Aialik Bay Exploration: a Three-Day Sea Kayaking Tour in Kenai Fjords National Park

 

Aialik Bay:

This is where the Holgate and Aialik glaciers shed their ice to create some of the most magnificent scenery in Kenai Fjords National Park. Aialik Bay's glaciers grace the vistas, from hanging glaciers that tower in the mountains above to tidewater glaciers that flow into the seas below. This spectacular area gives us the opportunity to experience this wonderland of mountains and ice-up close and personal. Sea kayak amidst seals and whales, watch numerous sea birds soar overhead, keep a look out for bears, and experience the beauty that is Alaska. This 3 day, 2 night tour is a great choice for those looking to create an unbeatable Seward, Alaska vacation.

Price: $949 per person + tax (does not include gratuities)
Departures: 6.12-6.14, 7.1-7.3, 8.7-8.9. Custom departures available. Contact us for more information.

Tour Description:
DAY 1: Meet at Seward's Small Boat Harbor at 7:45 am. Depart for our morning journey via charter boat through Resurrection Bay amid hanging glaciers, towering mountains, and great expansive vistas. We will watch above for eagles, puffins, cormorants, oyster catchers, and below for sea otters, sea lions, orcas, humpback whales and more as we cruise to our destination of Holgate Glacier. We will set up camp in the face of magnificent glacial views. Be prepared for the rumble and hum of calving ice and the breathtaking scenery.

Our afternoon and evening will be spent exploring our front yard, Holgate Arm. The distinct sound of the popping of 1,000 year old glacier ice will be broken only by the sound of the thunderous calving that occurs in the distance as the glacier constantly changes right in front of our eyes. Kayak instruction, skill development and paddle techniques will be reviewed on the shoreline of our wilderness campsite. After lunch we'll paddle to the glacier. Sea kayaking amid "bergie bits" is a unique opportunity and a thrill. Upon our return to shore a supper of hearty food will fuel us for great dreams and the start of day 2.

DAY 2: An active day of sea kayaking, with breath-taking paddling opportunities. With consideration of weather, tide, and group desires, your guide will assist in planning the days' kayaking adventure. Quicksand Cove or Pederson Lagoon are our favorite options.

Pederson Lagoon is a magical area, almost indescribable, with correct timing, our kayaks can proceed up a tidal river to a fairytale land of hundreds of icebergs and seals! Lunch upon the glacial moraine gives us an opportunity to enjoy this hidden land.

A beautiful sandy beach (unique to our glacial surroundings) is found in Quicksand Cove. A spruce forest surrounded by white capped hanging glaciers completes this Alaskan photo opportunity. As we paddle past sea stacks and sea arches jutting from the waters edge we watch puffins diving and flying past our kayaks. A tidal lake is home to more sea birds, otters and the occasional black bear. These waters also provide prime opportunity to view sea lions and whales.

On return to camp we will cook up a beach side dinner. For those with energy and awe an evening walk is available. For others, a relaxing campsite of conversation and beauty fills the evening.

DAY 3: An early breakfast and camp break down will start our day. A morning of sea kayaking may be available before our charter boat returns to whisk us away for lunch at the glaciers doorstep. Our wildlife cruise home will take us to a sea-lion haul out, bird rookeries and possibly in the view of more whales. Return to Seward between 5 and 7pm. (weather and whale conditions can affect arrival time. Plan accordingly).

What is Included in Sunny Cove Tours:
Price includes sea kayaking and hiking opportunities, quality tandem expedition kayaks and kayaking equipment, tents, dry bags, rubber boots, instruction for beginners or for those wishing to advance their paddling skills, specialty camping meals and snacks, professional guide/naturalist service and all charter boat transportation to kayaking destinations from Seward. Sunny Cove has sleeping bags / pads available for rent. Please contact Sunny Cove in advance to reserve the sleeping bags.

Evening Prior to trip:
All clients are required to attend a pre-trip meeting at 6pm the evening before departure. Clients will meet their guide, receive dry bags & packing instruction, be fitted for life vests and rubber boots and receive information regarding the following mornings boat departure. Location of meeting is The Adventure Center, located at the entrance dock to the Seward Small Boat Harbor. The Adventure Center is adjacent to Kenai Fjord Tours building.

Trip specifics:
A client-infomation form is required from all participants. Also, please read through the camping gear list. This information form lists important items your guide will need to make your trip a safe and enjoyable experience. For example, food allergies, medical conditions, etc.

Your guide will attempt to contact you two weeks prior to your trip. Please contact us with any questions. We look forward to having a spectacular Alaskan adventure with you!

Remember Sunny Cove does not cancel tours solely on account of rain. Sea kayaking is an experience that can be fun rain or shine!

 

Reserve your Alaska sea kayaking adventure now!

 

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