Aialik Bay exploration: three days of kayaking in kenai fjords national park
This is where both Holgate and Aialik Glaciers shed their ice to create some of the most  magnificent scenery in Kenai Fjords National Park. Aialik Bay's vistas encompass many varieties of glaciers from massive hanging glaciers in the mountains towering above to the 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 multitudes of sea birds soaring along the waters surface and experience the beauty that is Alaska. This three-day, two-night adventure is a great choice for those looking to experience an unbeatable Seward, Alaska vacation.
Aialik Bay Exploration
6 pm, day prior to your trip
We meet at the Adventure Center, adjacent to the Kenai Fjords Tours offices at the Seward Small boat harbor. This is an opportunity to introduce ourselves to each other and to review the trip specifics. Your guides will distribute dry bags, rubber boots, offer packing instruction and give any last minute information regarding your trip and the following morning's departure.
day one
 Meet your guides at the Sunny Cove Adventure Center at Seward's Small BoatHarbor at 7:45 am. Departure for our morning journey will take our charter boat through ResurrectionBay amid hanging glaciers, towering mountains and expansive vistas. Watch above for eagles, puffins,cormorants, oyster catchers and marbled murrelets. Watch below for sea otters, sea lions, orcas, humpback whales, dall's porpoise and more as we cruise to our destination of Aialik Bay.Upon arrival we will set up our tents in a magnificent cove surrounded by waterfalls and with distant views of Aialik Glacier. 
Following lunch we'll explore Abra Cove and check out Coleman Bay. Before we head out on our first paddle, kayak instruction, skill development and paddle techniques will be reviewed on the shoreline of our wilderness campsite. After a tour of the waterfalls in Abra we’ll paddle into Coleman Bay where, time and energy permitting, we’ll do a hike up to a saddle with a spectacular overview of Porcupine Cove.
Upon our return to shore a dinner of hearty fare will be served while we enjoy the solitude, scenery and good company. The evening is a good time to absorb the serenity of nature, stroll along the beach, enjoy quiet conversation or to just plain relax.
Day Two
 This will be an active day of sea kayaking full of breath-taking paddling opportunities. After a delicious breakfast we’ll head out toward Aialik Glacier. The distinct sound of the popping of glacial ice thousands of years old will be broken only by the sound of the thunderous calving that occurs in the distance. Watch as the glacier constantly changes before your eyes. Sea kayaking amid 'bergy bits' is a unique opportunity and a thrill.
Beaching our kayaks, we’ll hike to an overview of Aialik Glacier. This location provides a unique perspective to watch the glacier calve and to munch a well earned lunch. After lunch we’ll  continue our explorations of Aialik glacier, paddling in the bergy bits and enjoying the glacier from sea level.
Aialik Bay waters provide prime opportunities to view seals, whales and many pelagic birds Keep and eye on the shoreline for bears and goats which frequent the fjord in abundant numbers. On our return to camp your guides will cook upa delicious, filling beach side meal.
Day Three
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 while viewing the glacier. Our wildlife cruise home will take us to a sea lion haul out, sea bird rookeries and with a little luck will give us an opportunity to view more whales and orcas. Return to Seward is typically between 5 pm and 7 pm depending on weather and whale conditions. (Return times may vary unexpectedly. Please plan accordingly.)
Departures Weekly: See our Calendar.
Exclusive Departure: Women's Only Paddle
 Are you ready to experience a new adventure with a group of like minded women? Whether you are a first timer or an experienced paddler our tandem kayaks are stable, efficient and comfortable to paddle. Let our experienced, professional, female guide/naturalists show you the wonders of Aialik Bay. Our women's only paddle to Aialik Bay will follow the itinerary of the Aialik Bay Adventure.
Departures: July 16-July 18, 2009
Exclusive Departure: Nature of Kenai Fjords
 This exclusive, one-time offering explores Aialik Bay with 20 year veteran staff member of Kenai Fjords National Park, Mike Tetreau. Mike worked as a Resource Management Specialist working with all of the major resources in the park: glaciers, bears, goats, eagles, moose, sea birds, black oyster catchers as well as historical and archeological resources. His work and passion for exploration has taken him to the far ends of Kenai Fjords. His knowledge of the park is as extensive as his enthusiam. He has twice traversed the Harding icefield and claimed the first assent of the highest peak in the park. This excursion is an active adventure that will expand your understanding of this special place. This excursion will follow the itinerary of the Aialik Bay Adventure.
Departure: June 4-June 6, 2009.
Included in the Aialik Bay Tour:
Our price includes kayaking, photography, and exploring opportunites, quality tandem expedition kayaks, kayaking equipment and kayaking instruction. Also included are pogies, tents, dry bags, rubber boots, specialty camping meals and snacks, all charter boat transportation between Seward and our kayaking destination and professional guide/naturalist service. Sunny Cove also has high-quality sleeping bags (including your own pillow) and sleeping pads available to rent for a nominal fee with advance reservation.
Trip Details
A client-information form is required from all participants at least two weeks prior to our departure date. The information requested in this form will help your guides accomodate any special food or medical needs. Also, please carefully read throug the kayak/camping gear list to ensure you are properly prepared to comfortably enjoy your paddling adventure.
Your guide will attempt to contact you approximately two weeks prior to your paddling adventure. However, please do not hesistate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Remember, Sunny Cove does not cancel tours solely due to rain. Sea kayaking is an experience that can be fun rain or shine. We are looking forward to having a spectacular Alaskan adventure with you!
Pricing: $999 per person + tax and port fees (does not include gratuities).
Four person minimum per trip. Custom departures available.
Contact Us for more information.
aialik bay three day: guided Rental
Sunny Cove also offers the Aialik Bay three day excursion as a guided rental. This trip is appropriate for those who are experienced campers who wish to hire a guide and kayaking equipment. See our guided rental page for more information.
Inquire about reserving your Alaska adventure now!
Quality Alaska Sea Kayaking Adventures Since 1996
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