Wildlife Cruises in Seward, Alaska

The beautiful Alaskan town of Seward is the perfect spot to start a wildlife cruise. Seward is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, located in the Kenai Peninsula.

Seward, one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic settlements, boasts picturesque vistas. It is surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains and lush green vegetation, making it home to numerous types of wildlife.

A wildlife cruise from Seward to the Kenai Fjords National Park is the ideal way to check out the diverse marine life. You'll see whales, orcas, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises and harbor seals in the water. If you look to the shore, try to spot bears, wolves, elk, moose, wolverines, and more.

Here's all you need to know about wildlife cruises, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Seward, Alaska.

What are the best wildlife cruises from Seward?

Half-day wildlife cruise in Resurrection Bay plus Fox Island

Sail across the beautiful icy blue water of Resurrection Bay on this 5-hour-long cruise. A wildlife guide will help you look for whales, puffins, otters, falcons and sea otters along the way. Resurrection Bay's nutrient-rich waters are home to abundant marine wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, puffins and sea otters.

At the picturesque Fox Island, in the heart of Resurrection Bay, you’ll go to a remote local lodge for a delectable lunch. Savor your meal while listening to a National Park Ranger's presentation of the area's natural history. After lunch, you'll feel like a kid again as you go to a skipping stone beach to work on your aim as you skip stones into the water.

Get back on the ship and choose to relax inside or take in the sights from the open-air top deck as the boat continues its cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can continue with your marine life spotting. Then, you'll have a chance to soak up the majestic coastal and sea views as you cruise back to Seward.

Orca Quest Cruise from Seward

This half-day orca quest cruise from Seward is quite the adventure, as there is no set route. The cruise goes to Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park, but the destination is determined according to the most recent whale sightings.

This seasonal cruise runs from mid-May through to mid-June because this is when the whales frequent the waters outside Seward in search of food. You'll enjoy spending 4 hours cruising the oceans looking for whales while learning more about orcas and their behavior from the knowledgeable captain and crew.

You'll also have the unique opportunity to try out the ship's hydrophone, which allows you to listen to the calls of the orca whales underwater. The free-to-use binoculars on board ensure you get a close-up of the marine life. This whale watching tour from Seward caters for up to 150 people.

Half-day wildlife cruise to Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay

This half-day wildlife cruise into the Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay is a great option if you’re short on time or prone to being seasick. The cruise makes an almost 90-kilometer round trip along the coastline, so you’ll get plenty of opportunities to spot animals at the shore.

The rugged coastline has numerous wildlife like black and brown bears, lynx, mountain goats, moose, wolverines, and marmots. And you’ll still have a chance to see glaciers as you cruise past Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in the park. Sit back and relax as you search for whales, Dall’s porpoises and sea otters.

The last stop is at Cape Resurrection, which lies at the end of Resurrection Bay and is home to both Steller sea lions and thousands of nesting seabirds. You'll want to keep your camera ready, as you'll have a chance to get close to the sea lion colonies and the seabird rookeries, which offer incredible photo opportunities.

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

This 6-hour cruise makes a 160-kilometer roundtrip through Resurrection Bay into the Kenai Fjords National Park. Prettier than a picture, Resurrection Bay is surrounded by looming mountain peaks and is home to numerous glaciers. The bay's many coves are teeming with marine life, and it's a famous orca-spotting destination.

On your boat tour from Seward, you will sail through Resurrection Bay and go around Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay, where you can see the Aialik Glacier, an actively calving tidewater glacier. You'll be amazed by the chunks of falling ice that break off and crash into the water. You'll also pass by the Holgate Glacier, another actively calving tidewater glacier.

Depending on the weather, the tour also goes to either Cape Resurrection or Chiswell Islands. Both islands are a birder paradise, with thousands of nesting Alaskan seabirds like puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants. You'll also see the Steller sea lion colonies, sea otters, and bald eagles. You might even spot some mountain goats on the shore.

How much does a wildlife tour from Seward cost?

Enjoying a cruise to Resurrection Bay and Fox Island costs US$140 for adults, while children aged 2 to 11 years pay US$80 each.

A whale watching Orca Quest Cruise from Seward costs US$160 per person, with children (2 to 11 years old) paying around US$90 each.

For a half-day wildlife cruise to Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay expect to pay US$160 per adult. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 are charged US$90 each.

Prices for a Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruise start at around US$250 per adult, while children aged 2 to 11 pay US$130 each. Reserved seating is available in the heated cabin. The boat takes a maximum of 150 passengers.

Is anything included?

Most wildlife cruises include only your ticket and a hot or cold beverage, but some tours include snacks or lunch on board. Many cruises also allow passengers to use the ship's binoculars while on board.

Resurrection Bay and Fox Island cruises also include a tasty lunch off the boat at Fox Island, but drinks are extra.

Where do wildlife cruises start?

The meeting points for wildlife cruises depend on the tour operator, as many excursions start at the tour providers' offices in Seward. Both the Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruise and the half-day wildlife cruise to Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay start at the Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward.

The Resurrection Bay and Fox Island cruise starts at the Kenai Fjords Tours Seward offices.

How long does it last?

Wildlife cruises can last for between 4 hours as a half-day option or a full-day option that runs for about 7 to 8 hours. Cruises going further into the Gulf of Alaska tend to last longer.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

There are some wheelchair friendly tour options, but not all tours are suitable for wheelchair users. Double-check with the tour operator to see if your tour has wheelchair accessibility. You'll also need to let the tour operator know beforehand if you need wheelchair access, as some boats have a limited seating capability.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are generally allowed to join wildlife cruises in Seward and in many cases even benefit from a discounted ticket. Keep in mind that minors must be accompanied by an adult

When is the best time for a wildlife cruise in Seward?

The best time for a wildlife cruise in Seward, especially for maximizing wildlife sightings, is during the summer months, from mid-May through September. This period offers the most favorable weather and the greatest abundance of wildlife.

June to August, being the peak season, is particularly ideal. You're more likely to see a variety of marine life, including whales, sea otters, seals, and numerous bird species, along with the stunning backdrop of the Kenai Fjords.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Wildlife cruises in Seward depend on good weather, so if the conditions at sea are bad, your tour will be canceled. Should this be the case, you can either reschedule for a later date or request a refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Seward?

• Dog sledding in Seward
• Hiking in Seward
• Kayaking in Seward
• Helicopter tours in Seward
• Airplane tours in Seward
• Snowmobile in Seward
• Gold panning in Seward
• Rafting in Seward
• Fishing charters in Seward

Travel tips

• Book your Seward wildlife cruise in advance to secure your spot. Especially during peak season, cruises can fill up quickly.
• The weather can change quickly. Wear warm, waterproof, and windproof layers. Even in summer, it can be chilly on the water, especially when the boat is moving.
• Bring water and some snacks, although many cruises offer food and beverages onboard.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Enjoy the experience and the scenery, even if some animals don’t make an appearance.