kenai fjords park cruise

The 5 Best Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises [2024 Reviews]

If you’re looking to experience one of the most unique, fascinating places on Earth, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see.

Located just south of Anchorage, it’s a hot spot for natural beauty, mountain views, lakes, abundant wildlife, and of course, its glaciers! If you want to experience the unmatchable nature in this park, we highly recommend going on a proper tour.

This way, you’re going with an experienced guide, and can make the difference between a boring and memorable time. We have all the top cruises in the Kenai Fjords Park right here, so don’t go anywhere!

Best Kenai Fjords Boat Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best kenai fjords cruises from seward.

• Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise From Seward
• Kenai Fjords Half Day Wildlife Cruise From Seward
• Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Fox Island
• Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
• Kenai Fjords National Park 7.5-Hour Cruise From Seward

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Reviews

1. kenai fjords national park 6-hour cruise from seward.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departure: Tour desk located inside the Harbor 360 Hotel lobby, 1412 4th Ave, Seward
• Departure Time: Morning
• Includes:  Access to Kenai Fjords National Park, a ccess to Resurrection Bay, l ive tour guide, t ransport for activity duration: sightseeing cruise, b inoculars

Starting things out on the right foot, we bring you the Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise . This tour is consistently one of the highest-rated, and will take you through the stunning mountains and fjords of this legendary national park.

Not only that, but if you are looking to catch sight of some sea critters, you’re in the right place! Start out by heading to their tour desk in the morning, where you’ll meet up with your guide.

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and will take you to go board the catamaran you’ll be taking out! This catamaran is one of the biggest in this area, and is perfect for traversing Resurrection Bay.

The cruise starts with Resurrection Bay, where your guide will give you a history of the area, its geography, and the kind of wildlife that lives here. They’ll keep an eye out for any whales (Orcas, Humpback, etc.), sea otters, puffins, and other animals in the bay.

A National Park Ranger will also tell you all about the animals, glaciers, fjords, and cultural history. The tour does provide you with binoculars so you can keep watch as well, and make sure you see everything they’re referring to. Make sure to take some photos, as well!

You’ll make a stop at an impressive tidewater glacier which has various calving events! This is where enormous pieces of ice break off from the glacier, crashing into the water below. It’s not guaranteed to happen while you’re there, but it could!

A full bar is also available if you’d like to sip on a beer or glacier margarita while exploring! The deli-style lunch served onboard is delicious, and tastes even better in the fresh air.

Weather can change quickly, so we highly recommend bringing some waterproof clothing and shoes!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. kenai fjords half day wildlife cruise from seward.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure: Major Marine Tours desk inside the lobby of the Harbor 360 Hotel, 1412 4th Ave, Seward
• Includes:   Binoculars to use on board, s huttle from railroad depot or cruise ship port

Perhaps you want to experience everything the Kenai Fjords National Park has to offer, but have a busy schedule. Maybe you or someone else in your group gets seasick on longer water cruises.

Whatever the case may be, if you are on the hunt for a shorter tour, the Seward: Kenai Fjords Half Day Wildlife Cruise is perfect for you.

Head to the tour desk located inside the lobby of the Harbor 360 Hotel, where you’ll meet up with your guide. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes and warm layers, including a waterproof jacket and/or pants.

After taking the included shuttle from the railroad depot, board the large vessel, which can get a bit wet if it’s rainy. It all depends on the weather, but it’s not uncommon for it to be wet and windy.

As you cruise through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay, your guide will tell you all about the ecology, geology, and history of this area. Their personal stories and experiences were our personal favorites, and really made us see the bay differently.

The captain and crew are very experienced, so they will make sure to head towards the spots where wildlife is most commonly spotted. They do provide everyone with high-quality binoculars to ensure nothing is missed!

Depending on the time of year, you could sea otters with their pups on their bellies, floating over the waters. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see the impressively-fast Dall’s Porpoise, who love to play in the boat’s wake and entertain!

If you’re really lucky, you may even see massive whales like Orcas and Humpbacks. There are also tons of jellyfish and puffins hanging around!

Overall, if you’re looking for a tour for the entire family (including younger ones who may not do well on longer cruises), we can’t recommend this one enough!

