Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
4.9
Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
By Major Marine Tours
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About
The 6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise explores the world of whales, wildlife, and glaciers found in Kenai Fjords National Park. Our experienced captains will narrate your journey and point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area’s wildlife, history, and geology. You will spend time in front of a towering tidewater glacier and watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 150 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Educational boat tour through Kenai Fjords National Park
- See at Holgate Glacier and the Chiswell Islands
- Opportunities to spot wildlife such as puffins, sea lions, and otters
- Ride in the comfort of a heated cabin with a reserved seat
- Reserved seating in the heated cabin
- Water, coffee, and tea
- Use of binoculars
- All taxes and fees included
- Sandwich options are turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian.
- Onboard Naturalist Narration
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Make your way to the meeting location, and board a comfortable catamaran equipped with a heated cabin and warm beverages. Set off through Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park en route to Holgate or Aialik Glacier, and stop and watch for calving, which is when large chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. Continue past the Chiswell Islands to your second stop at Cape Resurrection (weather dependent), famous for its large population of nesting seabirds such as puffins and cormorants. Other wildlife sightings could include sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, and mountain goats. Throughout the cruise, take in views of the pristine Alaskan wilderness while learning about the sights from the experienced onboard naturalist.
- Start:
- 1412 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USADeparture Point: Major Marine Tours Check-In Office at Harbor 360 Hotel Address: 1412 4th Ave. Seward, Alaska 99664 If you are driving from Anchorage the morning of your cruise please allow 4 hours for the drive due to construction and traffic on the Seward Highway.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7166P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
- Wheelchair accessibility or limited mobility requests must be submitted ahead of time due to limited seating capability
- Sandwich options are turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian. Please submit choice in advance.
- Guests arriving by train should contact us in advance to ensure you will be scheduled on the correct cruise.
- Please notify if you are arriving by train, cruise ship, driving in, or already in Seward the date of your cruise
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7166P2
From
£196.89
per adult
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Itinerary
- 1412 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USADeparture Point: Major Marine Tours Check-In Office at Harbor 360 Hotel Address: 1412 4th Ave. Seward, Alaska 99664 If you are driving from Anchorage the morning of your cruise please allow 4 hours for the drive due to construction and traffic on the Seward Highway.
- Pass byMajor Marine ToursKenai Fjords National ParkResurrection BayHolgate Glacier
Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 818annamarien0 contributionsWonderful dayWhat an incredible experience! All of the wildlife was out for our excursion. Staff was very good stop and explain what we were looking at. Check in was easy I definitely will be backWritten 20 March 2025
- obowser0 contributionsFav thing I did in AKFriendly staff great drink options lots of fun animals to see captain was great seas were not too rough outdoor and indoor seating options made it great to warm up in the coldWritten 10 March 2025
- N7436ZYkarenc0 contributionsAbsolutely brilliantAbsolutely brilliant the crew were amazing full of knowledge and always willing to answer questions It was just an amazing dayWritten 8 March 2025
- Zvonimir A0 contributionsSpecial and unique experience!My girlfriend and me went on a 7,5 hours tour on 29th August. The trip start on time and you can fell how this is very professional service from the start. Staff even helpt me with a parking, and the service on board was excellent also. On whole trip some of the staff is going around too check is everybody ok, because of potential sea sickness, and captain all the way explain secif8c nature and wildlife situation that you are currently observing. On whole trip the best and most exciting moments was when we saw humpback whale! At this time if the year it is not easy to see whales, but we were blessed to see humpback whale jumo from the water! Crazy, so beautiful and unique moment! Unforgettable! And whale jumped 5 times, in a half an hour searching and fallawing whale by captain! Another highlight are glachers, and this is also so special that the whale trip is one of best experiences that I ever had! Must do!Written 7 December 2024
