As 12:00 p.m. grew nearer, we checked in for the Gray Whale Watching Cruise with Major Marine Tours in the gift shop of the Harbor 360 Hotel. In no time we were boarding the boat to begin our cruise. One of the perks of the hotel and cruise package with Major Marine Tours is the proximity of the hotel.
I snagged a spot on the top deck for an optimal viewpoint and watched as the boat slowly moved away from the harbor. There is ample seating inside yet I didn’t want to miss a moment of whale watching. The Harbor 360 Hotel faded into the distance as we moved out toward sea. The sea otters floated leisurely by our boat, sending us off to the open waters.
Within minutes of the tour, we were cruising through Resurrection Bay. This particular cruise is offered to view the California gray whales as they migrate from Baja to Alaska. I watched from my vantage point to view the whales, wildlife and the beautiful vistas.
Whale watching is a patient activity. The boat cruised through Resurrection Bay as everyone kept their eyes peeled for signs of wildlife.
Alaska in early Spring is so uniquely beautiful; the forests are lush and green while the mountain-tops are covered in snow. Thus this cruise is worthwhile for the scenery itself. The mountain views were ever changing as we made our way through the bay. And among the otherwise untouched scenery, a few cabins dot the waterfront.
The peaceful ride was made even more majestic by a group of bald Eagles flying overhead. One was even swimming in the water. It was as if these eagles were guiding our way. Soon after the eagle sighting, another boat radioed in a whale sighting.
Yet, this was not a gray whale. We stumbled upon a humpback whale. We waited patiently, cameras ready for a sighting of the whale. Finally, the humpback whale splashed its’ tailed out of the water. I can’t even put into words what it feels like to see a whale for the first time. While we were a distance from the whale, the sheer size of the whale made it a vision.
After the humpback whale moved on, we continued in search of more wildlife. Our boat approached an area of rocks covered in sea lions. The sea lions almost camouflaged into the rock. There were hundreds of sea lions laying on the rocks and they were the cutest, lethargic creatures I’ve ever seen.
The cruise continued into open water toward the edge of the Gulf of Alaska. The water out was a bit choppy in the open waters. Our cruise boat flew over the waves as we moved in high speed. I spotted out a few orcas jumping through the water. I took a few photos as they darted by, yet was unable to alert the crew in time of the spotting.
The air grew immensely colder as the boat maneuvered through the Gulf of Alaska. Finally, we were face to face with Bering Glacier, the largest glacier in North America. Bering Glacier was like a wall of ice and snow. It was incredibles yet it was cold. Shrivers shot through me from the cool wind off the glacier. After taking in the impressive glacier, I headed inside to warm up for a bit. At that time, an orca was spotted, perhaps the same orca I saw as we sped through the Gulf of Alaska. I didn’t take any photos this time. Rather, I looked on in amazement from my warm spot in the cabin. The moment was too surreal to rush up to photograph.
Alas our boat returned to Seward. On our way through the Gulf of Alaska and Resurrection Bay, we talked to other passengers about the experience. Everyone had a slightly different story to tell; their sighting of the orca or the humpback whale and the amazing views of the mountains and glaciers. While we ironically didn’t see any gray whales on the Gray Whale Watching Cruise with Major Marine Tours, it was an amazing tour.
Whale Watching Cruises with Major Marine Tours
Harbor 360 Hotel
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time in Alaska than at the Harbor 360 Hotel. Waking up at the Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward, I felt at complete ease. I caught a glimpse of the sun slowly rising from my harbor-view room. The views from the harbor-view rooms give a wonderful taste of the Seward Harbor. The view left me with great excitement for the day ahead, for our Gray Whale Watching Cruise with Major Marine Tours.
Before our 12:00 p.m. Gray Whale Watching Cruise with Major Marine Tours departed, we had some time to relax. We spent the morning relaxing at the Harbor 360 Hotel and exploring Seward. Breakfast at the Harbor 360 Hotel is served buffet style, overlooking the harbor. It is a standard breakfast buffet yet the views are anything but standard.
The location of Harbor 360 Hotel makes it the perfect spot for experiencing Seward. Mere steps from the hotel is the Seward harbor, where you can get a prime view of the hotel.
Whale Watching Tips
Dress in warm layers
Even if the weather is warm, it will be colder in the water. The air is especially cold by the glaciers. Bring a waterproof jacket, gloves and hat to stay warm.
Bring snacks/money
There is complimentary coffee, tea and water available on the cruise and snacks for purchase. You are free to bring your own snacks on the cruise. Be sure to bring money to purchase snacks or other beverages (sodas or alcoholic beverages). Keep in mind, some of the longer cruises offered by Major Marine Tours include lunch.
Watch the horizon
The water can get pretty choppy when on the open water, the Gulf of Alaska. If the water gets choppy, it’s important to keep your eye on the horizon to prevent seasickness. If you experience seasickness while on board, make sure to watch the horizon, drink something fizzy and take slow breathes. I wouldn’t recommend this tour if you are prone to seasickness. For those prone to seasickness, check out one of the cruises that stay in the protected waters of Resurrection Bay.
Bring your camera
A whale watching cruise with Major Marine Tours is a once in a lifetime experience that you will want to document. If you have a go pro, I suggest pressing record or time-lapse so you can capture footage of the amazing wildlife while appreciating it for yourself.
Go whale watching
Whale watching is a bucket list experience. While the Gray Whale Watching tour is only available from March to May, Major Marine Tours offers a variety of whale watching and scenic cruises in the Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound.
Come Join My Journey was hosted by Major Marine Tours and Harbor 360 Hotel, however, my opinions are as always my own.
