KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
Glacier Kayak &
Wildlife Cruise
Experience Kenai Fjords from the water on a small-group wildlife cruise and guided paddle near a tidewater glacier.
FULL DAY | AGES 10+ | EASY–MODERATE | MAX 12 GUESTS
From $519 + tax per person
✓ No previous kayaking experience required
PRIVATE CHARTER
Our group has the boat, kayak guides, and experience to ourselves.
SMALL GROUP
Maximum 12 guests for a more personal experience.
FIRST-TIME FRIENDLY
No previous kayaking experience required.
GLACIER ACCESS
Paddle near a tidewater glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Is this adventure right for you?
THIS TRIP IS A GREAT FIT IF YOU:
✓ Want to see both wildlife and a tidewater glacier
✓ Like the idea of kayaking without kayaking all day
✓ Want a small-group, guided experience
✓ Want to experience a more remote part of Kenai Fjords National Park
Know before you book
Ages: 10+
Activity level: Easy–Moderate
Kayaking: Approximately 4–5 miles
Time on the water: About 3 hours of kayaking
Conditions: This trip travels into the outer Kenai Fjords, where ocean swell and changing weather are possible. We paddle rain or shine and do not cancel simply because it's raining. Your captain and guides continually evaluate marine conditions and make adjustments when necessary for safety.
Motion sensitivity: This trip travels through exposed coastal waters and may not be the best choice for guests who are especially sensitive to motion. If that’s a concern, consider our Fox Island Kayak & Cruise, which combines kayaking and wildlife cruising while staying in more protected waters.
Not sure this is the right adventure?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll help you find the Sunny Cove trip that best fits your group.
YOUR DAY IN KENAI FJORDS
One day. Two ways to experience Kenai Fjords.
01 — CRUISE INTO KENAI FJORDS
The adventure starts before you ever get in a kayak.
Travel aboard our private charter from Seward through Resurrection Bay and into Kenai Fjords National Park. Your guides will be watching the water and shoreline along the way for wildlife while you settle in and take in the changing landscape.
03 — SHORE BREAK & LUNCH
Lunch with a glacier for a backdrop.
After paddling, we'll land on a remote beach for lunch and time to stretch your legs, take in the surroundings, and enjoy being in Kenai Fjords.
Then we reboard Ascension and begin exploring our way back toward Seward.
02 — PADDLE NEAR A TIDEWATER GLACIER
This is where the perspective changes.
After arriving in the fjords, your guides will get you outfitted and comfortable in your kayak. Then you'll spend about three hours exploring the waters near the glacier, surrounded by ice, mountains, and the sounds of the fjord.
04 — CRUISE BACK THROUGH KENAI FJORDS
The journey back is part of the adventure.
After kayaking, settle back aboard Ascension and continue exploring Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay on the return toward Seward. Your captain and guide keep watch for wildlife while navigating through the coves, islands and dramatic coastline of Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay.
Wildlife sightings vary — and that's part of exploring a wild place.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Everything you need for a full day in Kenai Fjords.
ON THE WATER
✓ Private wildlife cruise aboard Ascension
✓ Professional kayak guides
✓ Sea kayaks, paddles & safety equipment
✓ Picnic lunch, snacks & hot drinks
✓ Approximately 3 hours of guided kayaking
ALSO INCLUDED
✓ Private boat transportation from Seward
✓ Lunch, snacks & hot drinks
✓ All necessary kayaking equipment
✓ Small group — maximum 12 guests
✓ Wildlife and natural-history interpretation throughout the day
WHAT TO BRING
Dress in warm layers, including waterproof outer layers, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a camera. Binoculars are also a fun addition for wildlife viewing.
Not sure what to wear? We’ll send a detailed packing list before your trip, and our team is always happy to answer questions.
GOOD TO KNOW
A little advice before you book.
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
Kenai Fjords is a wild coastal environment, and conditions can change throughout the day. Your captain and guides continually assess weather and water conditions and adjust the day as needed.
