If you’re heading to Seward, Alaska, you’ve hit the jackpot for National Park Tours. This small, coastal town offers unparalleled access to Kenai Fjords National Park, a wild landscape filled with glaciers, whales, and wildlife. It’s the kind of place where you can watch humpback whales breach and see tidewater glaciers calve right before your eyes. Of all the experiences listed below, the Kenai Fjords cruises are the highlight, especially for their close-up glacier views and abundant marine life. Several tours include onboard lunches, and some even combine wildlife with hikes or dog sled rides.
What makes Seward a standout? Its location on Resurrection Bay means most tours leave directly from town, making logistics simple. Plus, the area’s diverse activities—from whale-watching to snowmobiling—cater to many interests. Whether you’re after a relaxed wildlife cruise or an adventure-packed day on snow, Seward’s guides and operators deliver memorable experiences. For a balanced trip, I recommend booking early, especially during peak summer months when these tours fill quickly.
1. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Catamaran Cruise w/Lunch
At number 1, this 6-hour cruise offers a stable, high-speed catamaran designed for comfort and wildlife viewing. You’ll cruise through Resurrection Bay with plenty of chances to see whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and seals, all while admiring the towering tidewater glaciers. The vessel’s stability makes it a good choice for those prone to seasickness. Included is a deli-style lunch with the option to buy local beers, perfect for a laid-back day on the water. The reviews are impressive—736 reviewers give it a 4.8/5—highlighting the memorable wildlife sightings and knowledgeable crew.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of scenic vistas, wildlife, and a relaxed onboard meal. It’s ideal for travelers who love comfortable cruising and want an overview of Kenai Fjords without extra physical activity. It’s good value at $265, especially considering the lunch and the chance to see orcas, puffins, and glaciers up close.
Bottom Line: A top pick for those seeking a comfortable, wildlife-rich cruise with an excellent reputation.
2. Wilderness Dog Sled Ride and Tour in Seward
Number 2 on our list is the dog sledding experience, rated a perfect 5.0 with 351 reviews. For just $121.76, you get a 90-minute adventure that combines a ride on all-weather sleds—so you don’t need snow—to a behind-the-scenes kennel tour. You’ll meet the energetic huskies, cuddle puppies, and learn about Alaskan mushing and the Iditarod. The guides are passionate and well-informed, making this a heartwarming and educational experience.
This tour shines for its personal interaction with the dogs and the chance to see Alaska’s wilderness in a way that’s accessible year-round. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a tangible connection to sled dogs without braving the winter cold. Reviews emphasize the fun and educational nature, with travelers noting the guides’ knowledge and the excitement of meeting puppies.
Bottom Line: A must-do for dog lovers and those curious about the sport of mushing.
3. Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Northwestern Cruise
Ranking at number 3, this 8.5-hour small-vessel cruise explores Northwestern Fjord—a remote, glacier-carved region. Departing from Seward, the captain’s route varies based on weather and wildlife, but you’ll likely see humpbacks, orcas, Steller sea lions, and seabirds. The cruise’s small size allows for closer proximity to glaciers and less crowded viewing. It also includes a delicious deli lunch.
Reviews praise the crew’s knowledgeable narration and the chance to see calving glaciers and wildlife in a less-visited part of the park. This tour is especially suited for photographers and birders who want to capture iconic Alaskan scenery in an intimate setting. With a $325 price point, it’s a premium experience but offers exceptional access to untouched wilderness.
Bottom Line: For serious nature lovers seeking remote glacier vistas and wildlife, this is a top-tier choice.
4. Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Tour from Seward
Number 4 features a 6-hour cruise that takes you past alpine and tidewater glaciers, with frequent wildlife sightings of whales, sea lions, and birds. The boat is spacious and heated, so comfort isn’t sacrificed. A highlight is visiting seabird rookeries at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The onboard lunch adds to the value.
Rated 4.5 and with over 850 reviews, this tour is praised for its reliable wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery. It’s suitable for those wanting a comprehensive but not overly strenuous day on the water. The price of around $224 balances well with the variety of sights you’ll see.
Bottom Line: A dependable choice for a well-rounded wildlife and glacier cruise.
5. Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park Guided Tour with Lunch
Coming in at number 5, this 6-hour combo tour includes a visit to Exit Glacier, a sled dog ride, and a guided tour of Seward. You’ll learn about the Iditarod and local wildlife, plus enjoy a full lunch. The tour includes stops like Bear Creek Weir for salmon spawning, giving you a multi-faceted look at Alaska’s wilderness.
Rated 5.0, travelers appreciate the personal stories and variety of activities, including the dog sledding and glacier walk. It’s a great choice for those who want both on-land and on-water experiences in one day, especially if you enjoy learning about Alaska’s sled dog culture.
Bottom Line: A balanced, engaging tour ideal for travelers wanting a taste of everything.
6. Seward Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
Number 6, a 6-hour cruise designed for cruise travelers, offers the convenience of departing directly from Seward. It highlights wildlife such as whales and sea lions, and visits the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, making it perfect for limited schedules. The reviews commend the captain’s knowledge and wildlife sightings even if whales aren’t always guaranteed.
This tour is best for cruise passengers wanting to maximize wildlife viewing without extra planning. The price of around $224 makes it a cost-effective way to experience Kenai Fjords’ highlights during a short port stop.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise travelers wanting a short, comprehensive wildlife cruise.
7. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
Number 7 offers a 6-hour experience sailing past glaciers and spotting whales, seals, and puffins. The cozy vessel and delicious onboard lunch make for a relaxed day exploring the park. It’s perfect for those who want a classic cruise experience with plenty of wildlife and glacier encounters.
Rated 4.8 with 73 reviews, travelers praise the smooth cruise and informative guides. It’s suited for visitors who want a reliable, enjoyable day on the water with the chance to see the iconic Harding Icefield.
Bottom Line: A dependable, well-rated cruise for wildlife and glacier lovers.
8. Captain’s Choice Kenai Fjords National Park Tour from Seward
Ranking at number 8, this 7-hour tour emphasizes more time on the water, giving you increased chances to see whales, puffins, and sea lions. It’s a fully guided, interpretive cruise, which means plenty of narration about the geology and wildlife. The route varies based on conditions, maximizing wildlife sightings.
Rated 5.0 by 20 reviews, this tour is best for serious nature enthusiasts who appreciate expert guidance and want to explore more remote areas. The price of about $241 reflects its extended duration and in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: For those wanting more time on the water and ample wildlife viewing, this is an excellent option.
9. Seward: Captain’s Choice Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
Number 9 offers a 7-hour experience with an emphasis on scenery and wildlife, including whales, puffins, and sea lions. The tour features a hot lunch and visits to Holgate Glacier or Aialik Glacier for impressive calving displays.
Rated 5/5 by 16 reviews, it’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day with wildlife, glaciers, and scenic views. The large boat and expert guides make for a relaxing yet informative experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent, well-rounded choice for wildlife, glaciers, and scenery.
10. Seward to Anchorage transfer with National Park hike and AWCC
This 8.5-hour transfer combines Exit Glacier, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and a scenic drive to Anchorage. It’s less a tour and more a scenic journey, with stops to learn about glacial geology and Alaska’s wildlife.
Rated 5.0, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a scenic, educational transfer with some wildlife viewing. The price is higher at $299 but includes multiple stops and expert insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a scenic, relaxed transfer with wildlife and glacier highlights.
How to Choose Your Seward National Park Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, the length of experience, and your interests. If wildlife is your primary goal, cruises like the Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise or the Captain’s Choice offer the best chances. For those wanting a hands-on experience, the dog sledding tour is unbeatable. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for shorter cruises or the shore excursion, while adventurers seeking extended time and remote scenery should consider the Northwestern cruise.
Booking early is especially wise in summer, as tours fill quickly. Think about your activity level—some tours involve walking or small boat rides, so check the descriptions carefully if mobility is a concern.
Final Thoughts
Seward offers a diverse array of tours, from relaxing wildlife cruises to exciting dog sled rides and scenic transfers. For those after spectacular glacier views and marine life, the Kenai Fjords cruises are hard to beat—particularly the full-day Northwestern cruise for its access to untouched fjords. If you prefer more personal interaction, the dog sledding or guided land tours provide memorable insights into Alaska’s wilderness.
Whatever your interests and budget, booking early will ensure you get a spot on these sought-after adventures. Now is the perfect time to plan that Alaskan getaway and experience the stunning natural wonders of Seward firsthand.