The Alaska SeaLife Center is a research and rehabilitation aquarium on Resurrection Bay in Seward, and it is open all year, which makes it the main Seward attraction between October and April. Visitors watch Steller sea lions and harbor seals swim past underwater windows, see puffins and seabirds in a habitat built for diving, and learn about the marine life of the Gulf of Alaska. The center also treats stranded marine animals and supports field science, so what you see is tied to real conservation work. Behind-the-scenes encounters and tours are offered at extra cost. It is a good fit for families, for rainy days and for visitors who want wildlife without a boat. In winter you have the place nearly to yourself, with quiet viewing and a good chance of close views of the animals.
Hours. The center's tickets page lists winter hours for October 1, 2026 through March 3, 2027 as Thursday through Monday, noon to 5pm, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For 2027 the page lists daily 10am to 5pm from March 4 to May 2, 9am to 5pm from May 3 to May 27, 9am to 7pm from May 28 to August 15, 9am to 5pm from August 16 to September 14, 10am to 5pm from September 15 to October 3, and Thursday to Monday noon to 5pm from October 4 to December 31. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The page said 2027 tickets were on sale soon at the time of checking.
Tickets and tips. Online tickets offer a plan-ahead saving, and members are guaranteed entry. Onsite purchase is possible, but entry times may not be available if you do not book. A free audio tour requires your own earbuds, and there is no luggage check, which matters if you are arriving by train with bags.
How to fit it in. Seward is about two and a half hours from Anchorage by road, and the Alaska Railroad runs a summer train. In winter, drive carefully and check road conditions on the Seward Highway. Stay at the Harbor 360 Hotel, which is open year-round and close to the harbor, and combine the center with a walk along the waterfront. In summer, add the Kenai Fjords cruise for the wild version of the animals you see here.
What to expect
The experience
A marine aquarium and rehabilitation center with underwater viewing of sea lions and seals, seabird habitats and touch and encounter options.
Best time
Year-round; winter hours are Thursday to Monday from noon to 5pm until March 3, 2027, and longer daily hours from March.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Book online for savings, check for Tuesday and Wednesday closures in winter, and bring your own earbuds for the audio tour.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers and families, especially outside boat season.
- Families
- A favorite for children, with underwater viewing and seabirds.
- Couples
- A quiet winter activity in Seward.
- Pair with
- The Kenai Fjords cruise in summer and a night at Harbor 360 Hotel.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is the Alaska SeaLife Center open in winter?+
Yes. From October 1, 2026 to March 3, 2027 it is open Thursday to Monday from noon to 5pm and closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
What are the 2027 hours?+
The tickets page lists daily 9am to 7pm from May 28 to August 15 and shorter hours at other times, with Thursday to Monday winter hours from October 4. Check the page for updates.
Is it closed on holidays?+
It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Do I need advance tickets?+
Online tickets offer plan-ahead savings and guarantee an entry time, and onsite entry times may not be available.
What animals can I see?+
Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins and other seabirds, and marine life of the Gulf of Alaska.