Prince of Wales Island Wildlife Viewing
Waters near Craig

photo of Waters near Craig area wildlife Fish and microorganisms in the Waters Near Craig attract marine mammals and sea birds to feed, in part due to the area’s proximity to the open Pacific Ocean. Look for sea otters tangled in kelp beds, humpback whales feeding close to shore, and harbor seals and Steller sea lions exploring the coves and inlets. Great blue herons fish on the shorelines and pelagic cormorants stand on rocks or buoys, spreading their wings to dry. Other birds seen here include surf scoters, pigeon guillemots, and rhinoceros auklets (rarely seen elsewhere in the Inside Passage). A USDA Forest Service cabin can be booked for overnight stays (see below for details). If you'd rather scan the water from shore, Cemetery Island or the Ballfield offer good shore-based views of the water. Evening is the best time to look for marine mammals from these spots.

Species

  • Eagles
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Harbor Seal
  • Humpback Whale
  • Killer Whale
  • Pelagic Cormorant
  • Pigeon Guillemot
  • Rhinoceros Auklet
  • Sea Otter
  • Steller's Sea Lion
  • Surf Scoter

Hints

Look for sea birds and bald eagles on buoys and other structures while on a boat tour.

Facilities

  • Fee
  • Within Walking Distance

Notes

Boat tours depart from Craig’s harbor throughout the summer. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for details, or look for signs around town.

Plan to spend at least: 2 hours - full day

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

Craig's harbor is in the center of town. Cemetery Island and the ball field are both found south of Craig’s harbor on Hamilton Drive.

Contact

Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce - (907) 755-2626 or http://www.princeofwalescoc.org USDA Forest Service, Craig Ranger District - (907) 826-3871 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/pow/index.shtml