Long ago, the vast mass of Bear Glacier pushed out a moraine. As the ice receded over hundreds of years, it left behind a pristine fresh water lagoon. Today, the glacier calves giant chunks of ice into its lagoon, creating the serene iceberg forest through which this tour takes kayakers.
A serene iceberg forest in Kenai Fjords National Park.
The trip starts at the tour operator's office near the Seward Small Boat Harbor. Guests are outfitted in cold water paddling gear before boarding a hybrid jet boat built to cruise in deep ocean and through shallow rivers. Leaving the harbor, the boat speeds along the west shoreline of Resurrection Bay and rounds Callisto Head toward Bear Glacier. From the glacial lagoon, a shallow stretch of riverway runs into the ocean. It is the only access into this naturally protected space, and the route through which the skilled captain swiftly steers the boat.
Guests receive a safety briefing and paddling lesson on the glacial moraine, and then take to the lagoon's calm water in tandem sit-on-top kayaks. Tours have a maximum of six guests to one guide. With so few people, the water stays glassy and quiet. The group spends two hours leisurely kayaking around hulking sculptures of blue ice. Halfway through the paddle, the trip takes a break to explore a bit on foot before making the return paddle and boat ride back to Seward.
More Details
The tour operator provides guests with dry suits and footwear at the tour office. Neoprene mittens and lifejackets are provided at the kayak launch site on the lagoon. The boat trip through Resurrection Bay to the lagoon takes about an hour each way, depending on the weather. Kayakers spend approximately two hours paddling on the lagoon with a break halfway through. No previous kayaking experience is required.
What to Bring
Wear warm socks and base layers of wool or synthetic material. There's no need to bring waterproof clothing, as the provided dry suits keep all clothing covered. Bring a bottle of water, camera (smartphone is best), and extra layers.
Special Instructions
While this trip is appropriate for beginner kayakers, it is an active outdoor excursion requiring some fitness. The tour often runs in cold and rainy weather. Guests 11 years and older are welcome. The jet boat ride, while usually calm, can sometimes get bumpy depending on weather conditions. The tour guide will brief guests on conditions prior to departure.
Transfers & Meeting Points
Check in at the tour operator office at least 15 minutes prior to the tour time. The office is one block south of the Small Boat Harbor, and about a 10 minute walk from the Seward Depot.
Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking 1013 3rd Ave Seward, AK 99664
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
There is no child rate for this service, and children must be at least 11 years old to participate.
Rates & Dates
Dates
Adult
Child
6/1/24 (Sa) to 9/15/24 (Su)6/1/24 (Sa) to 9/15/24 (Su)
Adult: $325.00
Child: $325.00
The rates above do not include taxes/fees of 7% and are subject to change without notice.
Departure Times
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
