KEP#02 Seward Self Drive Tour Package | Kenai Fjords Cruise

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A popular Alaska self drive tour package for the independent traveler! Pick up your car in Anchorage and enjoy the scenic drive along Turnagain Arm to Seward. Attend the full day narrated wildlife and glacier cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park before returning the next day to Anchorage. The tour package includes rental car, a full day Kenai Fjords Cruise -  tidewater glacier and wildlife viewing, delicious lunch buffet, your choice of hotel accommodation and individual program extension or combinations.

  • Tour Itinerary

  • Dates | Rates

  • Accommodation

  • Rental Car

  • Kenai Fjords National Park FAQ

Day
01

Anchorage - Seward

Transfer to the car rental station in Anchorage to pick up the rental car of your choice. From Anchorage take the Seward Highway South and follow the North Shore of Turnagain Arm through the Chugach State Park with panoramic views of the Chugach and Kenai Mountain Range. Stopover at the Beluga Viewpoint and search for some Beluga or Orca Whales, Dall Sheep, Mountain Goats or Moose. Arrive in Seward - gateway to the 605.000 acre Kenai Fjords National Park and join our 8-hour Wildlife and Glacier Cruise, departing at 11:30 am.

The 110-mile Kenai Fjords cruise takes you deep into Kenai Fjords National Park and to the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This cruise is hosted by a uniformed National Park Ranger, who will provide narration to your journey and point out the many spectacular sights while answering any additional questions you may have. Wildlife is abundant throughout the National Park, and the tidewater glaciers are massive. You'll visit the mighty Holgate Glacier where guests often witness calving - a process by which the glacier sheds giant blocks and slabs of ancient ice - from a close distance. Onboard enjoy a all-you-can-eat delicious Salmon and Prime Rib lunch buffet. With photo opportunities galore, your cruise will be unforgettable. Return to Seward at 7:30 pm. Check into your hotel.

Evening at Leisure: sample some fresh Alaska Salmon or Halibut in the many harbourfront restaurants or stroll through the downtown area. Overnight: Seward
Day
02

Seward - Anchorage

Scenic Seward, flanked by rugged mountains to one side and sparkling Resurrection Bay on the other, has a way of luring visitors. Like many towns in Southcentral Alaska, Seward began a new era of history in 1964 after the Good Friday Earthquake caused fires and tidal waves that destroyed 90 percent of the town. You may spend some time at the Alaska SeaLife Center – the world’s first cold water marine search institute with wildlife rehabilitation and public education facilities, try your luck halibut or salmon fishing, attend a kayaking tour from Lowell Point or hike to Exit Glacier - the choice is yours. Depart Seward for a scenic trip back to Anchorage to return your car. Optional tour extensions on request.

Superior Hotel Category
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 10 - May 31 $616.00 $432.00 $375.00 $348.00 $130.00
June 1 - August 31 $851.00 $549.00 $453.00 $405.00 $130.00
September 1 - September 25 $616.00 $432.00 $375.00 $348.00 $130.00

 

First Class Hotel Category
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 10 - May 31 $751.00 $499.00 $425.00 $388.00 $130.00
June 1 - August 31 $1065.00 $656.00 $529.00 $466.00 $130.00
September 1 - September 25 $751.00 $499.00 $425.00 $388.00 $130.00

 
Departure Days
Individual Departures from May 10 - September 25

 

Services included
  • 2 Day Rental Car (Midsize) - Upgrades available
  • Unlimited Mileage
  • VLF Rental Car Licensing Fee
  • CFC / State Vehicle Rental Tax 
  • 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Seward
  • State, Borough and Bed Tax
  • 6 hr Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife & Glacier Cruise including lunch
  • Seward Harbor Fee
  • Sightseeing Information
  • Tour Documentation 

First Class Hotel Category (**** Hotels & Lodges)

First Class hotels usually offer additional amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, bar, fireplace seating, fitness room, swimming pool/hot tub, etc. All rooms in First Class hotels belong to a higher category and are always equipped with a private bathroom. Most hotels in this category are usually located in prime locations in prime downtown locations or in national parks. These include larger hotel chains such as: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westmark Hotels, Princess Hotels and Lodges, Clarion Suites, Comfort Inn & Suite. The larger hotel chains are only available in Anchorage and Fairbanks. If a major hotel chain is not available, we prefer to book local premium hotels/deluxe cabins or cottages for our clients. Please note that premium accommodations may not be available in small towns; in such cases we will book the best available accommodation..

