Quick Details
3 Days/2 Nights
4+ people • Price/person
$ 1,299
4 Days/3 Nights
4+ people • Price/person
$ 1,599
5 Days/4 Nights
4+ people • Price/person
$ 1,899
Northwestern Fjord offers pristine, world-class sea kayaking and camping!
The Northwestern Glacier, located in Kenai Fjords National Park, is famous for its stunning tidewater glacier environment within the Northwestern Fjord. It plays a significant role in the Harding Icefield and has a notable history of retreat, revealing islands and landscapes that were once covered by ice. It is also known for its diverse wildlife, including whales, seals, sea otters, and numerous bird species, as well as stunning scenery featuring glaciers, icebergs, and dramatic cliffs.
Our guide-assisted option is designed for experienced backcountry campers who have their own outdoor gear and need a guide to provide local knowledge, interpretation, and ensure safety. We typically do not set up base camps during these trips. You’ll also need to adhere to the paddling plan established during the mandatory pre-trip meeting, which takes place the day before departure.
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This tour includes a 6.5-hour round-trip water taxi ride to and from Northwestern Fjord, offering prime opportunities for whale and wildlife viewing. Our campsite will be set on several secluded waterfront beaches.
Our guides will contact guests approximately two weeks before departure, when applicable, to discuss: health concerns, physical capabilities, desired experiences and goals, skills to improve and specific areas of interest.Following these discussions, the guide will help create a detailed “Float Plan” that outlines all trip logistics, including planned beaches and coves, and necessary gear. -
- Pick up/drop off to and from local Seward hotels, lodges and campgrounds
- Kayaks
- Essential kayaking gear
- Dry bags
- 5-hour boat ride whale watching and wildlife viewing (round trip)
- A guide equipped with first aid supplies and a satellite phone for emergency use
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Recommended packing list to ensure you’re properly equipped for your adventure:
- 4-season tent
- Synthetic, non-cotton clothing
- Water bladder
- Water filter
- Small backpacking stove
- 0-degree sleeping bag (synthetic and stuffable in a waterproof sack)
- Sleeping/ground pad (that rolls up to a minimal size)
- Dry bags (10-liter size)
- Rain gear
Space in the kayak is limited, so pack light. Oversized items will not fit inside the kayak. Your guide will review your gear to ensure that it is compactible and fits properly in the kayak. If needed, we have rental equipment available. -
Depending on the time of year, there can be up to several designated beaches to land on and camp at with bear box caches and up to 30 coves to explore. Some beaches are dependent on tides or have specific times for access to camp.
We remain a safe distance away from Northwestern Glacier. You do not want to get too close as a calving event can be very dangerous.
The water taxi is not private. Depending on which boat we are on, there could be 21 or 28 total people. We keep our guest to guide ratio 6:1, but there will be other people and other companies guides on the boat.
- All of our trips operate rain or shine. We will only cancel a trip due to high winds in the bay that would create unsafe kayaking conditions.
- A signed assumption of risk and acknowledgement of risks form is required for all participants.
Our Guides – We are very proud of our guide team, and you’ll understand why after just one trip with us! All of our guides hold ACA Level 2 certification, which includes extensive training in water rescues, group management, and more. They also maintain current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications and participate in a comprehensive three-week training course each season to enhance their skills. For guides operating in Northwestern Fjord, additional specialized training and a rigorous assessment are required to ensure they are fully prepared for this unique environment.