Make Memories on a Kenai Fjords Cruise From Seward
*Disclosure: I only recommend products/services that I would use myself & all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission which in turn helps fund my next adventure! Please read the Privacy Policy for more information.
Visiting the Kenai Fjords is one of the top iconic things to see in Alaska and it’s an experience that will leave you in awe. Imagine gliding through rugged cliffs, fjords that look prehistoric, towering glaciers, and seeing an abundance of wildlife along the way… that’s what it’s like on a boat cruise through the Kenai Fjords. A Kenai Fjords cruise from the charming town of Seward offers an opportunity to explore one of the most breathtaking regions of Alaska, where the mountains meet the sea in a dramatic display of natural wonders – it truly looks like something out of a movie!
During my trip to south-central Alaska in October, I drove from Anchorage and spent a night in Seward where we went on a boat cruise to see the Kenai Fjords which was absolutely remarkable. I had the opportunity to go bear viewing and although it’s hard to beat that, seeing the terrain along the Kenai Peninsula was just as magical. Each turn revealed a new scene straight from a postcard such as glaciers calving into icy waters and a colony of sea lions soaking up the sun on a giant rock.
If you’re on the fence about booking this excursion, don’t be! This is an experience that will leave an incredible mark on your memory, one that will last a lifetime.
There are tons of tour operators based out of Seward, but in this article, we’re going to focus on one in particular, Major Marine Tours. This operator is considered to be the best and it’s the one that I went on. We’ll also cover a few things you need to know prior to your excursion, along with where to stay in Seward, so let’s begin!
Overview of Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtaking wilderness located in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, near the town of Seward. Established in 1980, this 669,984-acre park boasts a stunning landscape of glaciers, fjords, and rugged coastal mountains – it really has it all!
The park's geography is defined by the Harding Icefield, an immense ice field that spawns numerous tidewater glaciers that flow down into the fjords. These glaciers have carved deep, narrow inlets into the mountains, creating the dramatic fjord scenery that the park is famous for. The Harding Icefield itself is an incredible sight, spanning over 700 square miles and reaching depths of up to a mile thick in some areas.
One of the park's most unique features is the Exit Glacier, a massive valley glacier that is easily accessible by a short hike from the park's only road. Visitors can witness the raw power of glacial movement and observe the effects of glacial retreat firsthand.
In addition to its geological wonders, Kenai Fjords National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including whales, sea lions, puffins, and bears. The nutrient-rich waters of the fjords support an abundance of marine life, making it a prime destination for wildlife viewing and photography.
How to See the Kenai Fjords from Seward
The breathtaking Kenai Fjords can be experienced from the charming coastal town of Seward, Alaska. While it's possible to view the fjords from land, the best way to experience them is by taking a boat cruise to get up close and personal. Seward serves as a gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, offering a variety of cruise options to suit different preferences and budgets from shorter day cruises to full-day cruises.
These tours typically last between 4 to 8.5 hours, allowing you to venture deep into the fjords and witness the awe-inspiring scenery up close. Experienced captains and knowledgeable guides will navigate you through the winding waterways, providing insights into the region's geology, wildlife, and history. And yes, I know that may seem like a long time, but there are so many things to see that you won’t get bored at all. The tour I went on was the 6-hour tour and I thought it was the perfect amount of time.
In addition to the standard sightseeing cruises, Seward also offers specialized tours catering to specific interests. For example, there’s a guided kayaking tour that allows you to paddle through the serene waters and get super close to the glaciers and wildlife. If I ever go back, a kayaking tour will be at the top of my list!
Wildlife Cruises with Major Marine Tours
Major Marine Tours is one of the premier cruise operators in Seward, offering unforgettable experiences exploring the Kenai Fjords National Park. Their fleet of modern, comfortable vessels is designed to provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities while cruising the stunning fjords and coastal waters.
The company offers several tour options to suit different interests and schedules. The most popular is the 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, which takes you deep into the heart of the park, passing by towering glaciers, rugged cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, and waters frequented by whales, sea lions, and other marine life.
Experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guides accompany every tour, providing insightful commentary on the region's ecology, geology, and wildlife. With their expertise and powerful spotting scopes, they'll help you spot and identify the incredible array of animals that call the Kenai Fjords home.
Major Marine Tours' vessels are designed for stability and comfort, with spacious viewing decks, heated cabins (because you will get cold outside!), and onboard amenities like snack bars and restrooms.
