Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Explore the whales, wildlife, and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park on this thrilling 7.5 hour cruise. Enjoy the extra time on the water as you get up-close views of wildlife such as orca whales, humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, and more. Visit two active tidewater glaciers and watch for calving, where giant chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. Visit the Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection, home to Steller sea lion colonies and thousands of nesting seabirds. Onboard captain narration and complimentary deli lunch included.
Available options
7.5 Hour Kenai Fjords Cruise
Explore the wildlife and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park on a high-speed catamaran. Visit two active tidewater glaciers and see whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and more!
What's included
Reserved seating inside a heated cabin
Use of binoculars while on board
Restroom on board
Onboard Naturalist Narration
Sandwich options are turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian.
All taxes and fees included in price
Water, coffee, and tea
Detailed itinerary
1
This 7.5 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise departs daily at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:00 p.m. The cruise will travel approximately 130 miles roundtrip through Resurrection Bay into Kenai Fjords National Park.
Since this cruise does go out into the open Gulf of Alaska it is not recommended for anyone who is prone to motion sickness. Our half-day Resurrection Bay cruises are much better options if motion sickness is a concern.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
This 7.5 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise departs daily at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:00 p.m. The cruise will travel approximately 130 miles roundtrip through Resurrection Bay into Kenai Fjords National Park.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
We will cruise through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, searching for wildlife and and enjoying spectacular scenery.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
We will cruise by Bear Glacier, a piedmont glacier and the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
5
Our next stop is Holgate Glacier, another actively calving tidewater glacier. We will spend approximately 20 minutes in front of each glacier, floating among the icebergs as we watch for spectacular calving.
6
After cruising through Resurrection Bay, we will round Cape Aialik (pronounced “I-al-ik) into Aialik Bay.
As we cruise into Aialik Bay you will get your first glimpse of Aialik Glacier, an active tidewater glacier. We will stop in front of the glacier and watch for calving, where large chunks of glacial ice break off and crash in to the water.
7
Depending on the weather, we will cruise to the Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection, home to thousands of nesting Alaskan seabirds like puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants. The captain will stop the boat very close to the nesting areas of the seabirds, which provides great photo opportunities. We will also visit Steller sea lion colonies, where Steller sea lions gather on the rugged, rocky coastline. Sea otters, bald eagles, and mountain goats are also commonly seen along the route.
What's not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
172 reviews
5★
155
4★
12
3★
3
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.9
463 reviews
5★
439
4★
18
3★
2
2★
1
1★
3
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Sandwich options are turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian. Please submit choice in advance.
Wheelchair accessibility or limited mobility requests must be submitted ahead of time due to limited seating capability
Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure for check-in
Meeting point
Arrive 1 hour before departure to check-in
Meeting Point: Harbor 360 Hotel
Address: 1412 4th Ave
Seward, Alaska 99664
If you are driving from Anchorage the morning of your cruise please allow 4 hours for the drive due to construction and traffic on the Seward Highway.
Important notes
Check-in is required one hour prior to cruise departure at the Major Marine Tours office. For driving directions and a map of the Seward Small Boat Harbor, please visit http://www.majormarine.com/seward-check-in.
Tour includes a deli lunch (roast beef, turkey or vegetarian sandwich). Please message or call for your choice of sandwich upon booking.
Guests are urged to dress in layers, including a warm rain-proof coat, hat, gloves, and comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. Guests are welcome to stay in our heated cabins, but warm clothes are recommended for guests who would like to spend time outside on the viewing decks.
For the comfort of our guests, Major Marine Tours is proud to designate all of our vessels as smoke free to ensure that our guests have the best experience while on the water.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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