kenai fjords national park tours from seward

The 17 Best Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises from Seward (2024)

The sky is clear and the sun creates a million sparkles of light on the face of the ocean. A humpback whale erupts from the shallow waves in a full breach. A glacier cracks loudly making the phrase “white thunder” make sense as a giant piece of ice falls into the water. An otter rides the wake of our boat, holding onto a rock it will use to crack open the clamshell in its other paw for lunch. These are some of the quintessential experiences you can have on a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise .

Kenai Fjords National Park is both unique in Alaska – and very much like all of the other national parks in The Last Frontier. Like most parks, it’s isolated and hard to reach. This is made doubly so because most of Kenai Fjords National Park is only accessible by boat.

Luckily, there are a number of cruise companies and a wide variety of cruise routes and itineraries to help you reach Kenai Fjords. In this post, I’ll break down the basics of each company. Then I’ll provide a ranked list of the best Kenai Fjords National Park cruise options. If you’ve got your heart set on visiting Kenai Fjords to see whales, glaciers, and wildlife, this will help you choose the perfect cruise for your trip.

(Oh, and to clarify a common question, be sure to read my comparison of Whittier vs. Seward to understand the differences between glacier and whale watching cruises from each place. Okay, let’s jump in!)

In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the traditional lands of the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) people. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore  Native Land .

This post was originally published in March 2021, and updated most recently in November 2023.

Table of Contents

Who Offers Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises?

Before diving into the ranked list of the best Kenai Fjords National Park cruises, I want to quickly cover each of the companies that provide cruises in the national park. This will help you get a sense of why I ranked the tours in the order I did.

Note: I’ve listed these cruise providers in alphabetical order. If you want to see the ranked list of all Kenai Fjords National Park cruise options, scroll past this section.

• Kenai Fjords Tours – KFT is one of two major cruise providers in Seward (the other is Major Marine Tours). They’ve been operating Kenai Fjords National Park cruises since 1974 and are well-reputed. I don’t think I’ve ever sailed with them as a kid, though it’s possible and I just can’t remember it.
• Major Marine Tours – Major Marine is the company I usually recommend for people who want to do a Kenai Fjords National Park tour; they are the company I’ve cruised with multiple times .
• Northern Latitude Adventures – A smaller cruise operator in Seward (like most things) has its benefits and costs. Their smaller ships mean you won’t feel like chattel on the boat like with some bigger operators (though in 2021, all of these companies are operating at reduced capacity); conversely, they cost substantially more for that more private experience.
• Seacor Tours – Seacor is another smaller Kenai Fjords National Park cruise operator based in Seward. They sail on the M/V Outright , an aluminum catamaran that can fit up to 30 passengers. This makes for an intimate experience. They offer just one set cruise itinerary , a 6.5-hour Wildlife & Glacier Tour.
• Seward Ocean Excursions – The final smaller cruise operator in Kenai Fjords National Park with a set itinerary (unlike the private/charter options mentioned below). They operate two boats and offer two cruise itineraries , for 3.5 and 6 hours.

A number of other, smaller companies offer private sightseeing charter cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park. Availability and price vary a lot, but if you are willing to pay and have a specific set of experiences you really want to have, this could be a great option. Here are the companies that offer private charters in Kenai Fjords (in alphabetical order):

• 60 Degrees Adventure Charters – This company offers fully customizable charters in Kenai Fjords. They offer anywhere from a single day to multi-day adventures, starting at $2400 for an 8-hour cruise for up to 6 guests.
• Alaska Coastal Explorer – Alaska Coastal Explorer focuses primarily on fishing charters, but they also offer a full-day Sightseeing charter that includes lunch. Group size is limited to 12.
• Alaska Dream Charters – While Alaska Dream Charters focuses primarily on fishing charters, they also offer a Sightseeing/Photography Tour as a custom charter option.
• Latitude 60 Marine – Their private charter option focuses specifically on whale watching and helping you try to see one (or more) of the five whale species in Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Northern Latitude Adventures – In addition to the tours mentioned above, Northern Latitude Adventures offers a private “Full Day Excursion” and private charter option.
• Resurrection Bay Sailing Charters – If you are an adventurous mariner type, this one’s for you! Resurrection Bay Sailing Charters offers a captained 3.5-hour “Day Sail” for up to six people for $769, with additional hours for $150/hour.
• Seward Ocean Excursions – In addition to their pre-set Kenai Fjords cruises (mentioned above), Seward Ocean Excursions also offers both a custom Full Day tour and a “Custom Tour” option (for total customization).

The Best Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises Ranked

Okay, now that I’ve covered all of the companies that offer Kenai Fjords cruises, I want to provide you with a ranked list of all of the cruise itineraries they offer. These are all of the primary cruises offered during the Alaskan summer season. I cover each one briefly to explain why I ranked it that way.

Now I’ll go through the five best Kenai Fjords cruises in greater detail, since these are the ones I most recommend; if you don’t like the sound of these ones, I recommend checking the above list and clicking any that interest you – that will help you find the perfect tour for your Alaska itinerary.

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1. 5-hour Resurrection Bay Tour with Fox Island (Kenai Fjords Tours)

I’ll be honest: I was surprised when I crunched the numbers for 2024 and discovered a shorter tour at the top of my list. Hopefully, that reassures you that it’s not just my personal experiences and recommendations that created this list!

In any case, based on the combination of price and tour duration, my top recommendation for Kenai Fjords cruises in 2024 is the shorter 5-hour Resurrection Bay Tour with Fox Island stop, offered by Kenai Fjords Tours. Specifically, my guess is that while this is shorter than what I recommend based on my experiences, the price for this tour has gone up far less than other cruises – many of which have had major price increases in the past 2-3 years.

This tour is also more likely to occur as described: it’s one that can operate even on days with less optimal weather, and includes the Fox Island stop for a uniquely Alaskan meal as well as a decent amount of time for whale watching. If you’re short on time, nervous about seasickness, or just don’t want to spend a ton, this is a great tour – which is why it tops the list!

$130 for adults, $65 for children; book here.

2. 8.5-hours National Park Tour with Dinner on Fox Island by Kenai Fjords Tours

If you’re looking for a tour that’s A) popular, B) has a good amount of time on the water, and C) a truly unique Alaskan experience, that is available in only one Kenai Fjords cruise: the national park tour with dinner on Fox Island offered by Kenai Fjords Tours.

I haven’t personally done this tour as of 2024, though I’ve heard good things about it: there’s plenty of time for watching glaciers and spotting wildlife, and you get to step on land and settle your stomach with a meal of fresh Alaskan food – including seafood pulled from the waters you’ve just been out exploring.

Since you’ll spend time on land, this cruise doesn’t go as far as some of the others on this list – but it’s a really nice option for balancing a variety of factors (including price!)

$217 for adults, $108.50 for children; book here.

3. 9-hour Ultimate Adventure Tour by Northern Latitude Adventures

It should come as no surprise that the longest-possible tour in Kenai Fjords makes my top-five list; it ranks further down because it is significantly more expensive than similar tours offered by Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine Tours. However, Northern Latitude Adventures runs on smaller boats, making this a much more intimate experience.