3. Kenai Fjords National Park Tour with Fox Island

• Duration: 8.5 hours
• Departure:  Kenai Fjords Tours, 1304 4th Ave, Seward
• Departure Time: 10 am
• Includes:  8.5 hour sightseeing cruise, lunch, dinner, on-board wildlife guide

Our next tour is on the opposite end of the spectrum! If you are looking for an even longer tour than any we’ve covered so far, check this one out! The National Park Tour with Fox Island packs a lot of adventure into 8.5 hours, including time exploring the bay and on the island!

Start off at the Seward Small Boat Harbor, where you’ll meet your captain and crew, and board the impressive 95-foot cruise vessel. This is a non-smoking cruise so as to not bother any others onboard, as well as to not pollute this area which is home to so many beautiful plants and animals.

As you sail into the bay, you’ll learn all about the fascinating and ever-changing geology of the Harding Icefield, which has been around since the ice age. As you continue, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for animals like Minke whales, Orcas, Humpbacks, porpoises, sea otters, and harbor seals!

Just as well, the geography is breathtaking, with the jagged icy cliffs that surround the Kenai Peninsula, the crystalline fjords, and calving glaciers!

Of course, it’s best seen from the warm and cozy cabin complete with comfortable seating and unobstructed picture windows. Alternatively, the multi-level observation decks offer fresh air and a better vantage point if you’re looking from a distance.

Arrive at the secluded, gorgeous Fox Island, which also has quite the interesting human and natural history! Step off of the boat, where you’ll have plenty of time to stretch your legs and take a stroll around the beach and other parts of the island.

Then, head over to their charming day lodge and enjoy a delicious meal of crab cakes, salads, and rolls!

4. Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

• Departure: 1412 4th Ave , 1412 4th Ave, Seward
• Includes:  Reserved seating in the heated cabin, water, coffee, and tea, use of binoculars, all taxes and fees included, souvenir booklet, lunch, onboard naturalist narration

Next, we have another 6-hour tour for you: the Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise ! You’ll get to take a gorgeous cruise with the company of an experienced naturalist to tell you all the about the area’s animals, geology, and much more!

If you’re looking to learn more about Alaska’s nature see one of the most phenomenal spots on the planet, stay tuned. Start your day off early, and set off on the very spacious, beautiful boat with reserved seating.

This ensures you’ll always have a spot, and don’t have to worry about “losing” your seat if you get up to check out better views on the upper observation decks. The captain and crew are very professional, and know this area like the back of their hands.

Start out in Resurrection Bay where your guide will tell you all about the history of this place, as well as the animals commonly found here, and more interesting stories. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of various animals such as whales, porpoises, puffins, sea otters, and more.

Continue on to see Holgate Glacier, which starts from the Harding Icefield, that has been around since the ice age. This glacier sees much less traffic than the Aialik Glacier, which can get quite busy.

However, both are very impressive and simply picturesque! If the timing is right, you may even get to see a glacier calving! This phenomenon is perhaps a bit scary at first, but is something most never get to witness.

Next, continue to the Chiswell Islands, which are a bunch of rocky, uninhabited islands that you can only access by boat or plane. These mysterious-looking islands are part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and an important bird sanctuary.

This is an incredible experience, and the friendly, professional staff really goes out of their way to make sure everyone has a great time.

5. Kenai Fjords National Park 7.5-Hour Cruise From Seward

• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Includes:   Binoculars to use on board, s huttle from railroad depot and cruise ship port, c offee, tea, and water, d eli lunch

If you’re trying to find another longer tour in Kenai Fjords, this is one of the few out there that are worth the time and money. The Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 7.5-Hour Cruise will make sure you learn a lot and see a lot! Glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and much more are waiting for you!

We know that longer cruise tours are not for everyone, but if you really want to pack in as much as possible, it’s a great way to do so. Not only that, but we found the cruise very well-structured and laid out in a way that ensured everyone was always entertained.

Hop onboard a high-speed catamaran where you’ll have plenty of room to sit, walk around, and just enjoy this beautiful environment. You’ll start out in Resurrection Bay, where the guide will offer an educational narration about the area’s history, and will tell you a bit about what to expect on the tour.

The captain knows all the best places here with the greatest chances of seeing wildlife like whales, otters, seals, and countless seabirds like puffers! To make sure you aren’t missing out on anything, they also provide everyone with a pair of binoculars.

