Seward Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour

The cruise will travel through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay and continue around Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay to view Holgate Glacier, an actively calving tidewater glacier. We will spend time in front of the glacier to watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. Our experienced captain will fully narrate your journey and will point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area's wildlife, history, and geology.

While in the protected waters of Aialik Bay we will begin providing complimentary deli lunch. This hearty deli lunch will keep you fueled for your full day of adventure on the water. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are provided. Snacks, beverages, and full bar drinks are available for purchase during the cruise.

Depending on the time of year, we will explore the Chiswell Islands (part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge) or Cape Resurrection, home to thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants. The captain will stop the boat close to the seabird nesting areas, providing 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.

Included: Deli lunch and complimentary use of binoculars while onboard. Life jackets and life rafts are onboard in case of emergency. This cruise is not recommended for those who are prone to seasickness since it travels through the open Gulf of Alaska.

Deli Lunch Menu:
Turkey, Roast Beef, or Vegetarian* sandwich (Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese)
Chips, Granola Bar
Chocolate Brownie or Cookie
One Complimentary Soft Drink
Complimentary Coffee, Tea, and Water

*Gluten-free bread is available for those with dietary restrictions (GF). Gluten-free bread must be requested in advance, at the time of reservation.

Duration: 6 hours

Inclusions:

Complimentary use of binoculars
Guaranteed reserved seating in a heated cabin for every guest
Multiple viewing decks
Narration
Deli-style lunch

Duration: 6 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

6 hours - cruise

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets at the 4th Avenue check-in office. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

Catamarans used for this tour are wheelchair accessible on the main deck inside only.

Do we stop and get off the boat during the cruise?

Our guests stay on the boat for the entire cruise to maximize glacier and wildlife viewing opportunities.

What should I wear?

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 guest who would like to spend time outside on the viewing decks.

What should I bring?

Cameras (tripods are prohibited), extra batteries, binoculars.

Do you still cruise if it’s raining?

Our cruises go out rain or shine. We only cancel cruises due to unsafe sea conditions, in which case we will notify you as soon as possible. We reserve the right to cancel or re-route our cruises based on weather or other conditions. If the route of the Kenai Fjords National Park tour is limited to the confines of Resurrection Bay, we will refund per adult and per child.

Is your boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat used for this tour is wheelchair accessible on the main deck inside only.

Is there a place to store my luggage during the cruise?

You are welcome to store your luggage in our office during your cruise.

Can I bring my pet on board?

Pets are not permitted onboard unless your dog is a Service Animal needed due to a medical reason. Service dogs that are trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability are permitted. Emotional support or comfort dogs are not allowed. There are several doggy daycare/boarding facilities in Seward.

Do you allow smoking on board?

No. All vessels are non-smoking. There are no designated areas on the vessels for smoking.

Customer Reviews

Jul 2023 - Josephine W.

Wonderful ride, excellent sandwich for lunch! Saw lots of sea animals!

May 2023 - Micharl C.

Great crew, very helpful and friendly. Outer bay, enroute to Holgate Glacier was rough so Captain elected to change the planed route and avoid going around/south of Chiswell Island. Orca, humpback whales, sea otters, Holgate Glacier and kayakers. When in Seward BE SURE to spend an hour or two at the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Sep 2022 - Richard T.

Taking a six-hour tour to the glacier was a great experience, sea swells and all. The views and many stops to see the many species in their natural habitats was awesome. The staff was also amazing from the commentary about the various items we saw to helping everyone on the ship ride that needed assistance. I highly recommend this tour.

Aug 2022 - Joanne K.

Absolutely loved everything about my trip to the Kenai Fjords. The staff on the boat were fabulous and I saw a whale which jumped out the water, amazing! Would highly recommended

Jul 2022 - Laura B.

Incredible tour! We were so lucky to see amazing wildlife during the day and we had sunny weather! More than that, the crew was so nice and personable. the ship was comfy and clean, and Captain Nicole was incredible. I would likely recommend this to anyone visiting Seward!!

Sep 2021 - Angelica M.

was one of my best experiences in Alaska. The services was amazing, the 3 hours trip was beautiful and we could see great views and animals, the costumer service is excellent, they helped me to fix a refund my reservation because we were very far away from the port and we couldnt reach the 11.30am and that is why we modified the 3 hour one that leaves at 1.30pm which was beautiful and even enough for us ... 100% recommended and the price is very good

Aug 2021 - Emily F.

This tour exceeded expectations. The staff was cheerful, knowledgeable and friendly. We saw a lot of wildlife and a had an incredible view/experience at the glacier. We liked having indoor space as well as various outdoors ones in which to spend our time.

Jul 2021 - Richard Z.

Staff was super friendly, drinks were good, and saw plenty of wild life.

Jun 2021 - Curtis C.

Outstanding. The whale watch was awesome, crew was extremely flexible and adept at putting us in great viewing areas. The 6 hour tour was perfect.

Jun 2021 - Susan M.

Wonderful in all ways-the boat, the crew, the food, the experience. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you!

Jun 2021 - Matthew F.

Best money spent! We visited in June 2021 from California and the staff were friendly and informative. We have done whale cruises before but this was something special. They made every effort to spot wildlife and provide just enough facts. The glaciers were BEAUTIFUL. We were on the newer boat and the tables/facilities were great. The process to check-in/board and having a private table for our party made it even easier. We were VERY happy with our experience.

Jun 2021 - Jeremy S.

Our family had an amazing time! The crew was ALL very nice, welcoming, super knowledgeable about everything we asked! Melissa and Dylan were super cool! Thank you for volunteering to take pictures with our phones and all the help you offered. We saw many whales, birds, sea lions, and of course the majestic glacier. What a great trip!

Jun 2021 - Joaquin Emilio L.

I think it was fantastic. But I did not enjoy it because of a severe motion sickness and nobody cared or helped.

May 2021 - Luana E.

Great tour and experienced crew. Narrator was exceptional. I was able to view several indigenous wildlife - remarkable experience and highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting see nature at it's best

Sep 2020 - Anna R.

So fun! We will do it again for sure!

Jun 2020 - Michelle P.

Our trip was absolutely perfect. The ship is very comfortable and it was easy to view everything no matter if you chose to stay inside or out. The Captain and crew were excellent at pointing things out and moving us to where the action was. I highly recommend this tour!

Aug 2019 - Ruth Ann M.

We really enjoyed this tour. It showed Alaska the we hoped to see it. We saw many sea animals and a calving glacier. We highly recommend this tour!!!!

Aug 2019 - LaRae M.

Saw sea lions and puffins. Glaciers and some cool rock forms. Really wanted to see whales but no luck. Kinda long and if you are on a cruise I would skip as seeing much the same. Super nice staff!

Aug 2019 - Mike M.

The excursion exceeded our expectations!!! We got to see Orcas!!! -along with so many other marines and wild life species! The captain and crew and naturalist were awesome! You could tell they really loved what they do and we re just as excited to see the Orcas ( and other species) as we all were! We also got amazingly close to the glacier!

Aug 2018 - Gail P.

We got to see Orcas!! That was a special treat for us to see Orcas along with some hump back whales, sea lions, puffins, eagles and glaciers. It was a great day full of adventure and great food too!!

Nov 2017 - John Y.

We had a great time on our late September excursion from Seward. Scenery wonderful, staff so very helpful.