Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward

Seward , United States

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward

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(1037 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Hop aboard one of Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruises, and take an extraordinary six-hour journey through Kenai Fjords National Park. This must-do tour from Seward offers the chance to view whales, birds and other wildlife as you cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords. You’ll visit seabird rookeries in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy lunch as you listen to onboard commentary from the captain!

Available options

National Park Tour with Lunch

Duration: 6 hours<br/>Lunch

What's included

On-board wildlife guide

6 hour glacier and wildlife sightseeing cruise

Lunch

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Towering walls of rock, lush forests, tumbling glaciers and abundant wildlife await on your journey up the coast from Seward on our six unique ocean cruises. Glide past seals, sea otters and sea lions playing and sunning on rocky shores. Watch puffins and eagles soar above. Wonder at the sight of whales frolicking at sea - all of these signature Alaskan sights are easily accessible on our wildlife and glacier cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Stop 2 Pass by

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 2,400 islands, headlands, rocks, islets, spires and reefs and is known for its abundance of seabirds.

Cruise around Cape Ailiak, and get a first look at Aialik Bay and its surrounding glaciers. Look for mountain peaks emerging from the fields of snow and ice of Harding Icefield.

Visit either one of two spectacular tidewater glaciers, Aialik or Holgate. Aialik Glacier is surrounded by steep cliffs, dense forests and towering mountain peaks. Visitors may see spectacular calving events as ice chunks break and crash into the ocean. Keep an eye for harbor seals.

A towering tidewater glacier
Visit either one of two spectacular tidewater glaciers, Aialik or Holgate. Like Aialik, Holgate Glacier is surrounded by steep cliffs, dense forests and towering mountain peaks. Visitors may see spectacular calving events as ice chunks break and crash into the ocean. Though rare, black bears have been sighted on the beaches in Holgate arm.

Stop 6 Pass by

Depart Small Boat Harbor in Seward and navigate through Resurrection Bay as our expert guides introduce you to Kenai Fjords National Park.

What's not included

Additional Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

422 reviews

5★

362

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

615 reviews

5★

521

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately; layers are recommended

Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars and camera recommended

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

If you're traveling by same-day train arrival and departure with the Alaska Railroad: If the train arrives late, passengers will miss the 11:30 AM departure time. We will try our best to accommodate by providing alternate tour options, space available. An alternative option would be to go on the 4.5-hour Resurrection Bay Tour that departs at 12:30 PM.

Meeting point

Located on 4th Avenue in Seward, Alaska directly across the street from the Breeze Inn, and on the water where the small boat harbor is located. A few blocks south of the Train Depot.

Important notes

At the Kenai Fjords Tours check in desk, please provide your Viator voucher to be exchanged for a direct entry ticket. Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior as the boat leaves on time. For your safety, we ask all passengers to complete a waiver before boarding your boat. https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/v/kenaifjords
*If arriving by train, be advised if there are delays you will miss the 11:30 AM departure time. We will try our best to accommodate by providing alternate tour options, based on space available. No refunds will be given if you are delayed for your departure.

About Seward

Seward is a charming coastal town in Alaska, known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. It offers stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a rich history tied to the Alaska Railroad and the Iditarod Trail. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and kayaking to wildlife viewing and glacier tours.

Top Attractions

Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning national park featuring glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Half-day to full day Moderate to expensive (park entry is free, but tours and activities have costs)

Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a popular attraction featuring marine life exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs. It's a great place to learn about Alaska's marine ecosystems.

Museum 1 to 2 hours Moderate

Seward Museum

The Seward Museum offers a glimpse into the history of Seward and the surrounding area, from its early days as a gold rush town to its role in the Alaska Railroad.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Budget

Exit Glacier Nature Center

The Exit Glacier Nature Center offers educational programs and guided hikes to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. It's a great way to learn about glaciers and their impact on the landscape.

Nature 1 to 3 hours (depending on the hike) Budget to moderate

Seward Small Boat Harbor

The Seward Small Boat Harbor is a bustling hub of activity, with fishing boats, tour boats, and marine life viewing opportunities. It's a great place to watch the boats come and go and enjoy the scenic waterfront.

Beach 30 minutes to a few hours Free to explore, costs vary for tours and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Alaskan King Crab

Succulent and sweet, Alaskan King Crab is a must-try when in Seward. It's often served steamed or grilled, with butter or drawn butter.

Dinner Contains shellfish

Salmon

Alaskan salmon is famous for its rich flavor and tender texture. It's often grilled, smoked, or baked, and can be found in many local dishes.

Lunch or Dinner Contains fish

Reindeer Sausage

A unique Alaskan specialty, reindeer sausage is made from ground reindeer meat and spices. It's often served as a sausage or in dishes like chili or stew.

Lunch or Dinner Contains meat

Baked Alaska

A classic Alaskan dessert, Baked Alaska features layers of ice cream and cake, topped with meringue and baked until golden.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park Kayaking in Resurrection Bay Glacier tours and dog sledding Scenic boat tours Visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center Enjoying local seafood at a waterfront restaurant Visiting the Seward Museum Exploring downtown shops and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Seward, offering the best weather for outdoor activities. The days are long, with nearly 19 hours of daylight in June, and the wildlife is very active.

10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) 50°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, GMT-8) from the first Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, and Alaska Standard Time (AKST, GMT-9) for the rest of the year.

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Seward is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Research tours and activities before booking, and choose reputable companies.
• Be cautious when hiking or exploring remote areas, and let someone know your plans.

Getting there

By air

Anchorage International Airport • 120 miles (193 km) northeast of Seward

By train

Seward Train Station

By bus

Seward Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around Seward, but schedules may be limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi companies can be called directly.

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Seward Resurrection Bay

Day trips

Whittier

50 miles (80 km) northeast of Seward • Full day recommended

Whittier is a small town known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. It's home to the Anton Anderson Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America, and offers stunning views of Prince William Sound.

Girdwood

70 miles (113 km) northeast of Seward • Full day recommended

Girdwood is a charming town known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. It's home to the Alyeska Aerial Tram and the popular hiking trail, the Glacier Trail.

Anchorage

120 miles (193 km) northeast of Seward • Full day or overnight recommended

Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. It's a great place to explore before or after your trip to Seward.

Festivals

Seward Music & Arts Festival • July Seward Silver Salmon Derby • July and August Seward Winter Brewfest • February

Pro tips

Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and see the animals at their most active.
Book tours and activities in advance, especially during the summer months, as Seward can be busy and popular with tourists.
Dress in layers, as the weather in Seward can change quickly and be unpredictable, even in the summer.
Try local seafood specialties, such as salmon, halibut, and crab, at one of Seward's many waterfront restaurants.
Explore the historic downtown area, with its charming shops, galleries, and museums, for a taste of local culture and history.