Page 106 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

104  ALASK A AREA B Y AREA

Seward: Alaska SeaLife Center

On the lovely Resurrection Bay waterfront in Seward, the
Alaska SeaLife Center integrates museum exhibits, aquarium
displays, and hands-on experiences to pro vide an educational
introduction to the maritime world of Alaska’s southern
coasts. Initially conceived as a coldwater marine research
and rehabilitation facility to study and protect sealife and
provide public education – especially in the aftermath of the
1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill (see p121) – the center was opened
in May 1998 and has since grown into one of Alaska’s best-
loved attractions. Highlights include several innovative tours
and a series of specta cular tanks with underwater viewing
windows that allow visitors to look at a variety of creatures Facade of the extensive Alaska SeaLife
in naturalistic habitats. Center in Seward

The Resurrection Bay
Overlook provides an
opportunity to view
harbor seals, sea otters,
whales, and birds in their
natural habitat.

The Harbor Seal Habitat
resembles a rocky coast line
where seals can be seen in
great numbers.

. Windows to the Sea
Visitors enjoy close-up views of fish, harbor seals,
octopuses, and several affable Steller sea lions.

. Denizens of the Deep
Among several hands-on Encounter Tours is
the Octopus Encounter, where participants
meet a giant Pacific octopus, and there is also
the chance to join a harbor seal training session.

Gallery Guide
Windows to the Sea on the first floor provides
underwater views of Alaskan sealife. The second
floor has a host of exhibits, including the Discovery
Pool and the Seabird Habitat, showcasing various Entrance
aspects of the marine world.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp242–3 and pp251–2

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