Saturday, March 23, 2024

Kenai Fjords And Resurrection Bay Half-day Wildlife Cruise

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Hour Tour Deeper Into Kenai Fjords National Park / Aialik Bay

Resurrection Bay and Beyond Cruise 4K Seward, Alaska
Summary

Cost: $309/person

Time: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Offered May 15 August 31

Trip Length: 6 hours

Passengers: Minimum 3, maximum 6

Lost Lynx

On pretty much every trip we check out Bear Glacier, on the eastern side of Kenai Fjords National Park in Resurrection Bay. On longer trips we go deeper into Kenai Fjords National Park and the tidewater glaciers of Aialik Bay . Its here that you get a chance to see tons of floating ice, calving ice, and a terrain unlike anything youve ever seen before. We also frequently check out the Chiswell Islands, a unique chain of islands home to many seabirds and other marine life. The added time also means more wildlife opportunities!

How To Get To Seward

Getting to Seward is pretty straightforward. The small town is located on Resurrection Bay about 120 miles south of Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway . The drive itself takes about two and a half hours down from Anchorage, but I recommend budgeting in more time to make stops along the way for photos.

Another great option for those that want to take in the scenery between Anchorage and Seward, but dont want to take on the drive themselves is to book the Rails to Whales package offered by Major Marine Tours. This package takes you on a day trip from Anchorage to Seward by way of the Alaska Railroad, then allows for you to board a 3.5, 5, or 6 hour Kenai Fjords Cruise before you would depart back to Anchorage by train.

Up To 10% Off When Booked Through Sunny Cove

Are you planning on booking a wildlife and glacier cruise while in Seward? Our first recommendation is our Grand Day Wildlife Cruise & Glacier Kayak Combo, which offers the best opportunities for wildlife of all of our tours, and includes kayaking near a tidewater glacier! An alternative would be to book a wildlife & glacier cruise through our friends at Kenai Fjords Tours For more info, reach out to us at or .

Kenai Fjords National Park Tour

6-Hours, 11:30 am

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The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours

The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours was originally published in August 2020

Alaska is a huge bucketlist destination for many travelers, home to eight national parks, most of which are difficult to access with the exception of Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Kenai Fjords gives visitors the opportunity to experience Alaskas rugged coastline, countless glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

Then theres us locals. A lot of us forget to explore our own backyard, and Im totally guilty of this one: despite living a short 2.5 hour drive from Seward, Ive never gone on a wildlife day cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Thats not to say its not been on my radar, it has. Ive thought about hopping on one for the last several summers, especially after talking with patients at work Ive been meaning to take one after hearing nothing but rave reviews.

The summer up here has a tendency to get away from us all, so that had been my excuse for the last few years of not ticking this one off the to-do list. So finally, excuses aside, I made it on a half-day Kenai Fjords National Park cruise after living here for 33 years.

I was hosted by Major Marine Tours on a half-day Kenai Fjords National Park cruise, and in this post, youll find out a bit more about these trips and why I definitely recommend both visitors to consider adding it to their itinerary and locals to make the jaunt down to Seward for.

Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Kenai Fjords Cruise

Resurrection Bay Tour
  • Pack Dramamine in the event of seasickness.
  • Bring binoculars.
  • Dress in layers. Alaska weather is especially erratic so having layers you can easily add or strip off will make your trip that much more enjoyable because if youre like me, youll spend nearly the entirety of the wildlife cruise outside on the deck. Having a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants is a must as the weather can be quite wet in Kenai Fjords. Find out more in my guide to what to pack for Alaska.
  • Dont forget to pack your camera .
  • Bring a dry bag for electronics if you prefer to be outside on deck for your trip.
  • Snacks, beer, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard all Major Marine Tours cruises. The 3.5 hour cruise is the only departure that does not include a meal. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are provided.

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A Review Of Major Marine Tours

As most of you who have read my blog for a while know, I dont do a lot of reviews or sponsored articles unless its something that really fits well with the nature of this blog. I had actually been recommending people go on wildlife day cruises up here in Alaska for years based on the rave reviews Id heard from both longtime Alaskans and travelers who had gone on one .

So when I had the chance to work with Major Marine Tours I jumped at the opportunity, since I had been recommending them for so long based on others experience.

From the ease of booking, checking in, and boarding to the comfortable ship, expert and knowledgable staff, and beyond I can now without a doubt recommend taking a Kenai Fjords National Park wildlife cruise with Major Marine Tours. I couldnt think of a single thing that could have been improved on for our Kenai Fjords cruise.

I was onboard the Spirit of Adventure, an 86 foot catamaran with a capacity of 174 passengers, for the 3.5 hour Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife Cruise.

Major Marine is an Alaskan owned boat tour company that has been in business for nearly 30 years.

Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park With Major Marine Tours

Major Marine Tours offers world-class wildlife and glacier cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park, departing from the beautiful harbor town of Seward, Alaska. We are a locally-owned, family company celebrating 30 years of sharing authentic Alaska adventures with our guests.

