Seward

Spring Wildlife Cruise

Badge of ExcellenceSeward, USA
Gray Whale Watching Cruise
  • 4 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Sail the waters of Resurrection Bay in search of Californian gray whales on a half-day cruise from Seward. These huge mammals arrive here every March through May on their annual migration northward into Alaska’s waters. Watch for these incredible beasts and other whale species, as well as other wildlife, and view the luminous blue glaciers crowning the surrounding mountains. On-board commentary, binoculars, and hot drinks included.
  • Half-day whale watching cruise from Seward
  • Sail Resurrection Bay in search of migrating gray whales
  • Learn why the whales visit here each spring via the onboard commentary
  • Watch for gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, and other wildlife
  • Look for bears, goats, and blue glaciers along the mountainous shores
  • Tea, coffee, and water, plus use of binoculars included
  • Snacks and drinks available from on-board bar (own expense)

What's Included

  • Free coffee, tea, and water
  • Use of binoculars
  • All taxes and fees included
  • Narration by an experienced captain
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 1412 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USA

    Departure Point: Major Marine Tours Check-In Desk at Harbor 360 Hotel Address: 1412 4th Ave. Seward, Alaska 99664

Start time

12:30 PM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Travel independently to Seward harbor front, arriving warmly dressed, wearing several layers, a hat, gloves, and rubber-soled shoes.

Then, board your ship, and after a safety briefing, gaze back at Seward as you sail into Resurrection Bay. From March through May, the bay is visited by Californian gray whales as they make their annual journey north from Baja, California to the Bering Sea. Your cruise will travel 55 miles (88.5 kilometres) along the coast in search of sightings.

Listen to the on-board commentary about the whales, and scan the seas using the supplied binoculars. With luck, enjoy sightings: unforgettable views of these majestic mammals in their natural habitat.

Watch, too, for humpback and orca whales, Dall’s porpoises, seals, and sea otters, and perhaps spot bears and mountain goats with their young on the rocky shores.

Look for glaciers as you trace the coastline, seeing the blue ice of Bear Glacier, a Piedmont Glacier, and Kenai Fjords National Park’s biggest glacier, all nestled in the mountains.

As you cruise, enjoy included tea, coffee, and water, and any refreshments you’ve brought aboard. Wine, beer, and snacks can be purchased on board (own expense).

Your cruise finishes when your ship docks at Seward.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
Operated by Major Marine Tours

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Erica_W
No joke, taking this boat tour was probably the best decision I made on my trip to Alaska. I loved everything about it - the view, the boat, good vibes, the amount of customers (social distancing), and the guides (special shout out to Capt. Gary). I highly recommend people try this out. It’s worth the money and it’s FOUR hours (!!!). We experienced GORGEOUS scenery, saw whales, other sea mammals, birds, mountain goats, and bald eagles! Do yourself a favor and take this trip. My only recommendation is book in advance. Thank you to the crew and the owners, you all are great!!!

Reviews

4.5
96 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 96 reviews
"Don't miss" tour!
Charles_C, May 2024
Whale sightings; interesting wildlife all along the way. Crew was outstanding: friendly and informative. Captain Chris went above and beyond to spot and stay with whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals, etc. The ship itself was new and spotless.
Clean, comfortable, fun, and friendly tour!
Justin_B, May 2024
We couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable and amazing trip! The boat was brand new and spotlessly clean! The staff and captain were extremely polite and knowledgeable and gave us an amazing tour.
Don't miss this opportunity, very professional
Jocelyn_M, May 2024
Immaculate boat, great to have pre-arranged seating. Views excellent from all over, 360 degrees. Able to be inside in warm then go out. Just long enough. Staff were so helpful and informative.
It was very awesome. We...
Debbie_H, Apr 2024
It was very awesome. We saw the orcas the whales and porpoises,, mountain goats, seals and sea lions , an amazing experience!
Crew provided nice...
Barbara_M, Apr 2024
Crew provided nice education of the wildlife we saw: Eagle, otter, as well as orcas and humpbacks with babies. Maximum time around the bay searching for best viewing locations. Will be a favorite memory.
Magical!!
Christine_K, Apr 2024
The scenery was mesmerising from start to finish. Excellent information given. Plenty of chances to photograph wildlife when seen. Felt very safe and secure and a wonderful team on board to help in any way needed.
Don’t miss this tour!
cheryl_b, Apr 2024
Saw orcas, humpbacks, dolls porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles & lots of birds. Within walking distance of cruise ship terminal - about a mile. Boat is newer & very comfortable. Price was right!
Wow! Wow! Wow!!
Cheryl_V, Apr 2024
It was amazing! We saw every possible type of wildlife. The staff was unbelievably patient and kind!! Book this...you will have the time of your life!
Great tour
Colleen_L, Apr 2024
The trip was great we saw orca and humpback. Not crowded and lots of commentary. Nice touch free coffee on a chilly day.
A fun, beautiful, and educational experience
Kristie_K, Apr 2024
This excursion was easily one of the most memorable highlights of our 8 day adventure in Alaska. Captain Tanner and his crew are incredible hosts and humans in general. We were lucky enough to have a sunny day with calm water and saw an abundance of wildlife, including many friendly visits from multiple pods of Dall's porpoises! The scenery is breathtaking. We're so happy we were able to experience this and absolutely hope to do it again in the future. Please, book this! You won't be disappointed!
Must do when in seward
Ankitesh_G, Apr 2024
We were staying for a day in Seward and we decided to take this tour, we were not sure if we will be able to see whales. But the major marine tours and the team knows these waters very well. We saw otters, seals, sea lions, mountain goats and couple of humpback whales. Highly recommended to take this tour. The team is warm and welcoming
I recommend the spring wildlife tour!
HALEIGH_M, Mar 2024
We had a great time on the spring wildlife tour! The captain and deckhands were so friendly and knowledgeable. We saw gorgeous scenery and tons of wildlife. I would recommend this tour!
Family fun event.
Wylennia_C, Mar 2024
Fun family activity to do for a quick staycation or vacation. We saw pods of orcas, otters, seals, and porpoises.
Great tour
Xiao_P, Mar 2024
The captain and staff members are all very friendly and enthusiastic, and we had a great tour with dolphins, whales and birds
Wonderful sights
Heidi_G, Mar 2024
A beautiful clear day made this trip especially memorable. Crew was friendly, organized and knowledgeable. Appreciated having use of excellent field glasses for wildlife viewing. The captain was a bad-ass, great narratives while she navigated thru some very challenging tight spaces!
Nice, but cool In may
JennPie, May 2023
New boat, great trip. The boat was nice, lots of different areas for viewing the mountains and wildlife. The day I went it was pretty cold and my jacket and gloves really were not enough to keep me warm. I ended up sitting inside the second half of the trip. Saw whales, seals, birds etc. enjoyed my trip.
Excellent!!
LAUREN_F, May 2023
It was an amazing day!!! I’m going to take my family and friends out on this day trip next month!!! The crew was wonderful!!!!!
Great trip
Catherine_L, Apr 2023
Employees were very attentive to guests. They were able to answer all questions. We went on a day with rough seas and they checked with everyone often to make sure they were okay
Spectacular, fulfilling and gorgeous.
Anthony_W, Apr 2023
The most memorable moments of the trip was the scenery and the wildlife. I felt that the crew and the captain did an absolutely amazing job customer service and explaining and talking to us about the entire experience.
Highly recommend
Amanda_S, Apr 2023
The staff was very friendly, helpful, and professional. The whole trip was amazing. The captain was very informative and tried his best for us to see all we could see. Can’t make animals show up on command😆
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From $123.13

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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