Kenai Fjords Cruise from Seward: Whales, Glaciers & Calving

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/13

Duration7h 30m

GroupUp to 150

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

7h 30m

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcome

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.