Experience Seward

If you missed part one, check it out here!

Well you made it to Seward, you checked in to wherever you are staying what do you do now? The simple answer is explore! There are so many great things to see and do in the town of Seward, and within easy driving distances, I promise you won’t be bored. If you need some suggestions, just keep reading!

1. Glacier and Wildlife Tours

One of the highlights of visiting Seward is exploring Kenai Fjords National Park by boat. Tours will take you through scenic fjords, where you can witness glaciers calving into the sea, spot wildlife like sea otters, seals, puffins, and humpback whales, and enjoy the pristine wilderness. We went on a boat tour with my parents a couple of years ago and saw so much wildlife! I definitely recommend taking some time to fit this activity into your schedule.

Kenai Fjords Tours

• Overview: Kenai Fjords Tours is one of the most popular and established tour operators in Seward, offering a variety of wildlife and glacier cruises. Their National Park Day Cruise takes visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park, where they can see wildlife like humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, and seals, along with breathtaking glacier views.

• Specialty: Whale watching, marine wildlife viewing, glacier tours.

• Website: Kenai Fjords Tours

Major Marine Tours

• Overview: Major Marine Tours offers a range of wildlife and glacier cruises, including tours through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Their tours are well-known for their knowledgeable guides and great wildlife viewing opportunities, including whales, otters, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds.

• Specialty: Wildlife cruises, glacier tours, and fishing trips.

• Website: Major Marine Tours

Seward Ocean Excursions

• Overview: Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group, customized boat tours, focusing on intimate wildlife experiences. Their tours take you to Resurrection Bay and the surrounding waters, where you can spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, and puffins.

• Specialty: Private and small-group wildlife tours, customized experiences.

• Website: Seward Ocean Excursions

2. The Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a fantastic spot for families, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. It offers up-close views of marine life native to the region, such as sea otters, puffins, and seals. It's both educational and fun. This is the perfect spot to spend a rainy or less than ideal day weather wise, and they also offer up close and personal experiences with the animals. Our friends fed the octopus and had a wonderful time! While tickets can be on the pricey side, they offer discounts to military, AK residents and have deals throughout the year if you keep a lookout.

Website: Alaska Sea Life Center

3. Hiking & Outdoor Exploration

Exit Glacier

• A popular and accessible hike located in Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, Alaska. It offers stunning views of Exit Glacier, one of the park's most easily accessible glaciers. The trail is relatively short, about 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, there is a Glacier Overlook Trail that extends further up, offering even more expansive views of the glacier and the surrounding ice fields. The trail is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see moose, bears, and a variety of birds.

Mount Marathon

• If you're looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views, take on the Mount Marathon Trail, which is a strenuous trek with a rewarding panoramic view of Seward and Resurrection Bay. The annual Mount Marathon Race takes place every July, attracting runners from all over the world.

Sea Otter Trail

• The trail is about 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip and offers a fantastic opportunity to explore coastal ecosystems while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including sea otters, otter pups, and a variety of seabirds. The trail winds through lush coastal forest and along the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, providing stunning views of the water, nearby islands, and the towering mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. It’s a great hike for nature lovers and families, offering plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Sea otters, in particular, are often spotted in the bay, especially in the calmer waters near the trail's end.

• The Sea Otter Trail is well-marked, with interpretive signs along the way to educate hikers about the local environment and wildlife. It’s a relatively easy hike, but some parts may be a bit muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended. This trail is an excellent option for those wanting to experience the beauty of Alaska's coastline without committing to a strenuous trek.

Resurrection Pass Trail

• For those looking for a longer hike, the Resurrection Pass Trail is a multi-day trail that offers beautiful scenery, alpine meadows, and a chance to see wildlife in the wild.

4. Fishing

Seward is a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts, with opportunities for halibut fishing, salmon fishing, and even fly-fishing in local streams and rivers. Charter boats can take you into the deep waters of Resurrection Bay for an unforgettable fishing experience.

Puffin Fishing Charters

• Overview: Puffin Fishing Charters offers a unique experience for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Operating out of Seward, AK, this charter specializes in halibut and salmon fishing, targeting species like king salmon, silver salmon, and, of course, halibut. In addition to the fishing excursions, Puffin Fishing Charters is known for its scenic wildlife tours, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Alaska’s rugged coastline and abundant wildlife, including puffins, otters, sea lions, and various seabird species. Whether you’re looking to reel in a big catch or simply experience Alaska’s natural beauty, Puffin Fishing Charters provides a memorable and personalized adventure.

• Special Features: Combines fishing trips with wildlife viewing, family-friendly, experienced crew with local knowledge, small-group charters for a more personalized experience.

• Website: Puffin Fishing Charters

ProFish-n-Sea Alaska Halibut Fishing Charters

• Overview: ProFish-n-Sea Alaska Halibut Fishing Charters offers top-tier fishing experiences in the waters surrounding Seward, Alaska. Specializing in halibut fishing, this charter also targets king salmon, silver salmon, and rockfish. With a fleet of well-equipped boats and experienced captains, ProFish-n-Sea provides half-day, full-day, and private charters for anglers of all skill levels. The team is known for their dedication to providing personalized service, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing on the water. ProFish-n-Sea's friendly crew is committed to delivering a memorable fishing experience, with an emphasis on both fun and sustainability. They also offer fish cleaning and packaging services to make it easier for guests to take home their catch.

• Special Features: Experienced crew, customizable trips, focus on halibut fishing, fish cleaning and packaging services.

• Website: ProFish-n-Sea Fishing Charters