kayak trips seward

Seward, Alaska has unique access to some of the most sought after sea kayaking!!

Resurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska State Parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore! We offer various half-day kayaking options including Tonsina Point and Bridal Veil Falls. Family and private group options are available for groups of four or more. Adventure Sixty North has provided many trips to school groups, large wedding parties, and special-need paddlers. Book your Seward kayaking tour online today!

We Offer Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-Day Kayak Tours!

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• MOST POPULAR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!
• Early Bird Special
• Kayak Kayak Tours
• Hour Glass 3 to 4 Hours , Half Day

Tonsina Point Kayak

We specialize in small group tours with no more than six people per guide. This adventure is great for first time paddlers, families, groups, or adventurers with limited-time to experience the wonders of Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska. Discover Tonsina Point in Alaska by booking your tour online today!

Bear Lake Scenic Paddle

This trip is a great option for those adventurers with limited time. It is also a normally flat water trip, making it a great choice for families with small children or those looking for a relaxing paddle, away from seas and open water.

• Hour Glass 5 to 6 Hours , Half Day

Bridal Veil Falls Kayak

We specialize in small group tours with no more than six people per guide. Looking to maximize your trip in Resurrection Bay while in Seward, Alaska? This three-quarter day trip is also a great option if you’re trying to decide between a half-day and full-day kayaking adventure. Book online!

• Hour Glass 10 Hours , Full Day

Aialik Glacier Kayak Full Day

The Kenai Fjords National Park offers world class kayaking in one of the most scenic and rugged areas of Alaska. There is abundant wildlife and sea life viewing as you travel by water taxi and kayak through this wilderness. Book your Aialik Glacier kayaking trip online today!

• Hour Glass 4 to 5 Hours , Half Day

Bear Glacier Heli/Kayak Half Day

Bear Glacier is the largest glacier within the Kenai Fjords National Park and as it is ever-changing, never disappointing. We have the longest continuous guiding experience in Bear Glacier, unmatched by any other company in Seward, Alaska. Book your Bear Glacier kayak and helicopter tour online today!

• Hour Glass 8 to 9 Hours , Full Day

Bear Glacier Heli – Kayak / Full Day

​Bear Glacier Adventure is a Heli-Kayaking trip in a fresh water glacial lagoon filled with larger-than-life icebergs beginning with a flight over pristine, untouched Alaska – Providing a truly “off-the-grid” Adventure!

• EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
• Hour Glass 2 Days and 1 Night , Multi Day Trips

Resurrection Bay Overnight Trip

We are a small outdoor company and specialize in small group tours with no more than six people per guide. Resurrection Bay offers several great destinations where we offer fully guided overnight camping trips. Caines Head offers a great hike to go along with the scenic views from the beach.

• Hour Glass 3 to 5 Days , Multi Day Trips

Aialik Bay Fully Guided Multi-Day Trip

These multi-day kayak/camping trips are specialized for small groups limited to 6 people or less per guide unless a group requests a larger capacity. We don’t base camp unless conditions prevent us from moving or we have been asked to do that option.

Aialik Bay Guide Assisted Multi-Day Trip

If you are experienced with back country camping and have your own outdoor gear including tent, pad, sleeping bag, rain boots, rain gear, cooking gear, etc. and need a guide to assist you with local knowledge, interpretation, and safety – this option might be for you.

Northwestern Glacier Fully Guided Multi-Day Trip

We start this trip at our office with a meeting approx 1 hour before departure time for paperwork and packing gear. Normally, a meeting is scheduled the afternoon or evening prior to departure to meet your guide and address any questions or issues before departing in the morning.

Bear Glacier Overnight Trip

Bear Glacier is one of the most scenic destinations that we explore within the Kenai Fjords National Park. Get out, way out, paddle and camp in this dynamic, surreal scenic area with your guide for the trip of a lifetime!

Northwestern Glacier Guide Assisted Multi-Day Trip

If you are experienced with back country camping and have your own outdoor gear, including tent, pad, sleeping bag, rain boots, rain gear, cooking gear, food/water and need a guide to assist you with local knowledge, interpretation, and safety this option might be for you!

• Hour Glass 8+ Hours

Bridal Veil Falls Kayak & Exit Glacier Nature Hike Combo

Experience magnificent Bridal Veil Falls, with this half-day scenic kayak tour and complete your day with a guided hike to Exit Glacier.

• Hour Glass 5 to 6 Hours

Tonsina Point Kayak & Gold Panning Combo

This Family activity combo will make a great day for you! Kayak in the Resurrection Bay area to Tonsina Point and experience real Alaska gold panning! All in one day!

Check out our Aialik/Northwestern Explorer Kayaking and Wildlife Viewing Trip

If you're looking to book a world-class kayaking experience in kenai fjords this summer, we think this trip may be the best around. we designed it from scratch, and we have a beautiful and safe water taxi dedicated exclusively to our customers for this trip.  using our own water taxi gives us the flexibility to go further on the water, ensuring that we have the best day possible by considering the weather and wildlife locations for each new day. it's also much cheaper than many of our competitor's trips that use a shared water taxi.