- GoPlayAJ0 contributionsMajor Marine Tours Made Our Trip!We did a half-day cruise with Major Marine Tours, and it was truly worth it! Not only did we spot an abundance of wildlife but the crew was fantastic, the chili was delightful, the cocktails were spot on (don't miss the Hot Otter), and the boat (Skana) was immaculate. Our day on the water treated us to sightings of Dall’s porpoises, Orca whales (probably nearly a dozen!), sea lions, harbor seals, Bald eagles, mountain goats, and a very entertaining sea otter. With a couple of side trips to secluded inlets, it will be hard to top this experience anytime soon.Written 17 November 2024
- 695kathryned0 contributionsKenai Fjords Major Marine Tour - 4 hrs. was plenty and AMAZING!!The 7 hr. tour we were set up for had to be cancelled or changed to a 4 hr. tour due to 15' swales further out. If this happens to you, don't fret. A hump back whale and about 8-9 orcas didn't like the swales either and came in further to our boat, so we missed nothing. OK, we may have missed seeing an iceberg, but absolutely nothing else. The crew were amazing, and we saw over 20 waterfalls, 5-6 eagles, otters, seals, seagulls, and had a FABULOUS experience. People kept apologizing for the rainy weather, but we didn't go to Alaska expecting to see sunshine and beaches. We experienced Alaska in September by train, planes, buses and this boat trip. Soooo glad we didn't waste our 'once in a lifetime trip' on a cruise ship. We would have missed soooo much! Thanks again for such a great time! The meals were great as well. :)~~Bob & Kathy Dunlap-Medina, OHWritten 9 November 2024
- stU4372QS0 contributionsBook it - you won't regret it!I can't say enough good things about this experience! Fabulous customer service, as I emailed with many questions before and after booking and they were so thorough and patient. We came to Seward by cruise ship and were leaving that evening by train. Major Marine staff were waiting for us as we exited our cruise ship - they tagged our luggage, loaded it (and us) in the van and transported us to the hotel. While we were on the tour, they transported our luggage to the train for us - seamless experience. Now for the tour - amazing views and so relaxing! The crew (I think it was Justin, Scott, Marissa and Rebecca) were fabulous! The lunch was really good too! Two weeks in Alaska and this was one of our favorite experiences!Written 20 October 2024
- hermang7530 contributionsWould do it again!The folks that run this excursion were amazing. Last run of the season and they had the energy and enthusiasm as if it was the first of the season. The views and information where wonderfulWritten 14 October 2024
- dianerN7411DM0 contributionsThe BEST adventureThis was the best activity that we did on our Alaskan vacation. We got really close to a glacier. We saw humpback and orca whales, sea lions and otter, puffins and bald eagles. The captain, Lisa, was so informative.Written 23 September 2024
- CarolynJK0 contributionsHighlight of our trip with wonderful wildlife viewingWe did the six hour boat trip, which I think was the perfect length of time. We got lucky with some beautiful sunny and calm conditions and were able to see lots of wildlife, including sea otters, Stellar sea lions, puffins, Muirs, Dall's porpoise, and even a humpback who hadn't migrated south yet. It was very cool to see the glacier as well. The boat was very comfortable and you are able to sit at seats around a table inside to stay warm whenever you want and then head out on the deck when wildlife is spotted. Definitely bundle up, it is always colder out on the water when the boat is moving and you have a breeze! Sandwich lunches leave a bit to be desired, but I did appreciated the brownies they gave us at the end :)Written 22 September 2024
- 578heatherc0 contributionsMust do!Fantastic tour company. Seas were rough but they knew in advance and warned everyone before departing to take motion sickness medication. Great info provided throughout the cruise, and they went out of their way to search for wildlife. The boat captain was incredible, getting the large boat around, between and up so-close-you-could-touch-it landscapes. Crew was very knowledgeable and friendly, you could tell they love what they do. Highly recommend this company and would book another trip with them if in the area again.Written 15 September 2024
