Where to Book Wildlife Cruises: 5 Trips Worth the Crossing

1.Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,156 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $165Our pick

Join Major Marine Tours for a four-hour cruise from Seward Harbor through Resurrection Bay. Captain Laura and the crew watch for whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, eagles, and mountain goats while pointing out Bear Glacier and Cape Resurrection. Bring layers and rain gear.

“Given the time of year, we weren’t sure if we’d see any whales. We were lucky enough to find a pod of 3 orcas! We really enjoyed the experience on the boat. We saw many eagles, some stellar sea lions, and various aquatic birds. The crew did an awesome job with helping spot wildlife, as did the guests on board. We also learned a lot about the animals and Resurrection Bay. It was rainy, so definitely wear layers and bring your rain jacket.”

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2.Chincoteague’s Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 662 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75Best value

Captain Mike takes up to six people through Chincoteague Bay and Assateague’s waterways for about two hours. Expect pony sightings, island history, birds, dolphins, and a flexible route shaped by your interests. Sunrise and sunset departures are available.

“Mike was extremely informative and really made the tour enjoyable. The boat was extremely comfortable and overall was an outstanding experience.”

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3.From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 240 reviews · 4 hours · from $165

Cruise four hours from Seward through Resurrection Bay toward Kenai Fjords National Park. Your English-speaking captain narrates the ecology, geology, and history while the crew searches for orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, puffins, sea lions, and more. Binoculars and port shuttles are included.

“Amazing excursion! Captain Clint was very knowledgeable and it was impressive how easily he was able to spot wildlife. We saw sea otters, a mountain goat, sea lions, seals, puffins and a black bear! The staff was awesome and the experience was very enjoyable. Highly recommend to do while in Seward.”

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4.Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $104

Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands with Island Getaway Tours. You’ll hike to Roberton Island’s Twin Lagoons lookout, visit the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse when conditions allow, then swim or snorkel from a second island. Guides such as Adam, Cass, Hamish, and Nick provide local insight.

“Great day on the boat. Nice island stops for walks and swimming. Zack, Nik, Bluebell were great hosts and made the experience even better”

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5.Resurrection Bay Spring Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $112

Board Major Marine Tours in Seward at 12:30 pm for a four-hour cruise along 55 miles of Resurrection Bay. Search for migrating gray whales, orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, seals, otters, goats, and glaciers. Captain-led narration, binoculars, coffee, tea, and warm indoor seating are included.

“Great cruise. Knowledgeable and friendly staff and comfortable cabin when it got cold. We saw humpback whales sea otters and sea lions . The porpoises were playing with the boat.”

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