Alaska SeaLife Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor
Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska SeaLife Center
4.5
Nature & Wildlife AreasAquariums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 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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  • Keri-Ann B
    Homer, Alaska6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A gem for all ages to enjoy
    Great experience visiting with the kids on a rainy Sunday afternoon. We especially liked the touch tanks with the giant urchins and sea stars. Staff was attentive and knowledgeable. We also used the Sealife Center for a series of corporate meetings. Staff was great to work with and made everything easy.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 April 2023
  • Dickenson Family
    Kemptville, Canada969 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing - Worth it!
    Pretty awesome place, well worth the admission. Lots to see and do for about 1-2 hours. Lots of animals and birds which you can get up close and personal with. Kids of all ages will love it.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 June 2023
  • iowacityia
    1,850 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Monday, May 22nd visit.
    I arrived around 12:30pm. With tax, the admission for 1 was $37.93. No senior, or any other discounts. Kind of sketchy to me. I realize this is expensive Alaska, but wow, this is expensive. Most instances I would not have paid that much for entrance, but that is all I really had going for the day. I truly hope that money goes to good use at the center. With that aside, I did have a nice visit, and enjoyed most of the exhibits. Some great information. As I get older though, I am having a harder time visiting places like this, or even zoos. That’s all I’ll say about that. This is one instance where I would not visit again.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 June 2023
  • Drichards80
    Keller, Texas37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not an inexpensive activity…but great for animal lovers
    This small aquarium was packed with marine life. It was so fun to watch the sea lions and seals get fed! Plenty of hands on exhibits. Only complaint is the price. Extremely high for an hour and a half visit. Families with younger kids could probably spend a little longer there.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 June 2023
  • CAILIN D
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice aquarium
    The admission for 2 adults $72.12 - I was a little surprised that it would cost that much for such a small aquarium. BUT it has great information about the research and importance of conservation- which our tickets support 😊 There’s a touch pool and helpful staff. Everything is clean and it was a nice way to spend two or three hours.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 July 2023
  • MamaBug
    Sacramento, California48 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting but not a must see
    I had high hopes for this place, but I honestly don't know that I'd spend the money to do it again. It's so much more interesting to see all these animals in the wild!! We went out on a boat tour in KF National Park and that was so much more interesting and educational.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 10 July 2023
  • Robert D
    2,726 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Aquarium
    The Alaska Sea Life Center is an excellent aquarium. You could spend hours here enjoying the various exhibits and feedings. I watched the sea lion, seals, and salmon being fed. I also attended a behind-the-scenes presentation of a puffin and an octopus.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 27 July 2023
  • KeriD
    Melbourne, Florida48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As close as your could get to experiencing Alaska's sea life!
    This was about as close as your could get to experiencing Alaska's sea life for yourself without being a scientist! They set up the experience so beautifully and the animals appear to be happy in their habitats. Interacting with the animals both above and below the water was so fun. My favorites were seeing and touching the many starfish, watching the seals, and seeing a puffin "swim" under the water!
    Visited July 2023
    Written 28 July 2023
  • Jenna D
    Houston, Texas57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    PERFECT spot for families!
    We took our toddler to the SeaLife Center on our recent trip to Seward and she had SO MUCH FUN! It was the perfect size to keep a toddler's attention without being so big that it gets overwhelming. We had so much fun during the bird event learning about all the different puffins and birds in their sanctuary. The petting area was a HUGE hit and she absolutely loved getting to touch all of the different creatures and critters they had on display. She LOVED watching the seals swimming through the glass on the first floor. This was a huuuuuuge hit with our very busy toddler. We can't wait to take her back next time!
    Visited July 2023
    Written 29 July 2023
  • misspWestSlope_CO
    15,390 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much to see and learn, but don't miss the puffins!
    We were visiting with two (younger elementary school) children in tow. The whole family enjoyed the exhibits, but I will never forget the exhuberant laughter of the kids when watching the antics of the puffins. We could barely tear them away when it was time to leave. Only the promise of looking in the gift shop for a new puffin stuffed friend could lure them away. We agree with some other reviewers that it is a little bit pricey for a family but it is expensive to run these programs and hire & train staff, and this is a very good cause.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 10 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,473 reviews
Excellent
2,050
Very good
1,051
Average
313
Poor
43
Terrible
16

