Gray Whale Migration Tour Seward: Spring Wildlife

Watch gray whales migrate 5,000 miles to Alaska's waters

A half-day wildlife tour from Seward that departs the harbor in spring to track the annual gray whale migration into Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. You'll sail past Bear Glacier, Thumb Cove and Cape Resurrection, where Steller sea lions and harbor seals haul out on rocky islands. An expert guide narrates the journey, and lunch is included. The four-hour window leaves your morning or afternoon free for other Seward activities.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Resurrection Bay4h
2. Seward Cruise Ship Terminalpass by
3. Bear Glacierpass by

Spring Resurrection Bay & Wildlife Tour

• Check in at Seward harbor office
• Board vessel at Seward dock
• Sail out of Seward harbor
• Watch for bald eagles and seals
• Explore Resurrection Bay coastline
• View Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords
• See Thumb Cove rock faces and waterfalls
• Spot Steller sea lions and harbor seals at Cape Resurrection

The experience

The tour starts at Seward's central office near the waterfront, where you check in before heading down the dock to board your vessel. Once underway, watch for resident bald eagles and seals as the boat leaves the harbor. The route takes you into Resurrection Bay and toward the open Gulf of Alaska, where the spring months bring gray whales traveling north from Baja California to the Bering Sea: a migration of over 5,000 miles. Your guide points out wildlife and explains what you're seeing as the boat moves through the fjords.

The tour passes Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield within Kenai Fjords National Park, and stops at Thumb Cove, where rock faces, waterfalls and distant cirque glaciers frame the bay. At Cape Resurrection, Steller sea lions and harbor seals often rest on rocky islands close enough to photograph. The company has operated in Kenai Fjords since 1974 and staffs each tour with deckhands and a captain who know the waters and wildlife patterns.

Lunch and coffee or tea are provided aboard. The boat is wheelchair accessible, though advance notice is required for wheelchair access on the shuttle van. Dress in layers: spring weather in Alaska shifts quickly, and the tour operates regardless of conditions.

What’s included

• Expert wildlife guide in English.
• lunch.
• coffee and tea.
• four hours aboard the vessel exploring Resurrection Bay, Bear Glacier, Thumb Cove and Cape Resurrection.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 Mar 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Cruise depart from the Kenai Fjords Tours Office:1304 W. Fourth Avenue, Seward AK. Free parking is available in our private lot with a free shuttle to the dock, starting May 1st.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Alaska Collection

Is this one for you?Four hours leaves your morning or afternoon open for other Seward activities, making this tour a natural fit if you're arriving by cruise ship or have a free half-day between other plans in town.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

When do gray whales migrate through Resurrection Bay?

Gray whales migrate north through Resurrection Bay during the spring months on their journey from Baja California to Alaska's Bering Sea, traveling over 5,000 miles to reach the nutrient-rich northern waters.

What wildlife will I see on this Seward tour?

You'll watch for bald eagles and seals near Seward harbor, see Bear Glacier and the cirque glaciers of Thumb Cove, and spot Steller sea lions and harbor seals hauled out on rocky islands at Cape Resurrection.

How long is the half-day tour and what time does it depart?

The tour runs four hours. Specific departure times are set by the operator. Check at booking to confirm the morning or afternoon slot that fits your schedule in Seward.

Is lunch included on the Resurrection Bay tour?

Yes, lunch is included, along with coffee and tea. Vegetarian options are available if you request one at the time of booking.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the Seward harbor?

Public transportation options are available near the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal where the tour departs. The shuttle van is wheelchair accessible if you request that accommodation in advance.