Whales And Sea Lions! Exploring Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park 

Kenai Fjords National Park is a place rich in biodiversity. Like the Dry Tortugas National Park, it also harbors a diverse marine ecosystem and a wide range of birds.  

Further, it is an elusive land of glaciers, icy lands, rocky mountains, and green canopies. It is also the park where you can take part in activities like hunting, fishing, petting at Exit Glacier, boating, and kayaking. However, the most fascinating activity to do here is watching wildlife.  

Here, I will be your entourage in finding how the wilderness becomes alive at the Kenai Fjords National Park.  

Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife  

The Kenai Fjords National Park has one of the highest footfalls among the national parks of America. In 2023, 387,525 people visited this National Park thanks to its wildlife and the most dramatic landscape with glaciers, mountains, ocean, and valleys. (Source)  

Further, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game explains why and how the geographical features of the National Park make it rich in wildlife and biodiversity. About the habitat, it says,  

The park contains shallow bays and estuaries, and deeper marine habitats. Regional currents drive nutrients into outer Resurrection Bay, making that area especially rich in fish and an early location for spring bloom of plankton and algae. Cliffs and rocky shores create nesting sites for birds and haul-out areas for marine mammals.” 

Do you want a slice of wildlife at this park where whales and mountain goats cohabit in the most amazing way? Let’s explore.  

However, if you are more interested in amphibians and reptiles, the Everglades National Park will be your go-to destination.  

Whales At Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife 

Watching the whales is one of the best activities to do at Kenai Fjords National Park. You can see the whales here throughout the year.  

The table below presents a sneak peek into the different species of whales and their best viewing time. 

Type of Whale  Best Viewing Time  
Humpback Whale Mid-May to August 
Orca or Killer Whale Mid-May to June 
Gray Whale Mid-April to May 
Fin Whale May to September 

You can easily spot whales on the surface of the water. As they spout, fluke dive, breach, or spy hop in the water, you will get to know about their playful nature.  

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ensures that cruising companies and visitors maintain respectful behavior when they are on whale-watching trips.  

Other Sea Mammals At Kenai Fjords 

Kenai Fjords is home to many sea mammals along with various species of whales. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Dall’s Porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, and sea lions.  

Dall’s Porpoise 

Dall’s Porpoises look like orcas but are faster. They eat lanternfish, octopus, and squid.  

Harbor Seals 

You will find these cute sea mammals resting around active glaciers. They also stay on ice floes. They love to eat shellfish and fish.  

Sea Otters 

You will spot the playful sea otters swimming on their back in the water. They love fish, crabs, sea urchins, and squids. 

They are furry, and the funniest thing is to see them using their bellies as tables. For sure, you will want to grab a soft toy version of these sea mammals.  

Stellar Sea Lions  

Stellar sea lions are an endangered species, and they stay on the icy shore of the sea. They have reddish fur, and they are 6-8 in height. 

These mammals survive on fish and mollusks.  

Birds At Kenai Fjords 

From the NPS archive, a historical document on Kenai Fjords National Park says,  

Kenai Fjords provides habitat for at least 191 species of birds. The black oystercatcher spends most of its time feeding in the rich intertidal zone. Tufted and horned puffins nest in rock crevices along the coast. Bald eagles patrol the waters in search of salmon and other fish.”  

It’s time we meet the birds and learn briefly about them.  

Horned Puffins 

These beautiful birds have unique black horn-like markings over their eyes. The touch of red on the tip of their beaks further makes them easily distinguishable. 

You must visit the Kenai Fjords from mid-May to August to catch a glimpse of these birds.  

Bald Eagles  

You may catch bald eagles preying on fish and waterfowl. They get their name from their white-feathered head.  

Peregrine Falcons 

Known for excellent hunting abilities, peregrine falcons have a vibrant touch of yellow around their eyes and on their beaks.  

Along with these birds, you can also see birds like the common murre, black-legged kittiwake, and cormorant at Kenai Fjords National Park.  

Land Mammals At Kenai Fjords 

Mountain goats and brown and black bears are common at Kenai Fjords. The mountain goats have split hooves for a better grip on the mountains and on the snowy land.  

Further, many people visit the Kenai Fjords only to meet black and brown bears. These bears love eating fish, berries, and other vegetation.  

Final Words  

Global temperature changes and glacier melting have challenged the vast wilderness at Kenai Fjords National Park. Further, the movements of crustal plates beneath the Earth’s surface make the landscape and its ecosystem volatile.  

