The Alaska SeaLife Center is closed March 16-31.

  Spring/Summer 2026 Availability March 5 - August 31: 3:00 pm Daily   Duration: Approximately 30-minute tour Maximum of 6 people per tour - Open to all ages All brain, no bones! Immerse yourself in a world of suckers and beaks. Go behind the scenes and join a member of our Aquarium Team to participate in an octopus feeding and learn more about these fascinating creatures. One Group Per Tour Group Size of 1-2 Guests: $289.95 Group Size of 3 Guests: $339.95 Group Size of 4 Guests: $389.95 Group Size of 5 Guests: $439.95 Group Size of 6 Guests: $489.95 Members get a 20% discount, buy your membership today and use the benefits immediately.  (does not include admission) *Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult Tickets only valid for date selected. Online tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance.    

Contact Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Avenue P.O. Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664 Toll Free: (800) 224-2525 Visitor Information and Reservations Hotline Phone: (907) 224-7908 Toll Free: (888) 378-2525 Fax: (907) 224-6320 Email: visit@alaskasealife.org Education Program Registration Phone: (907) 224-6306 Phone Toll Free: (800) 224-2525 ext. 6306 Email: education@alaskasealife.org Employment Phone: (907) 224-6325 Email: hr@alaskasealife.org Volunteers & Summer Internships Phone: (907) 224-6327 Email: volunteercoordinator@alaskasealife.org Membership Phone: (907) 224-6374 Email: membership@alaskasealife.org Stranding Hotline Phone: (907) 224-6395 Toll Free: (888) 774-7325 Email: wildliferesponse@alaskasealife.org Media Relations Phone: (907) 224-6338 Email: media@alaskasealife.org Donation Requests Please fill out the Donation Request Form Phone: (907) 224-6337 Email: donationrequest@alaskasealife.org DIRECTIONS, PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY >>

Group Tickets The Alaska SeaLife Center is the perfect activity for Family Reunions Senior Communities Scout Troops Church Groups College Classes Corporate Outings Special Group Rates are available for groups with a minimum of 10 paying customers (Ages 3+) in a single transaction. Submit your group request by completing our Group Inquiry Form, and we will contact you with specific pricing and availability for your group. School Groups We offer a variety of opportunities for school groups General Admission Unstructured admission to the Center and its exhibits. Submit your group request by completing our Group Inquiry Form, and we will contact you with specific pricing and availability for your group. Guided Day Programs Choose from a variety of engaging Educational Programs, designed to inspire a love of learning and of Alaska's marine wildlife. Click here for more information. Nocturne Sleepovers Enjoy an overnight adventure at the Alaska SeaLife Center! Click here for more information. Tour Operators The Alaska SeaLife Center partners with tour companies to complement each visitor's own unique Alaska vacation. Vouchers purchased through your travel company provide your guests with quick and easy access to the Alaska SeaLife Center and assistance planning an exciting, customized itinerary that matches your group's interests. For more information or to begin a partnership, please contact: Laura Swihart Thacker Guest Services Supervisor Phone: (907) 224-6337 Toll Free: (800) 224-2525 ext. 6337 Email:lauras@alaskasealife.org Facility Rentals Email Pam Parker, Development Manager, pamp@alaskasealife.org for more information about Facility Rentals.      

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2022 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. ASLC established the Awards to recognize those who have made significant contributions to ocean sciences, education, and resource management in Alaska. Nominations for the 2022 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 10, 2021.      The award categories are as follows: Walter J. & Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award: Awarded to an individual or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources over a period of 20 or more years. $1,000 cash prize. Sponsored by the late Governor Walter J. and the late Ermalee Hickel. Stewardship & Sustainability Award: Awarded to an industry initiative that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. Sponsored by Jason Brune. Marine Research Award: Awarded to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution or a career spanning achievement in any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dr. Clarence Pautzke and Dr. Maureen McCrea. Marine Science Outreach Award: Awarded to a person, team, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media, or other communications about Alaska’s marine ecosystems. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Alaska Ocean Observing System. Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award: Awarded to an individual or team of Alaskan youth ages 12-19 who has displayed dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dale Hoffman. To make a nomination for any of these awards, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center website https://www.alaskasealife.org/alaska_ocean_leadership_awards or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org. About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.

