Quick Details
Take a Helicopter and Kayaking Tour of Bear Glacier in Alaska!
Kayak Bear Glacier Adventure is a heli-kayaking trip in a fresh water glacial lagoon filled with larger-than-life icebergs beginning with a flight over pristine, untouched Seward, Alaska — providing a truly “off-the-grid” adventure! Bear Glacier is the largest glacier within the Kenai Fjords National Park and as it is ever-changing, never disappointing. We have the longest continuous guiding experience in Bear Glacier, unmatched by any other company in Seward, Alaska as well as a great safety record providing trips in remote Alaska for our many years.
Transport by Helicopter
Helicopter transportation provides more paddle time than jet boats and water taxis, and it is much more reliable, comfortable and safer. The views during this flight are unmatched! We originally tried the water taxi and jet boat options and decided discontinue those due to comfort and safety of our guests. Because of those reasons and also access issues, we determined that the helicopter was the best way to access this remote area. Helicopters are four-passenger Robinson R-44 which are the work horse of the tourism businesses here in Alaska.
About the Helicopter Flight
This flight is one of the most scenic ways that you can do to see the diverse topography that Alaska has to offer as you transition from sea level with its temperate rain forest boreal forests to alpine above tree line to then traveling over the scree field with snow banks. Once you fly over the peaks you will descend down into a beautiful glacial lagoon where you will fly above the immense icebergs providing a rare view of the ice. This ice shelf extends out beneath the water level creating a beautiful sight. You will then land at our Bear Glacier Base Camp that offers an in-you-face view of Bear Glacier which is the Kenai Fjords National Parks largest glacier. Often we see the local mountain goats, bears and sometimes even wolverine as we fly over these rugged areas.
About the Kayaking Adventure
This paddle is like no other that you will find in this part of Alaska. You will with your guide, paddle from our base camp where we cache the stable tandem kayaks which we use to paddle in this iceberg laden area. The icebergs can be beautiful but also can be very unpredictable and hazardous due to their movements. Your guide will lead you through this area providing glacial interpretation and travel routes as you paddle and view these beautiful icebergs. Often we see harbor seals, many different birds, waterfowl and bears as we paddle around the lagoon.
Half-day Description
Experience the best of air, land and sea! This is the ultimate Alaskan experience. Break away from the crowds and access this untouched Alaskan gem. Begin with a scenic ride over the mountains and glaciers by helicopter followed by exploration of a land-bound freshwater lagoon filled with monumental icebergs by kayak! One of the longest and largest glaciers off the Harding Ice Field, Bear Glacier is a unique destination in Kenai Fjords National Park and will surely take your breath away. Simply stunning, rain or shine!
Keep an eye out for seals sunning on ice sheets and bears browsing for berries. Routes vary depending on the current ice conditions in the lagoon. Bear Glacier is an extremely dynamic environment and each trip is a unique experience. This is as wild as Alaska gets!
We drive you a short distance to our airport to meet your helicopter and helicopter pilot. From there, we fly over Resurrection Bay and up over the Kenai Mountains. We look for bears, mountain goats, and take in the amazing scenery. The helicopter flight is about 15 minutes each way. Once we descend into the beautiful and dynamic Bear Glacier area we land at our base camp located deep in the lagoon. Bear Glacier is visible most of the time from our landing site and camp. Kayaks will be waiting for your arrival. We paddle around the icebergs and get a closer look at Bear Glacier until it is time for the helicopter to come pick us up.
Why we do not use jet boats for access to Bear Glacier. Jet boats take approx. 1hr travel time each way and need to travel fast over the water which can be very rough depending on the waves creating a hazardous situation for our guests.
What’s Included
- Scenic Helicopter flight
- Hot drinks
- Snacks
- Dry bag
- Rubber Boots
- Rain Jacket & Rain Pants
- Kayaking gear!
What to Bring
- Layer up!
- Water-resistant/waterproof shoes & warm socks
- Activewear made of synthetic & water-wicking materials
- Fleece Jacket
- Rain Jacket & Rain Pants if you have your own
- Please, no cotton or denim
- Your Camera!