Tour Kenai Fjords on one of our cruise options ranging from 4 hours to 8.5 hours. Our cruises explore the glacier-carved fjords and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, offering some of the best glacier viewing and whale watching opportunities in Alaska.

We offer a range of different tours based on your interests and itinerary, including cruise options with educational kids programs, cruises for birders and photographers, and shorter cruises that stay in calmer, protected waters. Cruises 6 hours and over include a complimentary hearty deli lunch for all guests.

From family-friendly cruises on large, stable catamarans to full-day small vessel adventure cruises we have the cruise for you!

We are an Alaska company that cares – about our guests, about our community, and about protecting the beautiful places that we explore. Our goal is provide you with a high-quality, authentic, environmentally responsible experience that inspires you to love Alaska as much as we do.

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Bear Glacier Kayaking Adventure With Jet Boat Transport

You may just fancy yourself a budding Bear Grylls after tackling the great outdoors in this adventure tour that includes jet-boat transportation and kayaking around the majestic Bear Glacier.

Eager participants will be whisked from Seward to Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, and from there, depart on the kayak portion of their trip.

Definitely a tour best left to the young at heart, its limited to just six guests, ensuring that each hearty paddler gets the personal attention they expect.

Sea otters, seals, and a variety of marine birds are commonly seen, and both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Gray Whale Watching Tour

Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise – Seward, Alaska

During spring, youll head into Resurrection Bay to follow Gray Whales for a stretch of their annual migration norththey started in Baja California and are en route to their summer feeding waters in the Bering Sea. These whales tend to travel by line of sight, meaning they stay close to the coastline. That means youll also get a good look at alpine glaciers, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, bald eagles, puffins and other marine birds.

This tour is short enough that theres no meal served, but it includes complimentary coffee or tea you can also pack your own lunch or pick up something at the snack bar.

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Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Price: $199 per adult, $99.50 per childDates: May 28 September 11, 2022Departs/Returns: 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Visit two active tidewater glaciers and spend more time with the abundant wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on a stable catamaran. Cruise is narrated by our experienced captains. Cruise includes a complimentary lunch.

Hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise

Limited on time but still want to cruise? Explore the calmer, protected waters of Resurrection Bay on our 4 Hour Wildlife Cruise. Look for whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, and more!

PRICE & DATES

Tax and fees not included in above price.

DATES

Departing: 12:30 pm

4 Hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise Highlights

  • Cruise the calmer, protected waters of Resurrection Bay
  • Captains Choice route based on recent wildlife sightings and reports from other vessels
  • See wildlife such as orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds
  • Great cruise option for families traveling with small children
Cruise Overview

Search for whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, Dalls porpoises, harbor seals, bald eagles, puffins, and many other types of marine birds as you cruise the protected waters of Resurrection Bay on our 4 Hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise. Our experienced captains will explore the areas wildlife hot spots to maximize your chances of viewing whales and other wildlife. This cruise is fully narrated by our knowledgeable captains. Depending on weather, you may see alpine glaciers tucked in the surrounding Chugach and Kenai Mountain Ranges and cruise by Bear Glacier, a piedmont glacier and the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Experience the cruise that President Obama took on his visit to Alaska in 2015.

Route will vary depending on wildlife and weather conditions.

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Seasonal Kenai Fjords Cruises

To wrap up this article, I wanted to include a short list of the seasonal whale watching tours that are offered each spring in Kenai Fjords National Park. These are great if youre planning to visit Alaska in the spring and want to get out on the water though they are quite different than whats offered during the summer months.

  • Kenai Fjords Tours offers a four-hour grey whale watching tour from March 10-May 15* be aware that Resurrection Bay can be a lot choppier during this time of year so plan ahead if anyone in your group is motion-sensitive. Its $80 for adults and $40 for kids.
  • Major Marine Tours also offers a spring wildlife cruise with a chance to see grey whales and other wildlife, which runs from March 11-May 7*. This four-hour tour costs a bit more than Kenai Fjords Tours its $109 for adults and $54.50 for kids.
  • Major Marine also offers a late spring Orca Quest Cruise from May 9 to June 12*. This is another short four-hour cruise focused specifically on visiting an area of Kenai Fjords where the salmon run early and Orcas are commonly spotted. Its $99 for adults and $49.50 for kids.

*These are the 2023 dates, and may change before next years season starts. Be sure to check the corresponding site to verify your travel dates will work.

Ready to book your Kenai Fjords National Park cruise? If you have any questions about these, let me know in the commentsor !

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Best Kenai Fjord Tours

Resurrection Bay Tour

Featuring breathtaking valleys, towering ice walls, and some of North Americas most unique wildlife, the Kenai Fjords, and surrounding waters are indeed a sight to behold.

Kenai Fjords National Park is comprised of more than 1,000 square miles and more than three dozen individual glaciers, making it a magnet for nature lovers, photographers, and all-around lovers of the great outdoors.

