Chiswell Islands

Overview

A cluster of steep, wave-battered rocks off the Kenai Peninsula, the Chiswell Islands sit just offshore from the park and are protected as part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Most Kenai Fjords boat tours swing by these islands because they’re one of the richest wildlife stops on the route.

Why it’s special

These islands are a sanctuary for nesting seabirds and marine mammals. Boats idle beneath sheer cliffs alive with thousands of birds, while nearby ledges often host Steller sea lions. It’s an easy, high-yield wildlife stop without stepping off the vessel.

Wildlife highlights

Expect dense seabird colonies featuring horned and tufted puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, and auklets (including Cassin’s and whiskered). Steller sea lions use the rocks as haulouts and rookeries, with harbor seals and sea otters common. In summer, humpbacks and orcas are frequently encountered in the surrounding waters on the same cruises.

Geology and scenery

The Chiswells shoot straight out of the sea—near-vertical walls with almost no beaches. They’re the eroded cores of hard igneous rock (granodiorite) uplifted by subduction, with glaciers and waves scouring away softer layers over time. The area’s seismic energy shows in its rugged, fractured topography.

How you visit

Access is by boat only, typically on wildlife cruises from Seward. Vessels don’t land; they maneuver close for viewing and photography. Many itineraries pair the Chiswells with tidewater glaciers and can cover roughly 100 miles round-trip, especially May–September when tours are most frequent.

Conditions to expect

Weather on the Gulf side can be raw: fog, rain, and chop are common. Views change minute to minute as clouds lift and birds swirl across the cliffs. Bring layers and be ready for spray—this is a true marine experience, not a shore stop.

Conservation and etiquette

These islands are part of a national wildlife refuge focused on protecting sensitive nesting and pupping habitat. Tours are watch-from-the-boat by design to minimize disturbance. Keep voices down on deck, follow crew directions, and let the wildlife set the distance.

Photography and viewing tips

Binoculars and a zoom lens make a big difference for puffins on high ledges. Pick a rail spot early when the captain announces the Chiswells, and be ready to switch sides as the boat circles. Early and late summer often align with good orca activity in the broader area, while the May–September cruise season offers the most consistent seabird action.