So the 9-hour Kenai Fjords Ultimate Adventure Tour should be on your list if you want the most time on the water watching whales and glaciers, want a more private experience, and are not sensitive to motion (since smaller boats are more likely to make you feel seasick!).

$499 per person, no child pricing noted; book here.

4. 8.5-Hour Northwestern Fjord Cruise by Major Marine Tours

Major Marine Tours is my favorite Kenai Fjords cruise operator, and this 8.5-hour tour is their longest tour that will take you to the furthest reaches of the national park. You’ll spend a whopping 8.5 hours out on the water – a great amount of time on a day with good weather (or a miserable unending slog if the water is choppy or has swells!).

Along the way, you’ll head deep into fjords to watch glaciers calf and skim the edge of the Gulf of Alaska with the best chances to spot whales and other wildlife.

$289 for adults and children 12+; this tour is not advised for children under 12; book here.

5. 4-hour Wildlife Cruise by Major Marine Tours

As I mentioned earlier, I generally advise that longer is better in Kenai Fjords, but perhaps you only have – or only want to spend – a half-day on your Kenai Fjords cruise. (There are plenty of other great things to do in Seward !) In that case, a shorter tour is best, and the 4-hour wildlife cruise from Major Marine Tours is my top recommendation.

You won’t go as far into Kenai Fjords as other tours given the shorter time frame, but as the name suggests, it’s a great chance to get out far enough to spot wildlife including otters, puffins, and – if you’re fortunate – whales! This is a great option for kids who love Alaskan wildlife, too.

$139 for adults, $69.50 for children; book here.

Seasonal Kenai Fjords Cruises

To wrap up this article, I wanted to include a short list of the seasonal whale-watching tours that are offered each spring in Kenai Fjords National Park. These are great if you’re planning to visit Alaska in the spring and want to get out on the water – though they are quite different than what’s offered during the summer months.

• Kenai Fjords Tours offers a four-hour Grey Whale-watching tour starting March 14, 2024; be aware that Resurrection Bay can be a lot choppier during this time of year so plan ahead if anyone in your group is motion-sensitive. In the past, this tour was $80 for adults and $40 for kids, but I’m having difficulty confirming that this year as I don’t think tickets are available yet (as of November 2023).
• Major Marine Tours also offers a spring wildlife cruise with a chance to see grey whales and other wildlife, which runs from March 8 to May 12, 2024. This four-hour tour costs a bit more than Kenai Fjords Tours’ (as do all of their tours); it’s $109 for adults and $54.50 for kids.
• Major Marine also offers a late spring Orca Quest Cruise from May 13 to June 16, 2024. This is another short four-hour cruise focused specifically on visiting an area of Kenai Fjords where the salmon run early and Orcas are commonly spotted. It’s $139 for adults and $69.50 for kids.

* These are the currently published 2024 dates, and may change before next year’s season starts. Be sure to check the corresponding site to verify your travel dates will work.

Ready to book your Kenai Fjords National Park cruise? If you have any questions about these, let me know in the comments.

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32 Comments

Hi! Thanks for this info. Will I see resurrection bay on my way to the northwestern fjords from seward?

Yep! You have to pass through Resurrection Bay to reach other parts of the park.

Hi and thank you for this! I’m looking at booking the Northwestern Fjord Tour soon (first week of August) and I’m wondering why the Kenai Fjords Tours ranking changed so much. I’m not especially prone to motion sickness but the bigger boat appeals to me over the Major Marine Tours’ smaller boat. I’d love your insight before I book.

Thanks for reading, Heather! Which ranking are you referring to? The main change that affected rankings this year were some pricing changes – likely driven by fuel costs. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either one, as long as you get as much time as you can on the water!

Hi, I am planning a trip to Alaska next summer and will be visiting both glacier Bay national park and Kenai Fjords national park. I see that both recommend a day cruise option. Which park do you think I should do the cruise option for and the other park would just be by land?

Hadassah, most people visit Glacier Bay NP on a multi-day cruise; is that what you’re planning for how to visit?

@Valerie, I get sea sick so trying to limit the cruise options. I will be flying into Gustavus and plan to stay in Glacier Bay and do a day cruise. But then I was wondering if I should be doing a day cruise also for Kenai Fjords or are they pretty similar? Can I see enough of Kenai Fjords if I just go by land? Thank you for answering my questions!

You can’t really visit Kenai Fjords without taking a day cruise – but if you do get seasick, you might want to pass on that!

Thanks so much for the info. They are super helpful. I am going in 2 weeks and am considering the 4 hours spring cruise. Major marine is about double the cost of Kenai Fjords. Do you have any insights why? Is it worth to pay more? Will I get better chance of seeing wildlife?

Hi, Dorothy! I think you might be in Alaska already, but I think with the spring cruises, you should go with whomever is cheapest. I hope that helps if you haven’t booked yet!

Ray Shoemaker

We will be in Alaska from 5-16-2023 – 5-25-2023 and plan to do a 6 hour Kenai Fjords cruise on May 18. We are trying to decide between Marine Major Tours and Kenai Fjord Tours. In this article Kenai Fjord Tours is listed #5 and Marine Major is listed as #10. What makes Kenai Fjord Tours #5, ahead of Marine Major? What are the differences and pros and cons of each?

Thanks for reading, Ray. I cover pros and cons and differences, the main one of which is price, which is why Major Marine is lower on the list. I personally love Major Marine and am happy to pay more – especially as they’re an Alaskan owned business.

Hi Valerie, I am travelling with older parents to Anchorage and Seward and wanted some recommendations on things we can do in these locations (that does not involve extensive walking and any walking is light to moderate). We have 1.5 day in Anchorage and 3 days in Seward.

Seward – I am definitely looking at small boat tours but that still gives us maximum coverage and I did see your listing in the blog but reaching out on recommendations again! Would you recommend a day cruise of Kenai + Resurrection or just Kenai and do something else day 2?

Hi, have you checked out the rest of my Alaska articles for ideas of what to do in various cities you want to visit? https://www.valerievalise.com//guides/alaska/

Regarding cruises, I’m confused by your question. Do you mean cruising Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay? They are the same waterway. If you cruise in Kenai Fjords, you will cruise through Resurrection Bay – there are also cruises of only Resurrection Bay; there are no cruises that are “only” Kenai Fjords. I recommend checking a map to get clarity on that.

Rosemary Steele

Hello, We will be doing a whale watching trip on June 7 or 8. I was leaning toward the smaller boat. Can we see more or get closer to the whales with the smaller boat? I saw two small boat excursions, the Northern Latitude and Seward Ocean Excursions. Both are 3 and a half hours. Any preference betwee these two?

I have not cruised with either so am unable to provide a suggestion, but all boats have to comply with the same rules with regard to how close they can get… smaller makes no difference there.

