Saint Lazaria Island
A seabird nesting island outside Sitka Sound, where wildlife boat tours offer views of puffins, sea otters and humpback whales.
Saint Lazaria Island lies in the sea south of Mount Edgecumbe and is part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Each summer, hundreds of thousands of seabirds breed here, including horned puffins, tufted puffins, murres and storm petrels. Landing on the island is prohibited. Visitors take a three- to four-hour Sitka Sound wildlife cruise that circles the island, where groups of sea otters, humpback whales and sea lions are often seen. Boats depart from Crescent Harbor and may change route in rough seas. Those prone to seasickness should take medication beforehand.
Opening hours
Summer boat departures
Nearby sights
- Mount Edgecumbe
- Halibut Point State Recreation Site
- Starrigavan Recreation Area & Old Sitka
- John O'Connell Bridge
- Totem Square & Sitka Pioneers' Home
- Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi
- Russian Blockhouse & Russian Cemetery
- Castle Hill (Baranof Castle State Historic Site)