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Small Boat Whale Watching and Sightseeing Tour

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9 Hour Duration
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Full-Day Tour to Maximize Your Visit
Family Friendly
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No age minimums or maximums!
Wildlife Sightings
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See whales, otters, puffins & more!
Photographer's Paradise
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Great for birders & photographers!
Kenai National Park
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Explore deep into Kenai Fjords National Park!

Description

Join our full-day Small Boat Whale Watching and Sightseeing Tour for an in-depth exploration of the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park. Led by experienced local guides, this tour uncovers the hidden treasures of the fjords, making it a photographer’s dream. You’ll capture breathtaking views of the Harding Icefield, calving glaciers, playful seals, majestic Steller sea lions, curious porpoises, and charming sea otters. Imagine enjoying lunch in front of a massive calving glacier, with ample time to witness and photograph the awe-inspiring sight of enormous ice chunks crashing into the sea. With a high chance of spotting whales, this Seward excursion adds an extra layer of magic to our wildlife and glacier explorations.

Kenai Fjords National Park is rich with diverse wildlife. On the Small Boat Whale Watching and Sightseeing Tour, you’ll often see Steller sea lions lounging on rocky outcrops, harbor seals soaking up the sun, and sea otters floating leisurely in the water. Keep an eye out for elusive mountain goats or a wandering bear on the rugged cliffs. Dall’s porpoises frequently join the fun, playfully riding the boat’s wake for delightful close encounters. In spring, the migration of grey whales to the Arctic is a spectacular highlight. During summer, humpback, minke, and fin whales are drawn to the fjords’ nutrient-rich waters, traveling vast distances to feed, while orcas, or killer whales, make thrilling year-round appearances.

For bird enthusiasts, the park is a paradise, home to puffins, cormorants, auklets, and a variety of other seabirds. Our knowledgeable captains know the best spots for birdwatching, helping you add unique species to your life list.

Embark on the Small Boat Whale Watching and Sightseeing Tour for an unforgettable adventure, where every moment is filled with the raw beauty and vibrant wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park.


What's Included

Knowledgeable Guides
Binoculars
Coffee, Hot Cocoa, Tea & Water
Morning Snack Provided (muffins, scones, etc)
Lunch
Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the boat?

The Steller Explorer is a 43' long vessel that is certified and inspected annually by the United States Coast Guard.

What amenities are available on board?

The vessel includes a heated cabin, bathroom, life raft, and walk-around decks for excellent viewing. Your guides will provide a morning snack (muffins, scones, etc.), lunch, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, water, and soda. Alcoholic beverages are not provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own, but no glass containers.

What do we wear?

We always recommend warm layers, closed-toed shoes, and rain gear! Summer temperatures can vary between the mid-40s (F) to mid-70s (F) and rain is not uncommon. Even on warm, sunny days, it can be chilly while viewing the tidewater glaciers. We recommend layers that are warm even when damp (wool, polar fleece, etc.) and decent rain gear.

Where is the meeting location?

Please meet your guides at 7:15 AM at the large anchor in front of the harbor located at 1300 4th Ave, Seward AK 99664. Please look for a sign for "Alaska Saltwater Tours". Tours run approximately from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (depending on wildlife, weather, and guest's schedules.)


Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
No Minimum Age to Participate on this Tour
The ​Steller Explorer has a heated cabin, bathroom, life raft, and walk around decks for excellent viewing
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.
Drones are not allowed in the Kenai Fjords National Park
Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Seward

Duration
9h 00min

Guest Rate
$330


Itinerary • 9h 00min • 4 activities

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Meet your guides at the large anchor at the harbor & head to the boat!

Duration
15 minutes
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Learn about safety on the boat & schedule for the day

Duration
15 minutes
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Explore the Kenai Fjords National Park and look for whales & tidewater glaciers!

Duration
8 hours
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Return to the boat harbor & disembark, explore Seward if time allows!

Duration
30 minutes