Local Information Seward is located at Mile 0 of the Seward Highway, 125 miles south of Anchorage. Located at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, with Chugach National Forest and Caines Head State Recreation Area nearby. The city offers many recreational activities, including day wildlife viewing cruises, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.    Seward is accessible year-round by road or by train and cruise ship during the summer season. Local Links Seward Chamber of Commerce   City of Seward    City Campgrounds & Parks    Visit Anchorage

Visiting School Groups 1. Schedule your trip well in advance. When scheduling your visit, have several alternate dates selected in case your intended date is already taken. 2. Have 1 chaperone for every 10 students. We ask that you bring 1 chaperone for every 10 students. Assign groups of students to chaperones before your visit. Chaperones should keep their students with them at all times in the Center. Chaperones will actively lead groups around the facility and participate in lessons. Please have each chaperone read our Chaperone Letter for some tips to help them guide the students' learning in a positive way. 3. Make visible nametags. We have found that calling students by name makes teaching much more effective. Please make large nametags to be worn by students. Have fun with it! For example, have students create their own sea animal name tags. 4. Arrive at scheduled time. We ask that you allow time in your traveling schedule to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled program time. This will ensure that your students get sufficient time for exploration and programs. Before unloading the bus, please check in with the front desk to let us know that your group has arrived. If you think there is a possibility of being late, please contact us at 907-224-6306 to let us know. 5. Have students ready to give attention to our Educators. Upon your arrival we will go over the rules of the Center and our expectations of your group. We will then give instructions for the overall itinerary of your group's visit. We look forward to seeing you !  

Program Resources Virtual Visit:  Seabird Superpowers! Pre-visit materials: Puffin puppet - Print out this page and follow the instructions (link below) to create a puffin that you can use to follow along during the program! Puffin puppet instructions - Use these instructions to create your puffin puppet. Post-visit materials: Puffin adaptations coloring sheet - Print and label the puffin adaptations to review what you learned during the program, then color your puffin and add some superpowers of your own! Bird behavior observation science activity - Want to learn even more?  Join researcher Amy Bishop to experience how scientists observe seabirds in the field! 

2025 Teacher Workshop One Ocean: The Ocean Connects Us All We are partnering with the National Park Service to host a teacher workshop at the Alaska SeaLife Center on October 24-26 for 4th through 8th grade teachers. The theme this year is One Ocean: The Ocean Connects Us All. In this workshop, we will engage in nature journaling, learn local coastal ecology, and use ocean literacy to inspire students to care for their environment. We will also include conversations about cultural connections to the ocean and the value of marine environments to local people. Please submit the following application by September 26: https://forms.gle/s6m1KTxDDbeaBa1N8 If you have any questions, please reach out to the ASLC Education Department at education@alaskasealife.org. In case you didn't already know...  Alaska teachers always receive free general admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center - just present a teacher ID or pay stub at the ticket counter!

Legacy Society Your Legacy is Our Future  You can be a part of the Alaska SeaLife Center's critical work by leaving a gift through your estate plans. A planned gift allows you to support our mission after your lifetime so future generations can enjoy the bounty of Alaska's oceans. Anyone, regardless of age or financial status, can create a legacy gift to the Alaska SeaLife Center. How to Make a Planned Gift A planned gift can be as simple as naming the Alaska SeaLife Center in your will or designating the Center as a beneficiary on your retirement plan or life insurance policy. The Alaska SeaLife Center Endowment Fund, established through the Alaska Community Foundation, enables additional options for planned gifts through the Foundation's unique expertise.  Sample language to use when making a planned gift to the Alaska SeaLife Center Endowment Fund:   “I bequeath __________________________________ (describe dollar amount, property to be given, or proportion of your residuary estate) to The Alaska Community Foundation (EIN# 92-0155067), a tax exempt organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3), to be added to the Alaska SeaLife Center Endowment Fund, a component fund of The Alaska Community Foundation, and I direct that this bequest become part of this fund.”  Benefits of Planned Giving When you notify us about your gift, we will enroll you in the Alaska SeaLife Center Legacy Society. You will receive invitations to special events and be recognized in our annual report and e-newsletters, unless you choose to remain anonymous. All communications you have with our staff about planned giving is strictly confidential.      We are grateful to those who support the Alaska SeaLife Center through planned giving. Through your gift, you are ensuring that future generations will learn about and care for Alaska's oceans. To learn more about how to enroll, please contact our Development Office at 907-224-6396 or development@alaskasealife.org or download the brochure.      

Alaskan bird enthusiasts flock to Seward this month for the annual Seward Seabird Festival! Join community partners to celebrate the rich seabird diversity of the Kenai fjords through family-friendly activities, local art, sightseeing opportunities, and chances to network with seabird researchers and professionals. From the budding birder to the seasoned seabird expert, this city-wide event has something for everyone! Details and full schedule coming soon.  

Education programs at the Alaska SeaLife Center foster ocean literacy and stewardship by connecting people of all ages to Alaska's marine ecosystems in meaningful ways. We invite you to gain a deeper understanding of marine science through the process of discovery!  If you’d like to learn more about the animals in our aquarium or go on a virtual field trip with researchers, visit the Discovery Zone! For teachers and scout groups, our programs are offered year-round. Whether your group is interested in spending the night with our sea lions or connecting to the aquarium from afar, we have something for everyone! To learn more about our education programs, as well as our annual teacher workshops, please visit the Teacher’s Room.  

