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Explore the deep-water fjords and protected waters of the Alaskan coast on a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay. These tours offer the chance to spot active marine wildlife, witness massive tidewater glaciers, and enjoy expert narration from experienced captains.
Free Cancellation A 6-hour journey through Kenai Fjords National Park to see calving glaciers, whales, and coastal wildlife.
Free Cancellation Spot whales, sea lions, and puffins on a 4-hour Resurrection Bay cruise that follows the day's best wildlife sightings.
Free Cancellation See glaciers and whales on this six-hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise departing from Seward.
Free Cancellation Spend 7.5 hours scouting for whales and wildlife while visiting two tidewater glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Free Cancellation Explore the remote Northwestern Fjord on an 8.5-hour small-group cruise featuring wildlife and calving glaciers.
Free Cancellation Track and listen to orcas with local experts on Seward’s only dedicated whale-watching cruise.
Explore Seward’s highlights on a guided tour featuring Exit Glacier, a dog sled ride, and a 13-option lunch.
Free Cancellation A seven-hour Kenai Fjords cruise with a flexible route designed to find the best wildlife and glacier activity.
Free Cancellation A six-hour cruise from Seward through Kenai Fjords to see tidewater glaciers, whales, and seabird rookeries.
Free Cancellation A 6-hour evening cruise from Seward featuring wildlife sightings, tidewater glaciers, and a multi-course dinner.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Kenai Fjords — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay offer a wild, dynamic coastal ecosystem where the ice age still lingers. Visitors can expect to navigate deep-water fjords, witness massive tidewater glaciers calving into the sea, and encounter a rich diversity of marine wildlife in one of only six fjord estuary ecosystems on Earth.
Watch massive chunks of ice calve into the sea from active glaciers like Holgate or Aialik. The thunderous sounds and floating blue icebergs make for an unforgettable sensory experience.
Spot humpback whales, orcas, playful sea otters, and Steller sea lions. Captains use daily sighting reports to navigate to the most active wildlife areas rather than following fixed routes.
For those exploring by land, hiking the trails alongside Exit Glacier reveals a jaw-dropping view of the 714-square-mile sheet of ice that feeds the park's numerous glaciers.
Cruise deep into untouched coastal wilderness areas like Northwestern Fjord. Smaller vessels navigate close to the shoreline for intimate views of the rugged, glacier-scoured landscape.
Visit seabird rookeries within the Chiswell Islands or Aialik Bay. You will have the chance to see nesting puffins and some of the park's 191 documented bird species.
Planning your Kenai Fjords tour requires a bit of preparation due to the remote location, unpredictable weather, and specific safety regulations. Here is what you need to know before securing your tickets.
Cruises range from 4-hour half-day wildlife trips in Resurrection Bay to 8.5-hour full-day expeditions deep into Northwestern Fjord. Choose a length based on your schedule and tolerance for open water.
Most boat tours include reserved seating in heated cabins, use of binoculars, and complimentary water, coffee, and tea. Full-day and 6-hour cruises typically provide a deli-style lunch with turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian options.
Tours sell out very quickly, especially during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. It is highly recommended to book your boat excursion and any public-use cabins well ahead of time.
There are no entrance fees for Kenai Fjords National Park. Your tour price covers the boat excursion, taxes, and fees without any hidden national park admission charges.
Many major tour vessels are wheelchair accessible and feature accessible restrooms. However, you must submit mobility requests ahead of time due to limited accessible seating capacity on the boats.
Tours operate in all weather conditions. You must dress in warm, synthetic layers and bring high-quality waterproof gear, as temperatures drop significantly near the glaciers and wind on the open water causes rapid heat loss.
Leave your drones, coolers, strollers, and tripods at home. Drones are federally banned in the park, and the other items are strictly prohibited on commercial tour vessels due to safety regulations and limited deck space.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Be sure to check in one hour before your cruise leaves, as boats will not wait for late arrivals.
| Half-Day Wildlife Cruise | Glacier & Wildlife Cruise | Full-Day Northwestern Fjord | Guided Land Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours | 6 hours | 8.5 hours | 6 hours |
| Focus | Resurrection Bay wildlife (orcas, sea otters, sea lions) | Aialik or Holgate Glacier & coastal wildlife | Remote fjords, tidewater glaciers, extensive wildlife | Exit Glacier hiking & Iditarod mushing history |
| Includes Lunch | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price From | $165 | $265 | $340 | $223 |
Park Hours: Kenai Fjords National Park is technically open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, accessibility changes drastically with the seasons.
By Train: The Coastal Classic train runs daily from Anchorage to Seward (130 miles). The highly scenic four-hour journey travels along the Turnagain Arm. If you are taking a same-day train to catch an 11:30 AM boat tour, be aware that train delays may cause you to miss your departure.