- D9505NFjamess0 contributionsWow!!! Highly Recommend!!!Oh my gosh!! Highly recommend even on a rainy day, so many wildlife spottings and a great tour of the bay and the park. Will do 8 hour tour next time as we were only left wanting to see more!!!Written 15 September 2024
- Retsbol0 contributionsNorthwestern Fjord CruiseWe did the Northwestern Fjord Cruise and would highly recommend. Justin and Zach did a phenomenal job keeping us informed of wildlife sightings along the way. We saw Orcas, Stellar Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Puffins and more. We felt safe the entire ride and were very pleased with the overall experience. The boat never felt overcrowded and there was space inside for everyone if one wanted.Written 15 September 2024
- uflgrad0 contributionsEnjoyable, Educational CruiseCaptain Nat, Shane, Carl, and Dalton made our cruise pleasant and memorable. We saw otters, eagles, puffins, sea lions, seals, birds, and a humpback whale. Our group of nine enjoyed the cruise.Written 13 September 2024
- scottlM5842ZB0 contributionsHighly recommendThe 4-hour trip was perfect, amazing views and glaciers, wildlife. Captain Tammy was super knowledgeable and entertaining, and entire crew friendly and helpful. Really memorable. Don’t miss this!Written 12 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.9
712 reviews
Excellent
656
Very good
30
Average
16
Poor
6
Terrible
4
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
hsh-on-leine
Hannover, Germany5 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
At first, the price of over 150 dollars per person (on the stated price of $139 comes the tax) seemed very high.
During the boat tour, this became relativized. We have seen and observed quite a lot of animals. The captain has made sufficiently long stops and made detailed and understandable comments on loudspeakers.
In addition, coffee, tea and water are available free of charge on board.
Soft drinks cost just $2.
Beer for $7 is moderate (drawn only ale, unfortunately). On the other hand, cocktails for $8 are cheap again and taste good.
Binoculars are also included in the price.
The bottom line is that we did everything right with the trip.
During the boat tour, this became relativized. We have seen and observed quite a lot of animals. The captain has made sufficiently long stops and made detailed and understandable comments on loudspeakers.
In addition, coffee, tea and water are available free of charge on board.
Soft drinks cost just $2.
Beer for $7 is moderate (drawn only ale, unfortunately). On the other hand, cocktails for $8 are cheap again and taste good.
Binoculars are also included in the price.
The bottom line is that we did everything right with the trip.
Automatically translated
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terryfl1
orlando florida71 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
My wife and I really enjoyed our cruise with Marine tours. It was enf of the season and we were scheduled to go on Sunday, but the contacted us Friday and said bad weather was moving in and asked if there was any way we could make it on Saturday as the Sunday cruise would likely be cancelled or shortened. We were actually boarding our flights and had to rearrange some things, but we made it on Saturday and we are glad we did. It ended up being the only sunny day of our vacation. The cruise, the staff and the views were incredible. The wildlife was plentiful and the glacier was amazing. They sent out two boats instead of overcrowding a single boat and the boats spotless and looked brand new. The food was good and we even enjoyed a special margarita (I don't want to spoil the surprise). I would highly recommend this tour, but remember no jumping allowed on the boat :)
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sainbasha
Irvine, CA4,321 contributions
Really loved this. We booked this cruise which was 6 hours one and was starting on 4th May for this season. We reached on May 3 so this was ideal. The tour pick up was at Harbor 360 hotel and luckily we were staying there so it was ideal. This started at 11.30 AM and we were on our table to enjoy the cruise. It was a lovely experience. They also served us sandwiches for lunch and we had to prebook from the three choices. Beef, Turkey and Vegan. Soft drinks and coffee were also included. Hard drinks you had to buy.
The boat had an inner cabin on level one and two plus deck all around. The weather was still very cold so we shuttled in and out.
We sae amazing wildlife including some orca’s, humpbacks, see otters, gulls, etc etc. The whales we saw made the day for us. The ride was quite smooth except in certain parts where the ride got a bit choppy. We visited a few bays and another major highlight was getting close to a glacier. There were lots of photo opportunities available. Overall it was a day well spent and worth every penny. Top numbers to it!!!