Next, head out to the Gulf of Alaska, past Bear Glacier. At a whopping 25 kilometers long, it’s the biggest in Kenai Fjords National Park and is one of the most jaw-dropping experiences on the Alaskan coast.

Check out two active tidewater glaciers as well: the Aialik and Holgate glaciers. Keep an eye out for calving glaciers, where massive sections of ice break off and crash into the water below.

The professional deckhands grab a piece of glacier ice, making “glacier margaritas” and other tasty cocktails for you to sip on as you watch. Coffee, tea, and water are always offered on board, as well.

Seward Tour Guide

Getting there.

Getting to Seward, Alaska most times is going to mean you have to fly directly into Anchorage’s Ted Stevens Airport. However, you can also get to Seward from Anchorage by train at just 29 bucks! With more than 100 passenger flights arriving daily to Anchorage’s international airport, you can snag a direct flight from just about any major US city.

There are various cruises you can take up to Alaska from the Pacific Northwest, along with the state ferry system. There are many that depart from Vancouver, BC, and the Alaska Marine Highway System offer regular ferry schedules between Bellingham, WA and Whittier, Alaska.

Getting Around

Seward is a pretty small town, and your preferred method of transportation may vary widely, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.

Walking – Due to its small size, if it’s not blisteringly cold, icy, or windy, it’s perfect for strolling around. The locals tend to be very friendly and will help our where they can. The air is so fresh, and due to its coastal location, offers incredible views that are best seen by foot or by cycling (especially along the waterfront path).

Shuttle – Seward does have the City of Seward Free Shuttle, which is a compact, 5-mile route that takes just half an hour to complete. It covers the cruise ship dock on cruise days, as well as the train depot, harbor, and downtown. Many hotels also offer transportation, and it is definitely worth asking about!

Where to Stay

Speaking of hotels, there are some tried-and-trusted options that we highly recommend. There really is something for everyone, depending on what you value most.

Seward Gateway Hotel – This is a brand-new hotel and was made just a couple of years ago! Located right on the harbor of Resurrection Bay, it’s perfect for catching your cruise(s) or just enjoying these stunning views of the ice-blue bay and jagged mountains.

Not only that, but it’s located just a mile from downtown’s best shops and restaurants! As they do offer a free shuttle running to/from the railroad depot and cruise ship dock you don’t have to worry about transportation, either.

Seward Harbor 360 Hotel – You may already recognize this name, as some of our tours originate here! This absolutely gorgeous hotel is located right on the waterfront – it’s pretty much impossible to get closer! As you can probably deduce from the name, it offers beautiful 360-degree views of Alaska’s majestic mountains and bay.

Abode Well Cabins – If you’re on a tight budget, these cozy little cabins are just the thing for you. You can choose either a King Cabin which includes a kitchenette and sleeps up to 3 people, a family cabin which features a full kitchen, separate bedrooms, and sleeps up to 8. You can also choose a Queen Studio Room, which is a bit smaller than the King Cabin.

Gateway Hotel Seward – This is yet another brand-new hotel, and is placed right along a salmon stream. It’s pretty, cozy, and located right next to most of Seward’s main attractions.

Breeze Inn Seward – This is another budget-friendly option which is located right in the center of Seward and includes a complimentary shuttle to local attractions, and transit spots.

Seward Windsong Lodge – Located just a few miles from Seward, this lodge is absolutely beautiful and worth the slightly further location! They include a free shuttle service to downtown and transit points anyway, so it’s not a big deal. The onsite restaurant is delicious, and tucked into a secluded forest!

Restaurants and Eating Out

As you can probably imagine, Seward has some incredible seafood. However, there is so much more to offer, too!

Chinook’s Bar and Grill – This nautical-themed location sits right on the harbor, offering beautiful views as you enjoy its fresh seafood, sandwiches, and steak.

The Sea Bean – For those mornings when you’re running late and need to catch a boat or tour, there’s The Sea Bean. This little coffee shop offers delicious pastries and fresh-brewed coffee to keep you warm on those chilly days. Do yourself a favor and try their Nutella paini!

The Cookery – Are you looking for the perfect date night spot or to celebrate a special occasion? Then check out The Cookery, which serves dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients including seafood, meat, produce, and even things like mushrooms and other “foraged finds”. Not to mention, they have a solid wine and beer menu!

