Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

The Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of Alaska’s natural wonders. This immersive excursion takes visitors on a 100-mile round-trip journey through Resurrection Bay, showcasing the area’s stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. With a high recommendation rate and complimentary amenities, the cruise provides a comfortable and informative experience for nature enthusiasts. However, the true highlight lies in the chance to encounter the park’s diverse marine life and witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon of glacier calving.

This experience made our article of 14 Top-Rated Seward Cruises And Boat Tours.

Key Points

• The 100-mile round-trip cruise traverses Resurrection Bay into Kenai Fjords National Park, showcasing stunning glaciers, sea otters, puffins, whales, and mountain goats.
• Complimentary brunch or deli lunch is provided during the journey, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased onboard.
• The cruise departs from Seward, Alaska, and travelers should allow 4 hours for driving from Anchorage due to potential traffic.
• The tour has a 97% recommendation rate from over 1,341 travelers and a Badge of Excellence from Seward, USA.
• Binoculars are available for enhanced wildlife viewing, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with advance notice.

Overview and Experience

The Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise offers travelers a chance to witness the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife of this Alaskan natural wonder.

The 100-mile (round-trip) cruise traverses Resurrection Bay into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, providing ample opportunities to see glaciers and marine life.

Highlights include the Holgate Glacier and potential sightings of sea otters, puffins, whales, and mountain goats.

With a Badge of Excellence from Seward, USA, the cruise boasts a 97% recommendation rate from over 1,341 travelers.

Guests enjoy complimentary brunch or deli lunch during the scenic journey.

Itinerary and Highlights

Cruise through Resurrection Bay into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, where possible visits to the Holgate Glacier or Aialik Glacier await, depending on conditions.

Guests may also stop at the Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection, where an onboard naturalist provides insightful commentary on the area’s geology and wildlife.

Binoculars are available for enhanced wildlife viewing, giving travelers the best opportunity to spot sea otters, puffins, whales, and mountain goats during the scenic journey.

Inclusions and Amenities

Reserved seating in a heated cabin is provided for travelers.

Complementary water, coffee, and tea are available throughout the cruise. Guests can choose between turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian sandwich options for their included lunch.

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased onboard. All taxes and fees are covered in the ticket price.

The tour is wheelchair accessible with advance notice.

These amenities ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors exploring the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Where does the tour depart from?

The Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise departs from the Major Marine Tours Check-In Office, located at 1412 4th Ave in Seward, Alaska.

Travelers should allow 4 hours for the drive from Anchorage due to potential traffic.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 150 passengers.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the departure time.

This cruise through Resurrection Bay offers an immersive experience in Kenai Fjords National Park, with possible sightings of glaciers, sea otters, puffins, whales, and more along the way.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from travelers.

The cruise boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating based on 1,341 reviews, with 97% of guests recommending the experience.

Passengers praised the knowledgeable crew, comfortable accommodations, and the quality of the provided lunch.

Many were delighted by the exceptional scenery and wildlife sightings, including sea otters, puffins, and whales.

While some noted limited wildlife encounters during the late season, the overall satisfaction with the cruise remained high.

The Kenai Fjords tour is a must-do for those seeking a breathtaking Alaska adventure.

Exploring Resurrection Bay

Departing from the Major Marine Tours Check-In Office in Seward, Alaska, the Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise whisks passengers through the majestic Resurrection Bay.

Carved from glacial movement, the bay’s rugged coastline offers a dramatic introduction to the tour’s scenic wonders. Onboard naturalists provide commentary on the area’s unique geology and abundant wildlife.

Guests may spot sea otters, puffins, and even whales as the boat navigates deeper into the national park.

The tour’s flexibility allows for visits to key attractions like Holgate Glacier and the Chiswell Islands, ensuring an engaging and memorable exploration of this pristine Alaskan landscape.

Encountering Kenai Fjords Wildlife

As the cruise vessel glides through the serene waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, passengers have the opportunity to catch glimpses of the diverse array of wildlife that call this region home.

Sightings may include the playful antics of sea otters floating on their backs, the vibrant colors of puffins soaring overhead, the majestic presence of whales breaching the surface, and the sure-footed mountain goats scaling the steep cliffs.

The onboard naturalist provides informative commentary, helping guests understand the unique ecosystem and the delicate balance of life in this awe-inspiring landscape.

Witnessing Glacier Calving

Cruising ever closer to the fjords, passengers eagerly await the dramatic sight of glacial calving. As the boat approaches the towering ice walls, an eerie silence falls over the crowd.

Suddenly, a massive chunk of ice breaks free, crashing into the water with a thunderous roar. Waves ripple outward, rocking the vessel as onlookers gasp in awe.

The calving process exposes vibrant blue ice, a testament to the glacier’s depth and density. Passengers snap photos, captivated by the raw power of nature on display.

This fleeting moment leaves a lasting impression, a highlight of the Kenai Fjords adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Do Tours Get Cancelled Due to Weather?

Tours are occasionally cancelled due to inclement weather for safety reasons. However, the tour provider works to minimize disruptions and offers flexible rebooking or refund options when necessary to accommodate travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the cruise, as the tour operator provides complimentary brunch or lunch options and sells additional refreshments. However, special dietary needs may be accommodated with advance notice.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The cruise operates on a fixed schedule and does not offer extensions. The standard tour lasts 3-4 hours, with no opportunities to lengthen the experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounted rates for children and seniors. Children aged 2-12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above get a 10% discount on the regular ticket price.

Can I Take a Helicopter Tour in Addition to the Cruise?

While the Kenai Fjords cruise does not offer a helicopter tour, there are separate helicopter tour companies in the Seward area that can be booked independently to enhance the overall Alaskan sightseeing experience. Advance reservations are recommended for these additional excursions.

The Sum Up

The Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking natural wonders of Alaska’s coastline. From the abundant marine life to the awe-inspiring glaciers, this immersive adventure provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With comfortable seating, knowledgeable guides, and a complimentary lunch, the cruise is a must-do activity for visitors to Seward, Alaska.