Aialik Bay Glacier Adventure
Overnight kayaking exploration of Kenai Fjords National Park
Aialik (pronounced eye-al-ick) Bay is a spectacular fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park where tidewater glaciers shed their ice to create some of the most magnificent scenery in the park. Join our professional guides in exploring this natural wonderland. This three-day adventure includes charter boat transportation to Kenai Fjords National Park, sea kayaking, beach walks, glacier exploration, wildlife view, specialty meals and two nights of camping in one of the worlds most spectacular places.
Itinerary/Details
Day One
Meet your guides 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 you cruise to our destination of Aialik Bay. Upon arrival set up tents in in a magnificent cove surrounded by waterfalls and with distant views of either Aialik or Holgate Glacier.
Following lunch explore the coastline of the bay. Before heading out on your first paddle, kayak instruction, skill development and paddle techniques will be reviewed on the shoreline of this wilderness campsite. Upon return to shore a dinner of hearty fare will be served while you enjoy 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. Options are plentiful and your experienced guide will facilitate your Alaskan adventure based on wind, weather, tides 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. Your trance will only be broken by the thunder of glacial calving as rumbling ice crashes into the sea. Enjoy lunch beach side overlooking Aialik Glacier.
- A paddle to a glacial lagoon where we will paddle amongst large bergs and may encounter harbor seals in one of their favorite pupping and molting areas. Nearby enjoy a beach side lunch.
- A visit to Abra Cove and Coleman Bay. Paddle among magnificent waterfalls dropping hundreds of feet into the cove. A shore side lunch will be served in view of this unique landscape.
Aialik Bay waters provide prime opportunities to view seals, whales and many pelagic birds. Keep an eye on the shoreline for bears and goats which frequent the fjord in abundant numbers. On your return to camp your guides will cook a delicious, filling beach side meal
Day Three
An early breakfast and camp break down will start your day. A morning of sea kayaking may be available before a charter boat returns to whisk you away for lunch while viewing the glacier.
Your wildlife cruise home will take you to a sea lion haul out, sea bird rookeries and with a little luck will give 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.)
Departure
Package departs from:
Seward
2012 Validity dates:
May 24 – August 31, 2012
Tour Price
2012 Pricing
Fully Guided 3-Day Adventure: $1099 per person + tax & port fees (does not include gratuities)
Note: Price based on 4 person minimum. Additional charges will be incurred for departures of less than four participants.
Package Includes
3 Day / 2 Night Package Includes:
Our price includes kayaking, photography, and exploring opportunities, 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.
Outfitter also has high-quality sleeping bags (including your own pillow) and sleeping pads available to rent for a nominal fee with advance reservation.
