Major Marine Tours

About

Major Marine Tours operates some of Alaska's most popular wildlife and glacier cruises out of Seward, offering visitors a chance to experience Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay from the water. Their vessels carry passengers through waters teeming with humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, puffins, and stellar sea lions, all against a backdrop of tidewater glaciers calving ice into the sea.

The company runs several tour options ranging from half-day wildlife cruises to full-day Kenai Fjords tours that venture deep into the national park. On a typical voyage, you'll pass rocky coastlines where seabirds nest by the thousands, watch for whales breaching in open water, and approach active glaciers close enough to hear them crack and groan. The onboard narration from experienced naturalists helps guests understand the ecology and geology of this remarkable region.

Seward itself sits at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, roughly 125 miles south of Anchorage. Many visitors arrive via the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic train, which is a scenic journey in its own right. Cruise ship passengers docking in Seward often book Major Marine Tours as a shore excursion.

Meals are available onboard, typically featuring Alaska salmon and prime rib served buffet-style. The heated cabin provides comfortable seating with large viewing windows, so you can enjoy the scenery even on cooler or rainy days. Outdoor deck space is available for those who want fresh air and unobstructed views.

The cruising season runs from late May through mid-September, with peak wildlife viewing generally in July and August. Water conditions in Resurrection Bay tend to be calmer than open ocean, though seas can still be choppy on full-day tours that venture further out. Dressing in layers is always a good idea, and the crew will lend you binoculars if you forget yours.

Whether you're a birder, a whale enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to witness Alaska's coastal wilderness up close, a Major Marine Tours cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the state's natural beauty.

Accessibility

Major Marine Tours is one of Alaska's day cruise operators whose boats are accessible to manual wheelchair users. The vessels can accommodate manual wheelchairs, and with advance notice, the company can provide a manual wheelchair for use onboard. However, motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated due to vessel design constraints. Guests who normally use a motorized chair should contact Major Marine Tours ahead of time to discuss transfer options and available manual chairs.

The boats feature heated indoor cabins with seating and viewing windows, making the experience comfortable for guests with varying mobility levels. Restroom facilities are available onboard. Outdoor deck areas provide additional viewing space, though accessibility to all deck levels may vary by vessel.

The Seward harbor area where tours depart has paved walkways, and the boarding process typically involves a gangway from the dock to the vessel. Conditions can vary with tides, so it's worth asking about boarding assistance when you book.

For guests with hearing or vision needs, the onboard naturalist narration is delivered over a speaker system throughout the cabin. Wildlife sightings are announced and pointed out by crew members who can assist with spotting.

Contact Major Marine Tours directly before booking to discuss your specific accessibility needs, confirm current vessel configurations, and arrange any accommodations such as a loaner wheelchair or boarding assistance. Arriving early on the day of your tour gives staff time to help get you settled comfortably before departure.

More accessible places in Alaska

• Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward)
• Kenai Fjords National Park & Seward (Seward)
• Alaska Aviation Museum (Anchorage)
• Alaska Botanical Garden (Anchorage)
• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (Fairbanks)
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)