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
✓ Are new to kayaking or don't kayak very often
✓ Want a full-day adventure that combines cruising, kayaking, and time on shore
✓ Prefer an experience where the journey is part of the adventure, not just a ride to the glacier
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. Along the way, your captain and guides will watch the water and shoreline for wildlife while you settle in and watch the landscape change around you.
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 National Park.
Then we'll reboard Ascension and continue exploring the fjords as we make 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 help you get outfitted and comfortable in your kayak. Then you'll spend about three hours and paddle approximately 4–5 miles 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 on the return toward Seward. Your captain and guide will keep watch for wildlife as you travel 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
✓ Wildlife viewing throughout the cruise
✓ Approximately 3 hours of guided kayaking
ALSO INCLUDED
✓ Private boat transportation from Seward
✓ Lunch, snacks & hot drinks
✓ Lunch on a remote beach near the glacier, weather permitting
✓ Small group — maximum 12 guests
✓ Wildlife and natural-history interpretation throughout the day
WHAT TO BRING
✓ Waterproof jacket & rain pants
✓ Warm, quick-drying wool or synthetic layers
✓ Full reusable water bottle
✓ Camera and binoculars
✓ Cash or Venmo for guide gratuities
We paddle rain or shine. Kenai Fjords is a coastal, temperate rainforest environment, so come prepared to spend time outside in wet and changing weather.
Not sure what to wear? A detailed packing list is included in your email confirmation.
GOOD TO KNOW
A little advice before you book.
WEATHER & ACTIVITY
Kenai Fjords is a wild coastal environment, and conditions can change throughout the day. We paddle rain or shine, and your captain and guides continually assess marine conditions. Plan for about 4–5 miles of kayaking over three hours and an active day outdoors.
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 offers kayaking and wildlife cruising while staying in the more protected waters of Resurrection Bay.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife sightings vary each day, and that's part of exploring a wild place. Your captain and guides will watch for whales, sea otters, seals, puffins and other seabirds throughout the cruise. We'll take time to enjoy wildlife when we find it, but specific sightings are never guaranteed.
TRIP LOGISTICS
Planning your day with us.
DEPARTURE & RETURN
Meet us in Seward for a 7:30 AM departure. The trip typically returns around 4:30–5:00 PM, depending on conditions and the day’s route. Our schedule is designed to allow time to make the evening train or bus, with both departure points just a few minutes' walk from our office.
WHERE TO MEET
Check in at the Sunny Cove Kayaking office in Seward. Your email confirmation will include your check-in time, meeting instructions, and everything you need for the morning of your trip. Please arrive dressed and ready for your adventure.
PARKING
Paid parking is available in nearby city of Seward lots. Plan to arrive early enough to park and walk to our office before your scheduled check-in. We recommend allowing at least 10 additional minutes for parking.
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?
“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.”
— Daniel A.
“I felt very comfortable with them, as a person who has done minimal kayaking. Both were very knowledgeable.”
— Cher
“Our kayaking by Holgate Glacier was magical. And the wildlife we saw on the boat ride returning to Seward was PHENOMENAL!”
— 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
May 15 - September 6, 2027
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!