Where Seward ends this wonderful park begins. Comprising 600,000 acres of mountains and fjords with 545 miles of coastline, the park is home to tidewater glaciers, a massive ice field and unparalleled opportunity for adventure.
Home to gigantic whales, photogenic tufted puffins and many other marine species, the park has an impressive variety of wildlife. One of the best ways to understand its natural wonders is to head out on a full-day wildlife cruise.
Boarding your boat at the Seward Boat Harbor, stand on deck as it moves slowly through the bay, passing the stunning, snowcapped mountains. As the boat pauses at various coves and rocky outcroppings, witness nesting common murres, watch for colorful puffins bobbing along the water and catch a view of seals basking in the sun.
Head inside for lunch and a view out the window, but don’t get too comfortable. Your captain is in constant contact with other boats in the area as they all watch for signs of humpback and orca whales. The captain will take you where they’ve been spotted so you, too, can see these creatures leap from the water.
Hang on as your cruise goes from the relatively calm waters of the bay and over the bumpy open ocean. You’re headed now to Aialik Bay and the stark blue tidewater of Bear Glacier where it descends into the ocean. Bundle up against the cold air here, watching ancient glacial ice float through the water near the boat. As you return to port, linger over the magnificent landscape just outside the boat.