Michael Perry

Thanks for the great list of Kenai Fjord tour companies! We will be in Seward on May 22 and 23. I like the sound of the Seacor tour with just 20 to 22 passengers, but I’m wondering how choppy the water might be that time of year? Are the swells in May usually big enough to make even Seacor’s 47-foot catamaran uncomfortable? I know I don’t want to go on any of the smaller tour company’s 6-passenger boats, and I’d prefer to not be packed on the huge 150-passenger boats.

There’s no way to predict the swells, unfortunately. I’m super motion sensitive so I always opt for bigger boats… I will say, 20-22 passengers on a 47-foot catamaran is probably equally “packed” compared to the larger, more passenger boats.

Ciao. Major Marine does not offer its NW Fjord tour until June 2, 2023. My options for late May are a 7.5 hour National Park with Major Marine or an 8 hour NW Fjord Tour with Kenai Fjords. Prices are close enough, the boat size appears about the same, and there’s only a half hour differnce. I liked my initial interaction with Major Marine (personal and knowledgeable) more than NW Fjord (offsite and could only offer canned responses and technical info). I guess my question before I commit is: is the venture into NW Fjord much better regadless of operator than into Aialik Bay? Thanks so much.

I’ve never heard of NW Fjord before – can you send me their website? I am always preferential toward Major Marine though!

Hi. Sorry for confusing you and others. I am choosing between Major Marine and Kenai Fjords Tours. At the time of my visit, Major Marine offers a 7.5HR into Aialik Bay. Kenai Fjords offers an 8HR tour that goes into Harris Bay/NW Lagoon, or what they call Northwestern Fjord. I am leaning toward Major Marine. My question is whether you or others have an opinion that the Northwestern Fjord is so much better than Aialik Bay that I should reconsider my decision. Thank you.

Hmmm… to be honest, the glacier in Aialik is actually more impressive; all of the glaciers in NW Lagoon are barely tidepool at this point (due to receding) while Aialik (pronounced Aye-al-ick, if you’re curious 🙂 ) has much greater volume touching the water. My vote is Major Marine!

Thanks for all the wonderful content! My wife, kids (8 and 11), and I will be doing a cruise from Seward to Vancouver with a couple days in Seward beforehand. We’re looking at doing one of these cruises, probably the 5-hour Resurrection Bay Tour with Fox Island (KFT) or the 4-hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise (MMT) tour since I expect they’ll get bored on the longer ones.

Which of the two would you recommend for a family with school-age kiddos? Is there stuff to do on Fox Island to keep the family occupied?

Matt, hi, I’d use this list to make a choice. The KFT one ranks #1 for a reason!

Hi Valerie, Trying to figure out if we should do the 3:00 KFT 5.5hr. dinner cruise the day we drive in from Anchorage or do the 8:00am. cruise the next day – Which is also the day we need to drive back to Anchorage airport to catch a 8:20p.m Flight. I would love your opinion. Which do you thing would be better and less crowded? Tuesday- drive from Anchorage- Seward -3:00 cruise Wednesday- 8:00a.m cruise -afterwards drive to Anchorage airport for a 8:20pm flight. Thank you?

I’d do the morning cruise on Wednesday! I think the timing is better so you aren’t rushed.

Hi Valerie,

your website is great! I will be traveling fom Austria to Alaska in the first week of September 2024. I defintely want to do a whale watching tour. Unfortunately, I am very prone to seasickness. I now booked the 6-hours tour with Kenai Fjords Tours (especially because the price was much cheaper compared to Major Marine). Do you think that it makes a difference if I go on the 6-hours tour with Kenai Fjords Tours or Major Marine? I am happy for any tips! Thank you!

It will make no difference who you cruise with – it will all come down to the weather/seas that day! I always take dramamine and get well-hydrated; this usually helps me a ton as I’m also prone to seasickness. Good luck!

Love your honest comment around the MaJor Marine Tours’ 8.5 hour tour that came in at number 4; it’ll either be a great experience, ‘(or a miserable unending slog if the water is choppy or has swells!).’

I’m glad that I didn’t do too much research in advance of my July 2022 Kenai Fjords 6 hour tour, because I’m not certain if hearing too much about the possibility of rough waters making you sick might have steered me away, but I suppose in some cases, ignorance is bliss. We were fortunate to have a reltive calm day on the water (although I assume that no matter when you go, once you leave Ressurrection Bay and enter the Gulf Of Alaska, you’e going to notice, as we did, a little change in the choppiness of the waters).

I think it’s great, then, that you placed a tour that minimizes the chance of rough waters at the top of the list.

Thanks, Peter! While I obviously have my opinions and what I prefer, my goal is to let the data and true “best” recommendation based on price, timing, and experience win out!

Adhithi Siva Arasu

Hi Valerie. Thanks for providing so much information about the tours. We are planning to visit Alaska in the month of October 2024 and I’m able to see that only “https://sewardoceanexcursions.com/winter-trips/” is available for that month. Do you suggest anything else or this is a good option to go forward?

October is not a great time to visit, as there isn’t much available in general; for whale watching, most of the whales won’t be in Alaska anymore, so your odds aren’t great for seeing one even if you do book that tour. If that’s the only tour you see, it’s probably the only tour available.

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Specials & Packages

• Directions & Check-in Information

6 HOUR KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK CRUISE

6 hour kenai fjords national park cruise.

Visit an active tidewater glacier and discover the whales and abundant wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on our most popular cruise. 

PRICE & DATES

Adult (age 12+): $219.00

Child (age 2-11): 109.50 

Infant (under 2): Free

Tax and harbor fee not included in above prices.

AFTERNOON DEPARTURE

May 4 – September 22, 2024

Departing: 11:30 am

Returning: 5:30 pm

2025 MORNING DEPARTURE

June 6 – August 24, 2025

Departing:  8:00 am

Returning:  2:00 pm

6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Highlights

• Visit an active tidewater glacier
• See wildlife such as orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds
• Captain narration and interactive program for kids
• Binoculars available to use while onboard
• Complimentary deli lunch for all guests with choice of three sandwich options: turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian. Please note of dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
• The afternoon cruise is the best cruise option for those traveling with round-trip transportation on the deluxe motorcoach from Anchorage

Cruise Overview

Our 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 fully narrate your journey and will 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.

Choose from two different departures! In addition to the afternoon departure, the morning 6 Hour Cruise will depart at 8am and return at 2pm for the early morning risers.

Online bookings not available within 12 hours of cruise departure – please call us at  (907) 224-8030  to book within 12 hours.

• Guaranteed reserved seating in our heated cabin for every guest. In order for parties to be seated together on our cruises, there is a possibility of sharing a table with another party.
• Complimentary deli lunch is provided. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are provided. Snacks, beverages, and full bar drinks are available for purchase during the cruise.
• Departure location:  Seward Harbor 360 Hotel
• Wheelchair accessible on the first deck, inside the main cabin only. Outside decks are not wheelchair accessible. Please note if there are wheelchairs in your party when making your reservation. More information about vessel wheelchair accessibility can be found here .

