Day Cruises in Kenai Fjords (Seward) Vs Prince William Sound (Whittier)
Should I Take a Day Cruise from Seward (Kenai Fjords National Park) or Whittier (Prince William Sound)?
If you're visiting Anchorage you have two main choices to get on the water to see glaciers and wildlife. Here's our guide to help you decide which is right for you!
Best Glaciers: Prince William Sound from Whittier, Alaska
If you just can't leave Alaska without seeing a glacier calve, Prince William Sound is your best bet. It has the densest concentration of tidewater glaciers in the world, some flowing a dozen miles from ice-capped peaks to terminate in cliffs of ice towering hundreds of feet above the water. You'll also see spectacular waterfalls and wildlife, including bald eagles, seabirds, otters, and occasionally whales, but typically not on the same frequency as in Kenai Fjords. Shorter cruises stay in Blackstone Bay, while longer cruises go deep into the Sound. See our recommended cruises from Whittier.
Phillip's Cruises & Tours in Prince William Sound
Best Wildlife Viewing: Kenai Fjords from Seward, Alaska
If you are more interested in spotting whales, sea lions, and harbor seals while out glacier watching, cruise in Kenai Fjords. Other wildlife includes puffins, otters, and mountain goats. Shorter cruises stay in Resurrection Bay and view glaciers from a distance. Longer cruises go all the way into Kenai Fjords National Park to the face of impressive tidewater glaciers that calve, although not on the same scale or frequency as in Prince William Sound. See our recommended day cruises from Seward.
Humpback Whale seen from a day cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours from Seward, Alaska
Quick Compare Chart
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Logistics - Departs Whittier By car: 1.5 hours from Anchorage; check Whittier tunnel schedule before you go. View driving guide for Turnagain Arm + Portage Glacier Highway. By rail: Glacier Discovery Train. 2.5 hours; departs Anchorage 9:45am, returns 9:00pm daily. | Logistics - Departs Seward By car: 2.5 hours from Anchorage. View driving guide. By rail: Coastal Classic Train. 4.5 hours; departs Anchorage 6:45am, returns 10:15pm daily. Consider an overnight in Seward before your cruise. |
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