Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise: Icebergs & Whales

100 miles round-trip to watch icebergs calve into the ocean

This 6-hour glacier and wildlife cruise departs from Seward and travels through Resurrection Bay into Kenai Fjords National Park to reach an actively calving tidewater glacier—either Holgate or Aialik—in Aialik Bay. An experienced captain narrates the route and points out whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins and other wildlife as you float among icebergs and watch for calving events. The cruise includes reserved heated cabin seating, binoculars, onboard naturalist narration, a deli lunch with sandwich options (turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian), and water, coffee and tea. You choose between a morning departure at 8:00 a.m. or an afternoon departure at 11:30 a.m., and should arrive one hour before your scheduled time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kenai Fjords Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

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

The Experience

The boat leaves Seward Cruise Ship Terminal and travels about 100 miles round-trip through Resurrection Bay, then around Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay. The captain narrates throughout, calling out wildlife and explaining what you're seeing as the landscape shifts from open water to the narrow fjord. Reserved seating in the heated cabin means you stay warm while watching, and binoculars are provided so you don't miss detail at a distance.

The centerpiece is the tidewater glacier itself—either Holgate or Aialik, depending on conditions—actively calving as you approach. Chunks of ice break off and crash into the ocean, and the boat positions itself close enough to watch and photograph without the noise overwhelming conversation. Between glacier viewing, the captain points out sea otters, sea lions hauled out on rocks, and puffins. Whales appear unpredictably, but the naturalist knows where to look and when they're likely to pass through.

Lunch arrives midway through the cruise—a deli sandwich (choose turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian when you book), plus water, coffee and tea. The meal is included, so there's no additional cost or decision to make once you're onboard. Dress in layers; the boat operates in all weather, and conditions on the water are colder than in town. Arrive at the terminal an hour before departure to check in.

What’s included

• Reserved heated cabin seating.
• binoculars.
• onboard naturalist narration in English.
• deli lunch with sandwich options (turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian).
• water, coffee and tea.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcome

Operated by Major Marine Tours

Is this one for you?Book the morning cruise if you want the calmest water and best light for photographing icebergs and wildlife; the afternoon departure suits a later arrival in Seward or a preference to start your day elsewhere first. Both routes visit the same glacier and wildlife areas—the difference is timing and water conditions.

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Top questions

What exactly is a calving glacier and why does it matter?

A tidewater glacier is one that flows all the way to the ocean, and calving is when large chunks of ice break off the face and fall into the water—a dramatic, unpredictable event that can happen multiple times during the cruise. The Holgate and Aialik glaciers are actively calving, which means you have a real chance to witness it rather than simply viewing a static ice face.

How far is the cruise from Seward, and how much time do we actually spend at the glacier?

The round-trip is about 100 miles total, and the 6-hour cruise includes travel time through Resurrection Bay and around Cape Aialik. Most of the time at the glacier itself is spent floating among the icebergs and watching for calving activity, with the captain narrating the entire approach and stay.

What wildlife will we see, and is it guaranteed?

The captain points out sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and other birds regularly during the cruise. Whales—humpback, orca, and others—do pass through Kenai Fjords, but sightings depend on the season and conditions; the naturalist knows the patterns and watches for them, but no wildlife encounter is guaranteed on any single cruise.

Is the morning or afternoon cruise better?

The morning cruise departs at 8:00 a.m. and the afternoon cruise at 11:30 a.m. Both follow the same route and visit the same glacier. Morning departures often have calmer water and better light for photography, while afternoon cruises suit travelers arriving later in the day or preferring a later start.

What should I bring, and how cold is it on the water?

Dress in layers—the boat operates year-round in all weather, and temperatures on the water are significantly colder than in Seward. Binoculars are provided onboard. The heated cabin keeps you warm between wildlife sightings, but you'll want to step outside to photograph and watch, so a windproof jacket and warm hat are essential.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Lunch is included with the cruise—a deli sandwich with your choice of turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian, plus water, coffee and tea. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase onboard if you'd like them. Outside food is not mentioned in the cruise details, so check with the operator if you have specific dietary needs beyond the sandwich options.