Remote Alaskan island teeming with wildlife and rugged beauty.
St. Paul Island is the largest of the Pribilof Islands, located in the Bering Sea about 300 miles north of the Aleutian Chain in Alaska. Home to roughly 500 Unangan (Aleut) residents, the island is one of the most remote inhabited places in the United States, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path experience steeped in indigenous culture and raw natural scenery.
The island is world-renowned for hosting one of the largest northern fur seal rookeries on earth, alongside spectacular seabird colonies and frequent sightings of rare Asian vagrant birds. Visitors come primarily for wildlife watching and birding, making St. Paul a bucket-list destination for naturalists and adventure travelers willing to brave the journey.
- •Reef Rookery — witness thousands of northern fur seals hauled out on dramatic volcanic rocks.
- •St. George Hill — panoramic views of the island's volcanic landscape and Bering Sea.
- •St. Peter and Paul Church — beautifully preserved Russian Orthodox church reflecting Aleut history.
- •Pribilof Islands Shorebird Festival — annual spring celebration of exceptional migratory birding.
- •Zapadni Cliffs — dramatic sea cliffs packed with nesting seabirds including murres and puffins.
- •Village of St. Paul — explore Unangan culture, the local museum, and community heritage.
Getting around: There is no public transportation system on St. Paul Island. The village is small and walkable, and most wildlife sites are accessible on foot or via guided tours arranged through local outfitters such as St. Paul Island Tour. Renting an ATV or catching a ride with a local guide is the best way to reach more remote rookeries and birding spots across the island.
Best time: Late May through early August is the best time to visit, when fur seals are ashore, seabirds are nesting, and migratory bird activity peaks.
Local food: Don't miss fresh Dungeness crab and locally caught halibut, often prepared simply to highlight the pristine Bering Sea flavors, along with traditional Unangan foods when offered through community events.
This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.