On our last morning in Seward we decided to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center again.

We got discounted tickets for $16 each through the Seward Military Resort. We enjoyed seeing the critters almost as much as the first time we visited in 2012, although this time we didn't get to see the Stellar sea lions going through their paces to earn their breakfast.

They were visible in their habitat, though:

 

Some days I feel like that, too . . .

Here are more photos of the SeaLife Center, one of the best "aquariums" we've ever visited. Most of these pictures are different than the ones in the two-page 2012 entry.

The SeaLife Center is at the south end of Seward on Resurrection Bay.

This whale mural is on a building across the street.

The Center is two stories tall, with exhibits, aquariums, and other displays on both floors.

 

 

Jim goofs off at the shark exhibit.

SEABIRD HABITAT

This is my favorite exhibit. We love to watch the various kinds of puffins and other unusual birds. Puffins aren't very fast or graceful on land but they can sure dive and swim:

Several birds watch as a staff member cleans their poop off the rock walls!

 

 

I like the colors and patterns in the water around these ducks (don't know their specific type):

 

TANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

There are several large sea water and freshwater aquariums on both floors of the SeaLife Center. They showcase everything from very delicate, beautiful sea creatures to large, ugly ones.

 Here are random photos of some of them:

 

 

 

 

 

 

These very large fish aren't quite so attractive.

I think this is a type of rock fish (center foreground); it blends in well with its surroundings.

PLEASE TOUCH

One of the more popular displays is the "touch tank" where you can literally stick your hands into the water to touch the interesting sea critters:

Above and below:  I don't recall what this critter is called but Jim said it's soft and slick to the touch.

 

I assume this is some sort of starfish -- very pretty.

I especially liked all the creatures in the touch tank with numerous delicate tentacles:

 

 

Aren't those pretty? Staff members stay close to the touch tanks to answer visitors' questions and make sure no one mishandles the creatures.

Unless you've already seen all of these marine animals at another public aquarium or research facility before, we highly recommend you visit the Alaska SeaLife Center when you're in Seward. We're pretty frugal folks but think the entrance fee here is reasonable for the high-quality experience you receive.

For more photos and information about the Center check out their official website and/or my two-page entry dated July 10, 2012.

Next entry:  rained out in Seward so back to Anchorage where it's more dry . . .

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, Cody the ultra Lab, and Casey-pup

Previous       Next

© 2015 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil