When visiting Alaska there is no shortage of unique experiences such as ice climbing, halibut and salmon fishing, thrilling hikes, and wildlife viewing. An underrated experience (and our personal fave!) is glacier kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Like many unique experiences, glacier kayaking can be a splurge — so we’ve done the research for you to ensure you get the best experience for your hard-earned money!
Important things to consider when choosing an excursion
Price
Kayaking through the Kenai Fjords is a can’t miss experience, but it is not cheap. There are several companies in Seward that offer tours ranging from $350-600.
Trip Length
There are both half day and full day excursions available. We recommend the full day experience to allow time to move at a slower pace and have more time for wildlife viewing. If visiting during the summer months you will see orcas, humpbacks, puffins, eagles, and more!
Of course, if your trip schedule doesn’t allow for the full day excursion, there are half day options available.
Size of group
When it comes to wildlife viewing and boat tours, a smaller group is best!
Knowledgeable and experienced guides
The experienced guides that work with SunnyCove
After hours of research and review reading we found a tour company that checked all the boxes. Keep reading to find out why we recommend SunnyCove kayaking from Seward, AK.
Who this tour is for
- solo adventurers
- couples
- families with older children (kayaking level rated easy)
Why SunnyCove stands out
- small group size
- first out in the bay
- kayaking along beautiful ailik bay (most tours go along another, more crowded bay)
How to book your kayaking tour
You can book directly through TripAdvisor or through the SunnyCove website. TripAdvisor works directly with local companies and often has a better deal!
When to book your kayaking trip
We recommend booking this excursion for your first full day on the Kenai Peninsula. Check out our 10-day ultimate Alaska guide.
It is essential to book this tour early. Due to the limited group size on the charter, once a tour is full, it’s full. We recommend booking as soon as you have your date settled.
What to bring
SunnyCove provides everything that you need to stay dry and comfortable while kayaking. Check out our ultimate Alaska packing guide for men or women to see all the essentials you will need while visiting the last frontier. However, you may wish to bring the following on your excursion:
- motion sickness pills
- rain jacket
- extra socks
- puffy jacket
Full Day Itinerary
7:20 am – Check in at the Adventure Center
Head over to the conveniently located adventure center in downtown Seward. There is tons of public parking available for all vehicle sizes. We had no trouble parking our rented campervan.
Upon entering the office/gift center you will check in at the desk and get a brief rundown of the day. they will also provide you with your kayaking gear. from there grab a couple of souvenirs and head outside to wait to meet your guides
7:30 am – Meet your Guides
Your guides will meet you outside and go through a few housekeeping items before walking you towards the dock.
7:50 am – Board Private Charter for the Wildlife Cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park
The boat launch is just a short walk from the adventure center. once aboard the boat, the captain will give you a tour of the boat and a few safety reminders while on the Ascension.
On the way into the park, the captain and guides will be on the lookout for wildlife. On the way out we spotted humpback whales, puffins, artic terns, and eagles. The expert guides not only point out the animals but also share information about each one. The boat is also stocked with tons of field guides and literature to learn even more about the animals of the region. There is also a snack provided during this portion of the trip.
Note: Getting to Kenai Fjords National Park includes boating along the outer coast’s shoreline and the Gulf of Alaska. This portion of the trip will experience sea swell and can expose trip participants to sea sickness. If you are especially sensitive to motion sickness I recommend taking Dramamine, ginger drops, or sea bands. I like to use a combination of all 3! There is nothing worse than motion sickness; once it starts you can’t get rid of it. Prevention is key!!
10:45 am – Arrive at Launch Beach to Kayak near a Tidewater Glacier (3-4 miles)
After an adventure and wildlife-filled cruise, you finally reach the launch beach to start the kayaking portion of the tour. You will disembark the boat and can explore the beach area and put on your waterproof kayaking gear while the guides unload all of the kayaking gear. Once the kayaks are all set up the guides will give a thorough lesson on sea kayaking. We were first-timers and found the lesson to be super helpful!
Once in the water, you’ll kayak 3-4 miles along the shoreline up to the glacier. The guides are kayaking alongside you and are there to offer help and tell you about the glacier. Once at the foot of the glacier, we kayaked through all the bergy bits (little iceberg chunks) and observed the arctic seals.
There is plenty of time for you to take photos and the guides graciously offer to take photos of those that want in front of the iceberg.
1:00 pm – Picnic Lunch
From the foot of the glacier, it is just a short kayak to the next beach (and waterfall!) where the charter boat is waiting for you. You will enjoy a hot bowl of soup on the beach to start lunch and The guides load up all the kayaks back onto the boat. Once onboard the boat you will be given the rest of your picnic lunch, including a sandwich, chips, fresh veggies, cookies, soda, and water.
2:00 pm – Re-board Charter for more wildlife viewing
From there you will begin the boat journey back and the captain and guides will be on the lookout for more wildlife. This is the portion of the trip where we were able to see a pod of orcas feeding as well as more puffins and humpback whales.
5:00 pm* – Return to Seward Small Boat Harbor
Depending on the wildlife viewing that day, you will arrive back at the boat harbor between 4 and 5 pm. You leave all of your wet gear on the boat and are free to go! Downtown Seward has lots of delicious dinner options. We opted to head to our campsite for the evening and make dinner to enjoy overlooking the beautiful Kenai lake.
