Pribilof Islands

The Pribilof Islands are a small group of islands in the Bering Sea belonging to Alaska, noted for large seabird colonies and northern fur seal rookeries. They include two main inhabited islands and a couple of smaller islets.

Wildlife and remote-community culture are the primary attractions-especially seal rookeries on the larger islands and dense seabird colonies. Travel is typically organized by air or seasonal boats and focused on short guided excursions.

Russian navigator Gavriil Pribylov first reached the islands in 1786 during the fur trade era; they were later administered under Russian and then United States authority after Alaska’s purchase. The islands were long used as seasonal and commercial sealing bases.

Geographically the islands lie in the Bering Sea off the northwest coast of Alaska. The group is remote from Alaska’s main population centers and is accessed by irregular scheduled flights and maritime connections.

• Best time to visit: Best wildlife viewing is in the summer months when northern fur seals and many seabird species gather ashore to breed, making guided natural-history outings most productive.

What to See #

• St. Paul Island: St. Paul Island is the larger and most frequently visited island and contains the main settlement, airstrip, and wildlife rookeries used by guided wildlife tours.
• St. George Island: St. George Island is smaller, less populated, and noted for its seabird colonies and quieter shorelines; it is accessible by boat from St. Paul on a limited schedule.