Superior Hotel Category (*** Hotels, Motels & Lodges)

Superior Hotels offer a good amount of essential guest services and are located in downtown locations and/or in/near national park areas. All superior class hotel rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. Example larger hotel chains for superior class hotels are: Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Guesthouse Inn, Ramada Inn, High Country Inn, Aspen Hotel Group, Comfort Inn. As you might be aware, that these hotel chains are not available throughout Alaska. In such cases or/and when we feel that Alaskan owned hotels & lodges offer a better experience, we go with that choice. Cabins and Cottages also considered in this category to make your experience even more ‘Alaskan’. We ensure that all the Cabins & Cottages have a private bath to make your stay comfortable.
Rental Car

We have compiled a list of car rental categories that fit Alaska trips and are suitable for various budgets, trip durations, as well as group sizes.
Please ask us for the category that best fits your requirements.

Mid Size Car (included - part of the package / additional day $150)

Generally, midsize cars measure between 180 to 195 inches in length but can vary depending on specific models. Mid-size cars, also commonly known as intermediate or standard cars, are four-door sedans that are more spacious than compact cars while still being fuel-efficient. They can fit 3 or sometimes 4 bags depending on the model. They feature more interior space compared to compact cars and offer comfortable seating for four to five passengers. 

Sample Models: Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Prius Hybrid or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 1 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-Conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Full Size Car (upgrade $8 per day / additional day $160)

Full Size cars are what many people would describe as large cars. A full-size car typically refers to a vehicle that offers more extensive interior space, comfort, and power compared to smaller vehicles such as compact or midsize cars. These cars usually have larger dimensions, including length, width, and height. They commonly feature roomy interiors with ample seating for five or more passengers along with expanded trunk capacity for luggage or cargo. Historically, full-size cars were synonymous with large sedans boasting V8 engines and body-on-frame construction. While this has changed over time due to evolving industry trends and technological advancements, what remains consistent is the emphasis on spaciousness, comfort, and performance these vehicles provide.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Kia Elantra, Buick LaCrosse or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 2 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission - Adjustable Steering - Cruise Control  

Standard Size SUV (upgrade $55 per day / additional day $210)

SUVs (short for sport or suburban utility vehicles) are good-sized vehicles with a rugged look, set higher off the road than normal cars. In an SUV, the description of “standard” generally refers to the size of the SUV. The standard SUV is larger than the intermediate or compact versions. These full-size models are more powerful, like a truck, and they are usually more equipped to handle a wider variety of terrains and road conditions as well. In addition to being powerful, their size also means that they typically have more seating capacity than the smaller SUVs. They can seat more passengers and have more cargo space for transporting luggage and equipment.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Sorento, Mazda Cx-9, Toyota 4 Runner or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission 

Premium SUV (upgrade $170 per day / additional day $325)

A favorite of weekend warriors and full-time adventurers, this sturdy SUV rental boasts versatile interior and strong performance. A premium SUV is a high-quality, extra-large sport utility vehicle made to seat 7 or 8 passengers in three rows of seating. They also have powerhouse engines and room for plenty of cargo. The result is a smooth and spacious ride. Premium SUVs are suitable for different types of terrain and great for all types of travelers and occasions. Book from this vehicle group to enjoy a safe, strong, family-friendly SUV with extra space and premium features. The following models included in the premium SUV vehicle group will make you happy to hit the road.

Sample Models: Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Mini Van (upgrade $90 per day / additional day $250)

This roomy mini van is your ticket to family adventures and travel memories on your next rental. More spacious than a full-size car, and with better gas mileage than an SUV, a minivan is a 7-passenger van that provides unbeatable comfort and convenience. By providing leg and luggage room, configurable seating and storage layouts, easy in-and-out, competitive fuel efficiency, and high-performance drive—all without sacrificing style—minivans accommodate every kind of group outing, from lengthy family vacations to quick business trips. Did somebody say “road trip”? 

Sample Models: Toyota Sienna, KIA Sedona or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 7 Passengers- Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

11 Passenger Van (upgrade $250 per day / additional day $400)

Choose a 11-person passenger van so that no one gets left behind on your road trip or vacation. Instead of trying to coordinate a car pool; save time, resources, and gas money by putting everyone together in one clean and comfortable van. You'll find each passenger has much more leg room.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit or similar

Sample Features: 3 Doors –10 to 11 Passengers- 6 Large Suitcases - Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission  
Kenai Fjords National Park - FAQ

  Q:
A:		 Where is the Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park is located just outside the town of Seward in southcentral Alaska, 127 miles south of Anchorage. Seward is accessible year-round via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway with stunning views of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Kenai Lake, glaciers and wetlands
  Q:
A:		 How do I get to Kenai Fjords National Park?
The national park area is easily accessible via the paved Seward Highway or with the Alaska Railroad.

Railroad
The Coastal Classic Train is a local favorite that winds through the stretch of wilderness between Anchorage and Seward. A string of massive glaciers visible from the track enriches the journey. This train travels to the shores of Resurrection Bay for convenient connection to Kenai Fjords National Park, whale watching, sea kayaking, tidewater glacier viewing, fishing, and dog sled rides. Daily departures from Anchorage.

Bus and Van Service
Daily departures from Anchorage

Rental Car
Rent a car, van, or 4x4 in Anchorage and drive to the Kenai Fjords National Park. A limited number of one-way rentals are available between Anchorage and Seward or VS.
  Q:
A:		 Are they any points of interest on the way to the Park ?
Moose Pass: The track winds through Moose Pass, a former railroad construction camp on the shores of Trail Lake. As the rail ascends into the Kenai Mountains, it leaves behind the forests and reveals mountain meadows and streams of gin-clear glacial waters. Trail Glacier appears on the right and soon after, the summit of Grandview at 1,063 feet and the historic Loop District - named for a complex series of trestles built to handle the steep grade in the age of steam engines. In the same stretch, Bartlett Glacier crowds the track just 800 feet away.

Placer River Valley: After passing through a series of short tunnels, the track descends to the Placer River Valley near Spencer Glacier. Moose, bear and wolves populate the valley among the willow and alder trees. Trumpeter swans migrate through in spring and fall and arctic terns hover above the ponds and river looking for small fish and insects. Twelve miles later Turnagain Arm appears, where 40-foot tides rush into the narrow confines of the Chugach Mountains. Beluga whales pursue salmon and other schooling fish. Next comes Girdwood, home to Alaska's premier ski resort, a 40-mile commute from Anchorage.

The Chugach National Forest: borders Turnagain Arm, some six million acres, the second largest in the U.S. Bald eagles cruise the thermals above and Dall sheep come to feed on the low plants growing on the cliffs bordering the track. Next comes Potter Marsh in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.

The Portage Glacier: Find out why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular attractions. Visit the sheer, awesome face of a mighty Alaska glacier located just an hour from Anchorage. Cruising across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan, you'll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watch for fractures of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below. Before you leave check out the Begich Boggs Visitor Center.
  Q:
A:		 What can I do within the Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round; however, the road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars for the winter months and much of the spring. The park's coastal backcountry is also inaccessible late fall through early spring due to rough seas. Kenai Fjords National Park has something for everyone. Whether you take a boat tour or kayak in a remote fjord, you will be surrounded by pristine scenery and abundant wildlife. A hike to the top of the Harding Icefield Trail or scenic overflight gives you a window to past ice ages. At Exit Glacier you can stroll the trails, take a ranger-led walk, and get close enough to hear the creaks and groans of an active glacier as it slowly sculpts the landscape. Although much of the park is rugged wilderness, there are ways to explore for all interests and abilities.

Boat Cruises: Depart Seward's small boat harbor daily in the summer months. It's a good idea to make reservations in advance. Several companies provide a variety of tour options, schedules, and amenities. Full-day tours that venture out to the park's tidewater glaciers at Aialik Bay, Holgate Glacier and Northwestern Fjords are available as well as half-day tours that stay in the more protected waters of Resurrection Bay while giving you a taste of the park's wildlife and scenery.

Kayaking: Traveling with a guide is strongly recommended for inexperienced paddlers. The fjords are exposed to the Gulf of Alaska, with only a few protected coves. These are not waters for beginners! Landings often involve surf, particularly when afternoon breezes kick up from the south. Wind and rainfall can be excessive, and summer storms often push an ocean swell of three feet or more into the fjords.

