there obviously can be seen for free in the wild.
I think it’s very important that people go and support the place through ticket sales but the experience is definitely more fitting for young children.
Adults who are eager for information and a taste of wildlife rescue and conservation will not find it here unless they are on the inside.
I think it’s very important that people go and support the place through ticket sales but the experience is definitely more fitting for young children.
Adults who are eager for information and a taste of wildlife rescue and conservation will not find it here unless they are on the inside.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gouri P
Irving, TX6 contributions
Jul 2021
I expected at least some of Alaska marine wildlife to be here which is sadly not the case. Didnt expect for animals to be put in confinement but some more reference or some info graphics could have been there. Felt little old. Only few of main ones like seals and puffins were present. Its small and good for very young kids. Tidepools are nice and staff is very good and friendly.
Loved reference to water pollution and project done by kids is amazing and must see! It was octopus created with stuff collected from ocean which is unbelievable and really makes you think.
Good if we have to kill 1-2 hours somehow. Felt bit pricey at $30 each adult and $18 for child.
Loved reference to water pollution and project done by kids is amazing and must see! It was octopus created with stuff collected from ocean which is unbelievable and really makes you think.
Good if we have to kill 1-2 hours somehow. Felt bit pricey at $30 each adult and $18 for child.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geraldine V
41 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
They have nice displays and a few animals but it is very small and quite expensive for what it is. $34 for a bunch of kids displays and a few sea lions that you see in 30 mins. The Anchorage museum is less expensive and have much more to see. I love to explore museums everywhere I go and I was a little bit dissapointed with this one. If you don't have kids, you would find it a little bit boring. The only cool thing was the tank with the starfish.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce A
Washington DC, DC1,244 contributions
Jun 2021
This is a pretty small aquarium with a very hefty admission fee. The highlight of the aquarium is the room with all of the sea birds (including both horned and tufted puffins), where the birds have free flight. This was an excellent opportunity to photograph colorful water bird species that I did not manage to see in the wild. The other star attraction is the Stellar's Sea Lion, which was playful and active while we were here. There are also touch tanks where you can pet crabs, starfish and other small critters.
Overall, though, we walked out of here surprised at how small it was and feeling that we did not get our money's worth.
Overall, though, we walked out of here surprised at how small it was and feeling that we did not get our money's worth.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
georgia drew
Chicago, IL83 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
This place is a total rip-off. It is nothing but a zoo of captured animals taken out of the wild paid for by oil spill $ and used to make $ for the locals off of tourists. Go to the harbor and see the animals in the wild, not stuck in tanks for viewing by tourists. Beware of local guide reviews which are from people who work there who are tying to get tourists to spend money.
Written April 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,745 contributions
Jul 2020
We enjoyed our visit to the SeaLife Center! We saw puffins, seals, and sea lions, and there are beautiful views of Resurrection Bay from the outside balcony. You can use the QR code on the sign outside to buy advance tickets if you don't want to stand in line, and all of the tickets are timed. You are directed through the facility via arrows on the floor, and the touch tanks are visited by group, so you have to wait in line until it is your turn. We would recommend a visit if you are interested in marine life.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JamesMourPrestigeWW
Long Beach, CA8 contributions
Jul 2020
We did the Octopus Encounter with Leo who was an absolute gentleman and very passionate and knowledgeable about these elusive and mysterious creatures. He really gave us a great and informative tour and we were able to watch him fed the octopuses rock crabs which was very interesting to watch.
The aquarium as a whole is very clean and easy to navigate. All the guides were helpful. They had the best COVID response out of any of the places we visited, keeping safety first, and we respect that. My only wish was for the otters to be present, but the tufted puffins, octopuses, and eels made up for that. The gift shop isn't too bad either, but we didn't find anything that really caught our eye. Overall, well worth the time and money. I hope they keep Leo around for a very long time, he is a treasure.
The aquarium as a whole is very clean and easy to navigate. All the guides were helpful. They had the best COVID response out of any of the places we visited, keeping safety first, and we respect that. My only wish was for the otters to be present, but the tufted puffins, octopuses, and eels made up for that. The gift shop isn't too bad either, but we didn't find anything that really caught our eye. Overall, well worth the time and money. I hope they keep Leo around for a very long time, he is a treasure.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E R
Minneapolis, MN52 contributions
Aug 2022
I would avoid the Alaska SeaLife Center. It cost our group of 4 over $130 to attend and all we saw were a few seals, sea lions, and the typical aquarium type of stuff (star fish, fish, birds, an octopus) that you can see in practically any state that has an aquarium. We saw the whole thing in about an hour and it just wasn't worth the price paid. I would guess the high prices are driven by the cruise ships that come in and offer a visit as an on-shore excursion, but it definitely is not worth what they charge.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewsByScott
Phoenix, AZ321 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We were here in March and it is really the only warm indoor activity you can do besides drinking. Yes it is pricey to go but considering what they do for rescue,rehab and research we believe it is money well spent. Plus based on seafood costs in restaurants I’m sure it is costly to feed these animals. They have a good selection of Alaskan wildlife to view here. They also have a variety of touch tanks. Every worker we encountered was friendly and engaging and they all appeared to love what they do! It seems more geared towards kids but we middle age adults left happy
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am a senior in New Zealand. Can I gain entry to places in Alaska at the senior cost rate?
Written July 13, 2023
From their website they only offer Alaska Resident, Military, and Child Pricing, no senior rates offered here.
Written July 14, 2023
What is the cost for an Senior Alaska resident to be admitted to the Sea Life Center?
Written September 4, 2019
I am sorry I don't remember as we went in August 2018, but I know that my dad (age 86) did get a senior discount. We are not Alaska residents.
Written September 5, 2019
How much does it cost for a senior, Alaska resident to be admitted to the sea life center?
Written September 4, 2019
Hours
September 3, 2019 - September 26, 2019
Open Daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
September 27, 2019 - February 23, 2020
Open Daily* 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Adult (13+) Non-resident $29.95 Resident $23.95 $20.00 - September Special*
Looks like no Senior Discount
Written September 20, 2019
We are coming in the summer. How much time do you recommend we spend at the center?
Written February 2, 2019
The entrance fee at the Center permits exits & reentry throughout the date of purchase. You’ll be thrilled you went. Take a break on the shore, eat lunch, &go back refreshed.
Written February 11, 2019
What are the opening hours next summer?
Written November 2, 2018
I think 9-6 seven days a week, check to be sure
Written December 17, 2018
How do you arrange a behind the scene tour and what is the cost for senior adults to do that?
Written February 27, 2017
You can get a variety of behind the scenes tours, animals encounters, or guided tours that are priced between approximately $15 to $75 depending on what you are looking for during your visit. You can book when you arrive, but they recommend (due to limited space) calling in your reservation in advance. The encounter hours and availability depend on the season. The Reservation phone number for the Alaska Sealife Center is 888-378-2525 It is an amazing place to visit! Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Written March 3, 2017
Adult (13+) $21.95
Senior (65+) $19.95
Child (4-12) $11.95
3 and Under Free
The touch tank is filled with more sea life to touch than I have ever seen and the water is so cold. Fun to explore and experience.
Written July 16, 2016
If your an Alaskan resident, you get a discount
Written January 27, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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