Moose standing in reflective lake with snow-covered Denali mountain in Alaska under clear blue sky.

Alaska Wildlife

Holland America Is the #1 Cruise Line for Alaska Wildlife & Wilderness Tours

More Access to Alaska Wildlife Than Any Other Cruise Line

Get closer to Alaska wildlife with our 175+ animal sanctuary and sightseeing opportunities, including complimentary tours through Denali National Park & Preserve and an exclusive partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. From moose, bears, and bald eagles to whales, sea otters, and more, experience Alaska’s iconic wildlife with Holland America.

#1 Cruise Line for Alaska Wildlife & Wilderness Tours

Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales, soaring eagles, foraging brown bears, lounging sea otters, and other Alaska animals from the comfort of your Holland America cruise.

Humpback Whales

Often seen in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and the Inside Passage, humpbacks are renowned for their haunting songs and dramatic displays.

Orcas (Killer Whales)

Famous for their black-and-white markings, these powerful mammals commonly travel in pods — a thrilling sight on Alaska cruises.

Sea Otters

Endearing, industrious, and highly dexterous, Alaska sea otters often float on their backs or use makeshift tools to crack open shellfish.

Salmon

Pacific salmon play a central role in Alaska’s ecosystem and are a common sight in the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan.

Seals

Beloved for their spotted coats and curious expressions, harbor seals are a regular sight on beaches, ice floes, and floating glacial ice.

Humpback Whales

Often seen in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and the Inside Passage, humpbacks are renowned for their haunting songs and dramatic displays.

Orcas (Killer Whales)

Famous for their black-and-white markings, these powerful mammals commonly travel in pods — a thrilling sight on Alaska cruises.

Sea Otters

Endearing, industrious, and highly dexterous, Alaska sea otters often float on their backs or use makeshift tools to crack open shellfish.

Salmon

Pacific salmon play a central role in Alaska’s ecosystem and are a common sight in the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan.

Seals

Beloved for their spotted coats and curious expressions, harbor seals are a regular sight on beaches, ice floes, and floating glacial ice.

Humpback Whales

Orcas

Sea Otters

Salmon

Seals

Bears

Alaska brown bears can eat up to 80–90 pounds of food a day in the summer and fall, making long daily naps an absolute necessity.

Moose

At up to 7+ feet tall and weighing up to 1,800 pounds, Alaska moose are the biggest of their kind and the largest species in the deer family.

Caribou

Caribou migrate up to 400 miles per season in herds of up to 200,000+ and are the only deer species for which both sexes grow antlers.

Wolves

Roaming the landscape in tight-knit packs, gray wolves are symbols of strength, resilience, and community in many Alaska Native traditions.

Dall's Sheep

Strong, graceful, and remarkably sure-footed, Dall's sheep are widely admired for their white coats, curled horns, and unique alpine charm.

Bears

Alaska brown bears can eat up to 80–90 pounds of food a day in the summer and fall, making long daily naps an absolute necessity.

Moose

At up to 7+ feet tall and weighing up to 1,800 pounds, Alaska moose are the biggest of their kind and the largest species in the deer family.

Caribou

Caribou migrate up to 400 miles per season in herds of up to 200,000+ and are the only deer species for which both sexes grow antlers.

Wolves

Roaming the landscape in tight-knit packs, gray wolves are symbols of strength, resilience, and community in many Alaska Native traditions.

Dall's Sheep

Strong, graceful, and remarkably sure-footed, Dall's sheep are widely admired for their white coats, curled horns, and unique alpine charm.

Bears

Moose

Caribou

Wolves

Dall's Sheep

Wings Over the Wilderness

From seabirds and puffins to bald eagles and raptors, over 500 species of birds can be found in Alaska. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just looking up, memorable avian moments abound across Alaska’s shores and skies.

Bald Eagles

With its 7½-foot wingspan and striking white head, the bald eagle makes for a magnificent sight as it soars across the open Alaska sky.

Puffins

Puffins’ orange beaks, bold markings, and comical waddling gait make these birds a delightful highlight of any Alaska cruise.

Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on Earth, reaching speeds of up to 240 mph as they dive to strike their prey in mid-flight.

Alaska Wildlife Shore Excursions

From watching moose near Denali National Park & Preserve to looking for whale tails in Juneau or visiting a raptor rehabilitation center in Haines, our Alaska shore excursions introduce you to the Great Land’s wildest inhabitants.

Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest

Watch in amazement as these graceful Alaska ocean giants arc their mighty tail flukes in a unique and humbling display.

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Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Journey through North America’s deepest fjord as you keep watch for whales, seals, sea lions, and more en route to Glacier Point.

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Alaska Raptors & Bald Eagle Foundation

Get up close with birds of prey, see a live flight demonstration, and learn how these birds are rehabilitated, trained, and fed.

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Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure

Paddle through kelp forests and mazes of reef, keeping your eyes open for eagles, bears, sea lions, and even Sitka black-tailed deer.

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Alaska Wildlife Travel Articles

Whale Watching in Alaska From choosing a location to whale-spotting tips, here’s everything you need to know about whale watching on an Alaska cruise.

How to Find the Best Alaska Wildlife Tours Discover the best times and places to see Alaska moose, go whale watching, take a bear tour, or look for raptors and birds.