Aialik Glacier Wildlife Cruise and Kayaking

There's a reason this is one of the most popular glacier kayaking trips in Alaska.

Difficulty level.

Please note that it is important to understand that even though this is a more relaxed paddle than some of our trips, we are still outdoors for this trip, so good rain gear and a sense of adventure are a must. You must also be willing to sit in a kayak and paddle for 3.5 hours. 

This full-day tour has it all; iceberg-filled fjords, stunning scenery, magnificent alpine and tidewater glaciers, towering waterfalls and world-class wildlife. It is also our most popular single-day sea kayaking trip.

This trip is the classic kayaking adventure that has been running out of Seward for several decades. Most of the companies in town run their own version of this trip and we all use the same professional water taxi service to go to this amazing kayaking location. We believe that our professional guides and best-in-class gear elevate our trips above the rest!

You meet us at the Liquid Adventures office at 7:00 the morning of your trip and the water taxi will pick us up right out in front of our shop. The scenic ride to Kenai Fjords National Park is about 2 hours on a very capable, comfortable, heated vessel. We will be searching for Humpback and Orca whales, Dalls porpoise, Stellar sea lions and other marine mammals along the way. Your kayak guide will also share their knowledge about all the critters and area history if you like.

The boat captain will drop us off in Aialik Bay where we will spend fifteen or twenty minutes talking about paddling technique and safety. The rest of the day will be spent exploring and paddling up to a very active tidewater glacier. Curious harbor seals may poke their heads through the floating ice chunks to watch you paddle by, and often black bears walk the shore. A delicious lunch will be served on a beach next to the glacier with a spectacular view.

What a perfect way to experience Alaska…from the seat of a kayak.

This awesome adventure runs daily and just may be the highlight of your Alaska vacation. You can expect to be back in Seward between 5:30- 6PM.

Use the numbered steps below to navigate the map and learn more about this kayaking trip and where it operates

 Per Person

This trip tends to fill up several weeks in advance, as we only take 6 clients at a time. Reserve your trip early!

Summer  5/20ish to 9/8  

Actual start date changes every season, depending on environmental factor.

Meeting Time

Meeting place.

Trip meets at Liquid Adventures' office at 1013 3rd Ave, Seward Ak 99664

Trip Length

​ Total trip time is 5.5 hrs from start to finish (approximately). Roughly 2.5 hours are spent paddling.

Groups are never larger than 6 people

Some Experience on an SUP required

While not especially physically challenging,  this trip does require that you are comfortable standing on a Paddleboard. 

No Experience? Come out with us on a discounted Paddleboard lesson the day before and get your chops to where they need to be.

• Full-length paddling drysuit
• Paddle shoes and gloves
• Paddleboard and paddle
• Drybag for gear
• Waterproof phone bag for taking photos
• Homemade snack!
• 2 pairs of warm socks
• Warm layers
• Camera (most phone cameras are ideal for this trip

Essential Details

Limited time discounted price

​ Total trip time is 10 hrs from start to finish (approximately). Roughly 3.5 - 4 hours are spent paddling.

Our groups  are never larger than 12 people, and with a full trip we will break into two separate small groups. If you have a larger group, feel free to ask us about a custom experience.

Keep in mind that we will share the water taxi and the fjord itself with groups from other companies.

Minimum Age

Summer  5/15ish to 9/8  .

Lunch can be purchased, or you can pack your own.

Keep in mind that we will likely be eating in kayaks instead of on the water taxi because of COVID restrictions, so it is essential to avoid messy or difficult to eat meals. Subway or grocery store sandwiches are perfect!

Optionally, we have delicious made-to-order lunches available for purchase during checkout!

Homemade lunch and snacks available for purchase in advance

If you don't purchase a lunch from us, make sure to bring your own. We're out there all day!

A sense of adventure required

This trip is perfect for a relaxed day of paddling, or for those who are just beginning with kayaking. This is an incredibly scenic trip, and the water is fairly protected from most weather, which makes it ideal for families or groups of travelers. 

Photography

We use sit-in kayaks for this trip. You can have your camera around your neck or in a dry bag — we do have water-tight compartments in all of our sit-in kayaks for you to store your gear, but it can be hard to access these compartments while on the water. 

Remember; you are on water! You are ultimately responsible for keeping your awesome camera gear dry!

Due to Park regulations and consideration of other guests, we do not allow drones to be flown on this trip, unless a private tour is booked.

Other Details

Bringing warm, waterproof, and comfortable clothes is essential for your enjoyment of this trip. 

We operate rain or shine; as long as the water is safe to travel and paddle on, we go out.

If you have questions as to what kind of clothes to bring, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to steer you in the right direction.

Important! If you don't purchase a lunch from us, make sure to bring your own. We're out there all day, and you'll be hungry after paddling!

The Journey to Aialik Bay

Cruise to aialik bay in a comfortable water taxi.