Angie R
Anchorage, AK12 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2012 • Family
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a nice place to visit in Alaska. It will not impress anyone who has viists SeaWorld or any larger citie's aquariums but it fits the small town of Seward, Alaska. The bird enclosure is nice to go into because you are able to get reall close to the birds, watch them fly overhead or 'swim' underwater. The largest tank was closed during our last visit so that was a little bummer but we enjoyed our visit anyway.
Written 16 March 2013
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.

Alex C
Washington DC, DC15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2013 • Couples
My girlfriend and I visited in the winter, and both love wildlife. The SeaLife center is located in one of most beautiful bays I've ever seen. The center itself is small; don't expect anything like Sea World. We went through the main part in about 45 minutes, but then we did the "Puffin Experience" they offer. This is totally worth it. You get to go behind the scenes of everything, and even spend a lot of time feeding the various puffins and birds they have. We learned a lot too. Highly recommended!
Written 6 March 2013
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.

alaskanbl
Alaska197 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2013 • Business
Considering the location of the SeaLife center they actually have quite a bit to look at. If your comparing it to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago you'll be disappointed. However, it is very nice and informational, great to take students or kids there.
Written 18 February 2013
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.

BunnyWalker
Cooper Landing, AK1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2013
Took a friend visiting from Florida in the middle of January......not much else to do within 100 miles, but this proved to be a great choice! We had the whole place to ourselves, and were not charged for tickets to get in for my son and I who are local. If you have the good fortune to go on a quiet day, make sure you're wearing a hat. The harbor seals will chase your hat as you wave it around. Great fun, great photo op. I've been during tourist season, and they're too distracted to play then.
Written 9 February 2013
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.

WendyRosko
Palmer, AK87 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2013 • Couples
We visit the SeaLife Center every time we are in Seward!! Bread for the family!! We take our visitors from the lower 48 here when they are here!!!
Written 31 January 2013
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.

ecklcat
Philadelphia, PA48 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2012 • Friends
If you think you are going to see what you see at the National Aquarium you will be disappointed. This is Alaska its about Alaskan sea life and it is really well done and very educational! Watching the Sealions and Seals was fantasitic. I could stand there for hours and watch them My sister who is a huge bird enthusiast loved the bird display where you can get up close the all sorts of birds. The starfish take is not only cool for kids adults as well. We went when the weather was dreary and drab so it was perfect.
Written 30 January 2013
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.

KBSFargo
Fargo34 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2013 • Couples
At $20 per person I was expecting a little more. Only 3 large tanks. I'm sure small children love it.
Written 26 January 2013
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.

SWTH
Flower Mound, TX31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2012 • Couples
I love aquariums and getting to see the local sea life. We enjoyed our morning here watching the birds and seals playing. The staff was well educated and the place is well run. Great way to spend a couple of hours.
Written 23 January 2013
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.

UntilWeEatAgain
New Orleans, LA301 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2012 • Friends
Wonderful place to enjoy the unique birds, fish, and wildlife of Alaska. Good value. Spent hours walking through the place and the center's employees/volunteers were helpful in explaining the habits of the animals and birds. Also a beautiful view of the bay on the back deck. Don't forget your camera!
Written 13 January 2013
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.

RUboogaloo2
Haynesville, LA68 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2012 • Family
Son & us adults loved :playing ball" with the seal. Lots of great photo ops of animals and marine life up close. Spent several hours there, left for lunch then came back again that afternoon. Wasn't very crowded which made for a good experience.
Written 10 January 2013
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.

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Alaska SeaLife Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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