Camping Trips in Kenai Fjords

Pre-Trip Meeting

We will host a mandatory pre-trip meeting the night before your trip at 7:00 pm at our kayak shop in downtown Seward. This is your chance to:

• Meet your guide and fellow guests
• Discuss bear and ice safety
• Review the itinerary and expected weather conditions
• Ask any last-minute questions

Itinerary Planning

Exact itineraries are built a day or two before departure, as local weather determines where paddling will be best. Guests complete a pre-trip registration form covering dietary preferences and adventure goals. Based on this, your guide will design an itinerary (and a menu) that balances your group’s interests with the highlights of either Aialik Bay or Northwestern Fjord.

Popular destinations include:

• Aialik Bay: Aialik Glacier, Pederson Lagoon, Abra Cove, Holgate Arm & Glacier, Quicksand Cove, Coleman Bay
• Northwestern Fjord: Northwestern Glacier, Ojive Glacier, Anchor Glacier, Southwestern Glacier

Trip Departure

On the morning of departure, meet at the shop at 7:00 am. From there we’ll head to the small boat harbor to board the water taxi. The journey to Kenai Fjords National Park includes a 2+ hour wildlife boat tour, with opportunities to spot whales, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds.

On the Water

After reaching our starting beach, we will either pack gear into the kayaks or set up camp before beginning our first paddle. Each day will include kayaking along the rugged coastline, exploring hidden coves, and experiencing glaciers up close. Meals are prepared fresh, and evenings are spent enjoying Alaska’s remote wilderness.

Return to Seward

On the final day, the water taxi will pick us up at our designated beach and return us to Seward. Expect to arrive back at the kayak shop between 5:00–6:00 pm.

• Wildlife Boat Tour
• Warm, Healthy, Made from Scratch Meals
• Snacks and Hot Drinks
• High Quality Rain Gear (if needed)
• Transportation From Downtown Office
• Camping Gear
  • 4-season Mountaineering Hilleberg Tents
  • Kitchen Tarp, Mess Kit, Coffee Mug
  • You will need to provide your own sleeping bag and pad, or you can rent those items for an additional fee of $25 per person.
• All Kayaking Gear
  • Personal Floatation Device
  • Spray Skirt
  • Neoprene Mitts
  • 10 Liter Dry Bag
  • Stable Double Kayak & Paddle

Clothing Layers

Seward sits at the northern tip of the largest coastal rainforest in the world, which means we see a lot of rain. Our tours run rain or shine, so it’s essential to wear synthetic or wool layers. Cotton, including jeans, is not allowed on multi-day trips, as it does not insulate when wet and can be a safety concern in the backcountry.

Rain Gear

You’ll need a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants for your trip. If you don’t have your own, we provide high-quality rain jackets and pants at no extra cost. For anyone traveling in Alaska, we strongly recommend buying your own set — you’ll use it throughout your visit for almost any outdoor activity.

Footwear

On most extended multi-day tours, we use fiberglass boats that launch from the water rather than the beach. You’ll need a system that allows you to wade up to your mid-shin while staying warm and dry. Options include:

• SealSkin socks + wool socks with running shoes or water sandals
• Rubber boots (can be provided) — though some beaches can be deeper than boot height at certain tides

You should also bring a comfortable pair of shoes for camp, such as crocs, running shoes, or another low-profile option that will keep your feet warm.

Other Essentials

We provide pogies (neoprene mitts) to keep your hands warm while paddling. Please also bring:

• A reusable (non-disposable) water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A hat

Packing List

After booking, you’ll receive a detailed, trip-specific packing list in your confirmation email. Be sure to review it carefully to prepare for your adventure.

We’ve been fortunate to work with our local water taxi partner, Weather Permitting, for over 20 years! Their captains are the most experienced in Seward, their vessels are landing crafts that have been purpose-built for wildlife viewing & kayaking tours, and comfortably fit between 18 and 24 guests. Their double-catamaran hulls provide a balanced ride and are perfect for coastal Alaska. Sit inside the heated cabin or lounge on the covered back deck.

Weather Permitting operates a total of three Coast Guard inspected water taxi vessels, which offers us some flexibility, should a vessel need maintenance or have schedule conflicts. No other water taxi company in Seward has this level of infrastructure or flexibility when it comes to vessels available.

The water taxi assigns guests to their vessels the afternoon prior to each trip, so we won’t know to which boat your group is assigned until then. Depending on your departure, you’ll need to arrive at our kayak shop at 328 3rd Ave in Seward at either 7 am or 7:30 am. Your guide will let you know which boat you are on at your pre-trip meeting.

No camping experience necessary! Our fully outfitted camping trips are great for guests who are interested in learning more about Leave No Trace camping principals and gaining more experience in the backcountry. Our guides are passionate about sharing camping skills and getting you involved in all aspects of the trip. They will also be the ones waking up early and making the coffee every morning! These trips are easy to pack and plan for as we will send you a very detailed packing list at the time of booking. Your guide will also contact you a few weeks out from the trip, to introduce him/herself and answer any questions you might have.

Tours With a Water Taxi

Applies to Fox Island Day Trips, Aialik Glacier Day Trips, and all Multi-Day Camping Trips:

• More than 30 days prior: Full refund* (minus booking fees)
• 15–30 days prior: 20% of total invoice charged
• 8–14 days prior: 50% of total invoice charged
• 0–7 days prior: 100% of invoice charged (no refund)

*Full refunds include trip fees, add-ons, and taxes, minus a $10 per person booking fee for half & full day trips and a $25 per person booking fee for multi-day trips.

For more information regarding our policies, click here.

Travel Insurance: We strongly advise purchasing a travel protection plan. See Travel Insurance for details.

In today’s dynamic travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, a sudden sickness or injury, or even baggage loss could impact your travel plans. Cancellation fees can range up to 100% of the trip cost, depending on the date and particular trip for which you’ve been holding spaces. For your convenience, we’ve partnered with GoReady Travel Insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on available plans, click here.