Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park
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- Judy EAnchorage, Alaska15 contributionsThis is a MUST see!I live in Anchorage and ALWAYS have this on the top of the list for visitors. It is a MUST to see... hiking or by boat. It is 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage so 2-3 days is best instead of 1 day as there is much to see and do.Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 9, 2024
- Connector484697889162 contributionsGreat Kenai Fjords Boat TourAbsolutely wonderful boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park. I have been in all 50 states and 20+ countries and this was one of the best tours I have ever been on. Comfortable boat and great narration. The weather was excellent and we saw lots of wildlife to include sea otters, whales, Dall porpoises, sea lines, a bear, and mountain goat with kid. The boat captain's ability to spot wildlife and stop the boat to observe made the trip very worthwhile.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
- LSUTravellerWatson, Louisiana1,933 contributionsWonderfulSimply a beautiful National Park. The marine experience was one of a kind and so unique. Hiking up Exit Glacier was truly memorable. Loved spending time with the calving glaciers, and up Aialik Bay at KF Glacier Lodge.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 9, 2024
- Brendan SArlington, Virginia2,172 contributionsWater-focused national parkOnly a small part of Kenai Fjords NP can be accessed by car. I rode to this section, “Exit Glacier,” which is notable for the speed at which it is retreating, but for the same reason, it’s not the most stunning glacier you’ll see in Alaska because you can’t get that close to it as it retreats from the trails. The bulk of the Park can be toured by boat. I loved the 6-hour Kenai Fjords Tour cruise. We saw many weird and majestic rock formations and got within a few hundred feet of a huge glacier. The best part was the wildlife. I spotted otters, sea lions, puffins, eagles, mountain goats and whales over just a few hours.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 16, 2024
- Bryan SGreensboro, North Carolina160 contributionsStunning views / easy hikeEverything in Alaska is expensive but this park is free. So, we decided to check it out and I'm so glad that we did. They have more experinced hikes but we wanted something simple. We took the 1 mile hike and were rewarded with amazing views. I would highly recommend.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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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Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,694 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We took the 7.5 hour tour from Major Marine after disembarking from our cruise ship, and we saw every possible wildlife species in their captain's log! Starting with a harbour seal at the breakwater, then the sea otters at the open ocean, then porpoises surfing our boat's wake, then orcas further up, then a humpback whale after that, then puffins by Aialik Bay, then more seals at the icebergs, then fin whales exiting the bay, then sea lions coming back, with mountain goats at the cliffside!
We were also treated with a playing flying from the side of Aialik Glacier!
On top of that, both Holgate and Aialik Glaciers calved in front of us! You can't beat a full day in Kenai Fjords National Park!
We were also treated with a playing flying from the side of Aialik Glacier!
On top of that, both Holgate and Aialik Glaciers calved in front of us! You can't beat a full day in Kenai Fjords National Park!
Written July 1, 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.
Jaimini P
4 contributions
Aug 2022
We attempted this trip twice as the first time the captain decided to turn around as the weather was not favorable. We got a 20% discount for the second trip and we made it. We took Major marine tours both the times. The second time, we had Paul as our ship captain and he navigated the vessel so close to the cliffs that we could actually see the eyes of the habitat. We managed to spot Orcas, Steller sea lions, sea otters, whales and puffins.
The staff was very helpful both the times and took care of folks with sea sickness. I would recommend taking Bonine for motion sickness at departure.
Lunch and brownies were awesome.
The glacier park is the highlight of the trip and absolutely stunning. I envy Paul's 'job'. :) I can never ever get tired of the beauty and since we went twice I presume each day is different.
The staff was very helpful both the times and took care of folks with sea sickness. I would recommend taking Bonine for motion sickness at departure.
Lunch and brownies were awesome.
The glacier park is the highlight of the trip and absolutely stunning. I envy Paul's 'job'. :) I can never ever get tired of the beauty and since we went twice I presume each day is different.
Written August 23, 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.