Each group of seats is at a table which makes eating lunch, which is included, easy and convenient. Both the interior and exterior viewing areas are spacious, and you won’t feel overcrowded even when the tour is completely sold out. I really appreciated that there were plenty of viewing areas for everyone to spread out.
Another thing that I really loved was that the staff also did an amazing job of pointing out any wildlife and idling the boat while everyone took pictures. I went in October which is the end of whale watching season so I knew my chances of seeing whales were slim. And even though we didn’t see any whales on our tour, we were able to see other wildlife like sea otters, bald eagles, and sea lions.
My favorite part of the boat tour was when we arrived at Aialik Glacier. The water color changed to a bright, milky blue, and fragments of glacier floated all around our boat like giant ice cubes. This was my first time seeing a tidewater glacier and I was mesmerized at first sight.
If you aren’t familiar with tidewater glaciers, they’re glaciers that descend into the water and break off into the water as the glacier moves over time. It might be the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen and I couldn’t’ stop taking pictures of it!
After you arrive at the tidewater glacier, a staff member will fish out a piece of a glacier from the bright blue waters below and let guests hold it and take pictures with it. Afterward, they’ll scoop up another small glacier fragment and crush it to add it to drinks served at the bar. Getting a hands-on experience with a piece of one of the glaciers was one of the highlights of the tour and was a hit with everyone!
Things to Know Before Your Tour to Kenai Fjords
Embarking on a Kenai Fjords cruise is an adventure like no other, and proper preparation can make your experience even more memorable. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
What to Wear
The weather in the Kenai Fjords can be unpredictable, so it's crucial to dress in layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by a warm mid-layer, and top it off with a waterproof outer shell. Don't forget a hat, gloves, and sturdy, non-slip shoes for navigating the boat's decks.
What to Bring
Pack a small backpack or daypack to carry essentials like binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, and sunglasses. There are snacks and water on board that you can purchase but it’s always a good idea to bring your own. Additionally, bring seasickness medication if you're prone to motion sickness. The waters aren’t always rough, but when they are, it can really affect your experience. There were a few people on my tour who got seasick and I even felt queasy at times and I usually never experience any type of motion sickness.
Insider Tips
Rotate between the upper and lower decks for different perspectives. Listen carefully to the onboard naturalists, who will share valuable insights about the region's ecology and history. Most importantly, be patient and present – the Kenai Fjords reveal their wonders at their own pace. Don’t expect to see wildlife every minute of your tour.
Is a Kenai Fjords Cruise Worth It?
Absolutely! Taking a cruise through the stunning Kenai Fjords is an experience that is well worth the investment of time and money. While the cost of a day cruise can range from $100 to $300 per person, the memories and breathtaking scenery you'll encounter is what really make it a true value. The Kenai Fjords are one of Alaska’s most iconic landscapes and I highly recommend this activity if you’re in the area.
For many visitors, a cruise through the Kenai Fjords is a bucket-list item and a highlight of their Alaskan adventure. It definitely was for me! The combination of jaw-dropping scenery, up-close wildlife encounters, and the chance to be in a remote wilderness area makes this an experience that is truly priceless.
Where to Stay in Seward for Your Cruise
Seward is a small coastal town, making it easy to find a place to stay near the cruise departure point as there aren’t a ton of options.
I stayed at Harbor 360 Hotel during my time in Seward and loved it! Harbor 360 Hotel and Major Marine Tours operate out of the same building so staying here is extremely convenient and you won’t have to worry about missing or rushing to the boarding dock for your tour.
Harbor 360 offers simple, spacious rooms with beautiful views of the harbor. The view from my window was what I loved most about this hotel. I was able to see colorful sunsets and sunrises over the harbor full of docked boats with snow-capped mountains in the background – there’s not much else I could’ve asked for!
If you haven’t realized yet, a Kenai Fjords cruise from Seward, Alaska is an unforgettable experience that should be at the top of your list. The towering glaciers, rugged coastlines, and diverse marine life make this a must-do activity for anyone visiting the area.
Major Marine Tours provides excellent cruise options, with knowledgeable guides and comfortable vessels that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Kenai Fjords. Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day tour, you'll have the opportunity to witness the majesty of this pristine wilderness up close!
So, if you find yourself in Seward, don't miss the opportunity to go on a Kenai Fjords cruise. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home, reminding you of the incredible beauty and power of nature. For me, it’s one that I think back on often and will cherish forever.
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