The afternoon cruise aligns with same-day, round-trip transportation on the Alaska Railroad. The train arrives in Seward at 11:15 a.m. and the cruise departs at 11:30 a.m., please walk directly to the check-in office at Harbor 360 Hotel (2 minute walk from the Alaska Railroad Depot) and board the boat from the dock behind the hotel. When the cruise returns at 5:30 p.m., you will have enough time to walk to the depot and board the train before the 6:00 p.m. departure. If the train arrives late, we will do our best to transfer passengers to a different date or to the 4 Hour Cruise that departs at 12:30pm.  More information can be found on our transportation page .

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS:

– Resurrection Bay – Bear Glacier (piedmont glacier, visibility weather permitting) – Kenai Fjords National Park – Gulf of Alaska – Aialik Bay – Holgate or Aialik Glacier (tidewater glacier) – Chiswell Islands, part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (weather permitting and captain’s choice) – Bird Rookeries – Steller Sea Lion Haul Outs

Routes are captain’s choice and will vary depending on weather, wildlife, and glacier ice conditions.

Can I take this cruise and the train on the same day? Yes, the afternoon cruise aligns with same-day, round-trip Alaska Railroad transportation. A Major Marine Tours representative will be at the depot to direct you to you to the check-in office. The train depot is only a 2 minute walk from the check-in office for this cruise. When the cruise is over, you will have enough time to walk back to the depot before the train departs at 6:00 p.m.  If the train arrives late, we will do our best to transfer passengers to a different date or to the 4 Hour Cruise that departs at 12:30pm.

Will I see any glaciers on this cruise? Yes, this cruise visits one active tidewater glacier in Aialik Bay. Depending on weather, you may also see Bear Glacier, which is a piedmont glacier and the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, along with alpine glaciers perched high in the mountains.

Will I see any whales on this cruise? While we cannot guarantee whale sightings, our captains visit wildlife hot spots and communicate with other vessels about recent wildlife sightings to give our guests the best chances of viewing whales. On average, we see whales on 80% of our 6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises. The longer you are on the water, the greater your chances are of seeing whales.

Will I get seasick? This tour crosses through the Gulf of Alaska for a short time, where there is a higher chance of seasickness due to the area’s bumpy open waters. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication such as Dramamine or Bonine before the cruise. This medication can be purchased at our check-in offices and onboard our cruises. Our half-day cruises stay in protected waters, where seasickness is less likely.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

HEAR WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING

I loved this tour.

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My expectations were surpassed in every way possible. The staff was kind and courteous. I was very pleased with the precautions taken to make the passengers feel safe during these uncertain times, Laura was a wonderful narrator and guide. Our sail was smooth and comfortable. Thank you to all the staff for making this a wonderful experience. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. I loved this tour!

Guest Comment Card

Alaska Adventure

We had a large group of eleven people. The staff made sure we had two tables together and everybody was very accommodating. It is nice that you have the tables as your home base for the entire trip. We were able to leave our belongings and everybody could come and go without losing track of family members. All the staff from captain, crew and the onboard park ranger were incredible. Definitely a big thumbs up from us.

Amazing value!

I loved that this is the only local company running cruises out of Seward! We had a brochure day seeing a humpback, 2 pods of orcas, sea lions, 2 types of puffins, double breasted cormorants, bald eagles, sea otters and porpoises. We had a blast and would do this again with this company in a heart beat.

hendryrd /  TripAdvisor

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• Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Fox Island

Spend a full day exploring Alaska’s coastal wilds.

• Things to Do in Seward

More Details

Rates & dates, departure times, availability.

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Although Kenai Fjords National Park encompasses much more than coastline, it is the craggy stretches of mountains plunging into blue water that warrant the awe of most Alaska visitors. This 8.5-hour cruise takes passengers deep into that world for an immersive and thrilling day.

Stunning sight of hundred-foot tall ancient ice.

An onboard tour guide narrates the cruise, describing the area's natural history, pointing out landmarks, and sharing facts about the wildlife passengers spot. The cruise soon leaves Resurrection Bay for a quick turn through the Gulf of Alaska. Aialik Bay is the destination, its calmer waters reached just in time for a midday meal before stopping at the day's first up-close tidewater glacier. The captain idles the boat at a safe distance for close to half an hour. There's plenty of time for every passenger to take in the stunning sight of hundred-foot-tall ancient ice. After visiting a second glacier and several hidden coves and inlets along the way, the boat heads once again into the gulf.

Once back in Resurrection Bay, the boat docks at Skipping Stone Beach on Fox Island. Here, passengers are welcomed ashore for an early evening meal. The tour concludes with a swift cruise back to the Seward harbor.

The tour boat has two indoor cabins, wrap-around exterior walkways, and larger outdoor decks on the bow and stern. No smoking is allowed on the boat.

Lunch includes a southwestern chicken or vegetarian burrito. Dinner on Fox Island includes prime rib, mashed potatoes, soup, and salad. Vegetarian options are available when requested in advance. Additional snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the boat.

What to Bring

To make the most of views and fresh air on the exterior decks it is important to dress in layers for this tour. Bring a rain jacket, hat, and gloves and wear warm base layers and rubber-soled shoes. Even on a sunny day the air coming off a glacier can be quite chilly. Be sure to bring a camera and binoculars. If seasickness is a concern, err on the side of caution and take motion sickness medicine in advance.

Special Instructions

Check in at the tour office in the Small Boat Harbor one hour prior to departure. The tour office provides luggage storage if needed.

Transfers & Meeting Points

Most local hotels provide shuttle service to the Small Boat Harbor. The tour operator will provide directions to a free all-day parking lot for self-drivers.

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 12. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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Quick Facts

• Price $232 + Tax
• Duration 8.5 Hours
• Departs 10:00 AM
• Operating Dates Daily from 5/18/2024 to 8/25/2024
• Activity Level Less Active

What's Included

• Onboard narration by a certified guide.
• Guide to Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Onboard lunch with vegetarian option.
• Dinner on Fox Island.

Guest Feedback

"I loved every minute of this. So scenice and informative! I loved seeing the whales, dolphins, seals, otters, and more. Fantastic."

~Shaun from Georgia~

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Seward Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour

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• Things to know
• Reviews (27)

Excursion Overview

Our most popular cruise in kenai fjords national park.

The cruise will travel through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay and continue around Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay to view Holgate Glacier, an actively calving tidewater glacier. We will spend time in front of the glacier to watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. Our experienced captain will fully narrate your journey and will point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area's wildlife, history, and geology. While in the protected waters of Aialik Bay we will begin providing complimentary deli lunch. This hearty deli lunch will keep you fueled for your full day of adventure on the water. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are provided. Snacks, beverages, and full bar drinks are available for purchase during the cruise. Depending on the time of year, we will explore the Chiswell Islands (part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge) or Cape Resurrection, home to thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants. The captain will stop the boat close to the seabird nesting areas, providing great photo opportunities. We will also visit Steller sea lion colonies, where Steller sea lions gather on the rugged, rocky coastline. Sea otters, bald eagles, and mountain goats are also commonly seen along the route. Included: Deli lunch and complimentary use of binoculars while onboard. Life jackets and life rafts are onboard in case of emergency. This cruise is not recommended for those who are prone to seasickness since it travels through the open Gulf of Alaska. Deli Lunch Menu: Turkey, Roast Beef, or Vegetarian* sandwich (Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese) Chips, Granola Bar Chocolate Brownie or Cookie One Complimentary Soft Drink Complimentary Coffee, Tea, and Water *Gluten-free bread is available for those with dietary restrictions (GF). Gluten-free bread must be requested in advance, at the time of reservation.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Complimentary use of binoculars
• Guaranteed reserved seating in a heated cabin for every guest
• Multiple viewing decks
• Deli-style lunch

Requirements:

• There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 6 hours (Roundtrip for local tour office.)

