Kenai Fjords Orca Quest Cruise
Recommended by 96% of travelers
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Seward, USA
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
In early summer, orcas frequent the Kenai Fjords in search of food. This half-day whale-watching cruise—the only orca-focused cruise in Seward—takes you into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Rather than following a set route, your captain navigates to orca hot spots of the day. Hear the whale's haunting calls through a hydrophone, and learn about orcas and their behavior from the captain and crew.
- Half-day orca whale-watching cruise from Seward
- Journey into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park during prime orca season
- Spot orcas in their natural habitat
- Learn about the whales from captain and crew members
- Use a hydrophone to hear how orcas communicate with one another
What's Included
- Water, coffee, and tea
- Use of binoculars while onboard
- All taxes and fees included in price
- Educational narration by an experienced captain
- Restroom on board
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1412 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Departure Point: Major Marine Tours Check-In office at Harbor 360 Hotel Address: 1412 4th Ave., Seward, AK 99664 If you are driving from Anchorage the morning of your cruise please allow 4 hours for the drive due to construction and traffic on the Seward Highway.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.12:30 pm
What To Expect
Your half-day orca whale-watching cruise leaves midday from the Seward Harbor 360 Hotel Dock, and docks back here in the late afternoon.
Keep your eyes peeled as you journey into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Rather than following a set route, your experienced captain takes you to places where orcas have recently been sighted, making every day a unique cruising experience.
Along the way, learn from your captain and crew members about the orcas’ prominent dorsal fins and fascinating social behavior. A hydrophone on board allows you to listen to the calls of the orca whales underwater.
Keep your eyes peeled as you journey into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Rather than following a set route, your experienced captain takes you to places where orcas have recently been sighted, making every day a unique cruising experience.
Along the way, learn from your captain and crew members about the orcas’ prominent dorsal fins and fascinating social behavior. A hydrophone on board allows you to listen to the calls of the orca whales underwater.
1
Resurrection Bay
2
Kenai Fjords National Park
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
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Izabela_H
This is a must do if you’re in the Seward area. The catamaran was spacious and very comfortable and the crew was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. While exploring the Kensington Fjords National Park you’re surrounded by exquisite landscapes and amazing wildlife. Resurrection Bay is just breathtaking. It does get pretty rough on the open water so do yourself a big favor and take something for motion sickness before you leave the dock.
Reviews
4.8
based on 138 reviews
Chris_R, Jun 2025
That they did not cancel and give a refund when other Seward companies cancelled and gave refunds. The poor weather was not major marine's fault. Their fault was in not canceling the trip..
Paige_J, Jun 2025
We had such a great experience! All of the staff on board were so nice and helpful! We saw so much wildlife, but even if we didn't, the views were absolutely incredible on the boat! The views would have been worth the experience alone.
Macey_H, Jun 2025
We had a wonderful time onboard the Orca Quest. There was complementary coffee and tea which was a great plus for how cold it was. We were about to see about 4 orcas and even ID one of them and the pod. On top of that we saw sea otters, bald eagles (and their babies), as well as seals and many dolls porpoise dolphins. Of course lots of birds and puffins as well. I really enjoyed the hydrophone when we could listen to the orcas communicating. Overall a great experience and we learned a lot!
Jeanne_P, May 2025
This was an amazing experience! We saw dozens of orcas, a humpback whale, mountain sheep, puffins, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, and more. The scenery was stunningly beautiful. Captain Tammy and the whole crew were excellent. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The narration was perfect! This ship goes out into open waters, out from the relative calm of Resurrection Bay (you see a lot in Resurrection Bay, as well), to get to the spots where orcas are known to hang out, so be prepared for waves/movement of the boat. We stood outside on deck in the fresh air most of the time and had no problems, but they sell Bonine/Dramamine on board if you tend to get seasick. Bar onboard sells drinks/snacks for reasonable prices ($2 for soda, $3 for hot cocoa, etc.). Dress warmly in layers (warm hat and gloves, too). Bring binoculars. Highly recommend!!
elizabeth_k, May 2025
This boat cruise was amazing!! We got to see orcas/otters/bald eagle/ puffins. The ride was pretty chilly so if you plan to go out on the deck I do recommend a coat and a hat maybe even a face covering to make the wind not so bad. Our three teenagers loved the ride and enjoyed the hot cocoa from inside the boat. The captain was very informative about all of the animals and the crew members were very pleasant and happy to take family photos of us when we asked. We were amazed at how clear the sky’s were and how beautiful all the mountains and scenery was. This trip was definitely one for the books!!
Izabela_H, May 2025
This is a must do if you’re in the Seward area. The catamaran was spacious and very comfortable and the crew was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. While exploring the Kensington Fjords National Park you’re surrounded by exquisite landscapes and amazing wildlife. Resurrection Bay is just breathtaking. It does get pretty rough on the open water so do yourself a big favor and take something for motion sickness before you leave the dock.
Mariah_S, May 2025
We saw so much wildlife!! Orcas, humpback whales, puffins, etc.
