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The 16 Best Tours in Seward
Seward is a true gateway to Alaska’s stunning wilderness. Its location at the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park makes it a prime spot for unforgettable boat cruises, wildlife sightings, and glacier adventures. Whether you’re into whale watching, dog sledding, or kayaking, Seward offers a wide range of tours that turn natural beauty into memorable experiences. We love the Kenai Fjords National Park Catamaran Cruise for its smooth sailing and seafood lunch, perfect for those wanting a classic Alaskan day on the water. Or maybe you’d enjoy the Wilderness Dog Sled Ride, where cuddling husky puppies and learning about dog racing give you an authentic taste of Alaska. Whatever your style, Seward’s diverse tours promise a genuine connection to the wild.
Quick Overview
Seward’s tour options include wildlife cruises, glacier hiking, kayaking, dog sledding, and combo adventures. Many tours focus on marine wildlife, glaciers, and rugged landscapes, with some offering specialized experiences like orca sightings (Kenai Fjords Orca Quest) or heli-hiking on glaciers (Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding Adventure). Below, we’ve detailed each option to help you find your perfect fit.
1. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Catamaran Cruise w/Lunch
At number 1, this 6-hour cruise combines wildlife, glaciers, and a tasty deli-style lunch onboard a high-speed catamaran. The vessel’s design offers excellent stability, reducing seasickness, which makes it ideal if you’re prone to motion sickness. You’ll cruise through Resurrection Bay, admiring towering tidewater glaciers and searching for whales, sea otters, puffins, and seals. The captain’s commentary helps identify the wildlife, and the on-board lunch lets you relax while taking in the stunning scenery. Local beers are available for purchase, enhancing the experience. With a 4.8-star rating from 736 reviews, this tour is a favorite for those seeking a classic Alaskan day at sea.
Bottom Line: If wildlife viewing from a stable vessel with great food sounds appealing, this cruise delivers a well-rounded, scenic experience.
2. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride and Tour in Seward
Number 2 on our list is the 1 hour 30-minute Wilderness Dog Sled Ride, offering a taste of true Alaskan adventure. This tour includes a kennel tour, cuddling husky puppies, and learning about dog mushing. The special wheeled sleds allow you to enjoy a sled ride even in summer, making it accessible year-round. It’s a 5-star tour with glowing reviews praising its fun, educational, and heartwarming nature. Expect to see Iditarod racing gear, and take plenty of photos with the eager huskies. Round-trip transportation from Seward makes logistics straightforward.
Bottom Line: Perfect for animal lovers and families, this tour mixes education with fun, all centered around Alaska’s iconic sled dogs.
3. Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise
For around $162, the 4-hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise offers a concentrated dose of Alaska’s marine life. You’ll pass Bear Glacier, the largest in Kenai Fjords, and visit Cape Resurrection to see Steller sea lions, seabird rookeries, and mountain goats. The captain’s commentary enhances wildlife spotting, and you might see whales, otters, and porpoises. Many reviewers mention the chance to see humpbacks and seals, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. The shorter duration makes it a good choice for travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: This tour balances wildlife viewing and glacier scenery in a manageable four-hour package.
4. Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Northwestern Cruise
At number 4, this 8.5-hour small-vessel cruise explores Northwestern Fjord, a less-visited but breathtaking part of the park. It’s the only tour that ventures into these remote glaciers and features whale and sea lion sightings, as well as birdwatching. The deli lunch is included, and the small vessel offers a more intimate experience. The crew’s flexibility to adapt routes for wildlife makes this tour highly personalized, and reviews praise the knowledgeable crew and stunning glaciers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a more adventurous, immersive experience in Alaska’s wildest fjords.
5. Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward
This 6-hour cruise offers glacier views and wildlife encounters with onboard commentary. You’ll cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers and visit seabird rookeries at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The tour is praised for its value for money and the chance to see whales, sea lions, and puffins. An onboard lunch and a friendly captain make this a solid choice for travelers wanting a mix of scenery and wildlife.
Bottom Line: A great mid-range option, combining glacier vistas with marine life and an onboard meal.
6. Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
Number 6 is 3 hours 45 minutes of guided kayaking in Resurrection Bay. Kayaks are two-person, and the tour is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. You may see sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles, with the chance for walks along Tonsina Creek during late summer. The 5-star reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and friendly guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a close-up, hands-on wildlife experience while paddling in calm waters.
7. Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward
Rated 5 stars, this 8-hour glacier hike guides you onto Exit Glacier with gear provided. It’s suited for fit and adventurous hikers wanting to escape crowds. The steep trail gets you off the beaten path, offering up-close glacier views and the chance to walk on ice. The tour includes lunch with glacier views and hotel pickup.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers eager for a challenging, scenic glacier trek.
