Kenai Fjords Cruise from Seward: Whales, Glaciers & Calving
Two Glaciers, Three Species of Whales, Icebergs Calving Into the Water
A 7.5-hour cruise from Seward into Kenai Fjords National Park travels 130 miles roundtrip through Resurrection Bay to two active tidewater glaciers where you watch for calving, then past the Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection to see Steller sea lion colonies and thousands of nesting seabirds. The boat departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:00 p.m., with onboard naturalist narration, a heated cabin with reserved seating, binoculars, and a deli sandwich included. The cruise operates in all weather and travels into open Gulf of Alaska water, so it is not recommended for anyone prone to motion sickness.
Step-by-step itinerary
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
- Depart Seward at 9:30 a.m.
- Cruise through Resurrection Bay
- View wildlife and scenery
- Cruise by Bear Glacier
- Stop at Holgate Glacier for calving
- Cruise into Aialik Bay
- Stop at Aialik Glacier for calving
- Visit Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection
- Observe seabirds and sea lions
- Return to Seward at 5:00 p.m.
The experience
The boat leaves the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal at 9:30 a.m. and heads into Resurrection Bay, where the captain and naturalist begin watching for orca whales, humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles as you cruise through protected waters. The route then rounds Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay, where you stop in front of Aialik Glacier, an actively calving tidewater glacier, and float among icebergs for roughly 20 minutes while chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. The same stop happens at Holgate Glacier, the second active glacier on the route, so you get two separate chances to watch the calving happen.
Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, comes into view as a piedmont glacier across the water. After the glacier stops, the boat heads to either the Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection depending on weather. Both are home to thousands of nesting seabirds like puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants, and to Steller sea lion colonies that gather on the rocky coastline. The captain positions the boat close enough for photographs and wildlife spotting. Sea otters, mountain goats, and more bald eagles are commonly seen along the route. The return to Seward takes place at 5:00 p.m.
Onboard, you sit in a heated cabin with reserved seating and have access to binoculars, a restroom, and complimentary water, coffee, and tea. A deli sandwich (turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian) is included. You choose your option when you book. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. The naturalist provides live narration throughout the day in English. Because the cruise travels into open Gulf of Alaska water, it is not recommended if you are prone to motion sickness. The operator offers a shorter Resurrection Bay cruise as an alternative.
What’s included
- Reserved seating inside a heated cabin.
- binoculars for use onboard.
- a deli sandwich with your choice of turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian.
- water, coffee, and tea.
- onboard naturalist narration in English.
- a restroom onboard.
- all taxes and fees.
Information
Lasts 7h 30m, from US$ 318.73 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 19 days ago
Operated by Major Marine Tours
Is this one for you?At 7.5 hours, this cruise takes most of your day, which is what makes the 130-mile roundtrip and two separate glacier stops possible: a half-day Resurrection Bay cruise covers less ground and fewer glaciers. Book this one if you have a full day free and want to see active calving and open-water wildlife. If your schedule is tighter or motion sickness is a concern, the shorter bay cruise is the better fit.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What wildlife will I actually see on the Kenai Fjords cruise?
The cruise regularly encounters orca whales, humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, bald eagles, and mountain goats. The naturalist watches for them throughout the day, though sightings depend on weather and season.
How close do you get to the glaciers on this cruise?
You float among icebergs in front of Bear Glacier, Holgate Glacier, and Aialik Glacier, spending roughly 20 minutes at each actively calving glacier to watch ice break off and crash into the water.
What time does the boat leave Seward and when do we return?
The cruise departs daily at 9:30 a.m. from the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal and returns at 5:00 p.m., making it a 7.5-hour day on the water.
Is the boat heated and do I need to stay outside the whole time?
You have reserved seating inside a heated cabin, so you can watch from indoors or step outside on deck. Binoculars are provided onboard.
What's included in the lunch, and can I request a specific sandwich?
A complimentary deli sandwich is included with your choice of turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian. You select your option when you book. Water, coffee, and tea are also complimentary. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.
Is this cruise safe if I get motion sickness easily?
The cruise travels into open Gulf of Alaska water and is not recommended for anyone prone to motion sickness. The operator offers a shorter Resurrection Bay cruise as a better option if that is a concern for you.
Kenai Fjords Cruise from Seward: Whales, Glaciers & Calving
7h 30m · EN
from US$ 318.73 per person