By Bus: Daily summer bus and shuttle services (like Seward Bus Line or Park Connection) run from Anchorage to Seward, taking about 3 hours and costing $60–$80 one way.
Local Shuttles: If you are in Seward without a car, local shuttles like the Exit Glacier Shuttle run hourly in the summer from the Seward Small Boat Harbor to the Exit Glacier area for $20–$32 round trip.
Peak Season (June - August): These are the best months to visit. The park is fully accessible, the weather is generally favorable, and visitor services are fully operational. You will also have the highest probability of spotting active marine wildlife like humpback whales and nesting seabirds.
Shoulder Season (May & September): These months offer fewer crowds but come with reduced services, fewer tour options, and a lower chance of seeing migrating whales.
Winter (October - April): The worst time for general tourism. Winter conditions set in, the road to Exit Glacier closes to vehicles, and boat tours stop operating. However, this is the only time you might have a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Visitor Centers & Trails: The Kenai Fjords Visitor Center in Seward and the Exit Glacier Nature Center are fully wheelchair-accessible. There is a one-mile partially paved/compressed gravel loop leading to a panoramic view of Exit Glacier. A limited number of wheelchairs can be checked out from the nature center.
Boat Tours: Most major commercial tour boats operating out of Seward feature heated cabins, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-compatible tables. You must notify the tour operator ahead of time if you require wheelchair accessibility due to limited seating capability.
Cabins: Both coastal public use cabins and the winter Willow Cabin feature wheelchair-accessible decks and doors, though beach access may require assistance.
Lodging inside the Park: There are no hotels inside the park boundaries. Visitors can reserve coastal Public Use Cabins for $75 per night in the summer (advance permits required).
Camping: A 12-site, tent-only campground is available at Exit Glacier. It is completely free of charge and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Communication: Cell phone coverage is extremely spotty along the coast and non-existent at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. If traveling to remote coastal areas, a marine VHF radio (channel 16) or satellite phone is highly recommended.
Wildlife Distances: Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, you must remain at least 100 yards away from marine mammals. On land, maintain a minimum distance of 300 yards from bears and 25 yards from other animals.
Prohibited Items: Unmanned aircraft (drones) are strictly prohibited everywhere in the park. On commercial boat tours, coolers, strollers, scooters, and tripods are banned for safety and space reasons.
Local Laws: Even though marijuana is legal under Alaska state law, federal law strictly prohibits its possession or use within the national park boundaries.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on any park trails, inside buildings, or in the coastal backcountry from May 30th to November 1st. They are only permitted in select frontcountry paved areas and must be leashed.
No entrance fees are charged to access Kenai Fjords National Park. If you book a commercial boat tour, your ticket price covers the excursion without any hidden park admission charges. Camping at the Exit Glacier Campground is also completely free.
You should dress in warm, synthetic layers and bring a high-quality waterproof jacket and pants. Temperatures drop significantly when the boat approaches active tidewater glaciers, and windy conditions on the open water can cause rapid body heat loss. Avoid cotton clothing.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, your chances are very high during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. Captains do not follow fixed routes; instead, they use daily reports from other vessels to navigate toward current humpback and orca sightings.
Yes, most major commercial tour boats feature wheelchair-accessible heated cabins and restrooms. However, you must submit your mobility request ahead of time when booking, as there is limited accessible seating capability on board.
No, the use of unmanned aircraft or drones is strictly prohibited within all boundaries of Kenai Fjords National Park. This federal policy is enforced to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety.
If you are taking the Coastal Classic train and it arrives late, you will likely miss the standard 11:30 AM departure for the 6-hour cruises. Tour operators will try to accommodate you on a later 4.5-hour Resurrection Bay tour if space is available, but refunds are generally not given for missed departures due to travel delays.
No, commercial operators prohibit tripods, strollers, coolers, and scooters on board. This rule is strictly enforced due to limited deck space and passenger safety concerns on the moving vessels.
You can take a local shuttle service from the Seward Small Boat Harbor to the Exit Glacier area. Services like the Exit Glacier Shuttle run hourly during the summer season and cost between $20 and $32 for a round trip.
Most full-day and 6-hour cruises include a deli-style lunch with a choice of turkey, roast beef, or a vegetarian sandwich, which you select at booking. All tours typically provide complimentary water, coffee, and tea on board.
Service animals are allowed on the commercial boat tours. However, pets are not allowed on any park trails, inside buildings, or in the coastal backcountry from May 30th to November 1st. They are only permitted in select paved frontcountry areas while leashed.