8. From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour
This 4-hour cruise is perfect for wildlife lovers wanting a shorter, focused trip. You’ll see a variety of whales, sea otters, and marine birds, with engaging guides explaining the ecological and geological features. The reviews highlight marine mammal sightings and the spacious boat.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for a quick, wildlife-focused cruise with plenty of animal sightings.
9. Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding Adventure Tour
Number 9 combines a helicopter flight over Godwin Glacier with a sled dog ride. It’s a bucket-list experience with spectacular aerial views and close encounters with Alaska’s sled dogs. The 130 reviews, all 5-star, praise the professional pilots and mushers. The helicopter ride adds a unique perspective to the glacier landscape, while the dog sledding immerses you in Alaskan tradition.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a premium, once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour offers both scenic flight and dog mushing.
10. Resurrection Bay Spring Wildlife Cruise
Number 10 is an early spring whale-watching cruise, focusing on migrating gray whales arriving from March to May. The half-day trip offers opportunities to see bears, mountain goats, and blue glaciers. The hot drinks and binoculars provided are a thoughtful touch, making it comfortable for cooler days.
Bottom Line: Best if you want to catch the whales and spring wildlife migration with a relaxed cruise.
11. Kenai Fjords Orca Quest Cruise
This seasonal, orca-focused cruise runs from mid-May through mid-June. The half-day trip takes you into areas known for orca sightings, with hydrophones to hear whale calls. The captain’s expertise in locating orcas makes this a prized trip for whale enthusiasts. Many reviews mention multiple orca pods and playful pups.
Bottom Line: The best pick for whale watchers specifically targeting killer whales during peak season.
12. Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park Guided Tour with Lunch
This full-day tour combines land and water, including a sled dog kennel visit, Exit Glacier walk, and a scenic cruise. It’s a comprehensive way to experience both wilderness and local culture. The lunch at a local restaurant and guided commentary receive high marks, making it a well-balanced trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full Alaska experience with diverse activities.
13. Kayak and Hike to Historic WW2 Army Fort in Alaska!
Number 13 offers a combination of hiking and kayaking to explore Fort McGilvray and Miller’s Landing. The 8-hour adventure is suitable for active travelers interested in history and nature. Reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides and wildlife sightings, including whales and black bears.
Bottom Line: A great pick if you want a physical challenge combined with history and wildlife.
14. Turning Heads Kennel Dogsledding Experience & Tour
This 75-minute kennel and sled ride offers a hands-on mushing experience. You’ll meet actual sled dogs and mushers, then go on a training ride in a wheeled cart. The personal stories and interactive nature make it a favorite among families and dog lovers.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a quick, engaging insight into dog mushing with close dog interaction.
15. Seward Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Kenai Fjords Tour
This 6-hour shore excursion is tailored for cruise travelers, offering wildlife and glacier viewing with flexible timing. It includes lunch onboard and visits seabird rookeries and tidewater glaciers. Many reviewers praise the excellent captain and concise commentary.
Bottom Line: A seamless way to see Kenai Fjords if you’re arriving or departing by cruise ship.
16. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
Rounding out the list, this 6-hour cruise features glacier viewing, whale sightings, and a delicious onboard lunch. It’s a comfortable, all-around tour praised for its friendly guides and abundant wildlife sightings. The focus on geology and marine life makes it suitable for curious travelers.
Bottom Line: A reliable, well-rated choice for a classic Kenai Fjords experience.
How to Choose Your Seward Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. If you’re after whale sightings, the Kenai Fjords Orca Quest or Whale Cruises (Resurrection Bay Spring Wildlife Cruise) are excellent. For a glacier hike, the Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure offers a rewarding challenge, especially if you enjoy outdoor activity. Budget-wise, the dog sledding and kennel visits (Turning Heads Kennel) provide a more affordable, interactive experience.
Booking early is key, especially during peak seasons (May through September). Keep in mind whether you prefer a full-day adventure or a shorter trip, and match your choice to your physical fitness and wildlife interests.
Final Thoughts
Seward offers a range of tours that showcase Alaska’s incredible wildlife, glaciers, and rugged landscapes. From the luxury of a catamaran cruise to the thrill of a helicopter and dog sledding, there’s something for every adventure seeker. For a family-friendly option, the kennel and sled ride is perfect, while wildlife enthusiasts will love the orca and whale cruises.
Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you get the best seats and dates. Alaska’s wilderness is waiting—dive in and explore the best Seward tours for your Alaska adventure.