From our office, we'll take a 2 minute van ride to where the water taxi is moored.

After boarding, it's roughly a two hour ride out to Aialik Bay. We take our time on the way out, looking constantly for marine life like whales, otters, puffins, porpoises, and much more. The journey out can usually be considered a wildlife tour in and of itself.

When we get to Aialik Bay, we move onto the beach to where we have a cache of kayaks and gear. Once we get geared up, we do a safety overview and a brief paddling instruction, and then we're on our way to the glacier.

This is a water taxi that we share with other local companies. Kayak Adventures, Adventure 60 North, and sometimes Sunny Cove all share this taxi with us, so it is important to book this trip very early, as we are the smallest company that runs these trips, and once the seats on the taxi are filled, we can't add any more guests to our trips. 

Book This Trip

Small water taxi.

Ride in a large, well-appointed water taxi out to Aialik Bay.

Please note that this ride, while usually calm, can sometimes get bumpy if weather comes in. We always do our best to make the ride comfortable, but we can't control the weather!

Water Taxi Capacity

A maximum of 20 clients are on the boat during a trip. Many of these clients might be from other local guiding outfits, as we share this taxi with Kayak Adventures, Adventure 60 North, and sometimes Sunny Cove. 

The ride in the water taxi is roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours in each direction. The exact time is highly dependant on weather, and wildlife sightings. Usually, one direction takes longer than the other because we're searching for whales.

This is a short film we produced about what we do to get ready for a season. 

We pride ourselves in having the best-trained guides in Seward, so that you can have the safest, most professional trip possible.

Adventure Packages

Package a tour with our partners and save some serious cash.

We've worked over the last several years to set up partnerships with locally owned adventure companies Exit Glacier Guides and Major Marine Tours. These companies are leaders in their fields, and we're proud to offer discounts on select trips.

How to redeem

Local companies. amazing trips., exit glacier guides, alpine backcountry helicopter hiking, 2 day ice climbing adventure, helicopter ice climbing, helicopter ice hiking, ice climbing.

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Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking

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Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Shoulder Season Hours

Our Shoulder Season Office Hours are 10am - 7pm If you will be arriving to check in outside these hours, please call or email ahead to get check in instructions! Self check in is strongly encouraged.

Miller's Landing

Seward, Alaska's best year-round adventure outfitter! Oceanside cabins, yurts, fishing, year-round kayaking, and year-round sightseeing tours!

Camp in Style in Alaska

From luxury cabins to campsites, find the best lodging year-round in Seward, Alaska. Ask about winter rates!

Explore Kenai Fjords

We offer kayak lessons, year-round kayak tours, multi-day campouts, as well as Alaska boat rentals to meet your comfort and skill level.

Alaska Deep Sea Fishing

Try one of our charter fishing packages. Fish for halibut, salmon, ling cod, black sea bass, and red snapper. We offer freshwater fishing too!

Plan Your Next Adventure With Miller's Landing!

Now taking reservations for winter, spring, and summer season, what do you want to explore, fishing charters, camping & lodging, weddings & events, located on the miller family homestead, est. 1950.

Miller’s Landing is a secluded campground, fishing camp, and adventure tourism destination located right on Resurrection Bay near Seward, Alaska.

Miller’s Landing in Seward, AK, offers lodging and activities of all types, as well as unique Alaskan experiences.

With kayaking tours and fishing charters leaving multiple times daily right from our facility, many find it a convenient place to base their Seward visit. From our covered storefront porch, you can sip free coffee and watch boats passing by, catch salmon right from the beach, and view bald eagles or sea otters eating just feet from shore (you can actually hear them crunch open mussel and clam shells!). See sea lions and whales, bridled by mountains climbing straight out of the water — all right from your campsite or cabin.

Miller’s offers everything from transportation to customized backcountry excursions for groups large and small. Let us help you plan or customize your trip or special event for your family or group. There are enough activities offered at Miller’s Landing to keep you busy for weeks!

Miller’s Landing partners with every guide service, tour operator, vendor, and lodging possible to make planning your trip simple!

We don’t add a commission to any of our booking services, so let us help you plan your trip!

We’re a one-stop shop for wildlife tours , kayaking trips , water taxis , lodging , horseback rides , zip line tours, deep sea fishing , and so much more. Let us make your reservations for you!

We have our own charter boats, water taxis, kayak rentals, kayaking trips, campgrounds, and cabins, all just South of beautiful Seward, Alaska, on Lowell Point.

Alaskan resident? Call/email for special locals discounts!

We love locals!

Miller’s Landing is proud to offer special discounts to our fellow Alaskan residents. And our homestead location on Lowell Point is right on the water, which means less time on the road and more time in nature! 

Call or email us  to learn more. *restrictions apply

Seward's Premier Activity Center ★★★★★

"We spent an afternoon tour of Resurrection Bay. We had a great time! The boat is designed to get close to shore, wildlife, etc. and we were even able to pull up to a beach and walk around. We saw quite a few animals, small bays and glaciers from the boat. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend it!"

