Major Marine Tours:
Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Experience the very best of Kenai Fjords National Park right from the water. These world-class day cruises offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness towering tidal glaciers, humpback whales, orcas, and diverse marine wildlife. With flexible itineraries ranging from quick 4-hour harbor tours to full-day 8.5-hour fjord expeditions, there is a perfect option for every schedule. Guests sail aboard a modern, stable catamaran fleet accompanied by engaging National Park Rangers. Private charters are also available for those seeking a fully customized VIP experience. We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance and packing an extra warm layer for the coastal breeze!

Operating since 1958, Phillips Cruises runs some of the smoothest and fastest catamaran day trips right out of the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal. Their modern, high-speed vessels are specially designed for stability, making them a perfect choice if you are worried about getting seasick.

Here is what you can expect on board:

• The Experience: Head deep into Kenai Fjords National Park to witness massive calving glaciers and towering coastal cliffs.

• Wildlife Viewing: Get up close with Alaska's incredible marine life, including whales, sea otters, sea lions, and puffins.

• Perks Included: Every cruise includes a complimentary hot meal served right at your seat to keep you warm and fueled up.

💡 Guest Tip: Because their catamarans travel faster than standard tour boats, you get to spend way more time up close with the glaciers and wildlife rather than just commuting to them.

If you want to avoid the big, crowded tour ships and enjoy a highly personalized day on the water, Seward Ocean Excursions is the perfect choice. This locally owned, family-run company offers intimate boat tours with a strict limit of just 6 passengers per vessel.

Here is why our guests love booking with them:

• True Small-Group Experience: With a maximum of 6 people on board, your captain can easily tailor the route to focus on the wildlife, glaciers, or waterfalls you want to see most.

• Open Year-Round: They are the only boat tour company in Seward operating all year long, featuring heated cabins and hot drinks for a comfortable ride in any season.

• Eco-Friendly & Responsible: They follow strict, responsible whale-watching practices that put the safety of the animals first.

💡 Guest Tip: Because they operate small boats, they can occasionally pull right up to secluded beaches for short beachcombing walks, giving you a completely unique perspective of the coast!

Since much of Kenai Fjords National Park is an untouched wilderness only accessible by water, taking a boat tour is the best way to fully experience its massive glaciers and rich ocean ecosystems. Tours depart daily from the Seward Small Boat Harbor during the summer months.

Full-day excursions venture all the way out to the park's active tidewater glaciers, making them perfect if you want to see giant chunks of ice calving into the ocean and explore the deeper, dramatic coastal fjords. If you prefer a shorter option, half-day trips stay within the more protected, calmer waters of Resurrection Bay, which still gives you plenty of scenic mountain views and a great taste of local wildlife. Both options offer a fantastic chance to view one of the richest assemblages of marine life on earth, including killer whales, humpbacks, sea lions, sea otters, and thousands of nesting seabirds like puffins.

💡 Guest Tip: The winds out on the open deck can be surprisingly cold even on warm, sunny days. We always advise dressing in warm layers and bringing a windproof outer shell so you can comfortably stay outside and capture the best photos!

Experience Alaska’s official state sport at the homestead of the legendary Seavey family, home to three-time Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey. Located just ten minutes outside of downtown Seward on Exit Glacier Road, this fully guided 1.5-hour tour runs rain or shine, making it an incredible and easy addition to your itinerary on the day you plan to visit Exit Glacier.

Here is what you will experience on the tour:

• The Wilderness Ride: Hop onto a comfortable, custom wheeled sled for an exciting two-mile ride through the scenic Alaskan rainforest, powered by a team of world-class sled dogs.
• Puppy Cuddles: Visit the kennel after your ride to hold, play with, and cuddle the next generation of future racing champions—the adorable husky puppies.
• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Meet real mushers, see authentic trail gear, and listen to captivating, first-hand stories about what it takes to survive and compete in the legendary 1,000-mile race.

💡 Guest Tip: This is a fantastic, crowd-pleasing activity for all ages and fitness levels since the sleds are fully covered and smooth. Because it is highly popular and slots fill up fast during the summer season, we strongly recommend booking your tour times well in advance!

If you want to quickly get your bearings, learn about Seward’s rich history, and see the town's top sights without a ton of walking, booking a tour with Seward City Tours is a fantastic option. They operate comfortable, heated 14-passenger transit vans with large windows, giving you a smooth and scenic ride around town.

Here is what you will experience on the tour:

• Comprehensive Historic Tour: Enjoy a fully narrated driving tour covering Downtown Seward, the historic rail yard, the waterfront, and the devastating impacts of the 1964 earthquake.

• Exit Glacier Visit: They offer options that drive you right up to the Kenai Fjords National Park nature center, allowing you time to walk the paved trails and view the massive Exit Glacier up close.

• Local Expert Guides: Your local guide will share fascinating stories about early Alaskan pioneers, the start of the Iditarod trail, and insider tips on the best local places to eat and explore.

💡 Guest Tip: This is the absolute best activity to do on your very first afternoon in Seward. It gives you a great layout of the town, and their historical commentary adds incredible context to everything else you will see during your stay!

Explore the rugged terrain of Seward, Alaska, with our premier ATV services, located right on-site at Riptide RV Resort. Enjoy easy access to mountain trails and the spectacular wilderness surrounding Resurrection Bay without ever leaving the property. Whether you're staying for fishing or RV camping, our high-performance rentals provide the perfect adrenaline boost to your Alaskan adventure. Start your engines where you stay and discover the best of the Kenai Peninsula.