Saint Paul Island is a destination for nature and cultural tours, where visitors explore the island’s history, flora, fauna, and wildlife. Tours of the community of Saint Paul are also available. Topics range from observing seasonal wildlife to cultural sites and trails. When planning your trip, it is helpful to consider information about birds and fur seals separately.
Birdlife and fur seals: seasonal differences
At least 315 bird species have been recorded on Saint Paul Island. These include many rare birds from Asia that strayed from their course during migration. In late spring, the number of birds rises to about 200,000; the seasonal total varies from year to year. Species diversity and the approximate spring count offer two different perspectives: the species count describes the range of recorded species, while the seasonal figure gives an approximate number for a particular time of year. Across the Pribilof Islands as a whole, the best time to observe migrating birds and marine mammals is from mid-May through August.
Saint Paul Island is home to the world’s largest colony of northern fur seals. Visitors can see the animals from observation huts; population numbers and viewing conditions vary seasonally. Across the Pribilof Islands as a whole, fur seal numbers peak in July. July therefore falls within the broader period for observing migrating birds and marine mammals. Wildlife-viewing rules and access conditions may change; check them before your visit.
Culture and history
Visitor tours on Saint Paul Island include Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church and the Unangan Heritage Museum. Tours of the community of Saint Paul are also part of the offerings. Saints Peter and Paul Church was built in 1907 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the museum and the community, a church with a specific construction date and register listing is another cultural point of interest.
It is also worth considering the scale when choosing a focus: nature and cultural tours relate to Saint Paul Island, while tours of the community of Saint Paul put the town itself at the center. This makes island topics and community tours different perspectives to consider for your trip.
Trails and birdwatching
The St. Paul Island High Bluffs Trail is a 6-mile backcountry trail in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. It was designated a National Recreation Trail; this designation is historical, and current trail conditions may differ. Check trail conditions and access before your trip. Across the Pribilof Islands as a whole, you can also watch birds by walking along roads and using trails to popular viewing spots. Trail conditions and access may vary.
The High Bluffs Trail is a specifically named route with a documented length. Walking along roads and taking trails to popular viewing spots offer other ways to go birdwatching across the Pribilof Islands. These different scales can help you decide whether a specific route or birdwatching as a general focus should take priority on your trip.
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