Glacier Kayaking & Wildlife in Seward with Adventure Sixty North - Anchorage

Glacier Kayaking & Wildlife in Seward with Adventure Sixty North

Anchoragemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2 hours to multiple days

Fitness Level

Intermediate fitness recommended due to kayaking and hiking over varied terrain

Overview

Paddle through towering icebergs and watch glaciers calve along Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Adventure Sixty North offers guided kayak and hiking combos that immerse you in Seward’s wilderness.

Details

Seward, Alaska, on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, is a gateway to some of the most vivid marine and glacier adventures in the state. Adventure Sixty North anchors its offerings here, providing access to jaw-dropping journeys that combine wilderness paddling, glacier encounters, and wildlife viewing in Resurrection Bay and beyond. With an emphasis on immersive, hands-on experiences, they specialize in guided kayaking trips ranging from half-day paddles to multi-day expeditions, often paired with nature hikes and helicopter flights for higher perspective.

What sets Adventure Sixty North apart is their close proximity to iconic glacial landscapes like Aialik Bay, Bear Glacier, and Northwestern Glacier. Their full and multi-day kayaking trips offer close encounters with massive floating icebergs, dynamic glacier calving, and frequent sightings of local wildlife such as humpback whales breaching, otters dancing in the wake, and bald eagles circling alpine peaks. These experiences unfold from stable, top-quality kayaks, outfitted to handle the chilly, pristine waters with ease.

The combination of glacier trekking and gold panning on land, paired with glacial kayak tours, lets visitors experience this remote environment from multiple perspectives. Adventure Sixty North’s guides bring in-depth local knowledge and an approachable style, ensuring safety while enriching your understanding of the landscape’s geology and ecology. Their logistical expertise also shines with seamless transport options including water taxis, helicopter flights to remote glaciers, and winter snowmobile tours.

Adventure Sixty North is more than an outfitter; they serve as a critical bridge between visitors and Alaska’s rugged wilds. Whether paddling under towering ice walls, hiking Exit Glacier’s dynamic terrain, or watching wildlife unfold from the water, their trips deliver unforgettable access to Seward’s raw northern edge. For travelers seeking Alaska’s authentic glacial adventure outside standard tour routes, Adventure Sixty North provides unmatched opportunities and expertise.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Weather near glaciers can change rapidly, so wear moisture-wicking base layers topped with waterproof outerwear.

Bring waterproof bags

Keep cameras and electronics dry with proper dry bags during kayaking and hiking.

Pack snacks with energy

Long days on water and trails require nutritious, high-energy food to maintain stamina.

Opt for guided tours

Local guides enhance safety and knowledge in these remote glacial environments.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Tonsina Point for quiet kayaking away from crowds
  • Marmot Meadows hike for wildflower viewing

Wildlife

  • Harbor seals frequent glacial ice edges
  • Mountain goats on rocky ridgelines near Exit Glacier

History

Seward is historically significant as the southern gateway to Alaska’s vast wilderness, established during the gold rush era.

Conservation

Adventure Sixty North emphasizes minimal impact practices to protect fragile glacial environments and local wildlife habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Midday for glacier light
Sunrise for calm water reflections

Best Viewpoints

  • Aialik Bay icebergs
  • Bear Glacier from kayak perspective
  • Exit Glacier hike overlooks

What to Photograph

Calving glaciers
Whales breaching
Alpine wildlife

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Protects against the frequent rain and splash from kayaking.

summer specific

Thermal base layers

Essential

Keeps you warm during chilly mornings and cooler water exposure.

spring specific

Hiking boots

Essential

Offers grip and support for rocky trails and uneven glacier terrain.

fall specific

Dry bags

Essential

Essential for keeping gear and electronics dry when kayaking.

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