A small sightseeing boat cruises past a glacier.

Stay warm in the cozy heated cabin, and enjoy the winter magic of Resurrection Bay.

Hop on board all-season vessels bound for whatever Seward Ocean Excursion suits your fancy. Want to whale watch, see glaciers, go bird watching or just check out hidden coves? Owners Bixler and Krystin McClure will help your small group plan an outing catered to your preferences. No matter the season, you can always catch some excitement in Resurrection Bay!

Resurrection Bay, and nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, are full of wonders year-round. For years, the McClures spent every extra moment on the water, exploring the amazing shoreline, and learning about the geology and wildlife of the area. And they are the only operators who will take you out in summer and winter too. They, or one of their 4 local captains, will take you to the secret spots they’ve discovered over the years.

Tour Options

Half-Day, 6 Hour & Full Day Sightseeing

Spend a half-day in search of a variety of marine life, including otters, sea lions, seals, whales, orcas, eagles, puffins and other seabirds. Of course, the scenery is compelling too, with hidden coves, dramatic waterfalls and impressive glaciers. As a small charter operation, there’s no set route, so you have the flexibility to stay and watch whales breaching or spend a little more time watching the glaciers.

Custom Trips

Evening trip? Check. Quick trip? Check. Devoting your trip to one activity, like bird watching, whale watching, or photography? Check. Just give Captains Bixler or Krystin a call so you can discuss the options. They can help you determine just what kind of trip will resonate with your group.

Winter on Resurrection Bay

A person in winter clothing gazes at the blue waters of Resurrection Bay with snow covered mountains in the background.

Seward Ocean Excursions specializes in small group tours into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park.

It may be off-season, but the landscape is still beautiful, the soft light is perfect for photography, and wildlife is still abundant. Half-day cruises (3.5-hours) take you around the Bay and into little coves, where you can check out snowy beaches and enjoy the quiet. You may see otters, seals, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, sea birds, eagles, waterfowl—and on occasion, maybe even a whale or orca. Average temperatures range from the teens into the 40's, but don't let the chilly air scare you away. All boats have a heated cabin to keep you toasty while you cruise through the winter wonderland with a hot drink in hand. Most other boats in Seward take the winter season off, so typically you’re the only ones on the water.

Small group, big fun

Seward Ocean Excursions’ vessels carry a maximum of six guests, so you’re guaranteed a small group size regardless of the adventure. Many visitors find this an advantage over larger boats, with a more relaxed pace and plenty of time to talk with your Captain.

The McClures are the original owners of all three of their boats, and they’re essentially the same make/model (Wayward Lynx is a 2021, Lost Lynx is 2018 and Missing Lynx is 2016). Passengers are happy with the heated cabin, great 360-degree viewing from inside, onboard toilet, and comfy seating. Safety is a top priority, so the vessels are outfitted with all the latest safety gear, above and beyond regulation. As small boats, they can pull into areas where larger boats can’t go but still have powerful performance, with the capability of getting you out to hot spots at a cruising speed of up to 40 knots.

About Seward Ocean Excursions

From booking on, your Seward Ocean Excursion will be a personalized experience. With a small group, and your Captain right there, you’re an active part of the trip and they cater to you! Once on board, prepare for a tour guided by a local Alaskan who is passionate about the area, with lots of stories about Alaska and interesting historical and environmental insights.

Seward Ocean Excursions is locally-owned by a husband and wife team, Captains Bixler and Krystin McClure. When they met at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, they realized that they both have roots in Alaska going back generations. In 2009 they relocated to Alaska and settled in Seward a few years later. Always game for adventure, the McClures launched their business and welcomed their son Lynx around the same time. He is a sixth-generation Seward resident.

What to Bring

  • Camera
  • Snacks and/or lunch
  • Warm layers
  • Rain jacket/pants

Getting There

Coordinates
Latitude: 60.115782
Longitude: -149.434726

It’s about a 2.5 hour drive to Seward, longer if you take the bus (3 hours) or train (4+ hours). Once in town, you’ll go to the Small Boat Harbor, Slip M-3 (first boat down the ramp) to meet up with Seward Ocean Excursions.

Driving Directions

Prices & Dates

Season Year Round
Duration 3.5 - 8 hrs
Rates Year Round Sightseeing // $179/pp | Half-Day - 3.5 hrs | Departs 8:30 a.m., 1 p.m. | Fall / Winter / Spring schedule varies | 2 person minimum
$309/ pp | 3/4 Day - 6 hours | 8am - 2pm | 3 person minimum
$2455 | Full Day - 8 hrs | up to 6 people (private charter)
Rate Notes Tours and activities based on 2-person minimum.
Rates listed do not include tax + city of Seward passenger fees

Seward Ocean Excursions

Call Call Email