Northwestern Fjord: a kayaker's paradise
Remote, pristine and rarely visited, Northwestern Fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park is truly one of the world's most remarkable sea kayaking destinations. Paddle amidst icebergs and seals while watching tidewater glaciers calve into protected waters. This stunning location is all the more dramatic and rare due to the relatively recent glacial retreat. The areas we paddle were under a mile of ice as recently as the early 1900's.
Considered by many to be the jewel of Kenai Fjords National Park, Northwestern Fjord is a sea kayaking paradise. Calving glaciers, icebergs, abundant marine life, steep granite walls, quiet lagoons and beautiful valleys await you on this three or five day adventure tour. Unlike any other area along this coast, Northwestern Fjord was still covered by glaciers only 85 years ago. This stark landscape is still in the early stages of post glacial re-vegetation. The freshly scarred rock creates an austere beauty and provides a unique glimpse back in geological time. This Alaska adventure tour creates the kind of impressions that last a lifetme. The three day excursion is appropriate for all experience levels, while the five day excursion is appropriate for experienced paddlers.
Both the three and five day guided adventures include kayaking equipment, instruction and guide service. Also included is charter transportation to and from Northwestern Fjord and delectable shoreside meals.
Northwestern Fjord Three Day Adventure
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. This is a small group experience with a maximum of six clients.
Day One
Meet your guides at the Sunny Cove Adventure Center at Seward's Small Boat Harbor at 7:40 am. Departure for our morning journey will take our charter boat through Resurrection Bay 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 Northwestern Lagoon. Upon our arrival to our campsite we will set up our tents amid magnificent glacial views. Be prepared for the rumble and hum of calving ice and the panorama of breathtaking scenery.
Following lunch we'll set out to explore this remote area. 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. 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.
To maximize our enjoyment of the fjord we will set up our base camp in a location that provides access to several magnificent tidewater glaciers, as well as providing us with opportunities to explore this wild remote land. Our three day excursion will likely remain at this base camp for the duration of the trip.
Day two
We begin our intimate exploration of the nooks and crannies of this magestic area. Options are plentiful and your experienced guide will facilitate the Alaska adventure choices based on wind, weather and dynamics of the group. Options may include:
- A day of paddling among 'bergy bits' experiencing the feeling of being in a prehistoric slush cup. Our trance will only be broken by the thunder
 of glacial calving as rumbling ice crashes into the sea. We'll enjoy lunch beachside.
- A paddle to the scene of raging glacial rivers where the dynamic landscape changes before us. Hiking the terminal and lateral moraines we will encounter boulders and remnants of time past as we make our way to the edge of glacial walls of deep blue ice. Lunch will be served beachside amidst our beautiful surroundings.
- A visit to 'Sea Otter Cove'. The name says is all as we meander through otters and seals swimming in the teal blue waters or resting upon the rocks. A shoreside lunch will be served in view of this unique landscape.
- A paddle to a neighboring bay to explore a white sand beach, unique in this austere and glacially carved area. Our lunch will be served beachside amidst this areas unique wonders.
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. 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 due to weather or wildlife encounters. Please advise you to plan accordingly for fluctuating return times.)
Pricing, Three Day Adventure: $1,199 per person + tax and port fees (does not include gratuities).
Departures: Sun-Thur, May 31-September 1, 2009, also June 19-21, 2009
Four person minimum per trip. Custom departures available.
Contact Us for more information.
Northwestern Fjord Five Day Expedition
Experience a mix of outer coast and protected waters in this 'go for it' expedition. This outing will focus on paddling. From Taz Basin, Granite Island to Northwestern Glacier we will explore the coast where the mountains and ocean meet. Expect big paddle days, a variety of paddling conditions, incredible scenery and abundant wildlife. Participants must be strong paddlers and campers, familiar with basic self and assisted rescue procedures and comfortable with long days on the water. Participants may be required to demonstrate their ability to perform a paddle float rescue for this excursion. Both tandem (two-person) and single kayaks are available for this expedition. This custom adventure will have a maximum of six participants per departure.
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 Boat Harbor at 7:45 am. Departure for our morning journey will take our charter boat through Resurrection Bay 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 Northwestern Lagoon. Upon our arrival to our campsite we will set up our tents amid magnificent glacial views. Be prepared for the rumble and hum of calving ice and the panorama of breathtaking scenery.
Following lunch we'll set out to explore this remote area. 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. 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.
To maximize our enjoyment of the fjords we will likely change campsites daily. All campsites and routes will be at the discretion of your professional guides based upon wind, waves, weather and group dynamics.
Days two-day four
We begin our intimate exploration of the nooks and crannies of this magestic area. Options are plentiful and your experienced guide will facilitate the Alaska adventure choices based on wind, waves, weather and dynamics of the group. Options may include:
- A day of paddling among 'bergy bits' experiencing the feeling of being in a prehistoric slush cup. Our trance will only be broken by the thunder
 of glacial calving as rumbling ice crashes into the sea. We'll enjoy lunch beachside.
- A paddle to the scene of raging glacial rivers where the dynamic landscape changes before us. Hiking the terminal and lateral moraines we will encounter boulders and remnants of time past as we make our way to the edge of glacial walls of deep blue ice. Lunch will be served beachside amidst our beautiful surroundings.
- A visit to 'Sea Otter Cove'. The name says is all as we meander through otters and seals swimming in the teal blue waters or resting upon the rocks. A shoreside lunch will be served in view of this unique landscape.
- A paddle to a neighboring bay to explore a white sand beach, unique in this austere and glacially carved area. Our lunch will be served beachside amidst this areas unique wonders.
Day five
 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. 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 due to weather or wildlife encounters. Please advise you to plan accordingly for fluctuating return times.)
Pricing, Five Day Expedition: $1,399 per person + tax and port fees (does not include gratuities).
Departures for Five Day Expedition: June 14-18, July 5-9, 2009
Four person minimum per trip. Custom departures available.
Contact Us for more information.
Included in all Northwestern Fjord Adventures:
Our price includes kayaking, photography, and exploring opportunites, quality 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!
Northwestern Fjord 3 or 5 Day: Guided Rental
Sunny Cove also offers the Northwestern Fjord 3 and 5 day excursions as guided rentals. These trips are 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 alaskan adventure today!
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