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Spend six hours navigating the deep-water fjords of Kenai Fjords National Park. This cruise heads into Aialik Bay to reach an active tidewater glacier, typically either the Holgate or Aialik Glacier. You will spend time floating among the icebergs near the glacier face, watching for calving—the process where large sections of ice break off and crash into the water. The captain provides live narration throughout the trip, sharing the history of the area and helping guests spot local wildlife. Common sightings include humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, Steller sea lions, and various seabirds like puffins. A deli lunch is served on board and is included in the tour price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This four-hour cruise through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay focuses on finding the area's most active wildlife. Instead of following a fixed route, the captain uses daily reports from other vessels to navigate toward current sightings. This flexible approach is designed to maximize your chances of seeing whales, Dall’s porpoises, and harbor seals in their natural environment. During the trip, the boat passes massive bird rookeries and sea lion colonies for close-up views of puffins, bald eagles, and Steller sea lions. The crew also stops to observe sea otters and any whales encountered along the way. While various species are visible throughout the summer, June through mid-August is the peak season for whale watching in the bay.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This six-hour cruise departs from Seward and travels deep into Kenai Fjords National Park. You will navigate the fjords to see both alpine and tidewater glaciers while the captain provides live narration about the local geology and history. The route includes stops at seabird rookeries within the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Throughout the trip, there are frequent opportunities to spot humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. Lunch is served on board as you travel.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This 7.5-hour cruise travels deep into Kenai Fjords National Park, providing ample time to reach remote areas where wildlife is most active. The captain provides live narration as you search for humpback and orca whales, sea otters, and Steller sea lions. You will also visit the Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection to see thousands of nesting seabirds, including puffins, along the rugged coastal cliffs. The journey includes stops at two different active tidewater glaciers. You will spend time at the face of each glacier watching for calving, a process where sections of ice break away and fall into the sea. A deli-style lunch is served on board, and the vessel features both heated indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This 8.5-hour cruise travels deep into Kenai Fjords National Park to reach the remote Northwestern Fjord. By using a smaller vessel with a limited number of passengers, the tour provides a quieter environment and allows the captain to navigate closer to the shoreline and ice for detailed views of the landscape. The extended time on the water is dedicated to finding and observing regional wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters. You will also spend time positioned in front of the Northwestern Glacier to watch for active calving. A deli lunch is included and served on board during the trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This is the only tour in Seward specifically designed to find and observe orca whales. Rather than following a fixed route, our captains navigate Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park based on the most recent sightings. This flexible approach allows us to go where the whales are most active, offering a different experience on every trip. Throughout the cruise, local captains and naturalists provide information on orca social behavior and how to identify individuals by their distinct dorsal fins. The vessel is also equipped with an underwater hydrophone, giving you the opportunity to hear the whales' vocalizations as they communicate with their pod in their natural habitat.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This guided tour covers the essential landmarks around Seward and the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park, with all transportation provided. You will visit Exit Glacier for a close-up view of the ice and stop at "Mile 0" of the historic Iditarod Trail to learn about the area's mushing history. The experience includes a dog sled ride and opportunities to spot local wildlife along the mountainside. For the mid-day meal, a full lunch is included with a menu offering 13 different options to choose from.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This seven-hour cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park uses a flexible itinerary to prioritize the best sightings of the day. Rather than following a set path, the captain chooses a route based on current weather, sea conditions, and recent wildlife reports. This approach allows for more spontaneous stops and extra time at locations where animals are most active, whether that involves following a pod of whales or watching a glacier calve. Throughout the trip, you will explore the park’s rugged coastline, viewing massive tidewater glaciers and searching for marine life such as humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions. The extra time on the water ensures the boat can reach more remote areas of the park while maintaining a pace that allows for steady observation of the landscape and local wildlife.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This six-hour boat tour departs from Seward, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving or departing on a cruise ship. The route travels through Kenai Fjords National Park, passing the alpine and tidewater glaciers that flow from the Harding Icefield. You will navigate the deep fjords to get a close view of the ice as it meets the sea. Along the way, the vessel visits the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to various migratory seabird rookeries. The captain provides live commentary while searching for humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. A complimentary lunch is served on board as you travel.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This six-hour tour departs Seward in the late afternoon, heading into Kenai Fjords National Park just as most other boats are returning to port. The route leads to either Holgate or Aialik Glacier, passing through habitats known for whales, seals, and puffins. Throughout the trip, the captain shares information about the park's ecosystems and the local landscape. A multi-course dinner is served on board, with menu options including Alaska salmon, beef, or vegetable curry. This evening departure offers a quieter experience on the water and the chance to see the park's tidewater glaciers in the shifting light of the Alaskan evening.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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