After leaving Denali, we returned to Anchorage for one night and then headed to the port town of Seward. From here, tours are available to see marine wildlife and fjord glaciers in the Kenai area. We joined a 7.5-hour cruise offered by Major Marine Tours.
Seward is a small port town with a mix of fishing boats, sightseeing vessels, and cruise ships. We arrived in time for the recommended check-in, but the nearby parking lots were already nearly full.The vessel operated by Major Marine Tours, which we boarded.We passed through calm bay waters and headed out to the open sea toward the Kenai Fjords. With a long-sleeve shirt, light fleece, down vest, hooded windbreaker, and knit hat, I was just warm enough to stay out on deck. While the cabin was warm, I spent most of the time outside, fully geared up.While still in the bay, we spotted a Sea Otter early on.It looked at us with a dazed expression.It suddenly spread its limbs as if responding to something.Like this?Even when spinning, it kept its paws dry!Soon after the otter sighting, a Humpback Whale appeared. It seemed to be feeding and gave us an impressive breach.Fish splashed among the spray.Another view from a different angle. It was hard to predict where they would surface.A large spout of spray rose into the air. Gulls circled above, looking to grab scraps from the whale’s meal.During the cruise, we also saw several glaciers.After heading further out to sea, we encountered numerous Orcas (Killer Whales). There were so many around the boat in every direction that it was actually hard to focus and get good photos.A Fin Whale, second in size only to the Blue Whale, with a huge body and small fin which are very distinctive. We saw several more Humpbacks as well, highlighting just how rich this area is in wildlife.We approached one of the cruise’s main destinations, Aialik Glacier.Some visitors ventured even closer to the glacier via small boats or kayaks.Another Sea Otter, this time with a pup. Though it’s hard to tell what’s going on in the photo.Otters lounging comfortably. I wondered whether they’re ever attacked by orcas. It turns out that small otters aren’t usually a target. Still, if an orca were to strike in this vast ocean, escape would be nearly impossible. So their carefree life may not be quite as relaxed as it seems.A flock of Rhinoceros Auklets, seabirds in the auk family. Japan’s Teuri Island in Hokkaido is known as a major breeding site.A large Glaucous-winged Gull with pale back and tail feathers, alongside a smaller Short-billed Gull.We witnessed a glacier calving right in front of us. The ice in the photo had a visible crack and looked ready to fall. Comparing it to the Puffin in the foreground gives a sense of its massive size.Short-billed Gulls resting on floating ice.Another Humpback Whale appeared. I waited hopefully to catch it breaching in front of the glacier, but it seemed to be naptime in the afternoon.A group of Steller Sea Lions lounging on the rocks.They rested in various poses.One of the birds I had hoped to see: a Horned Puffin.A Dall’s Porpoise swam alongside the boat.Finally, we spotted a mature Bald Eagle in the distance.
On this tour, we had an incredible day, encountering a remarkable number of wild animals, so much so that even the captain was surprised. For those prone to seasickness, the open ocean can be tough, but if you step out onto the deck and embrace the rollercoaster-like ride, it might actually distract you (maybe).
