Where Can You Find The Best Glacier Kayaking In Alaska?

If you’re looking for a vacation filled with outdoor adventure, Alaska is the place for you! From glacier hiking to dog sledding to fishing, Alaska is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. If you prefer kayaking, however, you’re in luck! Alaska’s pristine bays and unspoiled waterways offer avid paddlers some of the best kayaking in the world!

If kayaking is on your bucket list, Seward, Alaska kayaking tours are some of the best in the state. Sandwiched between the Kenai Mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Just a short 2.5-hour drive south of Anchorage, this scenic town offers adventurous travelers the opportunity to hike secluded trails, enjoy abundant wildlife, and paddle through vibrant waters. Seward is home to some of the best glacier kayaking in Alaska, right in Kenai Fjords National Park!

How Do I Get To Seward?

If you’re heading to Seward, Alaska for kayaking tours, you can drive from Anchorage in just over 2 hours. Just leave enough time to stop for a short hike on the trails along the route, or even to tour Exit Glacier just before you enter the town. Guided tours along the glacier are available, or you can enjoy the stunning view from inside the visitor center.

A Practical Gear List For Sea Kayaking

Some of the best glacier kayaking in Alaska can be found in Seward. That means you will be kayaking in open water, or the sea, vs. a calm river or serene inlet. Seward is located on the Northern tip of Alaska, near the largest coastal rainforest in the world. That means there is a very good chance you’ll be kayaking in the rain! With that in mind, here is a quick and dirty list of items you should have for sea, or glacier, kayaking!

• Synthetic layers – this includes a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and bottoms.
• Waterproof outerwear – this includes a rain jacket and rain pants.
• Comfortable footwear – this includes running shoes, hiking boots, or closed-toe water shoes. Anything you don’t mind getting wet and will keep you warm will do!
• Hand protection – neoprene mitts are preferred since it will be cold. These will keep you warm and comfortable while you are out on the water.
• Accessories – sunglasses and a hat.
• Miscellaneous – sunscreen and a water bottle.

If you book your kayaking tour before your vacation, you will most likely receive a trip-specific packing list from your tour guide. That way, you can make sure to pack the appropriate gear before you leave on your vacation. Having the right gear will make your kayaking experience more enjoyable.

Finding The Best Kayaking Locations In Seward

Paddling around Seward gives travelers a chance to experience Alaska’s coastal ecosystem in a unique way. The waterways around Seward offer visitors the opportunity to explore tidewater glaciers and towering waterfalls, see a variety of whales, and feel the winds rushing down the side of a glacier as you float by. But where can you find the best Seward, Alaska kayaking tours? Two of our favorite locations are listed below!

• Resurrection Bay – for the best kayaking in Alaska, head to Resurrection Bay. Resurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak, and explore Alaska’s great outdoors. If you’re kayaking in Resurrection Bay, expect to see sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, and eagles. The bay’s coastline is home to many tidewater caves and bird rookeries, all waiting to be discovered as you paddle along! The water is Resurrection Bay tends to be calmest in the morning, so many people schedule a kayaking trip in the early morning hours. Sunny days bring afternoon breezes, which can make an afternoon return trip challenging. However, on cloudy, rainy, or overcast days, the water tends to stay quiet and calm. Don’t discount paddling in the rain!
• Kenai Fjords National Park – whether you are looking for the best glacier kayaking in Alaska or a pristine place to watch wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park has you covered. The park’s numerous lakes, bays, and inlets are ideal for kayaking. Visitors can rent kayaks or take a guided kayak tour to explore the park’s glaciers, wildlife, and landscapes. With more than 1,000 miles of coastline, the park offers endless opportunities for kayaking enthusiasts to experience the beauty of Alaska’s coastal environment. From fjords to glaciers to humpback and killer whales, sea otters, and puffins, Kenai Fjords has it all. Wildlife watching is a popular activity in Kenai Fjords National Park, as the park’s waters are home to an incredible array of marine life. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wildlife-watching experiences from their kayak in addition to the spectacular views of glaciers on solo or guided tours.

For outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore Alaska by sea, a Seward, Alaska kayaking tour is a bucket list item not to be missed. From the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay to the towering glaciers of Kenai Fjords, Seward offers paddlers some of the best kayaking in Alaska. So throw on your rain gear and get ready for adventure – kayaking in Alaska is nothing short of extraordinary!