Seward: Northwestern Glacier Cruise & Wildlife Full Day Tour

Summary

Glide past blue ice watch sea otters and hear glacier thunder

You’ll cruise deep into Kenai Fjords from Seward with a local wildlife guide, watch glaciers calve into icy water, spot whales and puffins up close, and share lunch on board with fellow travelers. There’s something quietly moving about hearing glacier thunder echo across the fjord — it stays with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We pulled away from Seward just as a few gulls started circling the harbor, their calls sharp in the morning air. I’d barely zipped my jacket before our guide, Jamie, started pointing out the first shapes on the water — sea otters floating like they owned the place. The boat moved steady through Resurrection Bay, wind picking up a bit but not enough to stop folks from leaning over the rail for photos or just to feel that cold Alaskan air on their cheeks. Someone passed around coffee — honestly, I needed it more than I thought.

As we got deeper into Kenai Fjords, everything felt bigger. The cliffs pressed close and you could hear nothing but water slapping against the hull for long stretches. Jamie told us about the Harding Icefield and how Northwestern Glacier is basically one of its icy fingers reaching down to meet us — I tried to picture it but mostly just stared at that wall of blue ice ahead. There was this moment when a chunk calved off with a sound like distant thunder; everyone went quiet except for one little kid who cheered. I still think about that silence right after.

Lunch came out (turkey sandwich for me), and we drifted near some rocky islands in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Puffins bobbed in the waves — way smaller than I imagined — and someone next to me tried to count them all out loud before giving up and laughing. The crew kept spotting things: a whale spout far off, then closer in, sea lions sprawled like sunbathers on black rocks. It’s funny how quickly you start looking for movement everywhere once you’ve seen your first whale tail disappear.

The ride back felt slower somehow, maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet. Jamie answered questions about glaciers melting (not exactly uplifting), and a couple from Anchorage shared stories about coming here every summer since ‘98. My hands smelled faintly of salt by then — or maybe diesel? Hard to tell with all that wind. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip to Northwestern Glacier from Seward, just bring an extra layer and don’t bother trying to count puffins.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Kenai Fjords cruise

• Depart from Seward, Alaska
• Cruise through Resurrection Bay
• Explore Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
• Spot whales, puffins, sea otters, and sea lions
• Visit Northwestern Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
• Learn about natural history from crew narration
• Return to Seward

Top questions

How long is the Northwestern Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from departure to return.

Is lunch included on this full day cruise?

Yes, lunch is included along with a light breakfast served onboard.

What wildlife can I expect to see during this tour?

You may see whales, puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and many seabirds in Kenai Fjords and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

The tour departs from Seward harbor; hotel pickup is not mentioned but public transportation options are nearby.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the boat and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to check in before departure?

You should check in one hour before your scheduled departure time.

Does this day trip operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dressing appropriately is recommended.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Yes, there are restrooms available on the boat throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes an early light breakfast as you depart Seward harbor, guided narration by an experienced wildlife expert throughout Kenai Fjords and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, a hearty lunch served onboard while watching for marine life near glaciers and rocky islands, plus restroom access for comfort during your full-day adventure.