Things to Do in Seward, Alaska Before (or After) Your Cruise

Seward may be one of the smallest ports from which you'll ever embark on a cruise, but it offers some of the most extraordinary pre-cruise activities available anywhere in the world. You're not in a manufactured waterfront entertainment district—you're in a working Alaska fishing town surrounded by national parkland, glaciers, and one of the most productive marine ecosystems on the planet. Even a single day in Seward is genuinely special.

Kenai Fjords National Park: A Wildlife and Scenery Marvel

Kenai Fjords National Park begins essentially at Seward's doorstep, and experiencing it before your cruise is one of the best decisions you can make. The park encompasses tidewater glaciers (glaciers that calve directly into the sea), diverse marine wildlife, and fjord scenery that rivals anything in Alaska or Norway. Boat tours departing from Seward's small boat harbor offer half-day and full-day excursions into the park.

What you might see on a Kenai Fjords boat tour: humpback whales surfacing alongside the boat, sea otters floating on their backs among kelp beds, Steller sea lions hauled out on rocky outcrops, Dall's porpoise bow-riding the vessel, tufted and horned puffins nesting on cliff faces, bald eagles, Orcas (killer whales), harbor seals, and the spectacular calving of tidewater glaciers. Multiple tour operators run daily departures from Seward, with Kenai Fjords Tours being the largest and most established. Book your tour in advance; these fill quickly in summer.

Exit Glacier: Alaska Glaciology You Can Walk To

Exit Glacier, located just 13 miles from Seward, is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and part of Kenai Fjords National Park. A short paved trail leads to the glacier viewing area, while longer hikes take you up to the Harding Icefield, the massive ice plateau from which the glacier flows. Interpretive signs along the trail show historical glacier positions going back over 100 years, dramatically illustrating glacial retreat. The experience is simultaneously beautiful and sobering. The drive from Seward to Exit Glacier takes about 20 minutes; the short trail is suitable for most fitness levels. Entry to Kenai Fjords National Park is free.

Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center on Seward's waterfront is a world-class marine research facility and public aquarium. It serves as a rehabilitation center for injured Alaska marine wildlife and houses remarkable permanent exhibits on Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and seabirds. Unlike aquariums that are purely display facilities, the SeaLife Center does genuine research and conservation work—the animals you see are often there for rehabilitation before being released. Plan 1.5–2 hours. The center is conveniently located right on the Seward waterfront, easy to combine with lunch or dinner nearby.

Resurrection Bay Kayaking

Sea kayaking in Resurrection Bay is an exceptional pre-cruise activity for paddlers of any skill level. Guided kayak tours range from calm introductory excursions close to shore to multi-hour adventures around island groups with wildlife and glacier views. Even if you've never paddled before, a guided kayak tour in Resurrection Bay is accessible and memorable. The low vantage point of a sea kayak gives you an entirely different perspective than the cruise ship deck—you're at water level, which makes sea otter and seal encounters feel intimate and extraordinary. Multiple outfitters offer tours from Seward's small boat harbor.

Halibut and Salmon Fishing

Sport fishing is a cornerstone of Seward's economy and culture. Halibut charters depart from the small boat harbor daily, targeting Pacific halibut that can reach enormous sizes in these waters. Salmon fishing (for species including King/Chinook, silver/coho, and pink salmon depending on the season) is also available. Half-day and full-day charters are available, with many charter operations offering fish processing so you can ship your catch home. For fishing enthusiasts, a morning halibut charter before an afternoon cruise departure is one of the great Alaskan combinations.

Dining in Seward: Exceptional Seafood in Small-Town Alaska

Seward has an excellent dining scene relative to its size, almost entirely anchored by fresh Alaska seafood. The Cookery is the standout, with sophisticated preparation of local ingredients including wild Alaska salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. For a more casual atmosphere, Chinooks Waterfront Restaurant offers waterfront views, good seafood, and a welcoming Alaskan vibe. Ray's Waterfront is another solid choice with bay views and seafood-focused menus. Whatever you order, if it involves wild Alaska salmon or halibut, it will be exceptional—this is the source, and the quality shows.

The Town Itself: Worth a Wander

Seward's small downtown has genuine character: working fishing boats, local art galleries, a few boutique shops, and a waterfront park with views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding peaks. The town has an unpretentious, working-Alaska quality that feels authentic rather than touristy. Take a walk along the waterfront, browse the galleries, grab a coffee, and simply absorb the environment. The mountains that ring the bay are dramatic at any time of day—morning light in particular creates extraordinary reflections on the water.

Practical Pre-Cruise Tips for Seward

Bring layers and waterproof outerwear regardless of the forecast. Seward weather changes quickly, and being underprepared means spending time inside rather than outside. Book wildlife boat tours and fishing charters well in advance—these fill up weeks ahead in July and August. If you're doing a full-day Kenai Fjords tour, plan it for the day before embarkation rather than the same day, to avoid timing pressure. The combination of Kenai Fjords boat tour one day and exit glacier the next, followed by afternoon embarkation, is an excellent two-day Seward experience.

Ben's Travel can help you plan the perfect pre-cruise Seward itinerary, from Kenai Fjords wildlife tours to fishing charters, kayaking, and dining reservations. Contact Ben's Travel to build your complete Alaska adventure—land, sea, and everything in between.