Kenai Fjords Tours
Kenai Fjords Tours
4.5
Boat ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
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About
The best of Alaska awaits with Kenai Fjords Tours, Seward's original glacier and wildlife cruise operator, with over 46 years of knowledge and experience cruising the waters of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Spot whales, sea otters, puffins and more, while marveling at towering tidewater glaciers, mountainous peaks and rugged landscapes.
Seward, Alaska
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
6,580 reviews
Excellent
5,438
Very good
791
Average
200
Poor
90
Terrible
61
mnb0und
Duluth, MN2 contributions
Jul 2022
My friends and I were visiting AK and were trying to decide between a tour boat excursion or a fishing charter (didn't have time for both). The weather indicated a decent chance of rain so we went with the wildlife viewing excursion figuring that at least there is decent space indoors on most tour vessels if we got too wet or cold and it couldn't have been a better choice. I'm sure fishing would have been a blast too but we took the 6 hr Kenai Fjords National Park Tour and it was well worth the cost. The weather cleared up for us miraculously (not even any rain at all) and we saw every major animal this part of AK has to offer (Puffin, Bald Eagle, cormorants, Orca, Humpback whale, Fin whale, goats, seals, sea lions, otters) except for moose or grizzlies. The staff was great, the captain (Steve) was knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife and he was a fantastic narrator as well. The vessel we were on was clean, well-kept, and not overcrowded. I highly recommend touring with these guys if you are in the Seward area and hoping to see some gorgeous scenery and wildlife.
One small word of caution: take the "dressing warmly" part of the information seriously. I'm from Duluth, MN so cold temps are normal for me and I was fortunate to have had the experience of being on open water before so I knew it would probably get cold and windy and I dressed appropriately, but I can imagine your experience being ruined if you are underdressed or dismissive of how much of a difference the wind on open water can make. Dress warmly in layers!!! You can always take layers off if it's a nice day but you will be shivering the whole trip or scrambling for a seat indoors if you don't dress appropriately and you might miss some of the wildlife because you aren't outside and it will definitely detract from the experience. Again, highly recommend and well worth the price!
One small word of caution: take the "dressing warmly" part of the information seriously. I'm from Duluth, MN so cold temps are normal for me and I was fortunate to have had the experience of being on open water before so I knew it would probably get cold and windy and I dressed appropriately, but I can imagine your experience being ruined if you are underdressed or dismissive of how much of a difference the wind on open water can make. Dress warmly in layers!!! You can always take layers off if it's a nice day but you will be shivering the whole trip or scrambling for a seat indoors if you don't dress appropriately and you might miss some of the wildlife because you aren't outside and it will definitely detract from the experience. Again, highly recommend and well worth the price!
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzyQIndiana
Yorktown, IN532 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We had taken a 6-hour tour many years ago and this time we returned with our family and decided to take the 7-hour Northwestern Fjords tour. It was everything that I remembered and more. We lucked out with a perfect weather day! We took seasickness precautions but it really wasn't an issue this particular day - a very smooth sailing. The captain also gave good commentary about the park and sightings. No guarantees about wildlife, but we did see whales, porpoises, sea lions, puffins and other birds, and even a school of jellyfish. Also saw a small part of the glacier calve and lots of beautiful scenery. I would suggest booking your tour for the earliest day in your vacation so that you have a chance to reschedule if it gets cancelled due to weather. The chicken wrap lunch was good and we brought some other things as well. We arrived early and boarded quickly and proceeded directly upstairs to grab a large table for our group. We were close enough to the larger outside deck to go in and out, although I spent most of my time outside. Some of my family stayed inside and got very very sleepy so I would suggest staying upright as much as you can. I can't say enough good things about this tour!
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lauranelle
Viola, WI1 contribution
May 2021
Our trip on the Kenai Fjords Tours was everything we could have hoped for. The weather cooperated with a clear, relatively warm, sunny day with a calm ocean. A little fog tried to move in after a couple hours but Captain Mike skillfully maneuvered us around it so it didn’t affect us at all.
The crew took good care of us, they and the Captain had eagle eyes when it came to spying wildlife on the shore and in the water. We saw a little bit of everything but a lot more whales than I was expecting. So cool! We got to visit two glaciers and their size and beauty were outstanding!
Captain Mike had an endless supply of information about the wildlife, the glaciers, the glorious beauty of our natural surroundings and the history of Alaska itself. We particularly enjoyed his stories of the Iditarod and his experience with it.
Loved the whole trip!
The crew took good care of us, they and the Captain had eagle eyes when it came to spying wildlife on the shore and in the water. We saw a little bit of everything but a lot more whales than I was expecting. So cool! We got to visit two glaciers and their size and beauty were outstanding!
Captain Mike had an endless supply of information about the wildlife, the glaciers, the glorious beauty of our natural surroundings and the history of Alaska itself. We particularly enjoyed his stories of the Iditarod and his experience with it.
