For centuries, travel by boat has been how the native community transverse the Kenai Peninsula coast.
And today, paddling through the waters at Kenai Fjords is a calmer and slower way to experience Alaska.
You will gaze at the glaciers, spot birds and wildlife among the trees, and watch a few seals. It is the perfect family excursion if you do not fall into the ice-cold waters.
Read on to discover the best Kenai Fjords Kayaking tours when you visit Alaska.
Can You Kayak In Kenai Fjords National Park?
Yes. You can kayak in Kenai Fjords National Park, but with a guide, especially if it is your first time.
The park is well-known for its sheltered coves and access to open waters that provide a unique kayaking experience.
Where Is The Best Place For Sea Kayaking In Alaska?
The Kenai Fjord National Park in Seward is Alaska’s best and most popular kayaking spot. With tens of glaciers to view, the Resurrection Bay area receives thousands of visitors every season.
Whether new to kayaking or an expert, the local small-group guided day tours are ideal for exploring the breathtaking landscape. You do not have to worry about getting caught in bad weather, such as heavy rainfall and wind.
Most guides have been giving kayaking tours for years and know when it is safe to go out.
While Kayaking in Alaska is fun, safety is a priority, so always have travel insurance to cover any eventualities.
Consider the tranquil Spencer Lake in Girdwood if sea kayaking does not appeal. It is a short distance from Anchorage by train through the spectacular back-country.
Take a look – 9 Day Trips From Anchorage
Once you get to the lake, a 3-mile kayaking adventure awaits you.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the massive Spencer Glacier and numerous clear icebergs all day.
Read later – Kenai Fjords Tours Vs. Major Marine In Seward
The Best Time To Kayak In Alaska
While you can Kayak all summer in Alaska, it is the busiest time, and you must compete with bigger cruise boats.
Therefore, the best time to kayak is in early May and June, when the weather is more stable, and the shores are less inhabited.
Alternatively, you can book your kayak tour in the late August to September season. Before autumn, the weather is still predictable, and the sea is calm enough.
You will also find suitable camping locations, especially for salmon fishing trips.
Read later – 4 Best Alaska Fishing Trips
Kenai Fjords Kayaking Tours
Using an experienced guide for your kayaking tour in Kenai Fjords is mandatory.
Not only do they help minimize risks in the open waters, but they also know where to see the best tidewater glaciers.
Here are four of the best Kenai Fjords Kayaking Tours you should consider.
1. Adventure Sixty North
Navigate the mountain peaks along Kenai Fjords in the Resurrection Bay area by kayaking Bridal Veil Falls or Tonsina Point.
Adventure Sixty North provides these two half-day kayak tours for families and private groups, including people with special needs.
If you are up for a sea adventure, they will take you on a full-day or multi-day tour, including camping.
What To Expect At Adventure Sixty North
While a half-day lake kayak tour is suitable for children above six years, most sea kayaking tours are ideal for those above twelve.
Paddling is a physical activity that requires effort, and anyone going out to sea should be able to handle it.
For comfort, wear waterproof clothing and warm socks on the day of your tour. However, as part of your package, they will provide a hooded waterproof jacket, pants, mittens, and boots.
It is best to avoid jeans or cotton clothes as they absorb water but bring a hat or warm beanie.
Pack any required medications, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, cameras, and water bottles.
You will get a dry bag to store them safely. Apart from waterproof gear, they will also provide the fully-loaded kayaks and experienced guides.
They also offer snacks and hot drinks during half-day and full-day trips, with a sandwich lunch included in the whole-day tours.
Kayaking Tours Prices at Adventure Sixty North
| Package | Price per Person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tonsina Point Kayaking | $99 Ages 8+ | 3 Hours |
| Bear Lake Kayaking | $99 Ages 6+ | 3 Hours |
| Bridal Veil Falls Kayaking | $159 Ages 8+ | 5 Hours |
| Bear Glacier Heli-Kayak | $699 Ages 12+ | 4 Hours |
| Aialik Glacier Paddle Boat and Kayaking | $499 Ages 12+ | 10 Hours |
Working Hours
Adventure Sixty North is open all week for bookings from 7 am to 6 pm.
2. Sunny Cove Kayaking
Are you looking for a mind-blowing yet exciting Alaskan kayaking tour?
Then get ready to cruise through Kenai Fjords and watch for sea mammals while paddling near majestic tidewater glaciers.
The Sunny Cove Kayaking experience is unmatched, as they are local experts who combine two experiences into one.
Their private charters can accommodate only 12 people daily, so make early bookings.