Smoke Shack – Open only for breakfast and lunch, it’s one of the best places around! If you walk by, you’re sure to hear the loud music playing first in this restaurant set inside an old train car right on the water! It’s always a good time, with friendly locals, a great setting, and delicious southern comfort food.

Apollo Restaurant – Perhaps you’re craving the taste of the Mediterranean, and you’ll find it all here! Gyros, steak, seafood, pastas, and delicious pizzas are all freshly-prepared however you’ll be paying for that freshness.

Nightlife and Entertainment

You probably shouldn’t expect pumping nightclubs that go until the morning here, or massive chandeliers and bottles of premium champagne popping on the dancefloors. However, there is a solid nightlife with convivial spots perfect for getting to know the locals and this beautiful place.

Seward Brewing Company – We’ll let you in on a little secret: Seward has some great brews, and this place is one of the best. This jolly brewpub offers local brews and very interesting dishes in a modern space with plenty of room, and rustic elements that fit perfectly into Alaska.

Yukon Bar – This local dive is always a blast, and is the perfect way to start out the night. This watering hole offers up the typical dive bar drinks and bar snacks. However, you’ll be entertained by the locals, the chatty bartenders, and the most random items adorning the walls and ceilings!

Flamingo Lounge – Just recently changing ownership, it was once the historic spot of “Thorn’s Showcase Lounge”. Most of the food will remain the same, such as its halibut chunks, but the cocktail menu is more upscale with craft cocktails. However, they’re going to keep the Thorn’s Famous White Russians around.

Pit Bar & Liquor Store – This is the place everyone goes to after everything else is closed. Good cocktails and beer with a dive bar atmosphere, except it offers amazing barbecue, poke bowls, fish, and pork. Not only that, but the staff is always nice.

It’s never really hot or that warm in Seward, though July to mid-August are the warmest times. However, it’s rare that it gets above 70 degrees even during these months. From the beginning of June to mid-September, you can expect an average daily high of about 56 degrees. The cold season, from November to mid-March is about 37 on average. However, you should bring clothing for cold, wet weather no matter what time you’re visiting.

Attractions

Go Hiking – This is best done during the warmer months, but you can go hiking really any time of year in Seward. Some of the best hikes will take you by pristine lakes, thick forests, or by enormous glaciers!

Take a Water Taxi – They’re super cheap, and will open up the possibilities in terms of exploration. Caine’s Head is a popular one! It has an abandoned WWII fort that’s really interesting! If it starts getting dark, spend the night in a cabin!

Visit the SeaLife Center – This one is famous in Alaska, and lets you see harbor seals, Steller sea lions, puffins, giant octopi, and much more! It’s great if you saw them on your tour and now want to see them more up-close!

Flightseeing – Alaska is a phenomenal place, and views from the water are incredible. However, seeing it from the air is another one of the best ways to see this dramatic landscape! The pilots are very experienced, and keep your safety at the forefront of any flight.

Walk Downtown/Waterfront – As we mentioned earlier, walking around Seward is easy and one of the best ways to see the area. Downtown offers an array of little charming boutique shops and delicious restaurants. The waterfront has some beautiful restaurants and bars, as well!

• As we said before, it’s a good idea to pack for wet, cold weather no matter the time of year. Wearing layers is best, as they’ll keep you warm. If you get too hot, you can always take a layer off. Make sure your outer layers are waterproof.
• Bring boots. They should be comfortable to walk in, and have a nice tread that won’t leave you slipping all over the place.
• Respect nature. Alaska is a state that takes its wildlife and natural environment very seriously. Seward has very unique ecosystems, and there’s a lot to learn about, from its temperate rainforests to glaciers.
• Hotels are very helpful regarding transportation! If you need help transitioning from a cruise ship or train depot, they can handle the logistics for you and most times, it’s free. Tips are always appreciated, though!

Tour Guides

The Kenai Fjords 6-Hour Cruise From Seward is our Editors Choice for the best Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Robert Baker

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For inquiries or to book by phone, call

1.888.478.3346

• 4 hr. Spring Resurrection Bay Tour
• 5 hr. Resurrection Bay Tour with Fox Island
• 5.5 hr. Glacier Dinner Cruise
• 6 hr. Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
• 8 hr. Northwestern Fjord Tour
• 8.5 hr. National Park Tour with Fox Island
• Fox Island History
• Room with a Cruise
• Private Charters

Explore the ancient glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park and enjoy an on-board dinner experience.

