Steller sea lions are year-round residents
in the archipelago, often seen in boat harbors and haul-out areas. Sea
otters, once hunted to near extinction, can be seen in sheltered waters
near kelp beds. Harbor seals are found in protected inner bays and lagoons.
The largest marine mammals found in Kodiak waters are
fin, minke, humpback, killer and gray whales. Spring and fall are the
best times for observing migrating gray whales. Killer whales are common
in the spring and summer. Dall and white-sided porpoise are often seen
riding a boat's waves, unlike the shy harbor porpoise.