The 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Seward
Seward, Alaska, is a hub for marine adventures. Whether you’re eager to see glaciers calving into the sea, spot orcas hunting, or enjoy a relaxed wildlife cruise, Seward offers a variety of options. The town’s proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park makes it one of the best places on the planet for close-up views of ice-covered peaks, marine mammals, and seabird rookeries. For ship travelers or day-trippers, the chance to experience these wild waters is a highlight — and with so many tours, it can be daunting to pick.
In this guide, we’ve broken down the best cruises and boat tours, focusing on the experience, value, and who each is best suited for. From full-day expeditions crossing 130 miles to focused whale-watching cruises, each offers something unique. Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, glacier calving, or a luxury dinner cruise, we’ve got you covered.
Quick Overview
This list covers full-day and half-day adventures, specialized whale-watching trips, small-vessel tours, and luxury dinner cruises. Expect catamaran sails with onboard naturalists, marine wildlife spotting with hydrophones, and extensive glacier views. Some tours focus on orcas and humpbacks, while others include delicious onboard meals or private transfers. Whatever your schedule or interest, these options showcase Seward’s marine treasures in style.
1. Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
The Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise stands out for its immersion in glaciers and wildlife. This 7.5-hour catamaran experience visits two active tidewater glaciers in Aialik Bay, a true highlight. An onboard naturalist provides engaging narration, so you’ll learn about the glacial calving, marine mammals, and seabirds. Expect to see orcas, humpbacks, and Steller sea lions from the comfort of a heated cabin, with plenty of chances to get outside on the deck.
The tour includes a complimentary deli lunch, making it a good value considering the length and depth of exploration. The 130-mile roundtrip covers Resurrection Bay and the park’s most scenic spots, perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience. This tour is especially suited for those who want a full-day adventure with expert guidance and multiple glacier sightings.
Bottom Line: It’s a top choice for wildlife lovers and those eager to see two tidewater glaciers in one trip, with a friendly naturalist making it educational as well as breathtaking.
2. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Catamaran Cruise w/Lunch
This popular Kenai Fjords cruise offers a 6-hour scenic voyage aboard a large, stable catamaran, ideal for travelers looking for comfort and a substantial wildlife experience. The highlight is cruising through Resurrection Bay, with spectacular views of fjords, towering mountains, and glaciers. The onboard crew acts as naturalist guides, helping spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, and puffins.
A deli-style lunch is included, and you can purchase local beers and spirits if you wish. The boat’s stability minimizes choppy waters, making it accessible for those sensitive to seasickness. The top reviews praise the “great crew,” “beautiful scenery,” and “unforgettable experience,” making this a solid pick for families or first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: This tour strikes a good balance between comfort, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty, especially if you want a full-day tour with onboard lunch.
3. Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise
For a shorter but still rich experience, the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Cruise is perfect. In about 4 hours, you’ll sail 55 miles along the coast, with opportunities to see Bear Glacier, the largest in the park, and wildlife including sea lions, whales, and seabirds. The naturalist guides are knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing your chances of spotting marine mammals and birds.
The tour includes stops at Cape Resurrection, home to sea lion colonies and nesting seabirds. The reviews consistently echo the quality of the crew and the variety of wildlife seen, with many guests calling it “incredible” and “highly recommended.” It’s a good choice for those with limited time but who still want a solid wildlife and glacier experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a mid-range, wildlife-focused cruise that doesn’t skimp on scenery.
4. Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward
This 6-hour Kenai Fjords tour offers a comprehensive wildlife and glacier experience on a spacious, comfortable vessel. Expect to cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers, with chances to see whales, sea lions, and abundant seabirds. The onboard lunch and expert commentary are big pluses — especially if you enjoy learning about the ecosystem as you go.
Two departure times offer flexibility, and the visit to the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent birdwatching opportunities. The reviews highlight the friendly crew and amazing scenery, making it ideal for those wanting a full-day, high-quality tour with good value.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a well-rounded wildlife, glacier, and birdwatching tour with onboard amenities.
5. Kenai Fjords Orca Quest Cruise
If catching a pod of orcas is your goal, the Kenai Fjords Orca Quest is your best shot. Running from mid-May through mid-June, this half-day trip is designed specifically for orca spotting. The captain navigates to known orca hotspots, with hydrophones allowing you to hear their haunting vocalizations. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the overwhelming positive reviews reflect its success.
While the $161.65 price makes it a bit more expensive per hour, the focus on orcas and interactive whale calls make it well worth it for whale enthusiasts. This cruise is perfect if your main goal is seeing orcas in their natural habitat.
Bottom Line: It’s a specialized experience that offers an intimate, educational encounter with orcas, ideal for whale buffs.
6. From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour
The Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise offers a 4-hour tour through protected waters, focusing on wildlife sightings. The small boat is well-maintained and the guides are knowledgeable about local ecology and geology. Expect to see whales, sea otters, and seabirds, with the possibility of spotting mountain goats along the shoreline.
Guests rave about the friendly crew and abundant wildlife, with some noting the great value for the experience provided, including close-up views of seals and eagles. It’s suitable for travelers who want a shorter, wildlife-centered trip with less time commitment.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts who want a focused, shorter cruise without sacrificing variety.
7. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Extended Cruise
The Extended Cruise runs 8.5 hours in a small vessel with limited passengers. It’s designed for those craving deep exploration of Northwestern Fjords and glaciers. The small group size allows for more personalized attention and closer wildlife encounters. Expect to see orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, and glaciers, with the guide sharing fascinating stories.
Guests describe it as “magical,” with fantastic photo opportunities and expert narration. It’s best suited for travelers with a full day to devote to an in-depth, intimate exploration of Alaska’s wild side.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a premium, small-group adventure with extensive wildlife and glacier viewing.
8. Seward Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
This 6-hour shore excursion takes advantage of your cruise schedule with an early or late day in Kenai Fjords. The warm vessel and expert guides ensure a comfortable trip, with wildlife sightings such as whales, sea lions, and seabirds. The visit to the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is an added bonus.
Guests appreciate the timing flexibility and the quality of the guides, calling the experience “worthwhile.” It’s ideal for cruise passengers wanting to maximize their time in Seward without missing the ship.
Bottom Line: The best option if you want to combine your cruise with a wildlife and glacier tour without scheduling conflicts.
9. Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Dinner Cruise from Seward
For a luxurious evening, the Glacier Dinner Cruise offers dinner with a glacier-viewing cruise lasting about 6 hours. Enjoy up-close glacier sights, wildlife, and a gourmet meal onboard. The interpretive guides help identify whales, puffins, and eagles, making this both a scenic and culinary highlight.
Guests rave about the dinner and the vast glacier vistas. The cruise departs from Seward’s harbor, making it convenient. It’s suited for travelers seeking an afternoon/evening experience combining scenery, wildlife, and fine dining.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for romantic or special occasions when you want a relaxed, scenic, and delicious experience.
10. Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer- Port of Seward
This 7-9 hour tour combines scenic drive, craft beer tastings, and wildlife viewing. Starting from Seward, you’ll travel along the National Scenic Byway with stops at Alyeska Resort, where you can take a tram to the summit, and visit local breweries and distilleries.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to relax and enjoy Alaska’s scenery and local flavors after your cruise. The small group and behind-the-scenes tours add to the experience, and reviews praise the knowledgeable guides.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies and those interested in local culture who want a combination of scenery and craft beverages.
11. Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer and Private Tour
This private transfer turns your logistical transfer into a personalized sightseeing tour. Traveling 8 hours in a private vehicle, you’ll see fishing villages, mountain vistas, and Alaskan wildlife. The driver shares insights about the Kenai Mountains and Turnagain Arm, and you can customize stops — including Wildlife Conservation Center (additional cost).
Guests value the comfort and flexibility, with reviews highlighting informative guides and smooth logistics. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting a private, scenic transfer.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a customized, comfortable journey between Seward and Anchorage.
12. Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
This popular cruise from Major Marine Tours covers 100 miles of stunning scenery in 6 hours. Expect to see Holgate Glacier, calving glacier ice, and Chiswell Islands with thousands of nesting seabirds. The onboard naturalist explains the geology and wildlife, enhancing your understanding of the scenery.
Reviewers praise the friendly crew, abundant wildlife sightings, and glacier viewing. The brunch or deli lunch included is a bonus for a mid-length cruise. It’s suited for anyone wanting a comprehensive, well-organized adventure with plenty of wildlife.
Bottom Line: A top-rated, all-in-one wildlife and glacier tour that offers great value and a memorable experience.
13. Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage
The private transfer saves you stress and offers a personalized tour of Alaska’s scenic route. Traveling around 3 hours, it’s more than just a transfer — it includes opportunities for photo stops and wildlife viewing along the Seward Highway.
Guests appreciate the informative driver and comfortable ride. It’s perfect for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a private, flexible experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for private groups or those wanting customized sightseeing en route to Anchorage.
14. Seward: Spring Wildlife Guided Cruise
The Spring Wildlife Cruise is a seasonal first-of-the-year experience, running in spring to spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, and eagles. The 4-hour cruise offers a chance to see whales only present in spring, like minke whales.
Guests describe it as “one of the best experiences,” with incredible wildlife sightings and friendly guides. The boat is clean and well-maintained, and the scenery of snow-capped mountains and spring blooms makes for memorable photos.
Bottom Line: Ideal if visiting early in the season and eager for wildlife in a pristine environment.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When picking your Seward boat tour, consider your main focus: wildlife, glaciers, or a combination. Full-day cruises are perfect for deep exploration, while half-day trips suit shorter schedules. If orcas are your priority, the Orca Quest is unmatched; for a romantic dinner, the glacier dinner cruise is ideal. Budget-wise, expect $112 to $399 per person, with longer or smaller-group tours costing more.
Book early, especially in summer months, and check availability if your travel dates are fixed. Think about your fitness level — some tours involve more time outside or smaller boats.
Final Thoughts
Seward offers an impressive array of marine adventures. For a comprehensive experience, the Full-Day Kenai Fjords Cruise gives you glaciers, whales, and wildlife with expert narration. If you’re on a tighter schedule, the half-day wildlife cruises still deliver plenty of memorable sights. Want the chance to see orcas? The Orca Quest is your best bet. For folks seeking luxury or a special evening, the glacier dinner cruise hits the mark.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early ensures you’ll secure your spot in these spectacular waters. Pack your binoculars, dress warmly, and get ready for a true Alaskan adventure on the water.