  A New Way to Share ASLC Stories!   The ASLC 60 North Science Blog has expanded to include even more stories highlighting the important work that happens at the ASLC!  See the new look of the blog and join our staff as they share stories fo research, education, wildlife response, and animal care. All the amazing archived science stories are still active on the blog, but the link has changed to https://stories.alaskasealife.org/                

animatedcollapse.addDiv('A', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('B', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init()         Check back here for updates about the ongoing work from the team at Gulf Watch Alaska! This page is your source for news, announcements and data pertaining to each of the long term monitoring projects. GOOD NEWS! From the Lingering Oil team: • 25 years after EVOS, harlequin ducks and sea otters are no longer being exposed to lingering oil in Prince William Sound! Click the image below to see how other species have fared since 1989. Gulf of Alaska Data Portal Click the image below to visit the Gulf Watch Alaska webpage that allows you access to an interactive data page where you can browse data sets, access project descriptions, and project data onto a map allowing you to graphically explore individual or multiple layers of data! Text goes here!         Who is watching the Gulf?      

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() Who is watching walrus?           Meet... Terril Efird Research Coordinator Terril began studying marine biology in 2001 while working as a research diver in Santa Cruz, California. Since then, he's worked with seals, sea lions, walrus, fish, sea stars, tunicates, sponges and algae. "I love that there is still so much to learn about the ocean. It's remarkable that we depend so greatly on an ecosystem that we are just starting to understand."     Hear Terril describe his work at the Alaska SeaLife Center and how he got to this point in his career. (2.5 minutes)      

animatedcollapse.addDiv('1', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() animatedcollapse.addDiv('2', 'fade=1') animatedcollapse.ontoggle=function($, divobj, state){ //fires each time a DIV is expanded/contracted //$: Access to jQuery //divobj: DOM reference to DIV being expanded/ collapsed. Use "divobj.id" to get its ID //state: "block" or "none", depending on state } animatedcollapse.init() Who is watching walrus?           Meet... Dr. Lori Polasek   Marine Mammal Scientist and Assistant Research Professor for the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Dr. Polasek has studied many species of seals, sea lions, fur seals, walrus, whales and dolphins. She was an accounting major in college until she took a required biology class – then she changed her major to marine biology and never looked back! "I became interested in marine biology when I learned how to SCUBA dive when I was 12 years old. I wanted to learn more about how animals were capable of surviving in such extreme conditions without suffering the consequences humans experienced."     Hear Dr. Polasek describe her work at the Alaska SeaLife Center and how she got to this point in her career. (2.5 minutes)      

Summer 2025 Availability Coming Soon Duration: Approximately 30-minute tour Maximum of 12 people per tour - Minimum age 10* Get a Sneak Peek into the daily care of our marine animals. During this interactive walking chat, our education team will share with you the day to day activity of feeding, training, enrichment, and general health care of our marine animals. Price: $26.95 per guest (does not include admission) *Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult  

Spring Break Special March 7 - 15, 2026 Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center this spring break and enjoy seven free, floor-based educational programs covering a range of marine science topics. Programs run daily March 7-15 and are free with admission. Chat: Zooming in on Zooplankton: (10:30 - 10:45 a.m.) – Touch Pools (Near Microscope) Exploration Station: Bones in Motion (11:00 - 11:15 a.m.) – Rocky Coast (Upstairs) Chat: Sharks of Alaska (11:30 - 11:45 a.m.) – Underwater Viewing (Science Area) Chat: Sea-ing Stars (2:15 - 2:30 p.m.) – Touch Pools (Round Tank) Science Sneak Peek (2:45 - 3:15 p.m.) – Between Touch Pools and Microscope (Inside Research Theater) Chat: Ice, Ice...Maybe? (3:30 - 3:45 p.m.) – Underwater Viewing  Exploration Station: Seabirds (4:00 - 4:15 p.m.) – Rocky Coast (Upstairs)

Seward, Alaska (December 16, 2015) - Egg, a giant Pacific octopus, was released back into the waters of Resurrection Bay on Dec. 16. Giant Pacific octopus are the largest known species of octopus in the world.   Egg was first found on Easter Sunday, 2012, making him the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Easter “Egg”. Back then Egg weighed less than 10 grams, or 0.02 pounds. At his last weigh in before his release, Egg weighed 31.9 kilograms – over 70 pounds!   Researchers at the Alaska SeaLife Center are trying to learn more about the juvenile stages of octopuses like Egg. They were able to observe Egg grow for nearly four years until he reached sexual maturity at which point he was released back into the waters of Resurrection Bay to find mates and begin a new generation.   For an underwater video of Egg’s release, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center on Facebook.     About the ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. ASLC's mission is to generate and share knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. 