• 6 hours - cruise

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the 4th Avenue check-in office. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is wheelchair accessible. Catamarans used for this tour are wheelchair accessible on the main deck inside only. Please leave a comment during checkout if accessibility accommodations will be required. If the operator is unaware beforehand of necessary accommodations, they may not be able to accommodate guests day of.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our guests stay on the boat for the entire cruise to maximize glacier and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Guests are urged to dress in layers, including a warm rain-proof coat, hat, gloves, and comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. Guests are welcome to stay in our heated cabins, but warm clothes are recommended for guests who would like to spend time outside on the viewing decks.

Cameras (tripods are prohibited) and extra batteries.

Our cruises go out rain or shine. We only cancel cruises due to unsafe sea conditions, in which case we will notify you as soon as possible. We reserve the right to cancel or re-route our cruises based on weather or other conditions. If the route of the Kenai Fjords National Park tour is limited to the confines of Resurrection Bay, we will refund $50 per adult and $25 per child.

The boat used for this tour is wheelchair accessible on the main deck inside only.

You are welcome to store your luggage in our office during your cruise.

Pets are not permitted onboard unless your dog is a Service Animal needed due to a medical reason. Service dogs that are trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability are permitted. Emotional support or comfort dogs are not allowed. There are several doggy daycare/boarding facilities in Seward.

No. All vessels are non-smoking. There are no designated areas on the vessels for smoking.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On aug 2024.

Everything was excellent, from the staff to the Captain to the seating and the tour itself. Couldn t have expected more!

My husband and I had a marvelous time--crew was great and our Captain, Laura, was very knowledgeable and informative about all the marvelous sights we saw, including humpback whales--what a delight!

Great tour guide, crew, and comfortable boat. Seeing nature up close on the water was amazing! A wonderful experience!

On Jul 2024

What an AMAZING day! The crew was very attentive and ensured that passengers were safe as well as comfortable. Once Captain Tanner Rollins learned I was a birder and had hopes of catching a glimpse of an auklet, he made sure to point out where to look for these charismatic birds as well as the puffins. He also made sure to help me identify several birds that I didn't even know that I'd see. The crew pulled some glacial ice on board when we were viewing the glacier and made drinks for the passengers - which was really a treat! Hands down, this was one of my favorite excursions during my visit to SE Alaska!

This tour was amazing. Our boat Captain, Tanner, was very knowledgeable and did an incredible job spotting all kinds of wildlife and making sure every one on the boat got to see it. We saw Orca, Humpback whales, Fin whales and Sei Whales, sea otters, black bears, mountain goats, harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, common murre, Dall's Porpoise and more. Tanner and his crew are very friendly and professional, the boat was clean and well maintained. It was the best excursion we did while in Alaska.

• Reviews Showing: 27

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Duration: 6 hours

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Adult (12+): $ 219.00

Child (2-11): $ 109.50

Infant (Under 2): $ 0.00

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7 things to do in Seward Alaska without a car (before a cruise, or after!) free + easy walking + tour + in the rain

There are basically 2 main reasons to go to Seward.

You want to go to Seward so you can go to one of Alaska’s national parks, which would be Kenai Fjords National Park. There are ways you can see the national park in Seward without a car.

And the other reason to go to Seward is to start a 7-day Alaska cruise! 😁 In 2025, the major cruise lines that have cruises from Seward are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

There are also cruises to Seward so that you can end your cruise in Seward too.

If your cruise starts in Seward, then you can do 1 or 2 of these things before your cruise on the day you get on the cruise ship. (Or maybe more, depending on what you choose!)

Similarly, if your cruise ends in Seward, you can do these things after your cruise on the day you get off the cruise ship.

Spend a night in Seward, and you can experience the best of Seward in 2 days.

I was in Seward in September when things were starting to shut down for the season. If you’re going to Seward in September, it’s important to see if the things you want to do are actually available. On the flip side, the hotels prices do come down quite a bit, especially starting in the second week of September (ish).

I stayed at the Swan Nest Inn in Seward, which is a bed and breakfast with a community kitchen and luggage storage available.

The Harbor 360 waterfront hotel and the Windsong Lodge near the national park are among the most popular places to stay in Seward, but they are expensive.

“Cheaper” stays I was looking at that had good reviews but wasn’t nearly as expensive at the Harbor 360 or Windsong Lodge were: the Taildragger Inn , the Sea Treasures Inn , the Trailhead Lodging , the and the Seward Adventure Lodge .

Now, here are the things in Seward you need to know about!

1. Exit Glacier (shuttle or taxi)

Exit Glacier is the glacier you can see in Kenai Fjords National Park from land on your own.

The cheapest way to go to Kenai Fjords National Park without a tour is by taking the Exit Glacier shuttle.

All Alaska national parks have free national park entry, so the cost of the shuttle will be your only expense for this. In 2024, it was $20 round trip to go to Exit Glacier.

You can also arrange a taxi to Exit Glacier, which will be more expensive. The cost of a Seward taxi to Exit Glacier is around $80 round trip.

The shuttle or taxi will drop you off at the Exit Glacier Nature Center, and from there you can hike to the Exit Glacier overlook, which is the easier trail. Then you can also hike to the outwash plain for different view of the glacier.

If you want a solid day hike (and you are properly prepared for hiking it!), then the Harding Icefield Trail is THE hike to do in Kenai Fjords National Park on your own.

Plenty of people do the Harding Icefield Trail on their own, but you can also do it as a guided icefield hike in Kenai Fjords National Park .

There is some uphill on the Exit Glacier overlook trail, but the trail itself is not that long.

On the shuttle ride back, I was with a group. One person in the group said to her friends something like, “You barely broke a sweat on that hike, right?” One of her friends responded, “Oh I did.” 🤣

So basically it can go both ways.

You will be hiking uphill for a little bit of it, which is the “difficult” part. But this doesn’t continue for too long, so in that sense, it’s not too hard of a trail. So overall, you might feel it’s a relatively easy hike.

• Travel-friendly rain gear in case it rains (much of your cruise is in Southeast Alaska where it rains a lot)
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• A popular travel essential nowadays if you have an iphone: An airtag tracker for your luggage so you can keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Buy one for yourself, and as a travel gift!) Read the reviews!
• Lightweight waterproof binoculars (so you can see wildlife better on those scenic cruising days!)
• Merrell is one of the best outdoor shoe brands
• Women's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Men's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Packing cubes travel set (better organize your suitcase and with clothing cubes, a shoe bag, and toiletry bag! This also makes it easier to unpack and organize your cruise cabin quicker.)