So, there is nothing permanent about the animals found in this park, stretching over 1000 square miles of water and land. Also, it is impossible to know about all the species habituating here thanks to the geographical nature and dramatic differences in weather conditions across seasons. 

Nevertheless, as you take a tour of this rich national park on a cruise or explore its various parks, make sure to abide by the safety norms. Respect nature and its inhabitants!  This is the best way to experience the natural abundance the park is known for.  

Do you have plans to visit the Kenai Fjords anytime soon? What do you find the most amazing thing about it? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!  

Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park: FAQs 

What Animals Can You See In Kenai Fjords National Park? 

Kenai Fjords wilderness is vivid. As you take a cruise trip or explore the National Park, you will notice the seals first, comfortable on the floating ice in the sea. Further, the male and female sea lions make their presence felt on the icy seashore.  
 
Kenai Fjords is home to many notable species of marine and land mammals. Also, you will find various birds here. 
 
Whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoise, gray wolves, minks, and mountain goats are common animals here.  
 
Birds such as puffins, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons will greet you as you visit this beautiful national park.  

Can You See Bears In Kenai Fjords National Park?  

Located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords has black and brown bears. Black bears are easily spotted, and they are more timid than brown bears.  
 
The National Park Service has a set of safety guidelines, including not attracting bears with food and garbage and avoiding their personal spaces. Follow the norms to make your interaction with the bears delightful.  

Can You See Northern Lights In Kenai Fjords National Park?  

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Kenai Fjords National Park during the autumn and winter seasons. The night sky of Kenai Fjords looks like the most amazing melange of green, purple, blue, and green shades.  
 
If you are a religious soul, you must visit the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church with the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. It’s the most divine experience.  
 
For a spiritual journey, watch the lights over the Seward boat harbor.  

When To See Whales In Kenai Fjords National Park? 

You can see whales in Kenai Fjords National Park throughout the year. However, if you want to watch a specific species of whale among the varieties seen here, you must plan a trip according to the right season.  
 
The best time for watching gray whales is March and April. In these months, gray whales migrate to this part of the world through the Gulf of Alaska
 
Do you want to watch the humpback whales? You can see them from May to October. They flock in large numbers from Mexico and Hawaii. They live in the water here as they can find nutrient-rich food for them throughout the summer.  
 
In addition, Orcas or the killer whales are seen in mid-May and June. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you will also see minke whales and fin whales in this area.  

What Is Special About Kenai Fjords?  

Your Alaska trip is incomplete without a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see the best of the marine world. Also, it is the home to Northwestern, Aialik, and Holgate tidewater glaciers. Glaciers move relentlessly into the sea.  
 
Further, it is the most picturesque landscape where mountains, an ancient icefield, valleys, cascading falls, forest canopies, and the great Pacific Ocean coexist. Thanks to this coexistence, Kenai Fjords National Park is rich in biodiversity. You will find humpback whales, sea otters, mountain goats and many species of birds in the National Park.  
 
Designated as a National Park in 1980, Kenai Fjords National Park also protects various archeological and historical remains. The park has many prehistoric, protohistoric, and historic sites.  
 
Archeologists still conduct surveys in this park to learn more about the human way of living and why it has changed over the years.  

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Seafood Market Delivery Services: Bringing The Ocean To Your Doorstep

BY  Ankita Nov 7, 2023

Do you love the taste of fresh seafood but don't have the time or energy to go to the fish market? If so, you're in luck! There are now a number of seafood market delivery services available in Australia that can bring the ocean to your doorstep. Seafood is a delicious and nutritious food that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. However, it can be difficult to find fresh seafood, especially if you do not live near the coast. Manettas sashimi delivery is a great option for people who want fresh, high-quality seafood without leaving home. Manettas is a well-known seafood market in Sydney that has been operating for over 70 years. They offer a wide variety of seafood, including sashimi, sushi, and whole fish. Benefits of Using a Seafood Market Delivery Service Even though the seafood popularity never changes, the way of purchasing it might change sometimes. 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THIS Is When You Should Visit Maldives!

