Hello,
My parents and I plan to spend a couple of days in Seward. We plan to visit the Sealife Center, but I can't decide what else to do. What are the differences between a boat tour of Kanai Fiords vs. Resurection Bay? Which is better for wildlfe viewing? Also- is motion sickness an issue for either of these trips?

Thank you-

We liked the SeaLife Center very much--see if one of their behind the scenes tour is available.

The Kenai Fjord trip was great--we saw whales and lots of other wildlife. My husband is prone to motion sickness, but he didn't have any trouble. he often takes meclazine before a boat ride.

We also liked the Exit Glacier.

If you enjoy history, the Seward Museum is terrific for its size, located on 3rd Avenue.

http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1160173

In addition to all the wildlife you will see on the Kenai Fjord trip you will see calving glaciers too. Just outside Seward is Exit Glacier and on the road to that a sled dog kennel where you can learn about the dogs and also take a sled ride.

If the weather is calm, take the Kenai Fjords tour. You will see all the wildlife of Resurrection Bay plus the glaciers calving into the ocean (tidewater glaciers) plus the sea lions plus the bird rookery, plus a better chance to see whales.

Exit glacier is a nice side trip too as you can walk up near the face of the glacier. As you drive up toward the glacier, note the signs that indicate the advances of the glacier and they year they began receding from those areas.

In the late afternoon, walk down to the docks to watch the fishermen come in with their catch. These will be the sportfishermen and the catch will be displayed as it is brought in before it is cleaned and packed.

If you are there for a couple of nights or more, note the cruise ships and see what is there each morning. Look at the size of them and how frequently they change and think about where all the people onboard disappear to each day in such a small town as Seward.

You can do some hiking along Resurrection Bay or rent kayaks if you would like to be out on your own.

I NEVER recommend the Kenai Fjords Resurection Bay boat tours, you don't even loose sight of Seward. You need at least 6 hours ON the water, nothing shorter. These boat tours are significant for varied wildlife and close up glacier viewing. My preference is always the Northwestern Fjords trips. Longer = more viewing/wildlife.

Depending on other uses, a purchase of a coupon book can offer significant savings.

I do see sick passengers EVERY trip. Key is to be well prepared. Also, it makes NO difference what the weather is in Seward. You most certainly can still enounter plenty of rough sailing.

Godwin Glacier Dogsledding is another option. It's pricey but terrific, especially if you like flying in helicopters. Also, if you have a car, it's fun to drive around the area. Heading back on the main road to Anchorage, about 5 miles outside Seward, we turned right onto something like Bear Lake or Bear Creek Drive and saw a few brown bears walking along the road. Keep a healthy distance of course! There's a small salmon operation just after a small bridge that often has bears hanging around it, also. We loved Seward; stayed at the Windsong Lodge, I believe was the name. Claire

Exit Glacier is a must. You can get close to a glacier and touch it.

Thank you all for your ideas. Especially the docks in late afternoon. I love finding random perspectives when I travel. I haven't thought much about that this time around because I have been overwhelmed with the wildlife I hope to see.

If wildlife is your priority, the a must, is a Kenai Fjords boat tour, with AT least 6 hours on the water. This is loaded with varied wildlife, and a top choice. There is a BIG difference seeing "wildlife" at the Sealife Center and in the wild.