As nearly every other boat heads back to Seward, this evening adventure embarks through Resurrection Bay and into Kenai Fjords National Park. Cruise atop glacier-blue waters, keeping an eye out for whales, seals, puffins and other iconic northern wildlife, as your captain shares a wealth of Alaska knowledge. Your plated meal is served on-board our modern catamaran — no reservation or waitlist required — en route to either the stunning Holgate Glacier or towering Aialik Glacier.

*Vegetarian items are available upon request. Meal options may vary and are subject to change without notice. **Drinks at an additional cost

Lock in the best rate when you book in advance Ages 1 and under cruise free Cancel up to 4 days before your trip for a full refund

For inquiries or to book by phone: 1.888.478.3346

2024 Tour Dates: June 11 – August 17 Tuesdays to Saturdays

Kenai Fjords Tours Safety Promise Guest Information & Reservation Policy

Operating since 1978, Kenai Fjords Tours has the most experienced and knowledgeable captains, sailing the newest fleet of custom sightseeing vessels operating in Kenai Fjords National Park.

This tour departs Seward at 3 PM, taking you on an evening journey through Kenai Fjords National Park.

Seeing a tidewater glacier up close is a thrill. On this tour, you’ll journey to either the Aialik or Holgate glacier.

Tips & Tricks

Tours fill up very quickly, so we recommend you book well in advance to secure your preferred tour.

Arrive early for day trips to take advantage of our free parking and shuttle service.

Dress in layers and bring a water-repellent jacket. Coastal weather changes quickly.

Make sure you have a fresh memory card and your batteries are charged — you'll be taking tons of photos.

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• Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Fox Island

Spend a full day exploring Alaska’s coastal wilds.

• Things to Do in Seward

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Rates & dates, departure times, availability.

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Although Kenai Fjords National Park encompasses much more than coastline, it is the craggy stretches of mountains plunging into blue water that warrant the awe of most Alaska visitors. This 8.5-hour cruise takes passengers deep into that world for an immersive and thrilling day.

Stunning sight of hundred-foot tall ancient ice.

An onboard tour guide narrates the cruise, describing the area's natural history, pointing out landmarks, and sharing facts about the wildlife passengers spot. The cruise soon leaves Resurrection Bay for a quick turn through the Gulf of Alaska. Aialik Bay is the destination, its calmer waters reached just in time for a midday meal before stopping at the day's first up-close tidewater glacier. The captain idles the boat at a safe distance for close to half an hour. There's plenty of time for every passenger to take in the stunning sight of hundred-foot-tall ancient ice. After visiting a second glacier and several hidden coves and inlets along the way, the boat heads once again into the gulf.

Once back in Resurrection Bay, the boat docks at Skipping Stone Beach on Fox Island. Here, passengers are welcomed ashore for an early evening meal. The Fox Island Day Lodge serves salmon cakes along with salad, cooked veggies, rolls, and cookies. The tour concludes with a swift cruise back to the Seward harbor.

The tour boat has two indoor cabins, wrap-around exterior walkways, and larger outdoor decks on the bow and stern. No smoking is allowed on the boat.

Lunch includes a chicken wrap, chips, granola bar, and cookie. Dinner on Fox Island includes salmon cakes, salad, cooked vegetables, rolls, and cookies. Chicken is available as an alternative to salmon cakes. Vegetarian options are available when requested in advance. Additional snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the boat.

What to Bring

To make the most of views and fresh air on the exterior decks it is important to dress in layers for this tour. Bring a rain jacket, hat, and gloves and wear warm base layers and rubber-soled shoes. Even on a sunny day the air coming off a glacier can be quite chilly. Be sure to bring a camera and binoculars. If seasickness is a concern, err on the side of caution and take motion sickness medicine in advance.

Special Instructions

Check in at the tour office in the Small Boat Harbor one hour prior to departure. The tour office provides luggage storage if needed.

Transfers & Meeting Points

Most local hotels provide shuttle service to the Small Boat Harbor. The tour operator will provide directions to a free all-day parking lot for self-drivers.

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 12. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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Quick Facts

• Price $232 + Tax
• Duration 8.5 Hours
• Departs 10:00 AM
• Operating Dates Daily from 5/18/2024 to 8/25/2024
• Activity Level Less Active

What's Included

• Onboard narration by a certified guide.
• Guide to Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Onboard lunch with vegetarian option.
• Dinner on Fox Island.

