Where to spot bald eagles in Alaska

With onboard viewing opportunities, cruisetours, shore excursions and stays in Princess-owned wilderness lodges, Princess provides ample chances to spot these proud birds in their natural habitats. So, as you plan your Alaska adventure, be sure to include the following eagle-centric destinations and activities.

If you’re looking for the bald eagle capital of Alaska, look no further than Haines. This charming town is located near Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles. During the fall, thousands of eagles gather along the Chilkat River to feast on late-season salmon, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife displays you’ll ever witness. And even outside peak season, you’re still likely to spot plenty of eagles hanging out in the cottonwoods or soaring through the sky. 

Let Princess put you where the action is with the Haines Eagle Preserve Rafting & Wildlife Quest. Hop on a catamaran to Haines, take a scenic drive to the preserve and enjoy a relaxing river rafting experience through the heart of eagle country. Be sure to bring your camera.

Large birds demand wide, open spaces. And the 6.1 million acres that make up Denali National Park are about as wide and open as it gets. Famous for its towering peaks and winding, fish-filled rivers, Denali checks off every box on a bald eagle’s habitat wish list. And given that the park is home to thick boreal forests and the tallest mountain in North America, seeing eagles is as simple as looking up.  

The Princess Tundra Wilderness Tour offers even better opportunities to connect with America’s favorite feathered friends in Denali. This narrated excursion takes you 43 miles into the park, offering opportunities to spot quintessential Alaska wildlife like moose, grizzly bears, caribou, wolves and (of course) bald eagles.

What’s more impressive than a bald eagle perched in a tree? How about bald eagles perched high above authentic Alaska native totem carvings? See these birds through the lens of Alaska Native culture by visiting Totem Bight State Park. Just north of Ketchikan, Totem Bight offers a poignant blend of history and wildlife. Learn the stories of the region's Indigenous people the way they were meant to be experienced. And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for eagles nestled in the Sitka spruce trees and see how they compare to their carved representations. 

The award-winning Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion guarantees eagle sightings along with extraordinary views of Totem Bight, the historic Guard Island Lighthouse and the wildlife-rich Vallenar Rocks area. After touring Ketchikan, you’ll board a vessel that takes you to some of the best locations to spot eagles and their nests while enjoying complimentary local treats like smoked salmon. Just don’t share any with the birds (they prefer their fish raw).

The Kenai Peninsula feels like it was made for bald eagles, but humans tend to enjoy it just as much. With its dramatic coastlines, crystal-clear rivers and enough fish to keep even the hungriest raptor satisfied, it's an ideal place for some top-tier birdwatching. Kenai wildlife provides a dramatic performance of survival and diversity, and bald eagles have a tendency to steal the show.

Get in on the act by booking a stay at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge. The lodge offers direct access to the area's wildlife, including frequent bald eagle sightings right from the comfort of your private porch. Spend your days exploring the surrounding wilderness by trail or raft, then return to the warmth of a wood-burning stove as eagles continue to soar above. This lodge has both adventure and relaxation — along with an eagle’s-eye view of the Kenai River below.

Kodiak Island might be best known for having famously huge brown bears and a storied history, but its bald eagles are equally impressive. The island’s remote location and fish-filled waters make it a prime hunting ground for eagles, which spend their days patrolling the rocky shores for their next salmon snack. Big eagles and even bigger bears help create a wildlife lover’s dream that makes skies and shorelines equally worth watching. 

If bears the size of cars make you feel nervous, stick to the sea. The Kodiak Sightseeing & Wildlife Cruise features a seaside perspective for bird watching as you cruise out along the sheer cliffs and tree-dotted coasts where bald eagles like to stretch their legs between meals. Guided by Captain Dave (a true local with more than 30 years of experience), this boat-based excursion takes you through some of Alaska’s most important and historically significant waters.

With its massive glaciers, deep fjords and abundant wildlife, Prince William Sound is a picture-perfect spot for eagle watching. The sound’s protected waters attract a wealth of marine life (including halibut, rockfish, lingcod, trout, Dolly Varden and all five species of salmon), which in turn draws bald eagles looking for a fresh catch. Keep an eye on the cliffs and treetops — bald eagles tend to claim the best seats in the house. 

Experience Prince William Sound by booking a spot on the 26 Glacier Cruise. This scenic journey takes you deep into the sound, where you'll glide past gigantic walls of ancient ocean-bound ice. Along the way, you’ll be treated to some incredible wildlife viewing, including sea otters, seals and bald eagles. And if you're staying at the nearby Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore even more of the area’s breathtaking scenery and rich wildlife, while enjoying the comfort of an elegant restaurant after a day of Alaska adventure.

Whether they make you want to snap a salute or just snap an awesome picture, the best way to see bald eagles is to take advantage of the many birdwatching opportunities available through Princess. Our cruises and cruisetours bring you the best of the Great Land, combining adventure and comfort in a way that has made us the #1 Alaska cruise line.

Set sail on a Princess Alaska cruise, and come face-to-beak with the birds that rule the Northern skies.