Give to ASLC and enter to double your dividend! Seward, Alaska (January 1, 2016) - Alaskans who file online for their PFD can help support the Alaska SeaLife Center - and enter into a drawing to double their PFD dividend by participating in Pick. Click. Give. prior to March 31. This innovative program gives Alaskans a way to donate to their favorite nonprofit organizations including the Alaska SeaLife Center. For those who may not have given to an Alaska nonprofit in the past, the program provides a safe and secure way to make a donation. For those Alaskans who already support their favorite nonprofits, Pick.Click.Give. is a great way to make an additional gift.  To make a gift today, visit http://pfd.alaska.gov/. If you have already filed, you can add or change your Pick. Click. Give. donation and simply select the Alaska SeaLife Center from  the list eligible organizations. You will be able to direct from $25 to the full amount of the dividend to eligible nonprofits or your choice.   About the ASLC   Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. ASLC's mission is to generate and share knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. 

Seward, Alaska (October 18, 2016)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2016-17 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. ASLC established the Awards to recognize those who have made significant contributions to ocean sciences, education, and resource management in Alaska. All awards will be presented at the Alaska Marine Gala on February 11, 2017. Nominations for the 2017 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 2, 2016. The award categories are as follows: Walter J. & Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award:Awarded to an individual or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources over a period of 20 or more years. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Governor Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel. Stewardship & Sustainability Award:Awarded to an industry initiative that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. Sponsored by Jason Brune. Marine Research Award:Awarded to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution or a career spanning achievement in any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dr. Clarence Pautzke and Dr. Maureen McCrae. Marine Science Outreach Award: Awarded to a person, team, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media, or other communications about Alaska’s marine ecosystems. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Alaska Ocean Observing System. Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award:Awarded to an individual or team of Alaskan youth ages 12-19 who has displayed dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dale Hoffman. To make a nomination for any of these awards, click here, or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org.

Seward, Alaska (November 1, 2017)– The Alaska SeaLife Center invites Alaska residents to take advantage of FREEzing Winter Wednesdays when planning their winter excursions. Every Wednesday from November 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018, Alaska residents receive free general admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center upon presentation of a valid ID. Visitors 16 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult. The Alaska SeaLife Center is open seven days a week from 12:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m, except November 23 and December 25 for the Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day holidays. About the Alaska SeaLife Center: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to announce that Chip Arnold has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO). Arnold joined ASLC 17 years ago in the IT department, but has served the Center in many ways from facilities to oiled wildlife response. “It has been very satisfying to me to be able to participate in a wide variety of operational roles at the Center. I feel honored to be trusted with this new position, and I look forward to the challenges and responsibility the role of Chief Operating Officer will bring. Working with the Alaska SeaLife Center has given me the opportunity to make a positive difference for Alaska’s marine environment, to share the ideal of stewardship, and work every day with amazing people who are all dedicated to our mission,” Arnold states. Arnold was promoted to COO from his most recent position as Operations Director. In this new position, Arnold will be in charge of daily ASLC operations and oversee Human Resources, Husbandry, and Operations (Life Support, Security, and Custodial). He will also continue to serve as the Dive Safety Officer and manage Oiled Wildlife Response Programs. Tara Riemer, ASLC President and CEO expressed, “When it comes to staff relations, decision making, problem resolution, and timely deliveries, Chip's performance has always been exceptional. I am thrilled to be working with Chip in his new role.” 

Seward, Alaska (November 1, 2018)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2019 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards. ASLC established the Awards to recognize those who have made significant contributions to ocean sciences, education, and resource management in Alaska.  Awards will be presented at the Alaska Marine Gala on February 16, 2019. Nominations for the 2019 Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards are open now through December 3, 2018. The award categories are as follows: Walter J. & Ermalee Hickel Lifetime Achievement Award:Awarded to an individual or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to management of Alaska’s coastal and ocean resources over a period of 20 or more years. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Governor Walter J. and Ermalee Hickel. Stewardship & Sustainability Award:Awarded to an industry initiative that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. Sponsored by Jason Brune. Marine Research Award:Awarded to a scientist, team of scientists, or an institution that is acknowledged by peers to have made an original breakthrough contribution or a career spanning achievement in any field of scientific knowledge about Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dr. Clarence Pautzke and Dr. Maureen McCrae. Marine Science Outreach Award: Awarded to a person, team, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to ocean literacy via formal or informal education, media, or other communications about Alaska’s marine ecosystems. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Alaska Ocean Observing System. Hoffman-Greene Ocean Youth Award:Awarded to an individual or team of Alaskan youth ages 12-19 who has displayed dedication to promoting the understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s oceans. $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Dale Hoffman. To make a nomination for any of these awards, visit our website www.alaskasealife.org or email oceanawards@alaskasealife.org. About the Alaska SeaLife Center: Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a private, non-profit research institution and public aquarium. It generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.