You’ll book your shuttle through the Exit Glacier shuttle website .

You will need to choose a pick-up time in both directions if you want to book a round trip shuttle. Their recommended time frame if you’ll be doing the glacier overlook trail is 2 hours.

The 2 hours worked out for me. In the 2 hours, I was able to hike to the Exit Glacier overlook, and then walk out onto the Exit Glacier Outwash Plain to get a glacier view from there too. (Recommend!) I ended up with enough time that I would have been able to also spend at least 10-15 minutes in the Exit Glacier Nature Center if it was open.

I didn’t get to go to the Exit Glacier Nature Center since it was closed. Overall I did feel like maybe 3 hours would have been nice just in case, and that would have also given me more time to walk around the outwash plain without feeling like I need to leave soon to make it back.

The nature center was closed after Labor Day in 2024. The Kenai Fjords National Park visitor center in town was still open to get national park brochures and a national park passport stamp !

In 2024, the last day of the Exit Glacier shuttle was Sunday, September 8.

For a more adventurous time at Exit Glacier, you must consider glacier ice hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park !

2. Waterfront Park (free easy walking on your own)

The Waterfront Park has a walking trail along the Seward shoreline, and this makes it one of the best easy walks to do when you are in Seward!

There are many access points for the waterfront trail, and you can walk along the beach too. This is a rocky beach. It can be helpful to have shoes with thicker soles (like hiking shoes for Alaska !) so you won’t feel the roughness on your feet as much.

• Easy-going day with a must-see: Mendenhall Glacier trolley tour
• The epic dog sledding is a visit to a sled dog camp on a glacier , and the cheaper version can be a fun remote yukon sled dog camp
• You'll spend most of your time during your cruise in Southeast Alaska, and this is the location of the "largest intact temperate rainforest in the world," according to the US Forest Service. And so... you need to consider a e-bike and rainforest hike ecotour that includes a visit to Tongass National Forest!
• More fun e-biking in Alaska: e-biking and gold panning tour
• Classic must-do in Alaska: Premier whale watching
• A better way to see the most popular glacier to see during an Alaska cruise: glacier ice adventure (the glacier is getting further and further back - see it while you still can!)
• Post cruise: Downtown Vancouver luggage storage (near the cruise port)

If you’ll have a chance to be in the area again in a few hours, then be sure to make note of the water level!

Seward has a big and noticeable tidal swing. Depending on low tide or high tide, you’ll see a lot of the beach, or not at all! It’s interesting to see the difference. At high tide, you may not see the earthquake ruins of Seward, but at low tide, you can see it much better!

Sometimes, you might see some marine critters, although I did not during my walk along the beach. It’s something you may want to look out for though.

I did see fun things at the beach in Icy Strait Point cruise port and even a beach in Juneau on one of the easy Juneau walks that I did! And ever since then, I try to look out for things!

3. Kenai Fjords National Park tour (popular excursion)

Another one of the best ways to see the national park in Seward is to do a Kenai Fjords National Park tour by boat!

You will get to see at least one glacier by doing a tour that’s at least 6 hours long, which I highly recommend.

There is a 4 hour tour that is cheaper, but you won’t get to see a glacier. If you know you want to do a boat tour, then be sure to do one that includes a glacier viewing!

The 4 hour Resurrection Bay tour is mostly seen as a wildlife tour. You’ll likely get to see wildlife on any boat tour you do in Kenai Fjords National Park, since there’s a lot of wildlife in the national park waters. (Although, wildlife is wild, and it’s never guaranteed!)

The most popular glacier tour is the the 6 hour Kenai Fjords National Park tour . You will have time to do this tour immediately before your cruise from Seward or immediately after your cruise to Seward.

This tour is also timed to work with the train schedule between Anchorage and Seward in both directions.

The train between Seward and Anchorage is one of the best train trips to do in Alaska !

The tour companies that offer the 6 hour national park tour are Major Marine and Alaska Collection .

Major Marine lists a luggage storage option during the tour under the FAQ , and I would expect the same from the Alaska Collection, although you’ll want to confirm.

If you will be in Seward early enough, then Major Marine offers a 7.5 hour Kenai Fjords National Park tour . I did this one because it goes to 2 glaciers! This tour starts at 9:30am, which is before the train from Anchorage arrives.

4. Two Lakes Park (in the rain + free easy walking to waterfalls)

If you want to see waterfalls in Seward, then it’s an easy walk to see waterfalls in Two Lakes Park!

On the southern end of the park, it’s just a short walk to the waterfalls. ( map )

And then after you’ve seen the waterfalls, you can continue on the Two Lakes Trail to do a walk through the forest. From the waterfalls, I walked on the eastern side of the park.

Two Lakes Trail can be a good activity to do even if it’s raining in Seward.

What I was originally thinking about doing was walking to Lowell Point and Miller’s Landing. But I asked the host at the bed and breakfast I was staying at to see if it would be fine to do that in the rain, and… she basically indicated it wouldn’t be a very good idea because the road to get there was questionable. There was actually a landslide along Lowell Point Road a couple years ago. So instead, I did Two Lakes Trail, and went to the Mount Marathon trailhead along the way.

5. Gold Rush Bistro (Alaska food)

Even coming from Anchorage, I had a bit of sticker shock in looking at the restaurant prices!

I figured it would be like $50 at a “regular” restaurant for what I’d order with tip.

After reading the reviews on google maps, my restaurant of choice would have been Gold Rush Bistro in downtown Seward to have halibut fish tacos. (reviews)

But when I went, I discovered it was closed for the season. I guess I saved some money. 🤣

I ended up just getting some easy to prepare food (aka heat up) at the health food store called the Frontier Trading Post (reviews) in downtown Seward a few minutes walk from where I was staying.

There is also a Subway in Seward for cheaper food. This is on the harbor/cruise port side of town.

6. Iditarod National Historic Trail

The Iditarod is the 1,000 mile route with a sled dog race history that connects communities throughout Alaska from Seward to the city of Nome.

You can see signs and statues along the waterfront trail in Seward about the history of the iditarod. This is part of the Iditarod National Historic Trail .

You can get more of a hands on experience with dog sledding in Alaska by doing a wilderness dog sled ride in Seward .

For the ultimate Alaska dog sledding experience in the summer, you need to do dog sledding on a glacier ! Since it’s summer, it means you have to fly to the glacier so you can go dog sledding on snow! This means you will also get a scenic flight of the mountains of Alaska. (And thus the higher cost.)

7. Coastal Classic train

The train between Anchorage and Seward is one of the best train trips in Alaska to do!

The Coastal Classic is the name of the train on the Alaska Railroad that goes between Anchorage and Seward.

The train timing works out so that you can take the train from Anchorage to Seward on the day your cruise starts.

Similarly, you can take the train to Anchorage from Seward on the day your cruise ends.