"My two day, one night sea kayak and camping trip to Holgate and Aialik glaciers was wonderful, especially playing around the broken glacial ice. Anneliese is a great sea kayak guide, made great food, and excelled in marine biology knowledge. Even though we had a rainy night, I was warm and dry in my tent."

"Chance was an excellent fishing guide. It was my first time fishing, and they helped me reel in three bass! We also did a three day kayaking camping guide, which was fantastic. The cabin are great and range in size and accommodations. I would make Miller's Landing a must do stop to any trip to AK."

"Our Captain and 1st Mate were Bill and Bobby and they did an awesome job! We first went outside Resurrection Bay for silver salmon and rockfish and caught out limits. We then went back into the Bay and we again caught our limit of silver salmon along with one Jack King Salmon. This was a real treat as we had purchased King Salmon tags. Both are very experienced fishermen and if you're a seasoned fisherman give heed to their recommendations as you will have a terrific time."

Alaska Kayaking Trips

Paddle the calm waters of Alaska’s lakes and coastal areas with an experienced guide.

• Things to Do

Most Popular

• Kenai Fjords Kayaking
• Fox Island Kayaking
• Resurrection Bay Kayaking
• Denali State Park Kayaking
• Spencer Glacier Kayak

Activity Finder

Kayaking offers an immersive experience of Alaska. Whether paddling a peaceful mountain lake or a glacial fjord, visitors can be assured of an experience like no other. All tours feature an experienced naturalist guide who will assist you with gear, technique, and information about the area you visit. No experience is necessary for most trips.

The community of Seward is a popular place to kayak thanks to an abundance of sheltered coves and bays, many with massive glaciers standing tall at the far end. For those new to paddling, or with a tight schedule, the Resurrection Bay Kayak Tour is the perfect option. Explore the Caines Head State Recreation Area, keeping an eye out for seals, whales, and sea otters along the way.

For a longer paddle, the Northwestern Fjord-Aialik Bay Day Trip is a full-day experience inside beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park . The trip is limited to 12 people and is the perfect adventure for those wanting an intimate view of the wild coastlines of Alaska.

Slightly shorter in duration, a Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayak tour takes guests on a five-hour trip of the glacier's protected lagoon. Feel the cold katabatic winds as you paddle among icebergs calved from the face of the glacier. Closer to Seward, a Fox Island Kayak tour sticks to coves closer to civilization and includes a salmon and prime rib lunch.

Farther down the Kenai Peninsula in Homer , many local businesses offer excellent kayaking that include a water taxi ride across to Kachemak Bay.

For travelers looking to explore freshwater environments, the Denali State Park Kayak Trip departs from McKinley Princess Lodge for a few hours of paddling the quiet waters of scenic Byers Lake. There are also several exciting, scenic raft tours if you're especially interested in experiencing Alaska by river.

For all Alaska kayak trips, remember to dress in layers, with extras in case you get wet. Also plan on warm layers and wool socks for kayak trips in glaciated waters. Bring water, a camera, and a hat.

Seward Resurrection Bay Kayaking

A wonderful option for families with kids or adults looking for a relaxed kayaking experience, this guided tour paddles three scenic miles of pristine Alaskan coastline. Learn More >

Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour

Spend a full day living three of Alaska's best experiences on this bucket-list trip: Take a ride on the Alaska Railroad, kayak among icebergs, and trek on a glacial moraine. Learn More >

Seward Tonsina Point Kayak & Exploration

Enjoy seven splendid hours exploring Resurrection Bay by boat and beach on this family-friendly kayaking excursion. Learn More >

Fox Island Kayaking Afternoon

Spend an afternoon paddling around Fox Island in Resurrection Bay. Lunch and roundtrip tour boat included. Learn More >

Fox Island Kayaking Morning

Spend a full day exploring Resurrection Bay by kayak and wildlife cruise on this active excursion. The trip includes a buffet lunch. Learn More >

Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking

Cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park's pristine Bear Glacier Lagoon by jetboat and enjoy a spectacular paddle among otherworldly icebergs on this active adventure tour out of Seward. Learn More >

Northwestern Fjord - Aialik Bay Kayaking Day Trip

Enjoy a spectacular small-group kayaking experience deep within the quietest and most rugged corners of Kenai Fjords National Park on this full-day paddling trip out of Seward. Learn More >

Denali State Park Kayak Trip

With complimentary transportation available from the McKinley Princess Lodge, this easy three-hour kayak trip takes visitors into the wildlife-rich waters of Byers Lake. Learn More >

Talkeetna Lakes Kayak Tour

Take in the serenity of Alaskan wilderness on this two-hour kayak tour in Talkeetna. Great for beginners. Learn More >

Ultimate Kachemak Bay Kayak & Hike

Spend a full day on an active adventure that showcases some of the best spots to hike and paddle near Homer. Learn More >

