What to wear and bring on the boat
The Kenai Fjords are cold on the water in every month, and the wind of a moving boat makes them colder. Dress as you would for a brisk autumn hike in the rain, then add a hat. This guide goes layer by layer, then through the day bag and the things the operators do not let on board.
Why July still feels cold out there
On a summer day the air over the fjords tends to sit around 50–60 °F (10–16 °C). That sounds mild until the boat picks up speed and the wind of the ride adds its own chill. Spray and rain often come on top. Near the glacier faces the air tends to drop further. Both operators run heated cabins, so you are never stuck outside, but the best moments happen on deck. You will step out when whales blow, back in to warm your hands, out again for the ice. Dress for that rhythm, in clothes that come off and go back on fast.
The operators say the same in their own words. Major Marine's listing asks guests to bring a hat and gloves along with warm clothing and a waterproof jacket. Kenai Fjords Tours notes that its cruises run in all weather and suggests dressing in layers.
The layers, from skin out
- A base layer. A thin wool or synthetic top keeps you warm when damp. Cotton holds water and chills you;
- A fleece or light puffy. The warm middle you take off in the cabin;
- A waterproof shell with a hood. It blocks wind and spray as well as rain, and it matters more than anything else on this list;
- Hat and gloves. Yes, even in July. Thin gloves let you work a camera;
- Trousers that dry fast. Rain pants on top are welcome on a wet day at the rail;
- Closed-toe shoes with grip. Decks get wet and slippery. Sneakers with a good sole or light hiking shoes work; sandals do not.
Open the shell or take it off inside the heated cabin. Sweating under it and then stepping out into the wind is the fastest way to get cold, and a damp base layer stays damp all day. Pack the rain jacket at home rather than hoping to pick one up on the morning of the cruise.
Sun protection and a camera
Bright days on the water are harder on the eyes than they look. Glare comes off the sea and off the ice. Bring sunglasses and put sunscreen on your face even under cloud. Binoculars turn a dot on a cliff into a mountain goat. Major Marine has binoculars on board to use during the cruise; on Kenai Fjords Tours, bring your own. Our guide to the wildlife shows what is worth scanning for.
A camera with a zoom lens beats a phone for whales and puffins, and a strap around your neck or wrist keeps it out of the sea. Carry it in a dry bag, or at least a zip bag, when the spray picks up. A spare battery helps on a long day, since cold drains them faster.
A six-hour cruise in any weather
Kenai Fjords Tours' 6-hour cruise runs in all weather to a tidewater glacier and the refuge seabird islands. A wildlife guide is on board and lunch is hot. Taxes and port fees are already in the ~$230 fare.
The day bag
Keep it small, since you will carry it in and out of the cabin all day.
- Motion-sickness remedies, taken before departure, with spares in a pocket. Our guide to rough water and seasickness explains the timing;
- Snacks. Lunch is included on the main tours, a hot lunch on Kenai Fjords Tours (vegetarian and gluten-free on request) and a deli sandwich on Major Marine, but a snack helps on a 7–8-hour day. Major Marine allows snacks but not your own alcohol or large coolers;
- A water bottle. Major Marine serves hot drinks and water on board;
- Cash or a card for crew tips at the end and for drinks from the bar. Tips are not in the ticket price; our price guide covers the extras;
- A dry bag or zip bags to keep your phone and passport dry, with room for spare gloves.
What stays off the boat
Major Marine's listing rules out strollers and large bags or luggage. Drones and tripods are not allowed either, and nor is smoking. Plan to leave suitcases in your room or the car, and carry small children in a carrier instead. If you are driving down, park near the small boat harbor and leave anything bulky locked out of sight.
Travelers coming straight off a ship have a harder time, since they arrive with luggage. One option is Kenai Fjords Tours' pre- or post-cruise version of its park tour, from ~$230, timed around ship days; a reviewer says the office held their bags during the trip. Its catch is that it is sold on Viator only, and it is still a 6-hour cruise you have to fit around the ship. Our cruise-ship day guide works through the timing.
Dressing for the month
In spring the wind off the snow is properly cold, so swap in a warmer hat and insulated gloves. June and July are the mildest months, but the list above still applies. By September rain is more frequent and days are shorter; waterproof everything. Our seasons guide describes the weather month by month.
Coming down from Anchorage by train with only a daypack? Wear the shell and fleece on the train rather than packing them; our page on getting to Seward covers the ride.
A last check at the door
Before you leave for the harbor, run through it once. Put on the shell and fleece. Have the hat and gloves on or in hand. Pack sunglasses and sunscreen in the day pack along with binoculars and a dry bag, and hang the camera on its strap. Remedies taken. Cash or card for tips. Families have a few extras to think about, from spare socks to a carrier, and our family guide lists them.