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2023

The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and March. This small group of islands in the Arabian Sea is probably one of the most beautiful holiday destinations for both honeymooners as well as families. These tropical islands are hot and full of sunny weather. The heat stays between 23 degrees to 31 degrees, however, given the year-round sunny weather and the absence of winters in the Maldives, the best time to visit Maldives is anytime. Maldives In Dry Season The dry seasons in Maldives have a temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in the day and 24 degrees Celsius in the night. It is probably the best time suited to visit the islands of Maldives. You can enjoy cultural activities, sightseeing, try the local cuisine, and water sports. You can swim in the blue expanse where the average temperature of the water is 30 degrees. During these months, you can witness the Maldives at its best. The overall vibe of the islands is festive, and the crowd is thicker than usual. 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Main Reasons To Travel As A Student

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 14, 2023

Young people often dream of traveling. Well, there are little to no reasons why they should act on these dreams. Traveling has long become a widely accessible, affordable hobby. Even students on a budget can plan a trip. So, there aren’t really any reasons for postponing traveling. In fact, students will only benefit from taking trips while in college. Young people experience tremendous personal growth and learn about the world when traveling. So, let’s see the six main reasons every student should consider traveling. Travel Makes You Open-Minded You can’t really say that you know anything before you see other countries, meet people from new cultures, and explore the paths you never knew existed. These are the kinds of life lessons that open up young people’s minds about the world and their place in it. First of all, travel gives students a new perspective. It shows them how things can be different from what they are used to, for better or for worse. Plus, you learn to understand and may even appreciate your home more in comparison to other places. In fact, it would be best if you’ve checked out the payforessay reviews online and picked writers to tell you more about the countries you are going to. Coming prepared to a new destination shows respect and interest in a place. Make New Friendships & Connections Of course, we often travel in hopes of meeting many new people along the way. Your adventures may already start when boarding a plane and meeting passengers next to you. However, so many opportunities to make friends except you on the other side of that plane ticket. Young travelers soon learn that meeting people, socializing, and being friendly are the best ways to learn about places, feel more at home, and make the best memories. Indeed, travel unites people. You share the same experiences, feeling somewhat lost but excited at the same time. Such a mix of emotions, vulnerability, and curiosity helps create strong friendship bonds which may last you a lifetime. Travel Helps You Unwind Students endure a lot of stress and school pressure during their studies. Travel can be a perfect opportunity to let go of those stresses. First of all, it is a perfect way to switch your focus. You simply can’t think about school stresses when wandering new streets and exploring foreign cultures. You have to choose to be in the present. Secondly, sometimes, traveling gives people a rare opportunity to slow down. It is the time to observe and think. You are not distracted by the routine or the million things you usually do in school. Here it is just you and a new environment. You need to adapt, analyze what you see, process, and interpret what you feel or notice around you. When life seems to move too fast, such moments are truly special. Travel Teaches Responsibility And Confidence Many young people choose to travel without much other life experience. So, in a way, travel becomes their first lesson about adult life. They learn about the need to make complicated choices for themselves, take full responsibility for their actions, and become fully independent in planning their days, budgets, routes, etc. Sure, such lessons are hard to master on the first try. Yet, travel becomes a perfect playground to test your abilities as an independent and responsible young adult. You do things as you’ve never done before, including meeting many strangers, engaging in various sports activities, exploring new territories, learning foreign languages… The list can go on and on. Every new lesson helps you grow and become more mature and confident. Student Traveling Is Easier Young people may not realize it yet, but traveling as a student is much easier for so many reasons. First, many countries facilitate numerous programs to facilitate tourism among young generations. Thus, they create special price offers for students, organize free sightseeing tours, or have a strong youth-oriented cultural life. In addition, many young travelers can become exchange students. So, their school will literally pay them to live and study in another country. It is a brilliant and affordable way to learn more about other places without missing a school year. Plus, receiving long-term visas is much easier for students than for the rest of us. Lastly, numerous academic or athletic competitions among students are aimed at international cooperation. So, students can participate in such programs to earn a spot in international conventions, tournaments, or panels. It’s Fun! Last but least, travel is simply super fun and exciting. It is a great hobby to have in your twenties. Young people don’t have many responsibilities or limitations at this age. They don't have careers in highly competitive fields. They don’t run a household or take care of families and children. They rarely even have pets to care for. So, this age is when you are able to be most careless and enjoy it! Traveling comes with endless fun opportunities that can present themselves only abroad. It is a perfect time to meet dozens of people, create life-long memories, participate in crazy nightlife, and more. Overall, it is the true definition of having the time of your life while in college. These travel experiences will forever stay with you Read Also: 14 Hacks To Make Your Road Trip Go Smoothly 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip Top Trips For Travelling With A Big Group Of People