The train timings also work out to be able to do the 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park tour whether or not you will be doing an Alaska cruise!

In 2024, the last day of the train between Anchorage and Seward was September 15. You can check the Coastal Classic train schedule .

An alternative way to get between Anchorage and Seward without a car is by shuttle bus. The 2 biggest companies that offer a Seward shuttle are ACT and Park Connection . These shuttles cater to cruise ship passengers, but anyone can book them.

If you are on the last NCL cruise from Seward of the 2024 Alaska cruise season, I understand that NCL is offering a shuttle from Anchorage to Seward on the day of.

For 2025, you can also get a Seward to Anchorage cruise transfer after your cruise to Seward that includes stops with highlights.

Similarly for a cruise from Seward, you can get an Anchorage to Seward cruise transfer with highlights.

I went from Anchorage to Seward by train. Since I wasn’t staying at a hotel that included luggage delivery straight from the train, I used Dighton luggage storage . He was at the train station when the train arrived, and I handed off my luggage. Just a short while later, I received a phone call saying my bags were at the bed and breakfast I was staying at! In the meantime, I was on my way to the Exit Glacier shuttle!

I used ACT to get from Seward to Girdwood. (I emailed them to ask if they would make a stop in Girdwood on their Seward to Anchorage shuttle.)

HAPPY PLANNING YOUR TRAVEL TO SEWARD!

• Review from cruise ship passenger: "Absolutely loved having these for our Alaska excursions from the cruise ship! Nice, lightweight, easily packable... easy to put on over our backpacks... Also, highly breathable vs the disposable plastic ones. Ours held up to the windy conditions too!..."
• Read the full review .
• Or... cheap ponchos just in case
• merrell waterproof shoes for women (one of the best shoe brands for the outdoors)
• merrell shoes for men
• for higher quality ones, as recommended in cruise facebook groups by people in-the-know, look at vortex diamondback binoculars
• For women: puffer jacket | for men: puffer jacket

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Exit Glacier | Janessa Anderson

Kenai fjords.

Kenai Fjords became a National Park in 1980 in order to protect the Harding Icefield and its outflowing glaciers and coastal fjords. At approximately 600 square miles, the Harding Icefield is the largest icefield wholly contained within the United States.

Glaciers, earthquakes, and ocean storms have crafted the Park’s architecture, resulting in a vivid landscape. A birder’s paradise, visitors flock to this temperate rainforest to view the abundant wildlife, watch active glaciers, and experience the trails and backwoods adventures. For more information, reference the  Kenai Fjords National Park website .

Exit Glacier

Exit Glacier is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road. Here you can stroll the trails, walk very close to an active glacier, or take a ranger-led walk. It is a place where you can witness up close how glaciers re-shape a landscape and learn how plant life reclaims the barren rocky land exposed by a glacier’s retreat. The Exit Glacier Nature Center includes hands-on exhibits and an Alaska Geographic book store. Exit Glacier is open year-round, but the road is closed to vehicle traffic upon the arrival of snow (usually Oct through mid-May). The glacier is several miles from the closure gate and can not be seen from the turn-around point. Winter access includes snow machines, dogsleds, hikers, and cross-country skiers.

Boat / Kayak to the Park

Boat tours into the National Park run seasonally from late spring until early fall. Local companies offer a variety of itineraries and departure times – all from the easily-accessible Seward harbor.

For those wishing to get even closer to the Park’s wonders, kayak guides lead group and custom tours. Options range for a few hours to more adventurous overnight packages.

Seasonality

While the Park does not “close”, access is significantly limited for the casual visitor from late September through early May. The road to Exit Glacier is closed by the end of September, which also restricts vehicle access to the Park’s public-use cabins. Scheduled boat tours generally cease at the end of September, and while Whale-Watching tours begin as early as late March, the Park tours generally do not begin until May.

Explore The Park

Kenai fjords national park, boat tours & cruises, public use cabins.

Exit Glacier Campground - Kenai Fjords National Park

E xit Glacier Campground is a beautiful 12-site walk-in tent-only campground in Kenai Fjords National Park just outside Seward, Alaska. It is the only tent-campground in the park and is easily accessible as you approach Exit Glacier.

Campground is a beautiful 12-site walk-in tent site campground in Kenai Fjords National Park just outside Seward, Alaska"

Exit Glacier Campground is generally a nice quiet campground located on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. The campground does not take reservations or camping fees and the campground frequently fills by early evening in July and August.

At the campground parking lot you will find all the amenities you will need including water and pit toilets, a fire pit, and a central food storage, cooking and dining shelter as food and cooking are not allowed in campsites.

The Exit Glacier Area is the only part of the park that is accessible by road. Here you will find the Exit Glacier Campground, the Exit Glacier Nature Center, Exit Glacier, and several hiking trails.

The most famous trail is the Harding Icefield Trail which is a strenuous 8-mile round trip from the nature center to the Harding Ice Field and back.

This trail climbs approximately 1000 feet per mile (3000 feet total) and is wildly popular with black bears as you pass through thickets of salmonberries, a local bear favorite! I also saw numerous mountain goats!

Hikers desiring a good taste of the Alaskan coastal wilderness should hike at least a portion of the 16-mile Resurrection River Trail. The first few miles are pretty level and take you into the Resurrection River Valley. If you are into winter activities, try skiing after snowfall.

You can also choose to book a guided tour of the Harding Ice Field from Seward.

Taking a kayaking trip into Kenai Fjords can be one of your national park bucket list highlights, not to mention an unforgettable experience! Just imagine yourself paddling amongst the breathtaking marine life and seeing the majestic tidewater glaciers as you paddle along the frigid waters of Alaska!

The Kenai Fjords Visitor Center is located in downtown Seward, Alaska, and is a great stop before taking a  Boat Tour to Kenai Fjords.

The tour will take you out into Resurrection Bay where we saw sea otters, Stellar Sea Lions, and perigone falcons! This took us to the Gulf of Alaska, where we saw Humpback Whales, Orca (killer) Whales, and Fin Whales! Did I mention the Horned and tufted puffins?!!!

The tour quickly turns out of the open water and into Aialik Bay, Where you see several glaciers, including Aialik Glacier, with icebergs floating in the water, some with harbor seals chilling out on top of them.

Keep your eyes open throughout the trip, as you never know what you may see! We even saw Black Bears on the shoreline!

Kenai Fjords National Park Entrance Fee

Kenai Fjords does not require an entrance fee and is a fee-free park with no camping fees for Exit Glacier Campground!

If you are planning a National Park vacation including all of Alaska's National Parks, perhaps you may wish to purchase an annual National Park Pass called the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass which also covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Exit Glacier Campground Camping Fees

Campsite Cost :

Nightly Rate/Fee - This is a free campground!

Exit Glacier Group Sites - There are no group sites available at Exit Glacier Campground

Exit Glacier Campground Reservations

Are Campground Reservations Available?  No, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campground Information

Number of Sites : 12

Location in the park : located about 1/4 of a mile before the Exit Glacier Nature Center.

