Seward Ocean Excursions — Attraction in Seward

Outstanding experience from start to finish! I can't say enough about SOE and the experience they provided. I was looking for a local outfitter for a more intimate experience to avoid the more touristy options and SOE delivered just that. I traveled to Alaska in October which is pretty much after tourist season ends, so I also needed an outfitter that operated year round. I settled on SOE because they checked all my requirements AND offered year round tours. Like anything out doors, especially in Alaska, you're at the mercy of the weather. My excursion had to be rebooked twice due to conditions, but SOE took care of everything. They also offered a full refund, but my heart was set on making it work. Please remain patient when booking and be flexible because weather conditions can change quickly. My takeaway is safety and customer experience are a priority for SOE.

The boats are well-maintained, heated, clean, safe and cozy. There are interior and exterior viewing platforms and you're encouraged to move around to share the space. There is a private toilet on board, but temper your expectations - it's a toliet - not a bathroom, and it does it's job. You can bring backpacks, food and drink onboard as well. Please be sure to come prepared by bringing layers and rain gear. Being prepared will only add to the experience and make it more enjoyable.

Captain Joanna was welcoming, personable and knowledgeable. She thoroughly explained the scenery and wildlife and put the trip over the top! Not only was she our captain and guide, but she also offered suggestions for restaurants, day trips, events and other excursions in the area and state.

The excursion itself is straight out of a movie, so beautiful and surreal. Even with the overcast and drizzly conditions I experienced, it was jaw dropping. The scenery is unlike anything I've witnessed touring around the lower 48.

Again, any excursion involves a little bit of luck when it comes to wildlife, but Captain Joanna was able to put us on a huge pod of orcas (45+) within the first 15 minutes. We spent almost the first hour following the pod and had ample time to film and photograph them. Perhaps the best part of booking with SOE, is the adaptability they can embrace as a smaller operation. You're not subjected to the charted courses or timelines of larger operations. Captain Joanna adjusted on the fly when we came across the orcas. We lingered for a while, shutting off the engines so you can hear the splashing, breaching and water spouts. She dropped a hydrophone into the water so you could hear them communicate. Just a really cool and one go a kind experience. She delivered everything promised in the itinerary and more!

Afterwards, she took us to a few of her favorite spots, exploring in and out of the little coves and inlets. We came across mountain goats, bald eagles, sea otters and hordes of jellyfish. Meanwhile, you almost forget to look up to take in the the volcanic cliffs, glaciers and fjords. Time seemed to fly by, and while 4 hrs can seem long, you'll wish it was longer.

If you're looking for an amazing and more intimate excursion with the ability to ad lib according to animal activity, I can't speak more highly of SOE. If I ever make it back to Alaska, I'd book again in...

My husband and I did a private 6 hour tour with Jen today for our 4 year anniversary and we can not rant and rave about it enough!! When I originally booked it my husband thought 6 hours seemed too long, we can both agree that it was the perfect amount of time, it flew by in the best way. We were constantly seeing this animal or that animal and when we weren't seeing animals the scenery itself was breathtaking. We saw all the things we could imagine, bald eagles, sea otters, Dall's & Harbour porpoise, sea lions, puffins, mountains goats, a humpback whale and last but certainly not least...a pod of ORCAS! By far a highlight life experience. I highly recommend booking with Seward Ocean Excursions over one of the larger boat tours, we really felt like we got to chat with our captain and have a hand in guiding what we wanted to do on our trip. I am also prone to sea sickness and there was one little spot I started to feel it and Jen kicked that motor into gear and once we were trucking again it passed with ease.

Now onto the logistics for your trip, don’t let the rain dampen your day (pun intended), we were a bit down walking out to the boat with our winter coats on and our hoods up but it seriously did not effect our trip in the least! Dress in layers, I wore a long sleeve, and my winter jacket and brought a zip up with and it worked out perfectly, I was comfortable throughout the entire day. I do recommend bringing some snacks and maybe even a sandwich as you do oddly work up quite an appetite.

If we ever end up back in Seward we would book this trip again in a heart beat!...

I’ve been on two unforgettable boat tours with Seward Ocean Excursions, and both experiences were absolutely stellar! 🦭 I spent most of my time on the back deck, soaking in the breathtaking, wide-open views of Resurrection Bay.

One of the biggest perks of touring with Seward Ocean Excursions is the smaller vessel. Because it’s not a massive cruise-style boat, our captain had the flexibility to navigate closer to shorelines, linger longer at wildlife sightings, and take spontaneous routed for the best views. It felt intimate, personal, and so much more connected to the environment.

And the wildlife! We saw an incredible variety—from a curious seal and playful porpoises to soaring seabirds and mountain goats perched high on the cliffs. Captain Andrew S. was a phenomenal guide, knowledgeable about every creature we encountered. He shared fascinating facts about everything from the hooves of mountain goats to information about the Indigenous peoples of the region, and even explained why we see glaciers as that surreal blue.

If you’re heading to Seward and want a meaningful, awe-inspiring way to experience a portion of Alaska’s coast, I can’t recommend Seward Ocean...