In the south of Alaska lies an unparalleled wilderness. Kenai Fjords is a majestic and rugged region formed over thousands of years by the power of ice. Consisting today of the Harding Icefield and glaciers tumbling into the ocean, Kenai Fjords is a grand display of Alaska’s natural wonders. It’s also most famous for its incredible whale watching!
This national park is most easily accessed and best experienced by cruise, where boats tour the fjords, including Resurrection Bay. At Incredible Adventures, we are thrilled to explore this phenomenal corner of Alaska during our 6-Day Alaskan Highlights Tour from Denali to the Kenai Fjords. We take a cruise of Resurrection Bay during the tour, and can confirm that its beauty has to be seen to be believed!
We’ve created this guide to exploring Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords on an Alaska Cruise for all you need to know about seeing this breathtaking region. Keep reading for all of our insider knowledge, or feel free to contact us about our Alaskan tours.
What Types of Cruises Can You Take To Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords?
There are multiple different types of cruises you can take to Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, from half-day to full-day excursions. Each offers its own unique experience, allowing you to choose according to how much time you have — and how prone to seasickness you are!
4-Hour Resurrection Bay Cruise
The shortest cruise you can take is a four-hour or half-day cruise that typically takes you to Resurrection Bay. Departing from Seward, this cruise will take you along the largest fjord on the coast. You’ll pass by sights like Thumb Cove while spotting wildlife all along the way. This is an ideal option for families with young children or those with shaky sea legs.
6-Hour Kenai Fjords Cruise
A six-hour cruise provides the perfect balance between a half-day and full-day tour, taking you further along the coast from Resurrection Bay. You’ll have more time to spot wildlife but also pass by tidewater glaciers like Aialik or Holgate, which you may even see calving! Depending on which cruise you take, you may also sail past other points of interest like the Chiswell Islands.
8-Hour Northwestern Fjords Cruise
If you want to go even farther and deeper into the estuary, the full-day cruise is for you. These 8-hour cruises take you to the Northwestern Glacier, one of the most remote and wild sections of the park. You’ll sail through Resurrection Bay and Harris Bay before reaching the Northwestern Fjord, where you can listen to the ice cracking and watch as large chunks fall into the sea.
To learn more about what else you can see and do in the area, check out our blog: Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay: Must-See Alaskan Wonders.
What Wildlife Can You See During a Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords Cruise?
From its mountains to its glaciers and its wildlife, Kenai Fjords is a feast for the senses. A cruise in the estuary is one of the most immersive experiences you can have here, bringing you up close to the phenomenal ice formations and animals.
Throughout your cruise, you can see wildlife on land, at sea, and in the sky. The area is most famous for its marine life, especially its whales. During the summer season, the waters of Kenai Fjords are teeming with whales, especially humpback whales and orcas. You may also see fin whales, mike whales, and gray whales.
In the waters, you can further spot harbor porpoises and sea otters, while seals and sea lions may split their time between the sea and the shore. Another creature you may spot going for a swim is the adorable puffin, which nests here during the spring.
There are another 190 birds to spot in Kenai Fjords, including the bald eagle, black oystercatcher, and peregrine falcon. From the boat, sharp-sighted guests may even be able to spot animals on land, including bears, coyotes, and mountain goats.
When is the Best Time to Go on a Cruise of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords?
Most cruises only operate between the months of May and October, which coincides with the summer months and peak whale watching season. Special spring cruises often operate in May, giving you the opportunity to see migrating gray whales. The whale season is at its height between June and July, but some animals may still be spotted in August. To avoid crowded tour boats, you can go in later months, but you risk missing the best of the wildlife!
While you’re in the area, make sure to make the most of your time and explore more of Alaska. Read our Alaska Travel Bucket List for inspiration on what to see and do!
Tips for Your Alaskan Cruise in Kenai Fjords
Before embarking on your Alaskan cruise, it’s important to prepare beforehand. We have some handy tips for your adventure:
- Book your boat trip in advance, as the peak wildlife season coincides with the peak tourist season in summer.
- Dress in layers of clothing as standing on the outside deck will expose you to chilly weather and possible rain. Inside the boats are heated cabins.
- Bring a pair of binoculars to assist your wildlife watching, and make sure you bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
- If you are prone to seasickness, take motion sickness medication before the cruise.
Explore More of Alaska on an Incredible Adventure!
If you’re ready to discover the Kenai Fjords and beyond, Incredible Adventures is here to guide the way! Our 6-Day Alaskan Highlights Tour from Denali to the Kenai Fjords takes you from the heights of Denali National Park to the coast of Seward for a fully-fledged journey through the state. A Resurrection Bay cruise is included, and you even have the additional opportunity to kayak in its waters. So come summer, join us on an epic exploration of America’s last frontier! If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us.
