Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise from Seward

Tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean, seals sunning on rocks, whales at the surface.

A six-hour wildlife and glacier cruise departing from Seward navigates Resurrection Bay and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, with an onboard guide, lunch and access to either Aialik or Holgate Glacier. The boat departs at 11:30 AM. Same-day train arrivals running late may miss this departure, though a 12:30 PM Resurrection Bay option exists as backup. Dress in layers. Binoculars and a camera are worth bringing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Seward Cruise Ship Terminal6h
2. Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refugepassing by
3. Resurrection Baypassing by

Kenai Fjords Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

• Depart Small Boat Harbor in Seward
• Navigate through Resurrection Bay
• View wildlife: seals, sea otters, sea lions
• Watch puffins and eagles soar
• Spot whales frolicking at sea
• Cruise around Cape Ailiak and Aialik Bay
• Visit Aialik or Holgate tidewater glacier
• Enjoy onboard lunch and captain commentary

The experience

The boat leaves Small Boat Harbor in Seward and heads into Resurrection Bay with an expert guide introducing the landscape as you go. The route takes you past seals, sea otters and sea lions hauled out on rocky shores, and overhead you'll watch puffins and eagles. The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge spreads across 2,400 islands and headlands, and the abundance of seabirds there is the reason the refuge exists. You'll see why when you arrive. The guide narrates the whole journey, so the wildlife sightings come with context instead of just binoculars and guessing.

The boat cruises around Cape Ailiak and into Aialik Bay, where you get your first look at the glaciers and the Harding Icefield rising behind them. Then you visit one of two tidewater glaciers: either Aialik or Holgate, depending on conditions that day. Both are surrounded by steep cliffs, dense forests and mountain peaks that rise straight from the water. The real draw is the calving: ice chunks break and crash into the ocean, and the guide will point out when it's about to happen. Harbor seals often gather near the glacier face. Holgate's arm occasionally sees black bears on the beaches, though sightings are rare.

Lunch comes onboard as the boat moves through the fjords, so you're eating while watching the landscape. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when you book. The whole experience runs six hours from departure to return, which is long enough to feel like a real journey into the park without eating the entire day. Bring layers because the weather changes fast out on the water, and a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen matter even on overcast days.

What’s included

• Six-hour glacier and wildlife sightseeing cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park.
• onboard wildlife guide providing expert commentary.
• lunch served during the cruise.
• access to either Aialik or Holgate Glacier depending on conditions.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1h before

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

GroupUp to 145

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Alaska Collection

Is this one for you?The fixed 11:30 AM departure and six-hour round trip fit a single afternoon without competing with other Seward activities, and the onboard guide means you learn what you're looking at instead of scanning the water and guessing.

Traveler reviews

4.74★★★★★★★★★★

1,232 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,047

4 ★107

3 ★39

2 ★15

1 ★24

Read all the reviews ›

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.

Can I bring binoculars and a camera on the Kenai Fjords cruise?

Binoculars and a camera are recommended for the cruise. They help you capture the whales, seals and calving glaciers. Bring them. The guide will point out wildlife and you'll want to photograph it.

What happens if my train from Anchorage arrives late for the 11:30 AM departure?

If you're arriving by Alaska Railroad the same day, a late arrival will cause you to miss the 11:30 AM cruise. The operator will try to accommodate you with alternate tour options if space is available, or offer the 12:30 PM Resurrection Bay Tour as an alternative. A shorter 4.5-hour option that departs later.

Is lunch included on the six-hour glacier cruise?

Lunch is included onboard during the cruise. A vegetarian option is available. Let the operator know at booking if you need it.

What wildlife might I see on the Kenai Fjords cruise?

The cruise passes seals, sea otters and sea lions on rocky shores, and you'll watch puffins and eagles overhead. Whales appear regularly in the bay, and harbor seals gather near the glacier faces. Black bears have been sighted on Holgate Glacier's beaches, though rarely.

Does the cruise operate in bad weather?

The cruise operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately in layers. The water and weather change fast, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen even on cloudy days.