Humpback whale breeches within Resurrection Bay.

Alaska Day Cruises

Experience coastal Alaska’s stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Iceberg filled waters at Columbia Glacier out of Valdez.

Alaska Day Cruises

Experience coastal Alaska’s stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Phillips Cruises offers views of 26 different glaciers.

Alaska Day Cruises

Experience coastal Alaska’s stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Tidewater glaciers expand throughout fjords and end in the ocean.

Alaska Day Cruises

Experience coastal Alaska’s stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Alaska Day Cruises

Alaska coastal ecosystems thrive on the bounties provided by the mighty Pacific Ocean. From rugged cliff habitats for dozens of seabird species to tiny plankton that serve as food for giant whales, Alaska's marine environments are rich places. Adding to the impressive landscape are massive glaciers, rivers of ice that crawl toward the shoreline and dump chunks of ice into the salty sea.

The small town of Seward is home base for the beautiful and remote Kenai Fjords National Park, most of which is accessible only by boat. For a full-day glacier and wildlife experience, try the Northwestern Fjord Cruise. With a smaller vessel and longer travel time, this trip feels like an adventure as you motor around the Chiswell Islands and into Northwestern Fjord. Look for whales, porpoises, and seals along the way.

If a shorter cruise sounds appealing, sail the beautiful waterways of Kenai Fjords National Park on the Kenai Fjords Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise. A half-day excursion that explores the calm waters of Resurrection Bay, this cruise is a delightful sampling of Alaska's coastal wildlife and rugged terrain. Or try the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Fox Island, which stops at the island for a delicious grilled salmon meal. There's time to explore the rocky shores of the island as well. Visit our Kenai Fjords cruises page for a complete list of cruises to the park.

Traveling to and from your Seward day cruise is easy with assistance from the Alaska Railroad and Park Connection Motorcoach, both of which accommodate passengers traveling from Anchorage.

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If you have less time, taking the Alaska Railroad to Whittier makes for a perfect Anchorage day trip. Here you can catch the 26 Glaciers Cruise. On this five-hour trip you'll see sea lion haul outs, kittiwake colonies, spotted seals, eagles, and 26 named glaciers. The tour includes a U.S. Forest Service naturalist guide, reserved seating, and an onboard lunch.

If you are exploring Alaska by a rental car, take a trip to Valdez for the Columbia Glacier cruise, which travels into Prince William Sound to explore Columbia Bay and its enormous namesake tidewater glacier. You'll admire the scenery and enjoy lunch before returning to Valdez Harbor on this six-hour tour.

Day cruise passengers should be aware that while most trips are conducted in generally calm waters, there is always the potential for queasy stomachs. Some tour operators sell ginger candies and other remedies on board, but guests should consider taking an over-the-counter remedy one hour before sailing if seasickness is a concern.

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Alaska Day Cruises