Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
This 7.5-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise is an immersive experience that takes you deep into the heart of Alaska’s pristine wilderness. This extended cruise is particularly special because it allows more time on the water, giving the captain the opportunity to explore the best wildlife viewing areas. You can expect to see a rich array of marine wildlife, including orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, and a variety of seabirds. The tour also provides a unique chance to visit two active tidewater glaciers, Holgate and Aialik Glaciers, both of which offer spectacular views and the thrilling possibility of witnessing glacier calving.
The cruise is fully narrated by experienced captains who share insights about the park’s wildlife, history, and geology. In addition to the captivating scenery and wildlife sightings, you’ll enjoy the comfort of reserved seating inside heated cabins, making the journey comfortable regardless of the weather. A deli-style lunch is included for all guests, ensuring you stay refreshed throughout the adventure.
This tour is ideal for those who want to maximize their time exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, providing an opportunity to see more and travel further than shorter cruises. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and education, making it a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting Alaska.
About The Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
Nearly all of our guests customize one of our Kenai River fishing and lodging adventure packages. Check out the options from our 4 packages below that range anywhere from 1-7 days and let us customize the package for your group. Each of our packages can easily be customized, mixed and matched to build the best itinerary for your interests and number of days. Even with a week to explore it’s hard to experience everything Alaska’s Playground has to offer.
Wildlife & Whale Watching
While these trips are not specifically targeting whale watching the chances of seeing several species of whales is very high, and offers the chance to see some of the largest mammals on Earth in their natural environment.
The park is renowned for its diverse whale population, including humpback whales, known for their spectacular breaching and unique feeding techniques. The peak season for humpback whale sightings is from April to October, especially between May and August.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are another highlight of the region, recognizable by their striking black and white coloring, and are best seen from May to June.
Additionally, gray whales are observed during their impressive spring migration from Mexico’s Baja coast to the Bering and Chukchi seas.
Although less common, fin and minke whales also inhabit these waters. The whale watching tours, led by knowledgeable guides, not only provide opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures but also offer insights into their behaviors and habitats.
Glacier Viewing
Holgate Glacier
The visit to the Holgate and Aialik Glaciers during the Kenai Fjords National Park tour offers an extraordinary encounter with the natural world. These glaciers are part of the expansive Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States.
Holgate Glacier presents a dynamic and active face to visitors. It is known for its frequent calving events, where large chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea with thunderous roars, providing an awe-inspiring display of nature’s power. The glacier’s towering ice walls and deep blue hues make for a stunning visual spectacle. The approach to Holgate Glacier through the fjords allows visitors to witness this ice giant in a setting of dramatic mountain landscapes and thriving marine life.
Glacier Viewing
Aialik Glacier
Aialik Glacier, another prominent feature of the tour, is known for its impressive width and height. It stands as a towering wall of ice approximately a mile wide, with its face rising 300 to 400 feet above the water. The glacier’s vast size and the surrounding scenery make it an unforgettable sight. The view of Aialik Glacier is often complemented by the sounds of its active calving, as massive ice pieces break away and plunge into the ocean.
Both glaciers are fed by the Harding Icefield, which is a vast expanse of ice covering over 300 square miles. This ice field is the source of nearly 40 glaciers and is a crucial component of the park’s ecosystem. The Harding Icefield is a remnant of the past ice ages and is a critical area for studying glacial movement and climate change.
The Kenai Fjords tour provides a unique opportunity to witness these natural wonders up close. Observing the glaciers and the icefield offers a deeper understanding of the geological forces shaping our planet and the impacts of climate change on these frozen landscapes. The tour combines the thrill of seeing glaciers calving with the serene beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, making it an unforgettable experience.
Narration & Information
The narration and information provided during the Kenai Fjords National Park tour are integral to enhancing the visitor experience. Led by knowledgeable captains and naturalists, the narration offers insightful commentary on the diverse aspects of the park. This includes fascinating details about the geological history of the glaciers, the unique ecosystems of the fjords, and the varied wildlife inhabiting the area. The guides also share information about the local climate and its effects on the environment, bringing attention to the impacts of climate change on these delicate ecosystems.
The educational aspect of the tour is a highlight for many visitors. It deepens the understanding of the natural world and the importance of conservation efforts in these pristine wilderness areas. This blend of adventure and education provides a comprehensive experience, allowing guests not only to witness the beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park but also to gain a deeper appreciation of its significance and the need to protect such natural treasures.
Comfort & Style
The comfort and amenities offered on the Kenai Fjords National Park tour significantly enhance the overall experience. The tour boats are designed for optimal comfort, featuring spacious, heated cabins that provide a cozy retreat from the Alaskan chill. These cabins offer large windows, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning views in a comfortable setting. Additionally, the boats are equipped with multiple outdoor viewing decks, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings and get an unobstructed view of wildlife and glaciers.
A highlight of the amenities is the deli-style lunch provided to all guests, offering a variety of sandwich options to cater to different dietary preferences. You can accompany this lunch with cocktails, mocktails, and drinks made from glacier ice harvested during the stop at one of the tidewater glaciers. When is the last time you had a drink made with 10,000 year old ice?
7.5 Hour Route Map
The 7.5-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise is a comprehensive journey that takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska. The cruise begins at Seward and includes several key highlights:
Resurrection Bay: The cruise starts with a sail through Resurrection Bay, known for its abundant wildlife and stunning scenery.
Bear Glacier: While visibility is weather-dependent, the route often includes a view of Bear Glacier, a piedmont glacier and a significant feature in the Kenai Fjords National Park.
Aialik Bay & Glacier: The cruise takes you into Aialik Bay, where you will encounter the awe-inspiring Aialik Glacier. This tidewater glacier is known for its impressive width and height, providing a chance to witness the dramatic calving process.
Holgate Glacier: A tidewater glacier known for its active calving. It’s located in the narrower Holgate Arm and offers a different but equally mesmerizing glacial experience.
Chiswell Islands: The route may include the Chiswell Islands, part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, weather permitting and at the captain’s discretion.