Elephant Rock Kayak Adventure

Paddle the emerald waters of Kachemak Bay on this six-hour guided kayak trip from Homer. The tour includes roundtrip water taxi to the kayak launch at Yukon Island. Learn More >

Eagles Nest Half Day Kayak Trip

Enjoy a shorter introductory kayak tour with a guide in the beautiful blue water near Homer. Learn More >

Alaska Rafting Trips

Capture a unique view of Alaska while rafting through stretches of wilderness with experienced guides. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you float along the Last Frontier's scenic rivers. Learn More >

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A Seward Highway road trip promises epic adventures

The skybridge above New Year’s Chute is one of two Veilbreaker Skybridges that collectively span 600 feet and are suspended 2,500 feet above the valley floor, at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. (Emily Mesner / ADN)

Anchorage visitors venturing beyond city limits will find a scenic escape via the Seward Highway, a spectacular route with a surprising number of roadside diversions that culminates in a storied harbor town.

This renowned 125-mile roadway runs south from Anchorage to the town of Seward. The first portion follows alongside a narrow finger of water called Turnagain Arm. This historic waterway is named for British explorer Captain James Cook, who had to “turn again” when his ship reached its dead end.

Along the journey, the highway is framed by the dramatic Chugach and Kenai Mountains. Ancient glaciers peek through lush summertime greenery. Passing small communities, rustic roadhouses and pristine alpine lakes, the highway terminates in Seward on the edge of Resurrection Bay.

The time-pressed traveler could make it to Seward and back in one long, full day, logging five-plus road hours alone. But overnighting in Seward (or elsewhere) offers a more enjoyable and leisurely experience, and allows time to appreciate the Alaska scenery and character, along with the history, recreation and dining offered along the way.

About 45 minutes south of Anchorage, Girdwood is a laid-back ski town that relocated inland a few miles from the Seward Highway after the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake.

For Alaskans and visitors alike, Girdwood is a recreation mecca, with a charming collection of memorable restaurants, art galleries, ski chalets and condos. Winter slopes and ski lifts transform to host downhill mountain biking come summer. Paved paths thread through the town, offering an opportunity to take in scenery during a stroll.

Jake Jankowski and Kelly McDermid walk along Glacier Creek near its confluence with Winner Creek. The area is a popular summer destination. (Marc Lester / ADN)

For hikers, the user-friendly Winner Creek Trail begins just behind the picturesque Hotel Alyeska. For a challenge, tackle the south end of the 21-mile Crow Pass Trail, which connects Girdwood to Eagle River’s outskirts north of Anchorage. The first few miles of the Girdwood end of the trail wind upward, with breathtaking views of glaciers, jagged mountaintops and remnants of long-gone gold mining efforts.

Girdwood’s dining options are impressively plentiful. Begin at a local icon, The Bake Shop, open as of press time Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A morning-time staple for 40-plus years, The Bake Shop features homestyle favorites like sourdough pancakes and sweet rolls. For lunch, the shop switches to homemade soups and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread.

For a special dinner experience, try Jack Sprat. Its regional cuisine with an Alaska touch is truly special, highlighting seasonal fresh produce and locally sourced protein such as halibut. The tall chalet windows offer romantic views of the mountainside. Check the restaurant’s website for hours.

Nearby, stalwart Double Musky Inn is a tucked-away steakhouse known for colorful French Quarter decor, a world-class wine cellar and spot-on Creole classics with Alaska flair. Its lively elegance has delighted locals and tourists alike for decades. There will be a wait many nights, but it’s worth it.

For a fun, relaxed vibe, pop by Girdwood Brewing Co. With indoor tables and outdoor seating around gas-fed fire pits, sip pints or smaller-pour taster glasses while ordering from one or more local food trucks that rotate on site; the truck schedule is updated on the brewery’s website. They also sell trendy hoodies, trucker hats and artsy stickers to remember your sudsy Girdwood detour.

Like Girdwood, Portage once sat alongside the Seward Highway, but after the 1964 quake, Portage faded away, with little remaining today but the remains of decrepit cabins overtaken by aggressive brush. In Portage’s place, visitors today will find the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Mile 79 Seward Highway), a sprawling sanctuary across 200 acres that provides large-enclosure spaces for orphaned and rehabilitating Alaska animals.

View animals by either driving, walking the 1.5-mile loop encircling the center, or booking a tour with one of the staff naturalists. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May 1 through Sept. 15. Check the website for additional hours.

A Princess cruise ship is in port at Whittier. Small boats make their way around Passage Canal behind the ship. (Anne Raup / ADN)

An eastern turn at Portage down Portage Valley Road delivers motorists to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, and beyond that, the end-of-the-road town of Whittier.

As of this writing, the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center (Portage Lake Loop) is scheduled to open May 26, 2024. It sits about 5 miles east of the Seward Highway, a flat, pretty, quick drive. Named in honor of U.S. Reps. Nick Begich and Hale Boggs, whose flight in Alaska disappeared in 1972, the center is built on the edge of a lake on the moraine left by the receding Portage Glacier. The glacier is visible via boat trips to its front. The center itself offers science-geared educational opportunities for adults and kids alike.

