Kenai Fjords: Glacier Cruise & Wildlife from Seward

Summary

Wildlife, glaciers, and real Alaska moments from Seward

You’ll board in Seward and head deep into Resurrection Bay for six hours of glacier watching and wildlife spotting—think whales, sea otters, puffins—with local narration and lunch included. You’ll float close enough to hear glacier ice crack and tumble into Aialik Bay. Expect moments of awe mixed with simple comforts—like hot coffee after standing out in the wind—and leave feeling changed by Alaska’s scale.

What’s the experience like?

The boat was already humming when we stepped on at the Seward terminal — everyone shuffling around, some clutching coffee like it was armor against the wind. Our captain, I think her name was Julie, had this calm voice that cut through the chatter as we pulled out into Resurrection Bay. It’s bigger than you expect. The water’s that cold blue that almost hurts your eyes, and there were these low clouds hanging just above the mountains. Someone near us pointed out a sea otter floating by like it owned the place. I tried to get a photo but just ended up with a blurry splash — classic.

We spent a lot of time outside even though the heated cabin was tempting (and honestly, my fingers went numb for a bit). The naturalist onboard kept popping up with binoculars, showing us puffins skimming the water and explaining how far we’d come — nearly 100 miles round-trip for this Kenai Fjords glacier & wildlife cruise. There was this moment when we rounded Cape Aialik and suddenly Aialik Glacier just appeared — massive, cracked blue ice with these weird deep rumbles coming from somewhere inside it. I didn’t expect to feel so small watching chunks break off and crash into the bay. It’s loud in a way you feel in your chest.

Lunch came right when I needed it — nothing fancy, just a sandwich (I picked turkey), but after all that cold air it tasted pretty great. The crew walked around offering coffee refills; I spilled mine trying to take a video of a humpback whale surfacing nearby (no regrets). At some point I realized how quiet everyone got when we drifted among icebergs — not awkward silence, more like everyone was just… taking it in. That’s stuck with me more than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kenai Fjords Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

• Depart from Seward Cruise Ship Terminal
• Travel through Resurrection Bay
• Continue around Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay
• View active tidewater glacier
• See Holgate or Aialik Glacier
• Watch for glacier calving and icebergs
• Enjoy onboard captain narration
• Have complimentary deli lunch
• Return to Seward

Top questions

How long is the Kenai Fjords glacier & wildlife cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours round-trip from Seward.

Is lunch included on the Kenai Fjords day trip?

Yes, a complimentary deli lunch with sandwich options is included onboard.

What wildlife can you see on this cruise?

You may see whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and other marine animals during the tour.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; guests depart from Seward Cruise Ship Terminal.

Is the Kenai Fjords cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but wheelchair accessibility or limited mobility requests must be submitted ahead due to limited seating capability.

Do you visit an active glacier on this cruise?

Yes, you’ll visit either Holgate or Aialik Glacier and watch for calving events.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Water, coffee, and tea are complimentary throughout the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees covered up front, reserved seating inside a heated cabin for comfort no matter Alaska’s weather moods, use of binoculars for wildlife spotting (trust me—you’ll want them), narrated guidance from an onboard naturalist who knows every cove by name, plus your choice of turkey, roast beef or vegetarian sandwich for lunch along with plenty of hot drinks to keep your hands warm between photos.