Alaska’s coastline is a goldmine for anyone who’s into wildlife, and Wrangell’s right in the thick of it. I’m not a big planner, but I wanted to see animals up close on my last trip, so I booked with Muddy Water Adventures. Their Wrangell Alaska Tours delivered—bears, whales, eagles, the works. If you’re thinking about heading up there, here’s a rundown of the top wildlife encounters you can hit with a tour out of Wrangell, based on what I saw and why it’s worth it.
Bears at Anan Wildlife Observatory
First stop was Anan, about 30 miles south of Wrangell. It’s a bear-watching spot that’s hard to beat. I went in July when the salmon were running—black bears and brown bears were all over the creek, fishing like pros. Muddy Water Adventures runs a water taxi out there, dropping you off near a half-mile trail to the observatory platform. I stood there for hours, watching bears yank fish out of the water, no fence between us.
You need a boat to get there—no roads—and permits are limited. Muddy Water sorts that out, leaving Wrangell early to snag a good slot. It’s a half-day trip, and if bears are your thing, it’s a solid pick.
Whales in Frederick Sound
Next up, whales. Frederick Sound’s a hot zone for humpbacks, and it’s not far from Wrangell—maybe an hour by boat. I took aWrangell Tours run with Muddy Water, and we hit the jackpot—humpbacks breaching and bubble-net feeding right off the bow. Their catamaran, the Island Cat, got us close without spooking them.
Summer’s prime time—June to August—when whales are thick. The crew knows where they hang out, so you’re not just cruising blind. It’s a full-day trip if you stretch it, but even a few hours out there delivers. Bring a camera; you’ll need it.
Eagles Around Stikine River Delta
Eagles are everywhere in Alaska, but the Stikine River Delta near Wrangell is loaded with them. I counted at least a dozen bald eagles in one go—perched on trees, swooping over the water. Muddy Water took me out there—it’s a quick 20-minute ride from town. The delta’s a mess of channels and mudflats, perfect for birdwatching.
You’re not hiking in—the currents are too strong for casual boating. A water taxi gets you there fast and drops you on a sandbar if you want to stretch your legs. I liked it for the eagles, but herons and ducks pop up too. It’s an easy add-on to any tour.
Seals and Sea Lions at LeConte Glacier
Then there’s LeConte Glacier, about 40 miles north of Wrangell. It’s the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America, and the harbor seals love it. I saw dozens lounging on ice chunks, barking at each other while sea lions hauled out nearby. Muddy Water Adventures ran me up there after a stop in Petersburg—ice floating all around, seals popping up to check us out.
It’s a longer trip—half a day at least—but the boat’s stable, and the crew knows the safe spots to get close. Late spring to early summer’s best when ice calves off and seals are thick. It’s a two-for-one—glacier views and wildlife in one shot.
Otters Near Prince of Wales Island
Last on my list was Prince of Wales Island, around 50 miles from Wrangell. Sea otters stole the show there. I watched a raft of them—maybe 20—floating on their backs, cracking clams with rocks. Muddy Water dropped me near a cove after a fishing stop, and I just sat there, taking it in.
It’s a full-day run, but the Island Cat’s got room for gear, so I brought binoculars. Otters are year-round, but summer’s calmer for the ride. The island’s got other stuff—trails, caves—but the otters were the highlight for me.
Why a Tour Works Best
Wrangell’s surrounded by water, and these spots aren’t drive-up deals. Muddy Water Adventures makes it easy with their water taxi setup—38-foot catamaran, bathroom on board, steady in rough weather. I didn’t have to figure out tides or rent my own boat—they handled it. Rates are per trip, so splitting with a couple friends kept it affordable—cheaper than some crowded Ketchikan excursions.
The crew’s local—Zach, the owner, grew up here and knows where the animals are. He dodged a windy patch on the Stikine run and got us to Anan before the day-use permits ran out. It’s practical—no guesswork, just results.
Final Call: Book It
Alaska’s wildlife is the real deal, and Wrangell’s a perfect base to see it. Bears, whales, eagles, seals, otters—all within reach if you’ve got a boat. Muddy Water Adventures ties it together with tours that get you there fast and safe. I went last summer and came back with pics and stories I’ll bore my buddies with for years.
If you’re eyeing Alaska, don’t sleep on Wrangell. A tour with Muddy Water gets you up close to the animals without the hassle—pick your spot, they’ll make it happen. It’s straightforward, it’s worth it, and it’ll stick with you. I’m already itching to go again.
