I had been told that September was probably too late for orcas.
Nevertheless, as I boarded the sightseeing boat in Seward, Alaska, that would take me across Kenai Fjords National Park, I held out hope that I would get lucky.
Kenai Fjords is, in many ways, a microcosm of all the features that make Southcentral Alaska so amazing — its natural beauty is staggering, with towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations rising out of shockingly blue waters, and the area is home to an abundance of glaciers that flow from the Harding Icefield. Plus, its waters are teeming with incredible wildlife.
Locally owned and operated Major Marine Tours offers full- and half-day wildlife and glacier cruises in this special place. Better yet, the operator is certified through Adventure Green Alaska for sustainable operations and is committed to responsible whale-watching practices — an absolute necessity in order to keep various species of migrating whales returning to Kenai Fjords year after year. (Major Marine Tours also works with the travel trade, and can arrange group trips or private charters.)
As we sailed out of the marina and headed into open water, the crew told us to keep our eyes peeled for everything from humpback whales and porpoises to sea birds and mountain goats. Within minutes, a bald eagle was perched on a buoy before us, and from there the hits just kept coming: a cluster of endangered Steller sea lions laid out on a rock; a pod of Dall’s porpoises leapt playfully from the water; a lone horned puffin floated serenely; and a group of sea otters munched their lunch.
And then, finally, there was the announcement I had been waiting for. In a stroke of luck, we stumbled upon three orca holdouts who had not yet left the area for warmer waters. While the captain kept the boat at a safe distance, we all watched excitedly from the top-floor viewing deck as the whales surfaced periodically from the water, thrilling everyone onboard. The knowledgeable staff even identified some of the orcas, recognizing them by their markings as regulars in the area.
Between the thrill of the wildlife and the beauty of the scenery, a cruise in Kenai Fjords is one of the best ways to see the park — and a special opportunity absolutely worth recommending to clients.
