St. Lazaria Island

More scenic views: Scenery   Ocean Scenery   Other Wildlife

Typically, a tour will include a visit to St. Lazaria Island. It is approximately 30 minutes (15 miles) from Sitka. Relatively small but one of the most productive seabird colonies in Alaska. In 1980 it was made a subunit to the Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge.

In addition to Eagles and Tufted Puffins, there are thousands of Murres nesting, flying, and feeding nearby.

Pigeon Guillemots are seen nesting near the high water line.

Gacous-wing Gulls are numerous, as are Cormorants.
Many Petrels and Auklets use the island for nesting, but usually come at night-time.

Black Oystercatches are occasionally seen.

Along the shore, there is a variety of Starfish, Anenomes, Sponges,
and other invertebrates and plants. Most are seen at low tide.