Drive farther and travelers will encounter a truly different experience by way of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The 2.5-mile-long, one-way toll highway tunnel is a dark and moody viaduct through the formidable mountains. The longest in North America, it was originally a train tunnel connecting the western side of Turnagain Arm to the military port town of Whittier. Find tunnel schedules online to time your visit accordingly.

Whittier exists as a critical deep-water port. In this unusual community, most residents call one of two large buildings home due to the lack of housing and buildable land. For activities, there are glacier-viewing boats, hiking and fishing. The town’s single hotel, the lovely Inn at Whittier, was closed early in 2024 after flooding; reopening updates will be posted on their website. Camping and RV options exist as well.

The one-way toll tunnel is strange enough to warrant a one-hour side trip. If you have time, visit the small but surprisingly comprehensive Prince William Sound Museum. An impressive number of exhibits fills its snug space, capturing the story of Whittier’s history.

Arriving in Seward is a show-stopper. As the highway ends at last, the view opens up to this special place that’s surrounded by the dramatic mountains ringing Resurrection Bay. Seward is home to an amiable community with a hodgepodge economy built on fishing outfits, kayak companies, sightseeing excursions, shops, restaurants and bars, plus there’s a beautiful boat harbor where visitors can walk the docks. About 2,625 people live here year-round, and summer cruise ships can deliver thousands of visitors a day.

A humpback whale surface feeds in the company of opportunistic kittiwakes at the mouth of Resurrection Bay near Seward. (Erik Hill / ADN archive)

Highlights of Seward include the Alaska SeaLife Center, a hands-on aquarium and working science facility that boasts opportunities to ogle diving puffins and swimming sea lions, peer at octopus up close and learn about the special place that is Resurrection Bay.

From the SeaLife Center, a leisurely walk up Fourth Avenue provides a serene sense of Seward’s long-ago frontier culture, with Old West storefronts, historical murals, steepled churches and commemorative plaques and historical markers. A paved footpath that runs from the SeaLife Center along the waterfront toward the harbor is a pleasant way to enjoy the mountain scenery.

Seward has plenty of hotels and motels, home rentals, hostel beds, camping and RV options for those overnighting it.

Beyond the roadways, day cruises through Kenai Fjords National Park are a popular way to soak up the glorious waters of Resurrection Bay. Otters, seals, puffins, orcas and various migrating whales all may make cameos on these charters, some of which include island stopovers for meals.

To see a glacier by foot, carve out a couple of hours for a stop at Exit Glacier. Located just inside Kenai Fjords National Park, this glacier at the edge of Harding Icefield recedes annually, to the sadness of many fans. But a moderately graded walking path leads to overlooks where the glacier is still visible and can be photographed.

Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park get a look at Exit Glacier. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Seward is synonymous with fishing, and there are a bounty of half- or full-day charters that fish for halibut, salmon or both. Charters typically provide all fishing gear, and in town, there are options for having fish filleted and flash-frozen for shipping after your excursion ends. These trips depart early and return late and make for a full Alaska experience. Play your cards right, and you will enjoy the scenery of a wildlife-viewing trip while returning home with a freezer’s worth of fish to commemorate your unique and unforgettable Alaska vacation long after it’s over.

Multi-Day Trips

Multi-day alaskan sea kayaking adventures.

For a premier Alaskan wilderness experience, check out our multi-day sea kayaking tours in Kenai Fjords National Park, just west of Seward. From an overnight camping trip to a week-long Mothership, we have a multi-day tour that will fit your adventure goals. Come engage with our wild places on an intimate level – wake up to kittiwake calls or glaciers calving, and fall asleep to sounds of the sea.

Aialik Overnight Special

Our most popular multi-day trip includes two days of paddling near glaciers, looking for wildlife, and camping at our exclusive campsite in Aialik Bay!

Mothership Trips

Our Mothership Trips in Kenai Fjords National Park offer the greatest flexibility and maneuverability in the fjords at a high level of comfort. Explore all day and stay warm all night!

Fully Outfitted Camping Trips

A multi-day Alaskan sea kayaking adventure fully immerses you in the pristine wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park; camp on rocky beaches, paddle to tidewater glaciers, and explore a rugged wilderness teeming with wildlife.

Guided Rental Camping Trips

Experience the natural beauty of Alaska on this multi-day sea kayaking adventure in Kenai Fjords National Park. You provide the camping gear, and we provide paddling, safety gear, and the guide.

Compare Multi-Day Trips

The Aialik Overnight Special is our most popular multi-day trip. It provides a wildlife boat tour, two days of paddling, and a night of comfortable camping at our exclusive campsite. One day we’ll paddle to Aialik Glacier, the most actively calving tidewater glacier and largest in the National Park. Tide and weather dependent, the other day we’ll either visit Pederson Glacier through a maze of tidal channels or check out the dramatic granite walls and waterfalls of Abra Cove. We’ll set up camp on the beach where the water taxi drops us off, so packing and planning for this trip is easy.

