Northwestern Fjord: a kenai fjords national park Kayaker's paradise

Considered by many to be the jewel of Kenai Fjords National Park, Northwestern Fjord is a sea kayaking paradise. Calving glaciers, icebergs, abundant marine life, steep granite walls, quiet lagoons and beautiful valleys await you on this three or five day adventure tour. Unlike any other area along this coast, Northwestern Fjord was still covered by glaciers only 85 years ago. This stark landscape is still in the early stages of post glacial re-vegetation. The freshly scarred rock creates an austere beauty and provides a unique glimpse back in geological time. This Alaska adventure tour creates the kind of impressions that last a lifetime.

Our longer trips focus on getting acquainted with the nooks and crannies of Northwestern Fjord. Expect a mix of hiking, beach walking and paddling. We'll leave some time for photography, wildlife watching, and contemplation. Rarely do people get a chance to experience true wilderness. One of the major advantages of having an extra day or two is the increased time to absorb this unique place.

Northwestern Fjord Three, Four or Five Day Adventure

6 pm, day prior to your trip

We meet at the Adventure Center, adjacent to the Kenai Fjords Tours offices at the Seward Small boat harbor. This is an opportunity to introduce ourselves to each other and to review the trip specifics. Your guides will distribute dry bags, rubber boots, offer packing instruction, discuss routes and options and give any last minute information regarding your trip and the following morning's departure.

Day One

Departure for our morning journey will take our charter boat through Resurrection Bay amid hanging glaciers, towering mountains and expansive vistas. Watch above for eagles, puffins, cormorants, oyster catchers and marbled murrelets. Watch below for sea otters, sea lions, orcas, humpback whales, porpoise and more as we cruise to our destination of Northwestern Fjord. Upon arrival we will set up our tents in a magnificent cove with distant views of the bay's glaciers.

Following lunch we'll explore the coastline of the fjord.  Before we head out on our first paddle, kayak instruction, skill development and paddle techniques will be reviewed on the shoreline of our wilderness campsite.  Upon our return to shore a dinner of hearty fare will be served while we enjoy solitude, scenery and good company. The evening is a good time to absorb the serenity of nature, stroll along the beach, enjoy quiet conversation or to just plain relax. The distinct sound of the popping of glacial ice thousands of years old will be broken only by the sound of the thunderous calving that occurs in the distance.

Days two, Three or Four

These will be active days of sea kayaking full of breath-taking paddling opportunities. Options are plentiful and your experienced guide will facilitate your Alaskan adventure based on wind, weather, tides and dynamics of the group.

Options may include:

• A day of paddling among 'bergy bits' experiencing the feeling of being in a prehistoric slush cup. Our trance will only be broken by the thunder of glacial calving as rumbling ice crashes into the sea.
• A paddle to the scene of raging glacial rivers where the dynamic landscape changes before us. Hiking the terminal and lateral moraines we will encounter boulders and remnants of time past as we make our way to the edge of glacial walls of deep blue ice.
• A visit to 'Sea Otter Cove'. The name says is all as we meander through otters and seals swimming in the teal blue waters or resting upon the rocks.
• A paddle to a neighboring bay to explore a white sand beach, unique in this austere and glacially carved area.

Last Day

An early breakfast and camp break down will start our day. A morning of sea kayaking may be available before our charter boat returns to whisk us away for lunch while viewing the glacier. Our wildlife cruise home will take us to a sea lion haul out, sea bird rookeries and with a little luck will give us an opportunity to view more whales and orcas. Return to Seward is typically between 5 pm and 8 pm depending on weather and whale conditions. (Return times may vary unexpectedly. Please plan accordingly.)

Available Upon Request May 24, 2013 thru August 31, 2013
See our calendar to find a trip. Custom departures available.
Check out client Bill Byers slide show of his Northwestern trip.

Included in the northwestern fjord kayak camping Tour:

Our price includes kayaking, photography, and exploring opportunities, quality tandem kayaks, kayaking equipment and kayaking instruction. Also included are pogies, tents, dry bags, rubber boots, specialty camping meals and snacks, all charter boat transportation between Seward and our kayaking destination and professional guide/naturalist service. Sunny Cove also has high-quality sleeping bags (including your own pillow) and sleeping pads available to rent for a nominal fee with advance reservation.

Trip Details

A client-information form is required from all participants four weeks prior to our departure date. The information requested in this form will help your guides accommodate any special food or medical needs. Also, please carefully read through the kayak/camping gear list to ensure you are properly prepared to comfortably enjoy your paddling adventure.

Your guide will attempt to contact you approximately three weeks prior to your paddling adventure. However, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Remember, Sunny Cove does not cancel tours solely due to rain. Sea kayaking is an experience that can be fun rain or shine. We are looking forward to having a spectacular Alaskan adventure with you!

Sunny Cove also offers the Northwestern Fjord kayaking tour as a guided rental. This trip is appropriate for those who are experienced campers who wish to hire a guide and kayaking equipment. See our guided rental page for more information.

Compare these multi-day kayaking trips to our options in Aialik Bay.

Do you have questions about kayaking with Sunny Cove? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page! You'll find answers for many of your kayaking related questions, along with directions to our locations.

Professionally guided Alaskan experiences since 1996