Seward: Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise & Bear Glacier Lunch

Summary

Half-day boat trip from Seward with glacier views and wildlife

You’ll board in Seward and set out across Resurrection Bay with an expert wildlife guide—watching seabirds wheel overhead and hoping for glimpses of whales or seals. You’ll eat a hot lunch on deck as Bear Glacier looms ahead, then circle past rocky islands where sea lions laze in the sun. It’s a half-day tour that leaves you feeling both tiny and lucky.

What’s the experience like?

We pulled away from the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal just after lunch, the kind of cold that sneaks under your jacket making everyone huddle close on deck. Our captain—Jim, with a beard that could rival any sea lion’s—pointed out Resurrection Bay’s jagged cliffs as we picked up speed. The water was this weird blue-gray, almost metallic, and gulls kept swooping in behind us like they were waiting for snacks. I kept thinking I’d seen every shade of green and gray by now, but Alaska keeps inventing new ones.

About twenty minutes in, someone shouted “whale!” and the whole boat lurched to one side (nobody fell, but my coffee nearly did). It was just a spout in the distance, but still—everyone got quiet for a second. Our wildlife guide started rattling off facts about harbor seals and Steller sea lions; she made it sound like she actually knew each one personally. We drifted past Thumb Cove where waterfalls spilled down through mossy rock, and you could smell salt mixed with something almost sweet—maybe spruce? Hard to say.

I didn’t expect Bear Glacier to look so massive from this far out. It’s not one of those glaciers that crashes into the sea (the guide explained that bit), but it sort of hangs there at the edge of everything, wide and silent. There was hot soup for lunch—simple but honestly perfect with all that wind—and I ate mine watching puffins bob around like they owned the place. At Cape Resurrection we finally saw sea lions flopped over rocks, barely moving except for an occasional tail flick or grumpy bark. Someone tried to count them but gave up halfway through; there were just too many.

The ride back felt quieter somehow, maybe because everyone had gotten their fill of photos or maybe it was just that slow afternoon light hitting the bay. I still think about how small we all felt out there—just passing through while everything else keeps going.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Resurrection Bay wildlife and glacier tour

• Depart from Seward Cruise Terminal
• Navigate through Resurrection Bay
• View jagged cliffs and seabirds
• Spot marine wildlife and alpine glaciers
• Enjoy hot lunch onboard
• See Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
• Watch seabirds, waterfalls, and hanging glaciers at Thumb Cove
• Observe Steller sea lions and harbor seals at Cape Resurrection

Top questions

How long is the Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise?

The tour is a half-day trip departing from Seward.

Is lunch included on the cruise?

Yes, a hot lunch is served onboard during the tour.

Will I see Bear Glacier up close?

You’ll see Bear Glacier from the water; it’s visible but not a tidewater glacier.

Are guides provided on this tour?

Yes, an expert wildlife guide narrates throughout the cruise.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Seward Cruise Ship Terminal.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Seward Cruise Ship Terminal with an expert wildlife guide narrating along Resurrection Bay, views of Bear Glacier and Thumb Cove’s waterfalls, plus a hot lunch served onboard before returning to port in comfort.