The boat had an inner cabin on level one and two plus deck all around. The weather was still very cold so we shuttled in and out.
We sae amazing wildlife including some orca’s, humpbacks, see otters, gulls, etc etc. The whales we saw made the day for us. The ride was quite smooth except in certain parts where the ride got a bit choppy. We visited a few bays and another major highlight was getting close to a glacier. There were lots of photo opportunities available. Overall it was a day well spent and worth every penny. Top numbers to it!!!
Written 22 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OMB
Apex, NC39 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
My wife and I took the 7.5 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise by Major Marine Tours on September 6. Communication with Major Marine Tours was excellent. Information of where and when to meet and what to bring was perfect. The boat was completely full but there was plenty of space on outside decks to view and photograph the glaciers and wildlife. The ride from Seward to Aialik Bay where Holgate and Aialik Glaciers are located was rather calm except for a 15 minute stretch around Cape Aialik. While the sea was rough, I saw only two people get sick despite being in the open air on the back of the boat. The crew was handy with barf bags. On the way to the glaciers, we were lucky enough to see an eagle in a tree, a couple otters lounging on their backs and a group of Orca whales. One whale was nice enough to give us a tail slap. The captain was really good about pointing out wildlife and slowing down so we could get photos. When we entered Aialik Bay, the crew served sandwiches with a generous amount of turkey or roast beef. The captain spent plenty of time in front of each glacier, turning the boat so both sides got a view. There were a good number of harbor seals on the ice by Aialik Glacier. On the return trip we were treated to views of mountain goats and sea lions on the shore line. The weather was overcast with occasional drizzles but it didn’t deter from a great experience.
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MDsportsfans
Annapolis, MD37 contributions
This tour really wants to deliver the best experience and works hard to find exactly what you’re looking for like bald eagles, otters, puffins, humpback whales, sea lions, and mountain goats. The views are stunning and the narration was wonderful but not overwhelming throughout the tour. We learned a lot, and seeing Holgate glacier up close was a highlight for all of us. For families with kids, 6 hours was stretching it for us ( mine are ages 6, 8, 9, 13). Bring along some activities for downtime as there will be lots in between the “action” like cards, games, and coloring books. I’m usually prepared with these and regretted not having them on this tour. I would recommend Major Marine if you’re in Seward and want to see it all in one tour and don’t mind being in a large group setting.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pai
9 contributions
May 2024 • Family
This was by far the best excursion experience we had in Alaska. We took the 6 hrs tour The captain was really phenomenal and the deck staff was just amazing! They all were very thought full and proactive and informative and engaging. The boat Skana was really well designed to spend more time on the bow of the boat and enjoy it. The captain was amazing in spotting mountain goats and bear on land. We also spotted humpback whales, sea otters, orcas, stellar sea lions, many different kinds of birds. The good weather allowed us to spend more time along the Chiswell islands which the staff was more excited about than the people on the boat which was amazing to see. We even saw puffins. Last but not the least we were taken close to the holgate glacier and we saw calving of the glacier. We could not have asked for a better experience. It was simply sublime.
Written 22 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stlmama
Saint Louis, MO68 contributions
We did the 6 hour cruise. Fabulous. Don’t be deterred by a cloudy/rainy day like we had. We still saw amazing wildlife. Captain Laura took us well out into the Alaskan Sea to see Orcas, which would not be the usual route for the cruise. So know that these tours will go in search of the wildlife people want to see. The various ship captains speak to each other by radio to stay informed on what they are seeing and where. Captain Laura’s narration was very informative, and she always let us know the time it would take to get to the next point of interest. The ship itself is a catamaran, and I was amazed by how she could maneuver it to get up close to whatever we were viewing. She also did a wonderful job of slowly turning the ship so everyone could get a view. The scenery was spectacular. My favorite was Spire Cove. The crew were great. In the afternoon they collected glacier ice and served glacieritas. They were always present and helpful. Know that your reservation gives you a table assignment, so no need to get to the dock too early for prime seating. I assume the tables are assigned in order of reservation, so an earlier booking might ensure you get a window table. However, don’t worry if you have an inner table because everyone goes out on deck to see the sights. The tables seat six, so you will be with others if your party is smaller. The lunch sandwich was big, and comes with chips and a granola bar. Complimentary coffee and tea are available which were much appreciated on a chilly day. They served a delightful brownie towards the end of the cruise. We highly recommend this cruise as a great way to see Resurrection Bay, the barrier islands, glaciers and sea wildlife. Wonderful day.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nat s
4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
AMAZING TRIP! Captain Gary, Rowan and their crew were so wonderful to our family. The time they took to explain what was going on with the animals (Bubble Feeding with the Humpback whales and sea otter rafting) along with pointing out the different features of the Glaciers went beyond my expectations. I was worried about taking a 7.5 boat cruise with my children, but they loved every minute of it!