Campground Address : Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK 99664, United States

Latitude/Longitude : 60.1881° N, 149.6316° W

Campground Elevation: 3000 feet

Accessible Sites : Two of the campsites, #1 & #12, are accessible sites

Exit Glacier Campground Amenities

One thing to know about the Exit Glacier Campground is you must park in the parking area and walk your camping gear to your campsite.

Communal cooking is done at the cooking shelter. For bear safety, the park does not allow cooking at campsites.

Kenai Fjords National Park camping is an adventure!

Bathroom Available: There are no flush restrooms available at Exit Glacier Campground, only Vault toilets are available.

Hot Showers: No

Laundry : No

Is there WIFI available? No

Is there Cellular Phone Service Available? No

Campground Host on site : No

Is firewood available for purchase? N/A

Is there a food storage locker/Bear Box in the campsite/area? 

There is a central food storage at the cooking and dining shelter (photo above)

Be aware of your surroundings, as bears are common in Alaska and are active in the Kenai Fjords. Make sure to store all of your coolers and cookware, and place any other odorants inside the provided bear boxes/food locker provided on-site when not in use.

Dump Station : Available at the Exit Glacier Nature Center

Payphone : no

Amenities at each campsite :

The campsites are gravel pads. At the beginning of this walk-in tent campground by the parking lot, there is a cooking and dining shelter, drinking water, and a pit. Storing food in campsites is illegal, and remember that you are in bear country!

Is there a Fire pit/fire ring available at each site?

There is a central fire pit by the food storage and cooking area at the beginning of the campground.

Picnic Table in the site? 

Yes. There is a dining shelter provided which has picnic tables 

Potable Water? There is a pump for drinking water

RV Camping at Exit Glacier Campground

RV Length : No RVs allowed

How to get to Campground

Located just before the parking lot of the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Turn on Herman Leirer Road (commonly called "Exit Glacier Road") at mile 3 of the Seward Highway - AK-9. Proceed 8 miles. The campground will be the first turn on the left after crossing into the park, about 3/4 of a mile after the park's entrance sign.

Campground Regulations

The maximum number of people in a campsite : 8 people (2 tents)

Stay: Fourteen-Day Stay Limit

The number of cars per campsite : Cars are not allowed at the campsite; they must be parked at the campground entrance and hike in.

Quiet Hours : 10:00 PM- 6:00 AM Daily

Pets Allowed : Pets are not permitted in campsites.

Don't forget to Pack

Insect Repellent

Camp Chairs

Camping Water Jug

Camping Games

Lodging Options

Several lodging options are available in the nearby town of Seward, Alaska.

The Harbor 360 Hotel Seward is the most convenient option while exploring Kenai Fjords National Park.

The National Park Visitor Center is just past the hotel, and Major Marine Tours also has check-in at the hotel. After Check-in, walk out back of the hotel to catch the boat. Depending on the tour, you may see Kenai Fjords, glaciers, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. It is also one of the closest hotels to Kenai Fjords National Park and has numerous dining options nearby.

Hotel Edgewater and the Van Gilder Hotel are close to the Alaska Sea Life Center and Iditarod National Historic Trail and one mile from the National Park Visitor Center.

Of course, there are several options available, here is a few more listed below.

Exit Glacier Lodge - provides amenities like a bar and a restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Resurrection Lodge on the Bay - Take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and laundry facilities at Resurrection Lodge on the Bay. With a beachfront location, this lodge is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Breeze Inn - Consider a stay at Breeze Inn and take advantage of laundry facilities, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Breeze Inn Restaurant, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as conference space.

Hotel Seward - Consider a stay at Hotel Seward and take advantage of laundry facilities, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. Adventurous travelers may like the fishing at this hotel. The onsite Fusion cuisine restaurant, Ms. Genes Place, features ocean views and al fresco dining. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a business center.

Van Gilder Hotel - An art gallery on site, a shopping mall on site, and a library are just a few of the amenities provided at Van Gilder Hotel. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi

Click on the map below to see current hotel and vacation rental rates near Seward, Alaska.

Seward, Alaska Area Attractions

Seward, Alaska: I think the city of Seward is one of the prettiest locations in America! This port town is the beginning of the Iditarod and is surrounded by massive mountains cut out by the massive glaciers surrounding it.

In Seward, you will find great restaurants that serve the best-tasting fish anywhere. My personal favorite was the Highliner Restaurant!

Other must-dos is the Alaska Sea Life Center which is Alaska's only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility and taking a boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park where you will see Glaciers, sea otters, bald eagles, sea lions, puffins, Fin whales, (Orca) Killer Whales, and Humpback whales to name a few!

Many people show up each year as their cruise ships either start or end their Alaska Cruise from Seward. The easiest way to get here is to fly into Anchorage Alaska then drive down the Kenai Peninsula on the Seward Highway

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Follow Alaska Highway 1 (The Seward Highway) for approximately 47 miles south of Anchorage and you will see the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on your right as you head to Kenai Fjords National Park. I really enjoyed coming here as I got a good close-up look at several animals at the sanctuary which is dedicated to preserving Alaska's Wildlife. Animals the sanctuary has helped include the Wood Bison, Wolves, Muskox, Reindeer, lynx, elk, coyote, Black Bears, Brown Bears, Moose, and Bald Eagles.

For a fun adventure, check out Escape Campervans . These campervans have built-in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle , Portland, San Francisco , Las Vegas , Los Angeles , Phoenix , Salt Lake City , Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando .

For more information about Kenai Fjords National Park

Complete Guide to Kenai Fjords National Park

For more information on Alaska National Parks 

Complete Guide to Denali National Park

Denali Bus Trips

Riley Creek Campground - Denali National Park

Savage River Campground - Denali National Park

Complete Guide to Wrangell St Elias National Park

Best Things to do Wrangell St Elias National Park

Kendesnii Campground Wrangell St Elias National Park

Complete Guide to Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay Lodge

Bartlett Cove Campground Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park by Cruise Ship

Glacier Bay Boat Tour

7 Day Alaska road trip itinerary

Make sure to check out all of Washington's National Parks , Oregon National Parks , and Idaho National Parks .

Photos of Exit Glacier Campground

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Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Anchorage

Full day excursion to seward loaded with beautiful scenery, glaciers and wildlife..

Photo Journey:

Home » City-Based Day Tours » Anchorage » Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Anchorage

Day Tour Details

What's included:.

• Roundtrip transportation from Anchorage to Seward as selected
• Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
• Deli style lunch
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included:

Transfers in Anchorage and meals other than as noted.

Dates & Rates

One-way Motorcoach Transfer & return by Alaska Railroad: Depart Anchorage via motorcoach: 7:00am / Arrive Seward: 10:00am Depart Seward via Alaska Railroad: 6:00pm / Arrive Anchorage: 10:15pm Duration: 15.25 hours

Roundtrip Motorcoach Transfers: Depart Anchorage via motorcoach: 7:00am / Arrive Seward: 10:00am Depart Seward via motorcoach: 6:30pm / Arrive Anchorage: 9:30pm Duration: 14.5 hours

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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