Fully Outfitted & Guided Rental Camping Trips

We run two different kinds of extended camping trips: Fully Outfitted and Guided Rental . Fully outfitted trips are great for those traveling light (without their own gear) or who don’t have much camping experience. All camping gear, cooking gear, food, fuel, water, paddling gear, safety gear, and your guide are included. You’ll be responsible for your own sleeping bag and pad (or you can rent these if needed), personal clothing, tax, and gratuity. Your guide will prepare your meals, so you can focus on relaxing and soaking up your surroundings.

Guided Rental trips are designed for visitors who are traveling with their own equipment and have camping experience. We’ll provide the kayaks, paddling & safety gear, bear cans, and your guide; you’ll be responsible for your own camping gear, cooking gear, stove, fuel, food, drybags, etc. This is a great option if you’re already planning to bring your camping gear to use throughout your trip in Alaska.

All of our camping trips include the water taxi from Seward to Aialik Bay (or Northwestern Fjord) and back, offering a great opportunity for wildlife viewing. You’ll camp each night on rocky beaches and paddle to the highlights of the area each day. If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore rugged fjord country, choose a multi-day camping trip!

For a multi-day trip with a few more creature comforts than a camping trip, consider a Mothership Trip . You’ll sleep aboard the boat, so you have a warm, dry home base for your paddling adventures. The Mothership also provides more flexibility, so you can do several shorter paddles each day to hit the highlights, rather than kayaking from one camping destination to the next. Our Mothership captain, Mike, will team up with your kayak guide to teach you about your surroundings, provide delicious meals, and customize the trip to your group’s adventure goals. For trips of 5+ days, we’ll explore both Aialik Bay and Northwestern Fjord, another bay to the west and deeper in the park.

Logistics and Information

Pre-trip meeting.

All of our multi-day trips will have a pre-trip meeting at our kayak shop (328 3rd Avenue), in downtown Seward, at 7pm the night before the trip. This is an opportunity to meet your guide, other guests on the trip, go over the itinerary, and ask any last minute questions. We require a liability waiver and pre-trip registration form to be completed and submitted for each participant, at least two weeks prior to your trip. This form will help your guide plan the menu and itinerary based on your dietary preferences and adventure goals.

What Should I Bring/Pack?

We will supply you with a detailed packing list at the time of booking. We ask that your sleeping bag is synthetic on all trips except for the Aialik Overnight and Mothership trips, for which any sleeping bag is acceptable. We highly recommend the use of an inflatable sleeping pad, since we camp on rocky beaches in the fjords. You can choose to rent a bag and pad from us if you’d prefer not to travel with yours.

We ask that you leave all cotton items (including jeans) at home. The fjords are a cold, wet environment and if your cotton clothes get wet, it can be dangerous in the backcountry. Several layers of synthetic or wool clothing, as well as a rain coat and rain pants, are a great combination. Our extensive packing list will help make sure you have everything you need!

You are welcome to bring your own alcohol on your trip. We ask that drinking be kept to a minimum as we will be in a remote location where bears, weather conditions, and other risks must be actively managed.

Leave No Trace Company

In our commitment to being active stewards of our wild places, we have made the decision not to have campfires in the field. Here in Alaska we have plenty of daylight, and campfires leave behind unsightly, discolored scars on the rocky beaches where we camp.

On our multi-day camping trips, we use waste containment bags to pack out our solid human waste, and we use the tideline for urination. That way we get “two natural flushes a day”. If you have any questions about how these bathroom routines work, please do not hesitate to contact us any time.

Our multi-day trips take you into remote Alaskan wilderness. It can take hours or days to get help when in the field, so we try to be conservative in our activities and decision-making. If you have any medical concerns, please discuss them with your doctor prior to the trip. We will ask for medical information so that we can be aware of medical concerns before we leave, but it is up to your doctor to determine if you are fit to head into the remote wilderness for kayaking. All of our guides are Wilderness First Responders, and will do their best to handle any situation that should arise, but it is your choice to enter the remote wilderness and accept the risks that accompany the adventure.

Help me choose: which Alaska Cruise is right for me?

Apr 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Taking to the water is a wonderful way to see Alaska's incredible coastline © Bala Sivakumar / Getty Images

Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas.

Large cruise companies sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seattle , Washington and Vancouver , and on through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier. In between, passengers usually stop in Ketchikan , Juneau and Skagway , and then sail up College Fjord to see glaciers stretching their icy fingers into the sea. You'll see plenty of stunning scenery along the way but not up close – for most cruisers, it's more than enough to satisfy.

Smaller cruises max out at around 200 passengers and can nose into Southeast Alaska's nooks and crannies, launching skiffs and kayaks from their lower decks for an immersive shore visit full of exploration. These vessels may not stop in local ports, instead anchoring at night and offering guests the chance to hike a remote shoreline, whale-watch from a kayak or attend a presentation by indigenous artisans. If any ports are visited, they're likely to be smaller communities like Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg and Yakutat.