Konstantia M
Piraeus, Greece1,513 contributions
Aug 2022
We took an 8 hrs tour with Alaska Tour & Travel from Anchorage. We moved by bus, train and boat. The excursion was well organized, we saw plenty of wildlife (sea lions, seals, birds) nature (forests, lakes) and glaciers. Better go by bus and return by Alaska Express, across the hole peninsula! The boat was moved very close to the –ice covered- land, so we could a lot of pictures. Got close up with several of large glaciers and we experienced to watch -live- an ice melting (sounds like earthquake)! Amazing experience, do not miss it! Make sure that you will wear warm clothes and have a raincoat!
Written March 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.
Littlekbs
Bradenton, FL184 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
This tour was the highlight of our visit to Alaska. We stayed in Anchorage and took the train into Seward to take this cruise on the Aialik Voyager to the Kenai Fjords National Park. The train and boat schedule were timed well and we made it for our 11:30a departure without having to wait. The water was rough with some very large waves. The crew constantly checked on everyone and offered suggestions to avoid sea sickness. We made it to resurrection bay and things calmed down. Just after leaving the dock we saw humpback whales. The captain positioned the boat so we could get a good view and told us about the whales and their habits. We saw more whales, as well as sea lions, puffins, seagulls and seals, when we got up to Alialik Glacier. So exciting! The glacier was breathtaking! The enormous blue ice towering over the boat is unforgettable. We got to experience calving- where massive chunks of ice come crashing into the water. It causes a booming, crashing sound I will never forget. This was an educational, fascinating, memorable adventure. I would recommend it to anyone looking to experience true Alaska. The crew was wonderful, and the boat was comfortable and safe. Excellent tour!!
Written August 19, 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.
Connie C
Corry, PA25 contributions
Jun 2023
We hiked to Exit Glacier as part of a bigger Real Alaska Tour and loved it! There are a couple different trails, one mostly flat and a mile round trip and the one we took, a mile out and then back, with uneven terrain and creeks to cross and several steps and hills to navigate, but very doable for the average walker. There were incredible views along the way and lots of moose poop on the trails, but no moose sightings for us. Exit Glacier has receded a lot over the years and there are markers with years on them indicating where the glacier once was. It’s pretty amazing how far it’s receded and may not be visible next time we go. I highly recommend visiting this if you are in the Seward area. We did it as part of a 6-hr Real Alaska Tour through Seavey’s Iditarod - highly recommend that tour too!
Written June 13, 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.
Rhonda S
Dorchester, NE66 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a wonderful cruise to see you sea life and up close glaciers. The captain does a good job of seeking out wildlife and taking the time so you can see it and photo opts. It is well worth your time. Make sure you dress warm.
Written July 31, 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.
palpande
Portland, OR218 contributions
Jul 2021
This was the first time I ever saw a glacier from this close. The ferry ride to the Glacier through the Kenai Fjords national park was a little choppy at the GULF OF ALAKA, but then it became better. We saw Orcas, hump back whale, Sea Lions, Otters, Puffins, Seals during the cruise to the glacier. Once we reached the glacier it was a magnificent view of the glacier from close. We could see the breaking glacier and hear the crackling sounds. The cruise did provide us with freshly baked cookies and a nice lunch of wraps. There were two decks one on top and one on bottom to view the marine wildlife during the cruise. The excursion did provide us a shuttle to be picked up from the Rail road station and dropped us back when the excursion was over. Very well cordinated and the luggage was taken care of from the train station untill the end of the journey.
Written July 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.
Michele M
Fairfield, CT8 contributions
Jun 2022
We hiked to Exit Glacier from the visitor center at Kenai Fjords National Park. It was a nice, easy hike with some great views. We did a boat tour out of Seward where we saw much more of the park, including more glaciers. I was surprised there were not more hiking trails, but seeing it from the water, I could understand why there weren't! There are helicopter tours that take you to a glacier. That is probably a great way to experience the park as well.
