Just beyond the mouth of Resurrection Bay, where Alaska’s coastline fractures into a maze of cliffs and storm carved stone, the Chiswell Islands rise abruptly from the sea — sharp, vertical, and astonishingly alive. Accessible only by water or air, these remote, rocky sentinels sit within the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and are revered for their wild character and rare ecological vibrancy.

A Sanctuary Shaped by Time and Tide

The Chiswell Islands have no gentle shorelines; instead, their narrow, cathedrallike spires rise straight from the water, evidence of both seismic upheaval and centuries of relentless ocean sculpting. Starfish, barnacles, and countless other tide loving species cling to the rock, thriving in this rugged, intertidal world. Above them, tens of thousands of seabirds wheel overhead, blinking like flecks of white against the dark cliffs — a living constellation in motion.

The Story the Islands Tell

Every traveler experiences the Chiswell Islands differently. For some, it’s the thunderous sound of waves slamming into the rock — nature’s percussion. For others, it’s the sight of a Steller sea lion lifting its head to the wind, or the dizzying spirals of seabirds rising in unison, as if carried by an unseen tide of air.

Yet the story of the Chiswells is, above all, a story of resilience. These islands have endured earthquakes, storms, and centuries of ecological evolution, and still, they remain a sanctuary for some of Alaska’s most vulnerable species.

When guests sail away, they carry something with them — the sense of having witnessed a place that feels almost untouched by time.

Wildlife You May Encounter

The Chiswell Islands are one of the most significant breeding strongholds for seabirds and marine mammals in the Gulf of Alaska. Millions of birds nest here each summer, including:

• Horned and tufted puffins, their bright bills flashing like sparks against the rock.
• Black‑legged kittiwakes, creating vast, chattering colonies on exposed cliff ledges.
• Auklets and murres, swirling in dense flocks.

The islands are also home to a rookery of endangered Steller sea lions, who gather on storm‑battered outcrops to mate and raise their pups. Around the islands, nutrient‑rich waters attract orcas, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises, and harbor seals — all part of the immense marine world of Kenai Fjords.

What Guests Can Expect on a Visit

For travelers aboard Seabourn’s intimate ships, the Chiswell Islands will be an unmatched scenic cruising highlight of Alaska’s remote coastline experiences. Because the islands are protected and sensitive — especially during seabird breeding season — visits are observational rather than land based, offering an unfiltered window into one of Alaska’s most pristine ecosystems. Guests that sign up for optional Ventures by Seabourn on select sailings will have the opportunity to cruise to the islands by Zodiac®.

Here’s what makes the experience extraordinary:

• Unmatched Scenic Cruising As the ship approaches the Chiswells, cliffs seem to rise suddenly from the sea, stark and immense. Seabourn’s smaller vessel size allows for closer vantage points within permitted boundaries, offering uninterrupted views of nesting birds and sea lions hauled out on remote rocks.

• Expert Interpretation from the Expedition Team Guests can expect narration and interpretation from Seabourn’s expert Expedition Team — ornithologists, naturalists, and marine specialists who bring context to every sighting, from the flash of a puffin’s wings to the silhouettes of sea lions along the rocks.

• Optional Ventures by Seabourn® Experiences We created Ventures by Seabourn® to provide Alaska travelers with optional activities that are expertly planned, professionally operated, and escorted by skilled expert guides. When permitted by local authorities and environmental conditions, guests may have the opportunity to explore by Zodiac® or kayak, offering an even more intimate perspective on the wildlife and geology of the islands.

An Encounter with the Uncommon Alaska

A journey to the Chiswell Islands isn’t just a scenic moment on an itinerary; it’s an immersion into Alaska’s raw, roaring heart. With their steep cliffs, thriving wildlife, and dramatic seascapes, these islands offer travelers a glimpse of an Alaska few ever see — a world preserved by isolation and ruled entirely by nature.

And for many Seabourn guests, this encounter becomes one of the defining memories of their voyage: a story they bring home, retold with the same awe felt along the windswept edge of these remarkable islands.