Most kayakers access the park by water taxi or charter boat from Seward and get dropped off in Aialik Bay or Northwestern Lagoon. Another alternative is to fly in to the less-visited Nuka Bay area from Homer. Paddling directly from Seward is okay for day trips in Resurrection Bay or overnight visits to Caines Head or Bear Glacier, but rounding Aialik Cape in a kayak is not recommended. There are long stretches of exposed coastline with no landing sites between Callisto Head and Aialik Cape, and the waters around the Cape can be extremely treacherous. Smaller charter boats are also available. During the shoulder seasons and winter months, some companies offer tours traveling the shorter routes in Resurrection Bay.Fishing: The area surrounding Kenai Fjords National Park has outstanding opportunities for both fresh and salt water fishing. Within the park's backcountry you can fish for salmon and Dolly Varden per state regulations. The fjords and Resurrection Bay are hotspots for salmon, halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. You can fish right from shore in Seward and opportunities abound for freshwater fishing in the lakes and streams in nearby Chugach National Forest.
  Q:
A:		 How about wildlife viewing within Kenai Fjords National Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park is dominated by a glaciated landscape. The park's glaciers have retreated through the twentieth century, exposing new lands to colonization by plant and animal life. The park also features a significant marine environment. Large terrestrial mammals in the park include Alaskan brown bears, American black bears, moose and mountain goats. Smaller mammals include beaver and river otter. Marine mammals include sea otters,harbor seals and Steller sea lions. Cetaceans seen in park waters include orcas, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, Dall's porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Bird life at Kenai Fjords includes bald eagles, the Peale's subspecies of peregrine falcon, black-billed magpies, and Steller's jays. Maine birds include tufted and horned puffins, common and thick-billed murres, and marbled murrelets.

The plant communities at Kenai Fjords are shaped by glacial retreat. New lands exposed in former glacier beds are at first stony, lacking in soil. The first plants to appear in recently glaciated areas are lichens and mosses, with a few hardy plants such as dwarf fireweed and yellow dryas. These pioneers are followed by other plants as the moss and lichen break rock down into soil. In particular, Sitka alder is capable of fixing nitrogen, supporting itself and enriching the soil. Willows also appear at this stage. Willows and alders are followed by black cottonwoods, then Sitka spruce. The mature forest features Sitka spruce and mountain hemlocks, with an understory of Devil's Club, Alaska blueberry, elderberry, baneberry, watermelon berry and lady fern in the coniferous forest understory. A similar succession pattern is seen at the park's nunataks, exposed rock outcroppings in the Harding Icefield.

Forested portions of the park are dominated by conifers, with deciduous forests confined to areas recently vacated by glaciers. Harsh conditions at higher altitudes limit tree growth above the tree line, creating an alpine ecosystem. The tree line at Kenai Fjords is between 750 feet (230 m) and 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level. The alpine regions support shrubby grown to alders, Devil's club, elderberry, lady fern, cow parsnip and other plants. Herbaceous plants can grow in areas with better soils, supporting grasses, Nootka lupine, fireweed and other perennial plants. Higher alpine regions support a dwarf shrub community less than 1 foot (0.30 m) high, at a very slow rate of growth. Dwarf plants in this region include bog blueberry, partridgefoot, black crowberry and Aleutian mountainheath, all of which are vulnerable to damage from foot traffic.
  Q:
A:		 Are any hotels directly in the Park?
Only two remote wilderness lodges are operating within the national park boundaries. Thus, many hotels are located within the Seward city limits.
  Q:
A:		 How about Seward?
Located at the terminus of both the Alaska Railroad and the SewardHighway, and an embarkation and disembarkation port for many cruises, this town of 2,619 residents is easily accessible from Anchorageyet can serve as a base for anybody who likes to kayak, hike, fish, whale-watch and glacier-view. Overshadowing Seward is Mount Marathon, the scene of one of Alaska’s most famous and challenging foot races. A friendly wager in 1909 resulted in this annual 3.1-mile run to the top of the 3,022-foot peak. The race attracts advanced runners from all over the world and is a highlight of Seward’s lively Fourth of July celebration, one of the best in Alaska. Seward was founded in 1903, when settlers arrived to plot construction of a northbound rail line. By the time the Alaska Railroad was completed in 1923, this ice-free port became the most important shipping terminal on the Kenai Peninsula. The city also served as the southern terminus of the 1,200-mile Iditarod National Historic Trail to Nome, long a major dogsled thoroughfare via the Interior and Bush. Like many towns in Southcentral Alaska, Seward began a new era of history in 1964 after the Good Friday Earthquake caused fires and tidal waves that destroyed 90 percent of the town. One of the only reminders of the natural disaster is in the public library where the slide show covering the earthquake, “Waves Over Seward,” is shown.