Written September 11, 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.
steelergirl87
pittsburgh, pa367 contributions
Jun 2021
Sherry was a terrific captain pointing out every creature she saw in the water, land and air. It is made clear that there is no guarantee of seeing wildlife but we were lucky with orcas, a finwhale and a humpback (which I did not see), plus seals, Steller sea lions and the ever-present clown sea otters. The weather was perfect, the chicken wrap (real chicken!) was surprisingly good and the crew is exceptional. They answered any questions, were always pleasant and helpful - and they bake chocolate cookies to hand out as thanks as the tour ends. I would book with this company any time and wish I had had time for all of their tours.
Written June 18, 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.
dnaugh9722
Troutville, VA71 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Our glacier boat tour was aborted due to poor weather so we decided to at least drive into the Kenai Fjords Park and see Exit glacier. I'm very glad we did! We did just the 1 mile hike to view the glacier and it is spectacular.
As a bonus we saw a moose cross our path on the way down!
As a bonus we saw a moose cross our path on the way down!
Written September 4, 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.
Can you drive your own car through Kenai Fjords National Park?
Written September 9, 2023
The only part of Kenai Fjords NP that is accessible by driving is Exit Glacier. There are walking / hiking trails available.
However, all other parts of the park need to be accessed by boat or plane.
Written September 10, 2023
Question: If I'm flying to Alaska for a 3-4 day trip hiking/camping, can I go directly to my booked lodge and hike into the national park the next morning?
I'm confused about the specifics of this "7/14 day quarantine upon arrival" process.
Written January 20, 2021
The current Alaska travel restrictions are available at covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/#nonres and have the answers you’re looking for, but in short, you need to get a test done no greater than 3 days before you travel to Alaska so you can show them a negative test once you arrive if you want to avoid a 7-14 day quarantine. If you don’t get tested before, you can get tested at the airport but will need to voluntarily quarantine until you get your test results. I believe it is still on the honor system so going into Kenai Fjords would probably be the better choice for a “quarantine activity” as long as you were able to properly social distance and mask when needed.
Written January 20, 2021
Should I go to Kenai Fjords National Park in July?
I like the glaciers and fjords of Kenai. I also like the small seaside town and how secluded it is. Should I go for a week in July or so because I can see it getting repetitive and idk how much there is to do? Should I go to another park? Btw I haven’t been to any major national parks. What do you all think?
Written October 29, 2020
July would be a perfect month. Not sure you can land in the park as we have a day water trip.
Written October 29, 2020
There are so many tours. If I want to take one that you see a lot of glaciers and a lot of wildlife which one do I take or do I need to do 2?
Written October 25, 2018
To see the most glaciers and have the opportunity to see the most wildlife, take one of the longer tours from Major Marine. We took the longest one (8-9 hours) and we saw just about everything you can see in the park.
Written November 4, 2018
Hello! I'll be here in a couple of weeks. We are going on the Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Cruise Tour (6 hours). Just curious, do I need to be there early for a good seat, or is the view great from everywhere? Thanks!
Written August 3, 2018
You will be able to move around to get better views in different locations on the boat as you see sea life and wildlife. The captain or ranger informs you of sightings.
Written August 3, 2018
We will be taking a cruise out of Seward in July. We are staying the night before and would like to do both a boat tour of Kenai fjords as well as going into the park itself. Is there transport from town to the park entrance? What tour companies are recommended for the boat tour and how rough is the water in July?
Written December 3, 2017
We took the 6 hour tour with Kenaj Fjords tour group which was fabulous! My son took a kayak trip with Kayak Adventures if you are up for a more physical trip. Check out the longer Exit Glacier hikes with the national park service website if you want do more land ventures.
Written January 9, 2018
Hi, can anyone one tell me which companies offer bookings of both a train from Anchorage to Seward and Kenaji Fjords cruises. Not necessarily in the same day, preferably not actually but I'd like to book with the one company- even better if they offer a deal when doing so.
I have researched alot of companies that offer either service but not many that combine the two. (Currently waiting on a reply from major marine tours)
Thankyou
Written July 17, 2017
We can recommend Kenai Fjords Cruises but cannot help with train details
Written July 20, 2017
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