When hubby and I were planning our trip to Alaska, we decided that we would sign up for three main adventures (the kind you have to pay for) and then fill the other days with some fun, free excursions.

Adventure #1 was an 8 1/2 hour boat trip with Major Marine Tours called the Northwestern Fjord Cruise. We bundled up in layers (the weather was constantly drizzly and record breaking cold during our visit), boarded the Orca Song, and departed from the Seward Harbor at 8:30 in the morning. We chose this tour because it was on a smaller boat with fewer passengers, that went out farther and stayed out longer than any of the other tours. This one would take us all the way to the Northwestern Glacier, with lots of opportunities to see wildlife along the way.

And boy, did we see wildlife! Shortly after we got out into open water, a pod of about a dozen Orcas surfaced around us – a combination of males, females, and calves. There is something surreal about seeing that large black fin emerge so close! Majestic, yet oh so mysterious!

As the boat moved past various coves and inlets, we saw sea otters drifting about, mostly unconcerned with our presence. They look like such furry…

… friendly…

…slightly flirtatious creatures…

…but apparently appearances can be deceiving! One of the crew members told us that otters can actually be quite ill-mannered and aggressive animals. Come to think of it, I guess tigers look furry and friendly too!

Twice on the journey we were treated to the submerging tail of a Humpback whale…

…as well as some Tufted Puffin floating along – a bird I was really hoping to see!

As we navigated down around the Chiswell Islands, there were Steller Sea Lions lounging on the rocks, looking a lot like large rocks themselves!

A pair of playful pups were busy making mischief…

…while this Mama was giving her little one clear instructions that it would not be joining in the mischief making!

When we reached the farthest point of our destination, we had an incredible view of Northwestern Glacier (named not for its location, but after Northwestern University) a tidewater glacier which is part of the Harding Icefield. We had to pass through water laced with large chunks of ice to get there, and (I guess this should come as no surprise!) it was COLD!

While we were in the Northwestern Fjord, oohing and aahing over the glacier, it was not unusual to see Harbor Seals gliding by on ice rafts. So cool! I felt like I was on an episode of Wild Kingdom.

The boat we were on had an enclosed (and heated) lower level and an open air upper level, and so (this probably won’t surprise you!) we pretty much had the upper level to ourselves for the whole trip, along with a couple of other kindred-spirit-crazies! We were fairly frozen and ready to thaw by the time we returned to the harbor, but it was a fantastic adventure. I felt like we got to explore a part of the world that not many people get to see. If you ever have the chance to go, it’s a trip I would definitely recommend taking!