What a beautiful experience. Definitely worth it :)
Gabriela_E, May 2025
So scenic and wonderfully unique :) so thankful for the opportunity to see such beautiful scenery! The staff was also very friendly and the train very clean :D
Anju_M, May 2025
It was good but, I was hoping to see more whales and other animals. I did not like the boat was travelling in high speed.
Steven_F, Jan 2025
We loved this tour. We saw so many orcas and had a great time. My husband did get a little seasick. So don’t forget to take your Dramamine before you get on the boat.
Rick_S, Jul 2024
Wonderful time! Boat was clean all the staff were friendly and very knowledgeable. We saw lots of orcas and even some bald eagles and stellar seals.
Tara_S, Jun 2024
This was amazing and we got to see 2 pods of Orcas with their babies, seals, Otters, Bald Eagles it was really amazing but bring a coat.
Sandeep_C, Jun 2024
The crew were very friendly. Bit delayed as joining passengers from the rail came a bit late as train was delayed. The wildlife we saw that included seals puffin and bald eagle were great. We even saw a small humpback whale from a distance. Bit disappointed that we did not see any Orcas
Liane_D, Jun 2024
Boat was clean. We all got assigned tables which made for a stress free boarding experience. They offered complimentary binoculars. Great day. Little rough seas. Saw eagles and goats. And they did find an Orca Pod of Mom, baby and a male. And put a mile down in the water so you could hear them. Really enjoyed this experience. Would recommend it and would do again.
Catherine_N, Jun 2024
Great trip. Friendly and informed staff. Saw a lot of pods of orcas and humpbacks. Beautiful scenery. Best experience.
John_R, Jun 2024
Weather was very wet but it didn't stop us enjoying the tour. The only disappointment was the lack of Orca sightings, though we did see humpbacks.
Meagan_M, Jun 2024
AMAZING!!!! We did three whale watches during our trip and this was our favorite! We know that wild animals are unpredictable, but our crew was sweet, enthusiastic, and engaging and that’s what made this trip special! We did luck out and saw orcas! We also so a baby humpback breaching and having the time of his life! But it really was the crew who put the tour over the top! One of the guys even spent time talking to us about whale identification! We just really appreciated the kindness and passion shown by the team! Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Shanae_J, May 2024
We saw literally everything that we could've possibly seen, with the exception of Puffins (which we learned it's a bit too early in the season for them). The crew was fantastic, and the captain knew just where to go to get us all the sights.
Jessica_G, May 2024
We had a great time! Staff was great, very informative and courteous. I like the bar for drinks and hot coco
Jon_M, May 2024
We saw orcas, humpbacks, and other various sea life. Absolutely worth the cost, the crew was fantastic.
Tammy_F, May 2024
The captain was very knowledgeable on the animals and the area!! She seemed as excited about the finding the wildlife as we were!!
Linda_M, May 2024
We saw so many orcas! Also saw some humpbacks, birds, animals on shore. Staff was excellent! Boat was perfect for viewing while also being able to warm up. Tour exceeded our expectations!
Christine_V, May 2024
It was a great day for being on a boat in Steward. What a lovely town. During our boat ride we did not encounter any orcas but the captain did a great job of showing us all kinds of other wild and marine life, like Humpbacks, porpoises, seals, birds. The boat ride was very relaxing. A lot of people, including myself, took a nap. Food options are good and not too expensive - for today’s prices. If you are paying by credit card they open up a tab and hold your card. Everyone moves about the boat freely to capture a sighting of wildlife with the philosophy of having designated seating as your home base. That works out well so that you can keep your personal items stationary. Crew was pleasant with a clear objective to make sure you had a good time, saw some good sights and wanting feedback on how they can improve their operation. Check in process was smooth. They had an inside pre boarding area. You can also stay at the hotel on this property which would be fun. And provides a great view of the marina.
MelissaMulley, May 2024
Beautiful views of the Kenai Fjords, the Pacific Ocean, Glaciers and wildlife. 4 hours felt like 20 mins. My only issue is the name of the tour being called orca quest when no orcas were seen and that was the first thing we were told, that seeing orcas probably wouldn't happen. We did see humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises and puffins. Totally worth every penny and you must do it if you go to Seward.
Susan_N, May 2024
The entire staff was amazing especially the captain ! We saw orcas humpbacks and so much more! It was a perfect day !
Sharon_H, May 2024
Exceeded my expectations!!! We got to see a few pods of Orcas, a humpback whale, coastal sheep, sea otter.The staff was so personal and helpful..such a great experience
terry_s, Jun 2023
The boat Captain and naturalist were fabulous. They were very knowledgeable about the whales and the area. I would highly recommend using this tour boat. Juneau is worth the stop if you are going to Alaska.
Madison_L, Jun 2023
The staff was wonderful and the captain was very knowledgeable! We saw multiple orca as well as sea lions, sea otters, and a humpback whale.
Becky_M, Jun 2023
We seen many or orcas . A mom and her baby. Some even showed off for us. The orcas followed the boat that studies them and jumped out of the water swirling and then jumping up and down. Very active. The kids on the boat were so excited.
Monica_S, Jun 2023
In 4 hrs saw lots of wildlife… a dozen orcas, mountain goats, sea lions and many birds. Well worth the time and money
From $165.93
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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