Description
For a unique experience, the Orca Quest Cruise in Seward is one of the most exciting tours you can take on your trip to Alaska! This tour’s sole purpose is to connect you with orcas - one of the apex predators that call Alaska home. To see the sheer size and power of these amazing creatures against the stunning backdrop of Alaska’s southern fjords and inlets makes this a tour that cannot be missed. This tour only runs mid-May to mid-June during prime orca-viewing time in the Seward area, so be sure to take advantage of this great tour!
Start your Orca Quest Cruise with pick-up at Seward’s Harbor 360 Hotel, then head to the marina and hop on your tour boat. Your naturalist guides will teach you about the local flora and fauna, but more importantly, they’ll share their wealth of knowledge about orcas! With their distinguishable dorsal fin, which can grow upwards of six feet tall, your captain will put you in the best position for sightings. The Orca Quest Cruise does not follow a set route, as guests are guided to locations where orcas have recently been spotted, giving each tour a unique experience. The guides and captain on board will give you history of the area and provide great knowledge about the orca, helping you understand what they eat, how their social interactions drive them, and how they have become one of Alaska’s top predators. To understand their social interactions, the tour boat has a hydrophone so you can hear the orcas below if conditions allow. This tour also leads guests to potentially see other wildlife, such as humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds, and more.
As this is Seward’s only orca-focused tour, you are sure to connect to these magnificent creatures like no other!
Looking to explore the Kenai Fjords specifically? Check out the 6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise!
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see any Orcas on this Cruise?
While whale sightings are not guaranteed, our captains visit orca "hot spots" to give our guests the best chances of viewing orcas and other whales. On average, our Orca Quest Cruise sees orcas on 90% of cruises. The more time you are on the water, the greater your chances of seeing whales! We run this cruise during "prime time" for orca whale watching, which is from mid-May to mid-June.
Is a Meal Included on this Cruise?
There is no meal included on this cruise. A snack bar is included onboard, and you are welcome to bring your own food with you. Glass containers and personal alcohol are not permitted.
Will I Get Seasick on this Cruise?
Since you'll be cruising the calmer, protected waters of Resurrection Bay, the likeliness of seasickness is typically low. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication before the cruise. This medication is available for purchase at the check-in office and onboard the cruises.
Will we see any Other Marine Life on this Tour?
In addition to orcas, you may also see humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises, sea otters, bald eagles, and marine seabirds.
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 4h 00min • 4 activities
Check-in at the Seward Harbor 360 Hotel at least 30 minutes before tour time.
Head down to the boat to meet the captain and crew!
Cruise the waters of Resurrection Bay and search for orcas, wildlife & glaciers!
Return to the boat harbor to disembark and explore Seward or grab a bite to eat.