Even though it’s only 12 miles from Seward, Fox Island in Resurrection Bay feels blissfully remote. You can only get here by boat—on trips offered by Kenai Fjords Tours—but this lush, secluded locale make a rich excursion for foodies, kayakers and wildlife lovers.

Start with a Cruise

Fox Island’s quiet waters, beaches and walking paths offer gorgeous views of the flora and fauna just outside Kenai Fjords National Park. Whichever tour length, departure time, or components you choose, you get a solid combination of wildlife and glaciers. A cruise begins each tour, on a custom-built vessel designed for wildlife and glacier viewing: there's comfortable indoor seating, huge picture windows, as well as multi-level, walk-around viewing decks outside.

Beachcombing, Hiking—and an Epic Meal

Once you arrive at Fox Island, you can go beach-combing, learn about the island from a National Park Service ranger, shop for souvenirs or just relax. And if your stop at the island happens near lunch or dinner, you get a locally-sourced gourmet feast: all-you-can-eat wild Alaska salmon and prime rib meal, salad, vegetables and dessert (with beer and wine available for purchase).

Unlike similar tours in this area, the KFT trips include both the National Park Service ranger presentation and your feast. Bonus: you can add a half-pound of Alaska king crab for just $14.50 before you depart, or $17.50 while on board the cruise.

And If You Want More? Check in at the Lodge

If you decide that a day tour of Fox Island isn’t enough, you can also book an overnight or multi-night stay at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, a wonderful high-end experience that’s also “unplugged,” with no TVs or phones. All-inclusive stays include a private waterfront cabin, all of your gourmet meals and guided walking/hiking tours of the island. Please note reservations need to be made well in advance for overnights.

Day Trip Options

National Park Tour (8.5 hours)

A rich, full-day tour. You depart Seward at 10 am, with your first destination being Holgate Glacier or Aialik Glaicer, the largest tidewater glacier in KFNP. Along the way, you’ll likely see whales, otters, sea lions and all manner of seabirds. You’ll have a light lunch onboard the cruise and then have the National Park Ranger presentation and dinner once you arrive at Fox Island. You’re back in Seward at 6:30 pm.

Resurrection Bay Wildlife Tour (4.5 hours)

This day trip is not a full day, but still leaves you time to relax on both ends. You depart Seward at noon, and see Bear Glacier, as well as rugged cliffs, seabirds, and variety of marine wildlife on your way to Fox Island. You’ll enjoy a lunch feast and a National Park Ranger presentation, and then have time for skipping stones and exploring the island beach. You’re back in Seward by 4:30.

Kayak-and-Cruise Day Trips

Combine a cruise to Fox Island with a feast and a half or full day of guided sea kayaking. You can choose from the Full Day trip that starts at 9 am, and includes 6.5 hours of kayaking—a great workout—or the three-hour kayaking tours, with more moderate activity, that leaves at your choice 9 a.m. or noon. Either way, you get up-close views of the green-blue waters of Resurrection Bay, as well as a front-row perspective on the local seals, sea lions and more, including a lunch or dinner feast on the island. Most kayak tours run from June 2 through August 26. Noon half-day adventures run from May 26 to August 26.