Most tours of the area depart from Seward and come in a variety of lengths and options suitable for those of most ages, interests, and levels of physical ability.

Below are 14 of the best and most popular Kenai Fjord tours.

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Kenai Fjords National Park 75

For hearty travelers who laugh at frigid temperatures and stiff sea winds, this 7 ½ hour tour of Kenai Fjords National Park is probably a perfect fit.

Its longer than most tours, which means more opportunity to take in the once-in-a-lifetime sights along the Alaskan coast.

Guests will get within a stones throw of staggeringly big tidewater glaciers, sea lion colonies, and marine bird breeding grounds.

The tour includes the services of a National Park Ranger, wholl impart lots of interesting information about the areas wildlife and geologic history while youre being mesmerized by the sights.

Coffee, tea, and water are complimentary.

Kenai Fjords And Resurrection Bay Half Day Tour

We like to call this the Best of Everything Tourpart whale watching, part glacier cruise, part sightseeing cruise, part other-wildlife/bird watching, and of course fully beautiful and unforgettable! We cater the trip to your interests and goals! Like all our trips, there is no canned route that we follow.

Summary

Cost: $179/person

Time: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Offered May 1 September 15

Trip Length: 3.5 hours

Passengers: Minimum 2, maximum 6

Lost Lynx

Our most popular tour, the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half Day Tour, will bring you to the best of Resurrection Bay and beyond, including being in Kenai Fjords National Park. Resurrection Bay tends to be calm, and has some of the most scenic vistas and best wildlife watching around. Some of the things you might see are whales , orcas, Dalls and harbor porpoises, sea otters, land/river otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, jumping salmon, brown and black bears, mountain goats, eagles, puffins, other sea birds, glaciers, dramatic scenery, waterfalls, icebergs, and more!

The route always changes based on conditions and wildlife sightings and, of course, your interests! Areas we frequent are Bear Glacier , Cape Resurrection , the islands in the middle of the bay , Spire Cove, and an epic amount of beautiful coastline. Check out a map of the area here.

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Hour Northwestern Fjord Cruise

Price: $269 per person Dates: June 2 September 4, 2023Departs/Returns: 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

The longest cruise offered in Kenai Fjords National Park takes you to the remote, untouched Northwestern Fjord. Get up-close views of glaciers, whales, and wildlife on this small-vessel adventure cruise. View three active tidewater glaciers and visit bird rookeries and Steller sea lion haul-outs. Complimentary deli lunch included.

The 5 Best Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises

Major Marine Kenai Fjord Glacier Tour – Seward Alaska

If youre 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, its 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, youre 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 dont go anywhere!

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Ididaride Sled Dog Tours

This is a must see and experience adventure just down the road from Le Barn Appetit! The Seavey family offers exciting summer dog sled rides at Grandfather Dan’s homestead in Seward, and at Mitch’s kennel in Sterling. Both tours give guests a behind-the-scenes tour of an Iditarod racing kennel including meeting the puppies!100% of proceeds go to supporting the Seavey racing efforts.

Northern Latitude Adventures

Small Group Glacier & Wildlife Tours in Seward Alaska. Cruise with us on a scenic boat tour adventure. Our Kenai Fjords cruise excursions travel deep into the National Park, through majestic fjords right up to the face of a calving tidewater glacier. Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park are great areas for seasonal whale watching. We encounter Humpback whales, Killer Whales , and tons of other Alaskan wildlife on a regular basis. Join us and see why a Seward whale watch or Kenai Fjords glacier and wildlife cruise with Northern Latitude Adventures is one of the best things to do in Seward, Alaska

Resurrection Bay Boat Tours

The most exciting thing to do in Seward is to get on a tour boat out into Resurrection Bay or into some nearby fjords. This is the cruise for seeing marine wildlife. On a good day, you could see humpbacks and orcas, plus porpoises, seals, sea otters, sea lions, hundreds of puffins, kittiwakes, auklets, and the occasional bald eagle and oystercatcher.

Half-day trips take you around Resurrection Bay and out as far as Rugged Island, while longer voyages include Aialik Bay, Holgate Glacier , and the Chiswell Islands . The latter is a far more interesting trip and actually goes inside Kenai Fjords National Park rather than to its edge, but the waters are often rough, so take seasickness pills. Unfortunately, over-the-counter pills cause drowsiness, so you may want to try ginger capsules or a prescription to Scopolamine .

Tour boats operate daily throughout the season, with gray whale trips mid-March-mid-May, and a multitude of other tour options mid-May-early October. Visit early or late in the season and youre likely to find lower prices and fewer people onboard. Binoculars and telephoto lenses are handy, and a light jacket is wise. These trips are guaranteed to be a highlight of your Alaskan visit. Some Seward B& Bs and hostels offer 10 percent discounts on Resurrection Bay tours ask your lodging place if these are available before booking a tour.

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