Kenai Fjords: Glacier & Wildlife Cruise from Seward

Summary

Whales, glaciers, and wild silence on the water from Seward

You’ll cruise out from Seward into Kenai Fjords’ wild waters with a local guide who knows every cove. Watch glaciers calve into icy bays and spot whales or puffins as you eat lunch on deck. Feel Alaska’s raw air on your face and let yourself get caught up in those rare moments of real silence surrounded by mountains.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small until we were actually drifting out of Seward, bundled up and clutching coffee that tasted a bit like adventure (and maybe a little like boat diesel). The captain — I think her name was Jamie — waved us up to the bow just as Resurrection Bay opened up. She pointed at something off in the mist; turned out to be sea otters floating belly-up, looking completely unbothered by our gawking. There was this salty chill in the air that made my cheeks sting, but honestly it felt good after the stuffy bus ride down from Anchorage.

The wildlife guide kept tossing out facts about Kenai Fjords National Park — apparently there are over 2,000 islands in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge? I lost count after five. At one point, someone shouted “whale!” and everyone rushed to one side (I nearly dropped my sandwich). We saw the back of a humpback arching through the gray water — just for a second — but it was enough to make my heart thump. Puffins zipped past overhead, looking way goofier than any bird should. And then there were those glaciers: Aialik or Holgate, can’t remember which one we stopped at longer. Chunks of blue ice cracked off with this deep echoing boom. Kind of felt like the world was exhaling.

Lunch was simple but hit the spot — nothing fancy, just sandwiches and chips, but eating outside with mountains all around makes everything taste better. I tried to get a photo of a seal lounging on an iceberg but fumbled with my gloves and missed it. Someone said you can sometimes spot black bears on the shore near Holgate arm; we didn’t see any, but honestly I was too busy staring at how light bounced off the ice to care much. The weather kept shifting — sun for five minutes, then drizzle — so layers were definitely the right call.

On the way back through Resurrection Bay, I stood outside even though my fingers were numb by then. There’s this quiet you get when everyone’s watching for wildlife and nobody wants to break it. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that silence more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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
• See Aialik Bay and glaciers
• Visit tidewater glacier: Aialik or Holgate
• Watch for glacier calving events
• Look for harbor seals and black bears
• Pass Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
• Enjoy onboard lunch and captain commentary

Top questions

How long is the Kenai Fjords glacier & wildlife cruise?

The tour lasts approximately six hours from departure in Seward.

Is lunch included on the Kenai Fjords cruise?

Yes, lunch is provided during the cruise.

Will I see whales or other wildlife?

You have a chance to see whales, puffins, seals, sea otters, sea lions, and seabirds along with possible black bear sightings near Holgate arm.

Are guides available on board?

Yes, an onboard wildlife guide provides commentary throughout the trip.

Is this cruise suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What should I wear for this day trip from Seward?

Dress in layers; bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and camera. Weather can change quickly.

Does this tour operate if it rains?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—Alaska weather changes often so dress accordingly.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Seward’s Small Boat Harbor terminal.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Seward’s harbor with an onboard wildlife guide leading you through Kenai Fjords’ fjords and glaciers. Lunch is served on deck as you watch for whales or puffins along Aialik or Holgate Glacier before returning to port in about six hours—just remember to dress for changing Alaskan weather.