Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise: Bear Glacier & sea lions

Cruise past massive glaciers and watch sea lions haul out on rocky islands

A half-day wildlife and glacier cruise departing from Seward through Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park, led by an expert guide who narrates the route. You navigate past jagged cliffs, alpine glaciers and Bear Glacier while spotting seabirds, Steller sea lions and harbor seals. Hot lunch is served onboard. The tour runs 4.5 hours and operates in all weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Resurrection Bay
2. Seward Cruise Ship Terminal4h
3. Bear Glacierpassing by

Half-day Resurrection Bay wildlife tour

• Depart from Seward
• Navigate through Resurrection Bay
• View jagged cliffs and seabirds
• Spot marine wildlife and alpine glaciers
• Enjoy hot lunch onboard
• View Bear Glacier
• Watch seabirds and waterfalls at Thumb Cove
• See Steller sea lions and harbor seals at Cape Resurrection

The experience

The boat leaves from Seward Cruise Ship Terminal and heads into Resurrection Bay, where an expert guide introduces you to Kenai Fjords National Park as you cruise. The route takes you past hanging glaciers in Thumb Cove, where waterfalls drop from the cliffs, and then to Bear Glacier: the largest glacier of the Harding Icefield within the park. Along the way, jagged coastline and alpine peaks frame the water.

Marine wildlife appears throughout the cruise. Steller sea lions and harbor seals often lounge on rocky islands near Cape Resurrection, and seabirds wheel overhead. The captain narrates what you're seeing, and there's time to photograph the animals and the landscape. Hot lunch is served onboard, and a vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

The half-day format means you're back in Seward by early afternoon or late morning depending on your departure time. Dress in layers (weather can shift on the water), and the boat operates regardless of conditions. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the vessel is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation options are available near the terminal if you need them.

What’s included

• Expert wildlife guide narrating the route.
• hot lunch served onboard with a vegetarian option available.
• views of Bear Glacier, Thumb Cove's hanging glaciers and waterfalls, jagged cliffs and alpine peaks.
• opportunities to spot Steller sea lions, harbor seals and seabirds.

Information

Lasts 4h, from US$ 150.02 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 14 May 2027

GroupPrivate2 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Alaska Collection

Is this one for you?A half-day cruise suits travelers with limited time who want glaciers and wildlife without a full-day commitment. The fixed schedule and included lunch mean you don't arrange meals or timing. The boat handles both, so your morning or afternoon stays intact.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): 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.

What is Bear Glacier and why is it worth seeing on this tour?

Bear Glacier is the largest glacier of the Harding Icefield within Kenai Fjords National Park. You view it from the water as part of the cruise through Resurrection Bay, and the guide explains what you're looking at as the boat passes.

Does the tour include food, and are there options if I'm vegetarian?

Hot lunch is included onboard. A vegetarian option is available. Just let the operator know when you book if you need it.

How long is this tour and when does it depart?

The tour runs 4.5 hours total. Specific departure times depend on the date you choose. Check the booking calendar for the schedule that fits your day in Seward.

What marine animals might I see on this cruise?

Steller sea lions and harbor seals are often found on rocky islands near Cape Resurrection. Seabirds soar overhead throughout the route, and you may spot other marine wildlife as the boat navigates Resurrection Bay.

What should I wear, and does the tour run if the weather is bad?

Dress in layers because weather on the water can change quickly. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so bring appropriate clothing and be prepared for wind and spray.