Overview

Kenai Fjords National Park comprises a thousand square miles of mountains and ice. Its rugged peninsulas also create a thriving ecosystem for diverse marine wildlife both big and small. Along with sensational views of calving tidewater glaciers, this intimate day cruise offers the best chance to see whales on their summer migrations through Alaska's waters.

Landscape lush with plants and wildlife.

Passengers board their vessel, a 58-foot ship with spacious cabin and outdoor viewing decks, in the Seward Small Boat Harbor just before 9 AM. On the way into Resurrection Bay the crew serves a light breakfast. Over muffins and hot coffee, passengers get their first glimpses of the area's wildlife, from shy seals ducking below the water surface, to mellow otters bobbing in the boat wake.

The boat passes rugged coastline as it enters the Gulf of Alaska. Looping around barrier islands worn by whipping winds and waves, the boat steers west through the dramatic Granite Passage, into Harris Bay, and beyond to the remote Northwestern Fjord. In this serene inlet, passengers are treated to up-close views of calving glaciers, waterfalls cascading from towering cliffsides, and most especially abundant seabirds and marine mammals. Lunch is served in this spectacular setting. After a few hours of exploration, the boat makes the return journey through the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and back into Seward.

More Details

The Northwestern Fjord Cruise boat has a heated cabin with large windows and comfortable seating as well as outdoor viewing decks from bow to stern. No smoking is allowed on the boat.

Passengers are served fresh baked muffins and coffee after the tour leaves Seward. Lunch is served midway through the voyage. It includes a turkey sandwich, chips, fruit, cheese, brownie, and one soft drink. A vegetarian lunch option is available when requested in advance. Additional snacks, hot and cold drinks, beer, and wine are available for purchase onboard.

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 before departing.

Special Instructions

Check in at the tour office in the Harbor 360 one hour prior to departure. The tour office provides luggage storage if needed.

Transfers & Meeting Points

Several local hotels provide shuttle service to the Small Boat Harbor. For self-drivers, parking is available across the street from the Harbor 360 Hotel office and one block south of the South Harbor Office on 4th Avenue. There is a $10 charge per vehicle per day.

Rates & Dates

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

There is no child rate for this service, and it is not recommended for children under 12.

Departure Times

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

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Availability

Select a departure below to see current availability. Don't worry if your desired date is sold out, submit a request and we will work hard to get more space or find a suitable alternative.