Boat Tours in Seward, Alaska

Embrace the wild beauty of the Alaskan coast with a boat tour from Seward. A boat tour in Alaska is a perfect way to experience the region's unforgettable sights. You'll marvel at the icy coastal mountains, huge glaciers, and amazing diverse marine life.

Joining a boat tour from Seward, a picturesque and one of Alaska's oldest settlements, is an ideal starting point for a maritime adventure. This coastal city offers an authentic Alaska experience with friendly locals, massive icy mountain ranges, and excellent fishing opportunities.

Alaska’s coastal scenery is prettier than a picture and with everything from seals, orcas, humpback whales and puffins to bears and bald eagles – Alaska is a feast for the eyes.

Have a look through our guide to learn more about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Seward, Alaska.

What are the most popular boat tours in Alaska?

Orca Quest cruise from Seward

This half-day orca quest cruise from Seward goes to Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park. There is no set route, instead you'll head out to various popular orca hot spots in search of these magnificent creatures.

On this seasonal whale watching cruise from Seward, which runs from mid-May through to mid-June, you will get the chance to learn about more orcas and their behavioral traits. You can also use a hydrophone to listen to whale calls and you will also learn more about how whales communicate with each other.

There are also free-to-use binoculars available on board to ensure you get a close-up of the marine life.

Kenai Fjords National Park cruise from Seward

Soak up the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness with a boat tour to the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Take in your breathtaking scenery aboard a 29-meter cruise vessel that’s been adapted for your comfort.

Check out the icy cliffs along the Kenai Peninsula from a warm and spacious cabin or the multi-level observation decks. Marvel at the incredible Kenai Fjords National Park, where over half of the park is covered by ice. You'll be amazed by the enormous Harding Icefield, a thousand-foot block of ice that dates back to the last Ice Age. Watch out for migrating whales, puffins, and sea lions.

Bird lovers will enjoy passing the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, a collection of some 2,400 islands, rocks, islets and reefs that are home to an abundance of seabirds.

Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruise

Explore more of Alaska's frozen beauty with a Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruise from Seward.

Cruise to the Kenai Fjords National Park and revel in the park's natural beauty – the emerald green fjords, jagged cliffs and coves. Keep your eyes on the water as you look for whales, orcas, sea lions and harbor seals. You might even spot bears or mountain goats along the shore.

The next stop is Resurrection Bay, another excellent spot for wildlife and glacier viewing. This beautiful bay is a slice of paradise and is one of the top tourist destinations in Seward with deep blue waters, rugged mountains and diverse marine life.

Then you’ll have a chance to check out some glaciers. At Aialik Bay you can see the Aialik Glacier, the largest glacier in the bay. Alternatively, you could visit  Holgate Glacier, a tidewater and mountain glacier, in Aialik Bay.  You might even be able to see chucks of the glaciers break off and crash into the water.

Depending on the weather, you'll either visit the Chiswell Islands or Cape Resurrection, both of which offer amazing bird-watching opportunities.

How much do boat tours in Alaska from Seward cost?

Whale watching on orca quest cruises from Seward cost US$160 per person. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 will pay around US$90 each, while children under the age of 2 are free. Water and hot drinks are included, but food or snack options are an added extra. These cruises cater for a maximum of 150 passengers.

Boat cruises to the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward cost US$180 per adult, and children up to age 11 are charged US$90 each. These 6-hour-long sightseeing cruises include lunch and a wildlife guide. The tour takes a maximum of 130 travelers.

Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruises cost US$250 per adult. Children aged 2 to 11 will pay US$130 each, while children under the age of 1 can join for free. Reserved seating is available in the heated cabin. The boat takes a maximum of 150 passengers.

Which places are seen?

Experience Alaska's icy, magical paradise with a cruise from Seward. Here are some of the highlights to look out for.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park – one of the most striking national parks in America. This magnificent park is a winter wonderland where mountains, ocean and ice come together. Despite the snowy conditions, colorful lush forests can still be seen around this vast expanse of ice.

Kenai Fjords National Park is a great spot to check out the glaciers, as almost 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield. The area is rich in marine life and has active glaciers, you can see them break off and crash into the sea.

Resurrection Bay

Resurrection Bay, on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, is a popular stop for tourists as the bay offers calmer waters and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. The outer reaches of the bay are home to a rich marine ecosystem and have rugged coves, bays and islands. Look out for whales, orcas porpoises, sea otters, and sea lions.

Resurrection Bay is also a bird lover's paradise as it offers an amazing variety of birds, like tufted and horned puffins, common murres, pigeon guillemots and bald eagles, If you’re lucky you might spot some bears or even mountain goats.

Aialik Bay

This big tourist destination is in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Most of the cruises, water taxis, and kayak tours from Seward, use the bay to access the many coves that can be found here. This is also a popular kayaking destination.

The Aialik Glacier, the largest in the bay, is very stable, but it is most active in May and June and this is the best time to see chunks of the glacier break off into the water.

How long does a boat trip last?

Alaskan boat tours from Seward generally run from half-day, 4-hour-long excursions to full-day, 8-hour-long tours. The further a boat goes out, the longer the cruise will last.

The longer cruises do include lunch, but some just offer water and hot drinks. The boats used for these tours tend to be fairly large and can accommodate between 130 and 150 passengers.

Where do boat tours depart from?

Boat tours from Seward leave from the Seward harbor or the cruise ship terminal. The meeting points change according to the tour operator. Many tour operators have offices near the harbor that serve as the meeting place for tours or you can meet your tour group at a hotel near the harbor. Check your tour booking to see where you will meet for your cruise.

Are they accessible to wheelchair users?

Some, but not all, tours are wheelchair friendly. Double-check with the tour operator to see if your tour has wheelchair accessibility. Don’t forget to let the tour operator know ahead of time if you need wheelchair access, as some boats have a limited seating capability.

When is the best time to go on a boat trip from Seward?

The best time for a boat trip from Seward is typically between May and September. During these months, you'll enjoy milder weather, longer daylight hours, and the chance to witness diverse wildlife, including whales and seabirds. The peak of summer, particularly July and August, offers the warmest temperatures and is ideal for exploring the stunning glaciers and pristine waters of the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Seward?

• Rafting in Seward
• Dog sledding in Seward
• Hiking in Seward
• Helicopter tours in Seward
• Snowmobile in Seward
• Fishing charters in Seward

Travel tips

• It’s wise to book in advance. Especially during peak season (June to August), boat tours can fill up quickly.
• Alaskan weather can be unpredictable. Wear layers including a waterproof outer layer. Even in summer, it can be chilly on the water, especially near glaciers.
• Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes suitable for a boat. Waterproof boots can be a good choice.
• Bring water and snacks, especially if you're on a longer tour. Some tours might provide food, but it’s good to have your own, just in case.