Kenai Fjords: Small-Group Northwestern Glacier Cruise

Summary

Cruise past glaciers spot whales and seabirds in kenai fjords wild corners

You’ll board in Seward for a full-day cruise deep into Kenai Fjords’ wildest corners—spotting whales, sea lions, and puffins as you glide past Bear Glacier and into remote Northwestern Fjord. With a small group and local crew guiding you close to actively calving ice walls, every moment feels raw and unfiltered—sandwich lunch included so you don’t miss a thing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of cold air as we left Seward’s dock — that sharp, salty edge you only get up here. Our captain, Dave (who’s been doing this longer than I’ve been alive, I think), handed me binoculars and grinned like he already knew what we’d see. There were maybe twenty of us, all bundled up and clutching coffee cups, drifting out through Resurrection Bay while the mountains just sat there — blue and white and impossibly close. A bald eagle circled overhead; someone pointed it out before I even spotted it myself.

I thought the boat would feel crowded but it didn’t — there was space to lean against the rail and let the wind sting your cheeks. We passed Bear Glacier early on (the ice looked like it was breathing), then further out where the water turned that weird greenish color you only get near glaciers. Dave slowed down for a pod of orcas — real ones, not just distant splashes — and everyone got quiet except for one woman who gasped so loud she made us laugh. The guide told us about Steller sea lions on the rocks at Cape Resurrection, their barks echoing over the water. It smelled faintly of kelp and engine oil, which sounds bad but somehow fits.

Lunch was a simple sandwich (I picked turkey), eaten with numb fingers because I didn’t want to go inside and miss anything. The real show was Northwestern Glacier itself — we drifted close enough to hear cracks echo off the cliffs when chunks calved into the bay. I tried to film it but mostly just stared; you can’t really catch that feeling on a screen anyway. The air tasted colder there, almost metallic. Someone asked our guide if this happens every day; she shrugged and said nature does what it wants.

On the way back through Harris Bay, sunlight hit the water in these weird stripes — silver here, dark green there — while puffins zipped past like little flying potatoes (not an insult). I ended up chatting with Li from Anchorage about how you always think you’ll see whales but never expect them right up close like that. My face hurt from smiling by then. Even now, weeks later, sometimes I still hear those glacier cracks in my head when things get too quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Kenai Fjords cruise adventure

• Depart Seward Harbor dock at 8:30 a.m.
• Cruise through Resurrection Bay
• Explore Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection
• Enter Harris Bay for wildlife viewing
• Visit Northwestern, Anchor, and Ojive Glaciers
• Watch glacier calving at Northwestern Glacier
• Enjoy deli lunch on board
• Return to Seward Harbor dock at 5:00 p.m.

Top questions

How long is the Kenai Fjords Northwestern cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 8.5 hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Is lunch included on the Kenai Fjords cruise?

Yes, a deli-style sandwich lunch is included with turkey, roast beef or vegetarian options.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Seward Harbor 360 Hotel dock in Seward.

What wildlife might I see on this day trip?

You may see humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, puffins and other seabirds.

Are children allowed on this cruise?

This particular cruise is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Is there narration during the tour?

Yes, narration is provided by an experienced captain and crew throughout the cruise.

What should I wear for the Kenai Fjords cruise?

Dress warmly in layers; weather can change quickly and it can be cold near glaciers.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Yes, there are restrooms available on board the vessel.

What’s included

Your day includes use of binoculars on board for wildlife spotting, narration by an experienced local captain and crew who share stories as you go along, all taxes and fees covered in advance so no surprises later, plus coffee, tea or water whenever you want them—and a simple deli lunch served mid-cruise so you can eat without missing any glacier action before returning to Seward in late afternoon.