There are few places left that feel untouched — Orca Island Cabins is one of them.
Wildlife viewing at Orca Island Cabins means front-row seats to some of Alaska’s most iconic species—right from the heart of Resurrection Bay, where sea cliffs and old-growth trees surround our off-grid eco-retreat.
From the deck of your private yurt or the seat of a kayak, you might spot sea lions slicing through the bay, a puffin skimming the surface, or a sea otter floating belly-up in the kelp. Bald eagles nest overhead, and harbor seals watch with curious eyes.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the top species our guests most often encounter — when to look for them, where to spot them, and what makes each one unforgettable.
Orcas – The Namesake of the Island
Spotting an orca is rare — and unforgettable. With tall, black dorsal fins slicing through the water and the occasional breach sending spray skyward, these animals are awe-inspiring to witness.
The best time to see them is May through June, when orcas are most active in Resurrection Bay. Sightings are possible throughout the season, but early summer offers the highest chance. Occasionally, guests catch a glimpse while en route to or from the island — a thrilling start or end to their stay.
It’s important to be clear: orca sightings aren’t guaranteed. They’re a special treat, not a daily event. That rarity is part of what makes them so magical.
The orcas in this area include both resident pods, which primarily feed on fish, and transient pods, which hunt seals and sea lions.
Puffins – Bright Beaks on the Alaska Coast
Puffins stand out with their bright orange beaks and striking black-and-white feathers. You’ll often see them flying low over the water or nesting on rocky cliffs nearby.
The best time to see puffins is June and July, when they’re busy feeding their chicks and most active along the coast.
For closer views, consider taking a kayak and paddling around Humpy Cove— coastal cliffs are favorite spots for puffin colonies.
These seabirds are skilled swimmers, diving up to 200 feet to catch fish.
Humpback Whales – Gentle Giants of Resurrection Bay
Humpbacks are the occasional visitors who leave a big impression. Though they rarely enter the cove — maybe once or twice a season — their arrival is a special event. When a humpback shows up close, we ring a large bell to share the excitement.
More often, guests spot humpbacks while traveling to or from Orca Island, their massive bodies arching above the waves, or their distinctive tail flukes lifting before a deep dive.
These gentle giants migrate through Resurrection Bay in summer, feeding and breaching, a sight that never fails to awe.
Sea Otters – One of Alaska’s Most Charming Marine Mammals
Sea otters are one of the most frequently seen animals on the water en route to and from Orca Island Cabins. They spend nearly their entire lives at sea — even sleeping on the water — and only come ashore to give birth.
With some of the densest fur in the animal kingdom (up to a million hairs per square inch), sea otters were once hunted to near extinction. Today, spotting them feels like a privilege. Sometimes you’ll see them floating alone; other times, they gather in groups called rafts.
Watch for them resting on their backs, cracking open shells with rocks, or simply drifting in the current.
Bald Eagles – Watchful Eyes Over Resurrection Bay
Bald eagles are a year-round presence around Orca Island Cabins, often seen perched in tall trees or soaring above the water. Their broad wingspan and bright white head make them easy to spot once you know where to look.
They’re especially active during the salmon runs in mid-summer, when the bay becomes a rich hunting ground.
These birds often return to the same nest year after year, building enormous structures that can reach several feet across.
Harbor Seals – Quiet Companions in the Cove
Harbor seals are a regular sight around Orca Island Cabins from spring through fall. You may spot their round heads breaking the surface as they quietly observe from a distance.
Keep an eye out for “Sasha,” a resident harbor seal who’s been seen near the shoreline over several seasons. While wild and wary, Sasha has become a familiar presence to returning guests.
Each seal’s coat is unique, with a distinctive pattern of spots that helps them blend into their surroundings.
Dall’s Porpoises – The Speedsters of Resurrection Bay
Fast, sleek, and often mistaken for small orcas at first glance, Dall’s porpoises are known for slicing through the water with impressive speed. They’re black and white like orcas but smaller, with a distinct triangular dorsal fin and a unique, rooster-tail spray when they swim.
You might spot them while traveling by boat en route to or from Orca Island Cabins. They sometimes ride the bow wake, darting in and out of view in quick bursts.
Though sightings aren’t guaranteed, they’re always memorable — Dall’s porpoises are among the fastest marine mammals in Alaska waters.
Steller Sea Lions – Powerful Passersby
While they don’t usually linger in Humpy Cove, Steller sea lions are sometimes spotted making their way around Orca Island. These are massive marine mammals — the largest of the eared seals. Males can weigh more than a ton and are especially impressive in size and stature.
If you’re sitting quietly on the south-facing decks, your first clue that something is moving through the water may be the sound of an exhale — a sudden breath breaking the surface as one of these animals comes up for air.
Bonus: Seabirds of Orca Island Cabins
Each yurt at Orca Island Cabins is named after one of these feathered residents, a quiet nod to the vibrant birdlife that calls this corner of Resurrection Bay home.
Keep your binoculars close — whether you’re on the deck, kayaking, or simply enjoying your morning coffee, you may spot:
- Oystercatchers – Striking birds with bright red bills and loud, whistling calls. Look for them foraging along rocky shorelines.
- Murrelets – Small, fast-flying seabirds — they nest inland in old-growth forests but feed at sea.
- Kittiwakes – Gulls that nest on cliffs, related to the common “Seagull” (Glaucous-winged gull)
- Steller’s Jays – With their vivid blue feathers and bold crests, these forest dwellers are easy to hear — and hard to miss.
- Kingfishers – Watch for their hovering flight and dramatic dives as they fish from above the water.
- Cormorants – Often seen standing on rocks with wings outstretched to dry after a dive.
- Pigeon Guillemots – Sleek black seabirds with red feet and a piping call, often spotted zipping just above the water.
Many guests are surprised by how much birdlife surrounds them here — a reminder that Orca Island isn’t just home to dramatic marine mammals.
Let Nature Surprise You
One of the greatest joys of staying at Orca Island Cabins is the chance to witness wild animals simply living their lives — on their own time, in their own way.
Bring binoculars. Bring a camera. But most importantly, bring your attention. Some of the most memorable sightings happen when you’re simply sitting still — listening, watching, waiting.
And always remember: these animals are wild. That’s what makes seeing them so special. Never try to approach, feed, or touch them. Keeping a respectful distance helps ensure they stay wild — for you, for others, and for future seasons to come.
Ready to plan your trip? Explore our cabins or check out our other blog posts for more guides to planning a wildlife-focused stay on Orca Island.