Additionally, with the Northwest Passage now open to marine traffic, the northwestern city of Nome is a regular port of call for higher-end, midsize cruise lines to expose passengers to the rural reaches of coastal Alaska. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest.

Which part of Alaska should I choose to cruise?

For an overview of Alaska The standard Inside Passage cruise between Vancouver or Seattle and Seward or Whittier is an excellent choice, boasting beautiful scenery and the chance to experience a route taken by steamships of the late 1800s. You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest , glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion. Holland America, Cunard and Viking all have cruises that fit this itinerary.

Taking a deep dive into Alaska’s coastal regions   Book a small ship cruise between Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau for a week or longer in the nooks and crannies of southeast Alaska. You’ll hike where there are no trails, paddle without another human in sight, and get to know the traditional lands of Alaska’s Coastal Native tribes. We like Alaskan Dream Cruises, UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions for smaller, more sustainable cruises.

To discover Alaska’s rich history You can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway on an itinerary. Juneau is the state capital and a former mining community. Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels. Skagway was a jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush beyond Chilkoot Pass and has an old railroad to prove it. All three cities are often on large ship itineraries.

Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areas Consider a luxury midsize (or smaller) cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or to the northwestern city of Nome. Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten.

When should I go?

Depending on the cruise line, sailings begin in late April and continue through to early October. The most dependable weather typically appears in July and August, but that's also the most popular (and expensive) time; pick a trip earlier or later in the season for cheaper passage and shore excursions.

For spring and fall passengers, know that temperatures will be cooler than you might expect and variable types of precipitation, including snow showers, aren't unusual. In the summer, it's still cool on deck and near glaciers, so don't expect a lot of outdoor pool time or sunbathing on board.

If spotting wildlife is a priority, consider cruising during the salmon runs, when bears are most active and can be spotted from the decks of the ship. Humpback whales often follow schools of herring and other small fish during the summer and can be seen anytime between May and September before they migrate to Hawaii or Mexico .

How do I know my cruise line is operating sustainably?

While all travel has environmental and cultural impacts, cruising leaves its mark to varying degrees on Alaska's fragile ecosystems. The average large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars and produce up to a ton of trash each day. While there can be a positive economic impact on ports of call, a small community visited by 15,000 people per day during sailing season can intrinsically change.

The industry's trade group Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) touts a desire for "conscious cruising." They have guidelines for water conservation and upgrades to heating, air-conditioning and ventilation, with a goal for ships to be net zero by 2050. There is also a focus on respecting the cultural traditions of destinations through cooperative regenerative tourism that preserves a community's unique history, culture and values.

What kinds of activities can we experience?

Onshore activities differ depending on the size and style of the cruise. Traditional excursions are created to fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a specific time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch.

Smaller boutique cruises strive to immerse their guests in the wild Alaska they've researched and desire to experience. Trips to shore rarely involve large port cities except for embarking and disembarking – instead, they drop kayaks in the water from the ship or use a rubber skiff to reach a deserted shoreline for a hike. The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell or Haines.

• Glacier & Wildlife Tours: Cruise for a few hours aboard a smaller vessel to witness whales, otters, seals and icy glaciers.
• Dogsledding: Learn about mushing, huskies and the operations of sled-dog kennels before taking a spin behind a team.
• ATV Adventuring: Rev up for a wilderness or tundra tour aboard a four-wheeler or side-by-side vehicle.
• Flightseeing:  Take a unique peek at Alaska's landscapes from above, spotting wildlife, and ogling glaciers and mountain ranges.
• Alaska Native Traditions:  Learn the ways of Alaska's many tribal groups, with dancing, drumming and art displays as part of the program.
• Ride a Historic Train:  Skagway's White Pass Yukon Railroad climbs over Chilkoot Pass for a hands-on gold-rush history tour.
• Paddle Power:  Hop in a raft or kayak and explore Alaska's beautiful coastlines and rivers.

Need-to-know before you go

Plan for wet weather Alaska’s southeastern region is part of a rainforest, where wet conditions are the norm even in summer. Bring waterproof rain gear, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves to stay warm and dry.

Know your physical limits If mobility or other health issues may affect your ability to enjoy a cruise to the fullest, consider traveling with a larger operator. These companies are well-versed in accessibility and have made accommodations for those with mobility needs. Smaller ships are full of trip hazards and watertight door jambs and require bending and stepping up or down to access activities like kayaking or skiff rides.

Plan your own shoreside activities There is no requirement to book excursions or activities through the cruise line. If a more independent style of exploration is your thing, feel free to do your own research ahead of time or visit each port of call’s visitor bureau upon arrival. Just be sure to adhere strictly to the ship’s boarding time. 

Look to shoulder season sailings Not only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call.

Know what "all-inclusive" really means:  Drill down into the details of your cruise and ask questions about meals, alcoholic beverages, activities and shore trips. It may be that a smaller cruise line will include everything at one price.

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