Guest Feedback

"I loved every minute of this. So scenice and informative! I loved seeing the whales, dolphins, seals, otters, and more. Fantastic."

~Shaun from Georgia~

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My 5 Favorite Experiences In Kenai Fjords National Park

E xploring Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park is like journeying back in time to when the Ice Age still reigned supreme and ice covered the world.

Today, much of that ancient ice still remains at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula in a lush but harsh terrain where ice, mountains, and ocean meet. This national park in Seward, Alaska, sweeps over a staggering 607,805 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southeastern coast of Alaska. The Harding Icefield , a remnant of when ice ages carved out this land, is the largest icefield contained within U.S. borders. It stretches out for 700 miles of miles-thick ice. 

During a hosted trip to Seward , I fell in love with this wild, untamed land. Snow-capped soaring peaks of the Seward Peninsula Mountains always loom in the distance, but the glaciers that make this park so special are what really drew me here. From hanging glaciers to receding and surging ice walls, seeing the massive and awe-inspiring power of how ice continues to shape this land makes one feel humbled.

Exploring the outdoor wonders of Kenai Fjords isn’t the only activity you can enjoy here, however. Hiking, ocean tours, and biking are all popular, but eating local, learning about the indigenous culture, and taking in the local vibes are also a lot of fun.

Although I only had a few days in Seward, here are my favorite experiences in Kenai Fjords National Park.

1. Spot Local Wildlife 

I was hosted by Pursuit Collections , which has a variety of adventures in its Alaska Collection. Being a provider of attraction and hospitality experiences, Pursuit owns and operates Kenai Fjords Tours. Even if I wasn’t hosted by Pursuit, I would overwhelmingly recommend the Northwestern Fjord Tour for the simple fact that it goes further and longer than most of the boat tour operators in the area.

This full-day narrated boat tour brings visitors along the Northwestern Fjord to see three tidewater glaciers, to the little islands that dot the fjord, and along seabird rookeries. Most of Kenai Fjords National Park can only be accessed by the water, so taking a boat tour of this gorgeous land is a must.

On our first day trip, the weather was gray and ominous, promising rough crossings, but the skilled and knowledgeable captain and crew handled it with ease. Along the way, they spotted frolicking sea otters, massive colonies of sea lions, whale spouts in the distance, a pod of killer whales, and the delightful little puffins that call this area home.

We cruised through hidden bays with waterfalls that looked as if they came straight out of the Disney movie Ferngully . We were educated on the life span and awesome power of the glaciers we were almost close enough to touch.

A light breakfast and lunch is included on this tour, but if you need a steaming hot chocolate or a glass of the local brews, the bar is open as well. Oh, and the homemade, gooey chocolate chip cookie at the end of the day tour will probably taste like the best cookie you’ve ever had.

Pro Tip: I don’t care how calm the harbor looks or how beautiful the weather seems, take motion sickness pills before the tour. Our bad weather day made our tour especially rough, but even on calm days, a dozen or so folks end up getting sick each trip. Don’t ruin this special experience with seasickness.

2. Take A Glacier Dinner Cruise

Departing from Seward in the afternoon, this Kenai Fjords Tours evening cruise also starts from Resurrection Bay before gliding deeper into Kenai Fjords National Park to see glaciers up close.

A plated meal of crab cakes, roasted corn, salad, and a dinner roll makes for a nice romantic dinner on board while you gaze at the impossibly deep blue of the glaciers, watch whales breach in the water, or see otters playfully float alongside.

Pro Tip: Definitely layer up, even in the summer. The wind is staggeringly cold, so a hat and gloves can definitely make this cruise more comfortable, especially if you spend most of your time out on deck watching the beautiful lush scenery go by.

3. Hike The Exit Glacier

As the only glacier in the park you can hike to, Exit Glacier is one of the 35 glaciers that pour over the Harding Icefield. It earned its name by being the exit point for the first recorded crossing of the Harding Icefield in 1968.

There is a series of trails to access the Exit Glacier. The first is an easy-to-moderate 1-mile hike to the Glacier View Loop or the 1.8-mile path to the Glacier Overlook Trail.