MOTION & OPEN WATER
The cruise travels through exposed coastal waters where ocean swell is possible. If you are especially sensitive to motion, consider our Fox Island Kayak & Cruise, which combines kayaking and wildlife cruising while staying in more protected waters.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife sightings vary from day to day. Your captain and guides will watch for whales, sea otters, seals, seabirds and other wildlife along the route, but specific sightings are never guaranteed.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Plan for approximately 4–5 miles of kayaking over about three hours, with breaks along the way. No previous kayaking experience is required, but guests sguests should be comfortable spending an active day outdoors and getting in and out of a kayak from the beach.
TRIP LOGISTICS
Planning your day with us.
DEPARTURE & RETURN
Plan to meet us in Seward in the morning for a 7:30 AM departure. The trip typically returns to Seward at approximately 4:30–5:00 PM, depending on conditions and the day’s route.
EVENING TRAIN & BUS
Our tours are designed to give you enough time to make the evening train or bus. Our office is just a few walking minutes from both the train depot and bus pickup.
WHERE TO MEET
Check in at the Sunny Cove Kayaking office in Seward. Your final confirmation will include meeting instructions, timing, and everything you need for the morning of your trip.
PARKING
Paid parking is available in nearby city lots. Be sure to give yourself at least 10 extra minutes to find parking before your scheduled check-in time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about the Kenai Fjords Glacier Kayak trip?
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No. Previous kayaking experience is not required. Your guides will provide instruction and help you get comfortable before you begin paddling.
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Plan for approximately 4–5 miles of kayaking over about three hours. The exact distance and route can vary with conditions.
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You’ll paddle in the waters near a tidewater glacier. The closest we’re allowed to approach the glacier is ½ mile, however your guides determine the appropriate paddling area based on current conditions and safe distances.
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Wildlife varies from day to day and specific sightings are never guaranteed. Your captain and guides watch for whales, sea otters, seals, seabirds and other wildlife throughout the cruise.
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This trip travels through exposed coastal waters where ocean swell is possible. If you are particularly sensitive to motion, consider our Fox Island Kayak & Cruise, which offers both kayaking and wildlife cruising while remaining in more protected waters.
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We paddle rain or shine and do not cancel trips simply because it is raining. Alaska's coastal weather can change throughout the day, and rainy days are a normal part of exploring Kenai Fjords. Our captain and guides continually evaluate marine conditions and safety. Routes or activities may be adjusted when necessary based on conditions.
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Dress in warm layers, including waterproof outer layers. We’ll send detailed preparation and packing information before your trip.
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Yes. Our tours are designed to give you enough time to make the evening train or bus, and our office is only a few walking minutes from both the train depot and bus pickup.
FROM OUR GUESTS
What does a day like this actually feel like?
“This trip was great! We had first timers who were nervous before we got there but after the safety talk and instructions, they felt great and had a wonderful time. Two thumbs up on the lunch and the soup that Chelsea and Jen shared with us. The girls were great!!! If I ever get up that way again I will be back!!” ~Daniel A.
“Couldn’t have been more amazing than it was! James and Maggie were our guides and I felt very comfortable with them, as a person who has done minimal kayaking (maybe once a year). Both were very knowledgeable and when I asked a question that James didn’t know the answer to, he went and got it. I appreciated that effort! ~ Cher
“FANTASTIC! The guides were smart, friendly and helpful. The captain was excellent. Our kayaking by Holgate Glacier was magical. And the wildlife we saw on the boat ride returning to Seward was PHENOMENAL! We saw puffins, bald eagles, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, sea otters, a large black bear, transient orcas, and a large humpback whale with her calf. The calf was breaching and fin slapping non-stop!! So amazing.” ~KBandNL
READY FOR KENAI FJORDS?
See Kenai Fjords from a New Perspective.
Full Day | Ages 10+ | Easy–Moderate | Max 12 Guests
From $519 + tax per person
Not sure this is the right trip?
Try our Find Your Adventure tool to compare your options.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Not quite the right fit?
Fox Island Kayak & Cruise
Kayaking and wildlife cruising in more protected waters.
Enjoy a relaxed full-day adventure combining guided kayaking with an afternoon wildlife cruise around Resurrection Bay and Fox Island.
Ages 8+ | Full Day | Easy
Find Your Adventure
Looking for something a little different?
Answer a few quick questions about your group, activity level, and what you'd like to experience. We'll point you toward the Sunny Cove adventures that fit best.
We’re here to help you plan!