Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise: Gray Whales in Spring

Watch gray whales migrate north through Resurrection Bay

Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise from Seward is a 4-hour boat tour through protected waters in search of migrating gray whales and resident marine wildlife. An experienced captain and naturalist crew narrate the journey, sharing insights about the animals, the area's history and the landscape. Binoculars, coffee, tea and water are included. The boat operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions.

The experience

The cruise departs Seward and heads into Resurrection Bay toward the Gulf of Alaska, where gray whales pass through on their annual migration north from Baja to the Bering and Chukchi Seas: a journey of over 5,000 miles that begins in late February and peaks in spring. The protected waters narrow your search and concentrate the wildlife. Your captain positions the boat to give you the best sightlines without disturbing the animals. Binoculars are provided, and the naturalist crew shares what you're seeing as it happens, so you understand the behavior and the biology behind it.

Gray whales are the main draw, but the bay holds other animals year-round. Watch for humpback whales and orca in early season, Steller sea lions hauled out on rocks, sea otters floating in the shallows, Dall's porpoises cutting through the water, harbor seals, and bald eagles overhead. Spring brings an extra detail: mountain goats with newly born kids visible on the snow-capped peaks that ring the bay. The four hours move between watching and listening: the captain narrates the wildlife and the natural history of the area, so you're not just seeing the animals but understanding why they're there and what their presence means.

The boat runs in all weather, which is how the tour stays on schedule and why the whales don't disappear if the forecast shifts. Dress in layers and bring a windbreaker. The bay is colder than Seward itself, and the boat is moving. Coffee, tea and water are free throughout the cruise. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome aboard.

What’s included

• Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• free coffee, tea and water throughout the cruise.
• narration by an experienced captain and naturalist crew sharing insights about the wildlife, history and natural wonders of the area.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 Mar 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 150

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.

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcome

Operated by Major Marine Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour led by a captain and naturalist, so you watch and listen rather than navigate yourself. It suits anyone who wants to see migrating whales and marine wildlife without needing to know where to look or what you're seeing. The fixed 4-hour schedule and the crew's expertise mean the day is structured for you. You show up dressed for cold water and the rest unfolds.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

158 verified traveler reviews

5 ★142

4 ★8

3 ★4

2 ★1

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): 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.

When do gray whales migrate through Resurrection Bay?

Gray whales begin their migration north in late February and travel through Alaskan waters in the spring. This cruise is timed to catch them during that northbound passage from Baja to the Bering and Chukchi Seas.

What other wildlife might I see besides gray whales?

Humpback whales, orca, Steller sea lions, sea otters, Dall's porpoises, harbor seals, and bald eagles are common sightings. In spring, you may also see mountain goats with their newly born kids on the snow-capped peaks surrounding the bay.

How long is the Resurrection Bay cruise?

The cruise is 4 hours, departing from Seward and traveling into the protected waters of Resurrection Bay toward the Gulf of Alaska.

What's included in the wildlife cruise?

Binoculars, free coffee, tea and water, and narration by an experienced captain and naturalist crew are included. All taxes and fees are built into the price. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase on board.

Does the cruise operate if the weather is bad?

Yes, the boat operates in all weather conditions. Dress warmly in layers and bring a windbreaker, as conditions on the water are colder and windier than in Seward itself.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?

The boat is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are also welcome aboard.