The other option is the challenging and sometimes dangerous 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail , which has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet per mile and takes 6–8 hours to complete. This trail is recommended for skilled hikers only.

We did the Glacier Overlook Trail, which rewarded our steps with sweeping vista views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Exit Glacier itself is a marvel to see. Its beauty is breathtaking to witness, but it’s also sobering in the fact that it is retreating at an average rate of 125 feet a year.

Nevertheless, the Glacier Overlook Trail is a well-maintained trail, but it can be moderately strenuous in places as it weaves over the glacially carved inclines.

Pro Tip: While the Exit Glacier area is open year-round, the road to the glacier is usually inaccessible to cars from late-October to mid-November due to snow.

4. Learn About Wildlife

Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park are teeming with wildlife. You’re likely to spot a moose along the banks of the Resurrection and Snow Rivers, see a playful sea lion in the Seward Harbor , and view more bird life than you can count.

The Alaska Sealife Center

The easiest way to get up close and personal with the native wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park is a visit to the Alaska Sealife Center . Located in downtown Seward, this public aquarium and permanent marine mammal rehabilitation center features all different kinds of species, including puffins, salmon, seals, octopus, steller sea lions, and more.

It’s also a great place to learn about the Sealife Center’s animal rehabilitation efforts, which were featured on National Geographic’s Alaska Animal Rescue . The aquarium also has a touch tank and a variety of encounters with animals like a sea otter or an octopus.

Ididaride Dog Sled Tours

Believe it or not, dog-sled tours are available during the summer months as well as the winter. Ididaride Dog Sled Tours offers tours just a short flight from the Seward Airport to its dog-sledding camp on a glacier, where you can experience a dog-sled ride through the gorgeous backdrop of glaciers.

Visitors can ride on the runners and help drive the sled or just relax and enjoy the ride. The Summer Wilderness Tour is done on wheeled sleds for an hour and a half tour.

See The Bears 

Kenai Backcountry Adventures offers the only bear-viewing tour from Seward, Alaska. This 12-hour tour includes a full-day bear-viewing experience in Lake Clark National Park and includes all gear, lunch, and airfare.

5. Explore Seward’s Charming Streets

Seward’s historic downtown is a fun place to spend half a day or so. With plenty of little shops , you’ll have a lot of chances to pick up thoughtful souvenirs or hand-crafted gifts. Art lovers will adore the local galleries and all the murals painted around town.

In fact, downtown Seward is considered the “Mural Capital of Alaska” with more than 30 paintings depicting famous events, historical characters, and the landscape of Alaska’s Kenai Fjords Peninsula.

The Seward Community Library & Museum is worth a visit to see the collection and history of Seward throughout the years.

Pro Tip: A great way to explore Seward is with the Seward free shuttle, which runs a 5-mile route that takes about 30 minutes to complete. Seward City Tours offers an informative, 1-hour Historical City Tour , or a 5-hour Seward Deluxe Tour . The History and Glacier Combo is a happy medium for those who can’t do the full 5-hour tour. The tours include luggage storage and shuttle service to any destination in town.

Related Reading:

• 6 Quaint Small Towns To Visit While Exploring Kenai Peninsula In Alaska
• The One Thing You Should Do Every Time You Visit A National Park
• 6 Budget-Friendly Activities In Anchorage To Experience The Best Alaska Has To Offer

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Tours

About our full-day kenai fjords national park tours.

Our full-day cruises explore the abundant wildlife and tidewater glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. Ranging between 6 and 8.5 hours, these cruises are ideal for those who are interested in seeing tidewater glaciers and want the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and whale watching. If you’re interested in our most popular cruise option, we recommend our 6 Hour Cruise. If you’re a glacier enthusiast, we recommend the 7.5 Hour Cruise that spends amble time at two tidewater glaciers. If you’re a more adventurous traveler, our 8.5 Hour Northwestern Fjord Cruise is the cruise for you. This small-vessel adventure cruise takes you to remote areas of Kenai Fjords National Park and is ideal for photographers, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts.

8.5 Hour Northwestern Fjord Cruise

MAY 31 – SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

ADULT PRICE: $289.00 Cruise not suitable for children under 12.

7.5 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

MAY 24 – SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

ADULT PRICE: $239.00 CHILD PRICE $119.50

6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

MAY 4 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

ADULT PRICE: $219.00 CHILD PRICE $109.50

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