What to Expect at Sunny Cove Kayaking
You will begin your journey into the park at 7:20 am aboard a catamaran cruise boat from a partner company.
It is a 2-hour cruise through Resurrection and Aialik Bay to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Once you reach the glaciers, you will drop your kayaks, get brief instructions and gear up for approximately 30 minutes.
You will then paddle the beautiful 5 miles of shoreline for 3 hours of fun and surprising sightseeing. Their preferred glacier is the Holgate, which is usually less crowded.
Returning to Seward after 5 pm, you will enjoy whale and bird watching aboard the charter boat.
Apart from providing waterproof kayaking gear, you will get lunch and snacks during the trip. If you have kids above eight, come with them in the two-person kayaks.
Kayaking Prices at Sunny Cove
| Package | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Full-Day Glacier Kayak and Wildlife Cruise May to September | $489 inclusive of tax |
The return time to Seward may change depending on the weather and winds.
3. Kayak Adventure Worldwide
Take an intimate wildlife tour and kayak past the Aialik Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park with Kayak Adventure Wildlife.
Bring an adventurous spirit, and the guides will help you explore the beautiful natural landscape of Alaska.
What to Expect at Kayak Adventures
Their kayaking tours range from half-day, full-day, to multi-day trips, depending on your needs.
Adult trips are the most popular and are only suitable for children above 14 with a maximum of six guests.
However, family tours are available for children between 6 to 13, accompanied by adults in groups of four minimum.
Should you be an odd number, such as 3, you may be paired with another group as families use double kayaks.
On the other hand, you can have a private tour with a minimum of two people.
As an exclusive service, you will explore at your own pace since the guide will not include other guests. Ensure you take numerous photography breaks and make this trip memorable.
Kayaking Tour Prices at Kayak Adventures Worldwide
| Package | Price per Person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Resurrection Bay Kayak Tour | $115 | 4 Hours |
| Aialik Glacier Kayak Tour | $489 | 10+ Hours |
| Caines Head Kayak Trip | $199 | 8 Hours |
| Fox Island Kayak Trip | $289 | 8 Hours |
All packages include waterproof kayaking gear, hot beverages, and snacks.
For the full-day tours, lunch is also included. Remember to wear waterproof or quick-dry layers and carry a reusable water bottle.
4. Liquid Adventures
Escape to a kayaking adventure across the Kenai Fjords National Park with Liquid Adventures, the kayak experts in Seward.
Their Alaskan adventure trips extend from Resurrection to Aialik Bay, Bear Glacier, and the Northwestern Fjords.
What to Expect at Liquid Adventures
Although their half-day trips begin at 8/10 am or 2 pm, it gets cold, so wear warm layers before going out.
For full-day trips, show up by 7 am as you risk missing the water taxi if you are late.
They will provide a dry suit, gloves, paddle shoes (bring socks), a waterproof bag for your phone, and dry bags for other items.
While half-day trips do not require kayaking experience, full-day trips are physically tasking and need some experience.
Their groups can also accommodate 6-12 people per trip, so check to confirm your booking size. Besides gear, you will also get a homemade lunch for the full-day tours.
Kayaking Prices at Liquid Adventures
| Package | Price per Person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Glacier Iceberg Half-Day Kayaking | $325 Ages 11+ | 5-5.5 Hours |
| All Day Bear Glacier Kayaking | $550 Ages 12+ | 9 Hours |
| Resurrection Bay Kayaking | $199 Ages 12+ | 4-5 Hours |
| Aialik/Northwestern Cruise and Kayaking | $435 Ages 12+ | 8-10 Hours |
| Aialik Glacier Wildlife Cruise and Kayaking | $450 Ages 10+ | 10 Hours |
What Do You Wear To Sea Kayaking In Alaska?
Wear warm, comfortable clothing with waterproof layers. Layering is recommended as the weather changes constantly, even in summer, and it can get chilly on the water. Have at least two insulation layers underneath your jacket.
Most kayaking tour guides will also provide water and windproof paddling jackets to wear over your clothing.
They aim to keep you dry, so have enough light winter clothing underneath to keep you cozy. In addition, wear a hat to shield your face and eyes from the sun and rain.
Conclusion
The best Kenai Fjords kayaking tours offer one-of-a-kind glacier and fishing trips for all travelers, regardless of experience.
Whether it is a three-hour, full-day, or several days camping trip, you will have the time of your life. Nothing beats exploring Alaska’s exhilarating landscape and natural wonders more than a leisurely paddling session.
