Alaska produces some of the finest crab in the world. red king crab from the Bering Sea, Dungeness from Southeast Alaskan waters, snow and Tanner crab from the Gulf of Alaska, and blue king crab from around the Pribilof Islands. Each species has distinct characteristics in flavor, size, season, and price. This guide covers the five most notable Alaskan crab species, including when they’re available, what they taste like, and where to buy them.
| Species | Season | Flavor | Size | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red King Crab | Oct-Jan (Bering Sea) | Rich, sweet, buttery | Very large | $55-$80/lb |
| Dungeness Crab | Year-round (SE Alaska) | Sweet, nutty | Medium-large | $18-$30/lb |
| Bairdi (Tanner) Crab | Jan-Mar | Rich, slightly sweet | Large | $25-$40/lb |
| Snow Crab (Opilio) | Jan-Apr | Mild, sweet | Small-medium | $12-$20/lb |
| Blue King Crab | Limited seasonal | Sweeter than red king | Large | $45-$70/lb |
Red King Crab - Best Alaskan Crab Overall
Red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) from the Bering Sea is the benchmark by which all other crab is measured. The legs are enormous, the meat is dense and sweet with a rich, buttery quality that other species don’t fully replicate, and the yield per leg section is exceptional. The Bering Sea fishery opens in October and runs through January. crab bought between October and December is at peak freshness. Cooked frozen king crab legs are available year-round, but buying in-season from a reputable supplier delivers a noticeably superior product. This is the crab to order when you want the best Alaska has to offer.
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Dungeness Crab from Southeast Alaska - Best Year-Round Alaskan Crab
Southeast Alaskan Dungeness crab, harvested from the cold, clean waters around Juneau, Ketchikan, and the Inside Passage, is considered among the finest Dungeness available. The cold water produces firmer, sweeter meat with lower water content than crab from warmer Southern California waters. Southeast Alaska Dungeness is available as a year-round fishery with no strict seasonal closure, making it the most consistently accessible premium Alaskan crab. It’s excellent steamed whole, in a boil, or picked for crab cakes. Direct-from-Alaska seafood suppliers are the best source for fresh or flash-frozen Southeast Alaskan Dungeness.
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Bairdi Tanner Crab - Best Premium Snow Crab from Alaska
Bairdi Tanner crab is larger and more flavorful than the common snow crab (opilio) sold in most supermarkets. The season runs from January through March in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. The meat has a slightly richer, more complex sweetness than regular snow crab and the legs are meaningfully larger, making extraction easier. When you see Alaskan crab marketed as “premium snow crab” or “Tanner crab” from specialty seafood suppliers, bairdi is typically what you’re getting. The price premium over standard snow crab is justified by the flavor difference. it’s closer to king crab in quality than to commodity snow crab.
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Snow Crab (Opilio) from Alaska - Best Accessible Alaskan Crab
Alaskan snow crab is the most widely available and affordable Alaskan crab, found in frozen sections at grocery stores nationwide. The opilio fishery in the eastern Bering Sea is the source for virtually all supermarket snow crab. While the flavor is milder than king or Dungeness, the quality from Alaskan waters is consistently good and the sustainability record of the MSC-certified Alaskan snow crab fishery is strong. For everyday crab eating. boils, steaming, crab dip. Alaskan snow crab clusters represent excellent value. Look for products labeled “wild-caught Alaska” to distinguish from imported snow crab of variable quality.
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Blue King Crab - Best Rare Alaskan Specialty
Blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) from the Pribilof Islands and St. Matthew Island areas of the Bering Sea is arguably even sweeter than red king crab, with a distinctive delicate flavor that some tasters prefer. The fishery is small and the harvest is strictly limited, making blue king crab genuinely rare in the lower 48. When available from specialty Alaskan seafood suppliers, it commands a premium and is worth pursuing for a special occasion. It’s not typically found in mainstream grocery seafood sections. direct-from-Alaska suppliers or premium seafood importers are the only reliable sources.
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Where to Buy Alaskan Crab
For the freshest possible Alaskan crab outside of Alaska, direct-from-fishery online suppliers are the best option. Alaska Gold Seafood ships from Sitka fishermen directly. Wild Alaskan Company offers subscription boxes with Dungeness and king crab in season. Vital Choice carries MSC-certified Alaskan crab year-round. All ship overnight in insulated packaging. For in-store buying, Costco’s seafood section carries wild Alaskan king crab legs and Dungeness seasonally at competitive prices. Avoid non-specific “crab legs” with no origin labeling. much imported crab from Russia and Asia is sold under misleading labeling.
Final Thoughts
For the best Alaskan crab eating experience, red king crab is the top choice. nothing else combines the size, flavor, and yield of Bering Sea king crab. For year-round value, Southeast Alaskan Dungeness delivers premium quality at a more accessible price point. For everyday use, wild Alaskan snow crab clusters are the honest working choice. Whatever you buy, look for wild-caught Alaska sourcing on the label and order in-season from a direct supplier when possible.
For more on preparing Alaskan crab, see best crab for a crab boil and best crab dish. Review our evaluation criteria at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive crab in Alaska and why?+
Red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is the most expensive Alaskan crab due to its large size, high meat yield, exceptional flavor, and strict fishery management that limits harvest volume. The Bering Sea king crab fishery is one of the most dangerous commercial fishing operations in the world, which contributes to cost. Prices typically range from $50 to $80 per pound for cooked legs at retail, with live or fresh pricing higher. The premium is widely considered justified by the quality of the eating experience.
What is the difference between snow crab and Tanner crab in Alaska?+
Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi, also called bairdi) are closely related species from the same genus that are often confused. Bairdi Tanner crab is larger, has a slightly richer flavor, and is considered superior in quality. it's sometimes called the premium snow crab. Regular snow crab (opilio) is smaller and more abundant, making it the species found in most grocery stores. When buying Alaskan crab labeled as premium snow or Tanner crab, bairdi is what you want.
Where can I buy fresh Alaskan crab online shipped to my door?+
Several reputable online seafood suppliers specialize in Alaskan crab with overnight shipping. Alaskan Seafood Company, Sitka Salmon Shares, and Vital Choice all carry Alaskan crab in season. Alaska Gold Seafood ships directly from Sitka fishermen. Wild Alaskan Company offers subscription seafood boxes that include Dungeness and king crab seasonally. Prices include overnight shipping which adds $20 to $40 to the order but delivers a product far fresher than most inland retail options.