Written 26 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julian070886
Laufen, Germany463 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We already took the 4-hour boat trip in 2022 and were completely thrilled.
Now we have booked the 6-hour ride and can only recommend it to anyone.
Besides Glerscher we saw orcas, fin whales, humpback whales, puffins, sea lions, otters, mountain goats and much more.
The captain and crew were very passionate about explaining and showing us everything.
Now we have booked the 6-hour ride and can only recommend it to anyone.
Besides Glerscher we saw orcas, fin whales, humpback whales, puffins, sea lions, otters, mountain goats and much more.
The captain and crew were very passionate about explaining and showing us everything.
Automatically translated
Written 4 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TYWMi
Novi, MI51 contributions
May 2022
The day we took the cruise May 21st, we were warned about the rough seas at the time of check-in and we were advised to take dramamine which we did. But I guess it was too late. Lot many people became sick enroute to the glacier and many were throwing up including me and family. 2 of my family members really got sick and did not even come out to see the glacier. Staff was running around and helping everyone, trying to clean the area immediately. Captain of the ship kept us informing about the weather, entertaining best what he can and made every effort to show the wildlife. We saw humpback whales, Orcas and that was awesome. Obviously glacier visit was superb. For all the staff's efforts, I give rating of "Very Good". Here is my suggestion to make it excellent. 1) when there is rough seas advisory, front office should have texted a day earlier or at least few hours earlier to take the medication and avoid eating few hours before the departure. 2) They should not have given food and beverages on board when they knew this will likely become a problem. I do not think any customer would have objected for not getting food for their own health.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When does your tour usually start for the season? We are thinking of coming in late May of 2025
Written 22 July 2024
What is the weather like in June? How should we dress?
Written 22 June 2022
It varies a lot. We have lucked into a beautiful week, temps from high 60s to mid 70s. On the boat you need to layer. Indoor teas are heated. Outside it is very cold. We brought hats, light jackets, fleece jackets.
Written 23 June 2022
Do you pick up at Kenai Princess Lodge, and if not, is there any transportation available from there to the dock?
Written 18 April 2022
Can you describe the lunch that is offered? What is the vegetarian sandwich like? We are a group of 8 and a couple of folks have dietary restrictions. I want to make sure they can participate in the lunch. Thanks!
Written 1 January 2022
what time starts and finishes? I just want to know if i should stay overnight or would have enough time to get last train to Anchorage at 6pm. Thanks
Written 27 December 2021
It starts at 8am and you are back around 4/5pm - hope you had a great time!
Written 12 August 2022
Is this available 1st week of October? If not, which tour sees the glaciers and whales
Written 17 September 2021
I don’t know. Check the website schedules
Written 22 September 2021
Coming from Anchorage on Alaska Railroad, scheduled to arrive Seward at 11:05am and depart 6:00pm. Does your schedule accommodate the Railroad schedule?
Written 5 September 2021
Yes you will have time to make the 11:30 Kenai Fjords tour when arriving via railroad from Anchorage to Seward
Written 5 September 2021
A little bit was in slightly open water but it was ok
Written 22 September 2021
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.