Where is Seward, Alaska?

Seward, Alaska is located on Alaska’s southern coast, approximately 120 miles by road from Anchorage. It is surrounded by mountains on one side, and the waters of Resurrection Bay on the other. Seward is the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad and was made famous as the original starting point for the Iditarod Trail Race. Seward offers tourists easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park and is one of the best places in Alaska to see whales. Whale watching in Seward, Alaska is a big tourist draw.

The Best Time To Go Whale Watching In Seward, Alaska

If you’re planning a trip to Seward to see whales, you’ll want to know when to go. The best time to see whales in Alaska - and to go whale watching in Seward, Alaska - is between May and September. During this time, humpback whales migrate to Alaska’s waters to feed on krill and small fish. Other whales, including gray whales, minke whales, beluga whales, and orcas can be seen during whale-watching season, too.

What Types Of Whales Are Found In Alaska?

Alaska is home to a diverse range of whale species. If you are planning to go whale watching in Seward, Alaska, you should be able to see many of these. Here is a listing of the types of whales that you can see in Seward during your visit:

• Humpback Whales – humpback whales are known for their distinctive songs and acrobatics. They can generally be spotted throughout the whale-watching season.
• Orcas (aka Killer Whales) - these black and white creatures belong to the dolphin family. They can be seen in Alaska's coastal waters (including Resurrection Bay) from May to June.
• Gray Whales – Gray whales are sighted early in Alaska’s whale season. These whales embark on one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling from Mexico to Alaska each year in search of food.
• Blue Whales – blue whales are the largest animals on Earth and can be found in Alaskan waters during the second half of summer.
• Minke Whales – minke whales are smaller than humpbacks or blue whales but still impressive in size.
• Beluga Whales: beluga whales are white, and are typically found in small pods. Belugas inhabit the shallow coastal waters of Alaska.

Alaska Cruises And Whale Watching

One of the more popular activities for tourists visiting Alaska is cruising. Alaska Cruises and whale watching are a natural fit since whales are best seen from the water (and not from shore). In Alaska, cruise season and whale watching season happily match up, making the window of time from early spring to early fall the best time to see whales in Alaska!

Where Is The Best Place To See Whales In Seward?

Seward sits on Resurrection Bay, which is one of the best places in Alaska to go whale watching. Resurrection Bay is home to a variety of different whales, including humpback whales, orcas, and belugas. Seward is also home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, otters, seals, birds, and more. If you want to go whale watching, Seward, Alaska is the perfect place to see these magnificent creatures. Keep reading for a list of the five best Alaska cruise and whale-watching spots around Seward!

• Kenai Fjords National Park and Chiswell Islands – journey through the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, while marveling at its stunning glaciers and wildlife. Travel in comfort while enjoying stories about the local waterways and wildlife from knowledgeable crew members. Witness Holgate Glacier calving into the water and visit the Chiswell Islands, home to an abundance of seabirds. Enjoy spotting sea otters, puffins, whales, and mountain goats on your way back to Seward after a long day.
• Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay – enjoy a cruise along 55 miles of rugged coastline, from Seward Harbor and out to Resurrection Bay. See Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, and cruise past sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries. Along the way, keep a lookout for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles, and mountain goats.
• Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise – spend a day out on the water whale watching in Seward, Alaska. Discover the beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park and experience the thrill of seeing two active tidewater glaciers as you sail through Aialik Bay. An experienced naturalist will be on board to help you spot orcas, humpback whales, Stellar sea lions, and puffins. This fully narrated tour is truly an unforgettable experience.
• Resurrection Bay Cruise and Fox Island – Cruise past glaciers, snowcapped mountains, and cliffs while watching for whales, puffins, and otters with the help of a wildlife expert. Land on the shores of Fox Island, where you can take a tour to learn more about the area’s natural history and enjoy the views of the bay as you skip stones after lunch.
• Alaska Cruise and Whale Watching from Kenai Fjords National Park – Cruise through Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska on a six-hour tour to see whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, porpoises, and seals. Learn about the region’s history from your captain, and marvel at the glaciers and mountains that surround you. Enjoy close-up views of wildlife in their natural habitat before returning to land.

A WhaleWatching Adventure In Seward

Whale watching in Seward, Alaska is truly a spectacular experience. With more than 200,000 humpback whales and other whale species calling this little slice of Alaska’s waters home, there’s no better place to go whale watching! And when you combine the adventure with one of the specialty cruises that Seward is known for, you’re in for a whale of a good time! So, what are you waiting for – grab your binoculars, and let’s go!