Loved the whole trip!
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FLtrotter
St. Augustine, FL356 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
First off this was an overall ok experience especially considering wasn’t overly pricey. The captain tour operator did a great job presenting some natural history and spotting wildlife.. we saw salmon eating orcas and a juvenile humpback, and harbor seals. The biggest issue again with mass tourism is the lack of personalization and feeling like one has little control. So while there was wildlife there was also lots of people scrambling to one side of the boat to see a whale... sheer hysteria. On the way to see the glacier the ride got a bit rough, but kinda roller coastery fun, and someone apparently fell and we immediately turned back. So no glacier, trip cut short, and mass tourism strikes again. So bottom line one has to fork out more $ to get the personalization, the tradeoffs pretty obvious, so be prepared that there could be disappointment.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
czihi
Utica, NY281 contributions
Aug 2021
We took the boat out to the Northwestern Glacier - it was a 7 hour boat tour. Book the trip on line as it saves 10% on the ticket. We booked the trip about a week before we went. The trips were sold out at least the day before so book early. Lunch is included in the ticket was was a chicken sandwich wrap, potato chips and a granola bar and at the end of the cruise warm chocolate chip cookies. The price for drinks is very reasonable. The crew serves lunch so you do not have to leave your spot. Would recommend getting a spot inside the boat as it gets very cool on the water. The day of boat tour it was shorts weather but glad I wore long pants and took a heavy coat as I needed it (I am a down hill skier and live in central NY). The boat was very clean and due to federal law masks are required if you are indoors. This tour we just lucked out - the seas were calm, we saw orcas, harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, gulls, a humpback whale breaching and the tidewater glacier was calving a lot (breaking off a lot). Captain Mike stayed at the glacier a little longer due to the activity and also staying with the humpback whale longer due to the whale's activity. So worth it and so glad he decided to hold back then try to get back at the exact time. Also we saw puffins on rocks! Cannot say enough about this trip but I also know that we were very lucky with weather and the activity going on in and near the water.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor
48 contributions
Aug 2022
We chose to do the 8.5 hour tour with dinner on fox Island. 11/10 would recommend.
The crew is super friendly and knowledgeable. The check in process was simple, boarding was easy. Our boat was mostly indoor seating but you could walk around the boat if you wanted and you could go outside for better views.
I definitely recommend the $9 reusable cup because you get free refills on tea, coffee, and pop all day, plus the mug is a cute souvenir.
We saw orcas, seals, puffins, humpback, and otters!
Fox Island was beautiful.
I definitely recommend going on this tour, you won't regret it!
The crew is super friendly and knowledgeable. The check in process was simple, boarding was easy. Our boat was mostly indoor seating but you could walk around the boat if you wanted and you could go outside for better views.
I definitely recommend the $9 reusable cup because you get free refills on tea, coffee, and pop all day, plus the mug is a cute souvenir.
We saw orcas, seals, puffins, humpback, and otters!
Fox Island was beautiful.
I definitely recommend going on this tour, you won't regret it!
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea S
Burtonsville, MD1 contribution
Jul 2021
Amazing wildlife! Pristine environment! Great trip! Very interesting, funny and educated Captain made the trip even more interesting. We were lucky and saw lots of wildlife. Get there early if you want to sit inside, can be cold/ rainy and it’s unpleasant outside or standing inside all day.
Dress warm!
Dress warm!
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
1 contribution
Jul 2023
Our 8 hour Northwestern Fjords Tour was beyond expectations. We were in Seward for our anniversary and, after talking to customer service on the phone, booked the 8 hour tour in order to have more time on the water to potentially see wildlife. We were excited about the glaciers and possibly seeing orcas.
We were treated to both transient and resident orcas, humpback whales bubble feeding and jumping (we were told this was rare), and a fin whale that approached the boat closely. We also saw mountain goats, a black bear, more bird species than I can remember, Dall porpoises, and silver salmon jumping at Fox Island.
The vessel was very comfortable and it was relatively easy to jump up to get on the deck for photos or viewing the glaciers. One item I would recommend would be to board as early as possible to get window seating.
We were treated to both transient and resident orcas, humpback whales bubble feeding and jumping (we were told this was rare), and a fin whale that approached the boat closely. We also saw mountain goats, a black bear, more bird species than I can remember, Dall porpoises, and silver salmon jumping at Fox Island.
The vessel was very comfortable and it was relatively easy to jump up to get on the deck for photos or viewing the glaciers. One item I would recommend would be to board as early as possible to get window seating.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the amazing review!
