Seward Multi-Day Kenai Fjords Cruise from Anchorage

From Anchorage, it's a 2.5-hour drive to the quaint seaside town of Seward. Go at a leisurely pace and be sure to stop along Turnagain Arm to look for Dall sheep and beluga whales. Just before you reach Seward, take a detour and stop at Exit Glacier, just a 10- to 15-minute drive from town; a 20-minute walk brings you right up to the mountain of blue ice, where you can listen to it crackle. If a quick view from the trail isn't enough, you can opt for a guided trek on the ice. After your visit to the glacier, continue on into town and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center—an aquarium and research facility where you can get an up-close view of Alaska's unique marine creatures, like Stellar sea lions and harbor seals, as well as birds like puffins. Overnight in Seward.

Today, the real adventure begins.

Trips range from 2 days / 1 night, to 7 days / 6 nights .The next few day descriptions are what each of your days could look like on a 3 day trip. Review each company's offering for more precise details.

Depart Seward in the morning or early afternoon, cruising through Resurrection Bay toward Kenai Fjords. Perhaps your first stop is Aialik Bay, an active, calving, tidewater glacier where the water is packed with icebergs. Launch the kayaks from the boat and enjoy a leisurely paddle. Return to the boat for a delicious meal prepared by the crew.

(Pictured: North Pacific Expeditions in Cataract Cove)

Enjoy a breakfast on the boat. Cruise to a sea lion haulout, and listen to them bark, or a sea bird rookery with thousands of birds diving in and out of their nests tucked into the cliffs. Head to another glacier, listening to it creak and moan. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to come across a pod of humpback whales bubble feeding. Drop your line in the water and catch a fresh fish for dinner!

(Pictured: Resurrection Bay Sailing Charters pauses in front of a glacier)

Wake up and take in a morning paddle before breakfast, or enjoy the morning calm from the boat. Today the boat will anchor and you'll head ashore. The activity will be catered to your activity level. Maybe it's a hike to explore a WWII bunker, or a leisurely walk along the beach, looking at tide pools and beach combing. Cruise back to Seward.

(Pictured: A shore hike with 60 Degrees Adventure Charters)

Today, you'll drive or take the train back to Anchorage.

If you drive, it's 2.5 hours without stops, but there's too much to see along the way! Here's some ideas to break up the drive:

1. Drop by the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you'll get an up-close view of some of the state's unique creatures. It's right off the highway about 1.5 hrs from Seward, no detour needed.

2. Visit Portage Glacier, where you'll often see big blue icebergs along the shore of the lake by the parking area. Take the one-hour boat cruise to get close to the glacier, or spend time at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center to learn more about this special area. You'll make the turn onto Portage Glacier Highway 1.5 hrs from Seward. After the turn it's about 20 minutes to the Visitor Center.

3. Drop into Girdwood to dine at one of the fabulous local restaurants, or take the scenic tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Girdwood is just under 2 hours from Seward. After, it's about a 45 minute drive into Anchorage.

Overnight in Anchorage.

(Pictured: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center)

Spend your last day in Anchorage. Walk or bike a portion of the dramatic, 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Go on a city tour via trolley or bike, join a brewery tour and sample some of the innovative suds being brewed here, or visit the local museum before your flight home.

(Pictured: Anchorage Museum)