Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise: Bear Glacier & sea lions

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.78 (201 reviews) 89% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration4h 30m

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

4h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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.