Written September 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cheriedoc
Windsor, CO281 contributions
Jul 2022
We saw 17 humpback whales, including a pod bubble feeding on herring; multiple glaciers (I recommend you take the longer Northwestern Glacier tour), Stellar sea lions, learned so much about everything; amazing bird watching and so many puffins! The Captain was very knowledgeable, the crew helpful in pointing out the different birds. The captain was careful not to get too close to any animals/whales but did stay as long as possible so we could watch them. Dress warmly—it’s really cold out on the deck. The inside is warm but a bit too crowded especially with another COVID wave —some people did mask up. We loved every minute of this tour.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher H
Everett2 contributions
Aug 2021
We took the train down to Seward for the day - same day roundtrip and picked Kenai Fjords Tours after going back and forth with several options. We went on the Resurrection Bay Wildlife tour and couldn't be happier. If you have any concerns about the tours coordinating with the trains- don't worry about it. Our train was about 35 mins late arriving but the boat waited for everyone. They provided a shuttle from the train depot to their office and the check in process was smooth.
The boat takes you straight to Fox Island for your lunch which in our case featured salmon, salad and roasted corn. You have plenty of time to eat and then walk along the beach. After you reboard the boat, it's off too see the wildlife. On our day we saw puffins, bald eagles common muir, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and a humpback whale. The captain was outstanding and gave us excellent insight into everything.
All in all a great way to spend a day in Seward.
The boat takes you straight to Fox Island for your lunch which in our case featured salmon, salad and roasted corn. You have plenty of time to eat and then walk along the beach. After you reboard the boat, it's off too see the wildlife. On our day we saw puffins, bald eagles common muir, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and a humpback whale. The captain was outstanding and gave us excellent insight into everything.
All in all a great way to spend a day in Seward.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. I will be in Seward May 29 and 30. Planning to get the National Park Tour with Dinner on Fox Island. Thinking of getting another tour from them on our 2nd day, torn between Resurrection Bay or Northwestern Fjord tour. Which do you recommend that offers different scenery from the Natl Park tour? Or one tour is enough and will just explore Seward by ourselves on the next day? Thanks!
Written May 7, 2021
annesha t
Dallas, Texas
Hi, I am planning to visit Alaska from Aug - Sept 2021 for a week. We were planning to camp in Denali national park for 2 nights. Wanted to check if it is the right time to camp as I heard it might rain during those months.
Written March 20, 2021
I would like to know if it's possible to park a RV at the hotel parking.
Written December 8, 2019
We are mostly interested in seeing wildlife and not so much the glaciers since we already have several other glacier boat tours booked. Should I book the 5 hour Resurrection Bay tour or the 6 hour Kenai Fjords National Park tour for the best wildlife viewing? The Resurrection Bay tour seems to be more wildlife focus, but many reviews says that you will see more wildlife in the Kenai Fjord national park than just staying in the bay.
Written June 4, 2019
Take the national Park tour, we saw one awesome glacier which was plenty, but saw plenty of wildlife including whales, otters, see lions, harbor seals, and many species of birds.
Written July 24, 2020
If passengers take Dramamine, do they still get sick? Also, for the 6 hour tour, how much time are you in the area where you will get seasick? Thanks.
Written May 23, 2019
The boat is pretty big and fairly smooth, so I did not get seasick at all (as opposed to the small skiff I was fishing on the day before). There were only a couple times that we needed to hold onto each other to keep from loosing our footing, so I would think that one dramamine is good enough. Bring another just in case and you can always pop another in on the boat.
Written May 23, 2019
Is it possible to have a vegetarian option for the dinner on Fox Island?
Written May 16, 2019
I think so. You have to call the reservation line and request a vegetarian meal.
Written May 17, 2019
Is this one very different to the 26 Glacier cruise out of Whittier trying to decide whether to do both or would you see the same things?
Written May 5, 2019
I would do both. Eleven years ago, I booked both and the 26 glacier cruise had many more glaciers than just 26 and different types of glaciers. The primary wildlife was sea otters, harbor seals on ice flows and a bird rookery. Very gorgeous scenery. When I did the Kenai Fjords tour it was too stormy to go past resurrection bay. I am returning to Alaska this year and have booked the Kenai Fjords tour for the abundance of potential wildlife sightings. and of course the glacier's. Both have different scenery and I believe even a wider variety of wildlife can be seen on the Kenai Fjords tour.
Written May 27, 2019
Thinking of booking the 12:00p Resurrection Bay, 5 hr tour. If we get back at 5p will I have plenty of time to get to our 6:10p train reservation to Anchorage? Thanks!
Written January 6, 2019
Sorry Kellyyou, I mis-read your question. Yes, you will have time unless there is some type of delay on the cruise.
Written January 7, 2019
Our Norwegian cruise ends in Seward and is scheduled to arrive at 5:00a. I'd like to book the 8:00a Kenai Fjords National Park Tour. Will I have plenty of time to make this early departure time? I have a 6:10p train reservation so we won't be able to book the 11:30a departure option. Please advise. Thank you!
Written January 5, 2019
Kenai Fjords requires passengers to arrive an hour before time to disembark to check in. I also recommend calling them and explaining your situation and seeing what they recommend.
Written January 7, 2019
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