A Carnival cruise naturalist's top tip for seeing wildlife in Alaska
If you're taking a cruise to Alaska this summer, the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat is probably one of the main reasons why you chose to sail to the Great Land. Along with glacier viewing, wildlife experiences are a major attraction on Alaska cruises, no matter which cruise line you sail.
Alaska cruises offer the rare chance to spot majestic creatures in the wild like humpback whales, orcas, bears, sea otters, and bald eagles - both from the ship and on excursions in ports of call like Juneau and Ketchikan.
No matter when you set sail to Alaska between May and September, your chances of seeing wildlife are high. But there's one thing you can do to make sure you get the most out of your Alaska wildlife watching experience.
Carnival Cruise Line naturalist Shannon Noelle Rivera offered her best advice for Alaska cruisers in a recent Facebook post shared by Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Onboard naturalists enrich Alaska cruises
Rivera is a conservation biologist from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi with over a decade of experience, most recently with U.S. Fish and Wildlife International Affairs, the United Nations, and the U.S. Forest Service. She's one of the naturalists and wildlife experts working on board Carnival Spirit this season.
"I tell people that I moonlight as a naturalist with certain ships throughout the year when I can take time away from my ‘real work' because I love sharing my passion with people that love nature. This is my second season working in Alaska and it's been a fun way to share what I love," Rivera shared with Heald's Facebook followers.
Related: How to cruise with a CPAP machine
On each Carnival cruise ship sailing in Alaska, onboard naturalists look out for wildlife and help passengers get the most out of their Alaska experience through live commentary over the intercom, educational presentations, and interactions with passengers around the ship. Wildlife experiences leave lasting impressions on Alaska cruise passengers and inspire support for vital wildlife conservation efforts.
"The best part of this job is getting to connect with people I wouldn't otherwise meet. I can show people the difference between a black bear and a brown bear, but what I'm really trying to do is help people understand how much wildlife needs protection. Conservation needs advocates. And when people leave these places actually planning to take steps to protect it, that's the part of the job that matters most," Rivera said.
Carnival naturalist shares advice for Alaska wildlife watching
Although big Alaska wildlife moments like seeing bears on the mountainsides and watching humpback whales breach are awe-inspiring sights, there's much more to see. Rivera helps Alaska cruisers see the magic in the small things that most people miss.
"My best piece of advice for Alaska (and everywhere) is to take a closer look. Don't put all your expectations on seeing a moose or an orca. Those are incredible moments, but if that's all you're looking for, you'll miss most of what's actually here. If you understand what wildlife really is, suddenly everything becomes more exciting. Every inch of this place is alive, you just have to look closer," Rivera explained.
Through her Wildlife 101 talk, Rivera prepares cruisers to notice far more than just the big, charismatic species.
Related: This fan-favorite cruise activity is only offered on one Carnival ship
"I'm also really drawn to the things people walk right past. The skimmer dragonflies, fireweed in bloom at Skagway's native plant garden, the moss and lichen covering the forest floor. Because the reality is, none of those big, iconic animals exist without all the smaller, overlooked species holding the system together," she said.
Rivera hopes to inspire passengers to return from their Alaska cruises with more than just wildlife photos.
"And if wildlife is something that excites you, don't just take photos and leave it behind," Rivera added. "Take that connection with you, and let it turn into something that actually supports its protection long after you leave Alaska."
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 5:16 AM.