Bear Glacier Flight and Kayak Adventure: Helicopter Landing, Icebergs & Alaskan Lunch
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to enter/exit a kayak and paddle for up to 60–90 minutes with short breaks
Overview
Fly down Resurrection Bay, land at the edge of a glacier lagoon, and paddle among icebergs before a hot lunch. This compact helicopter-and-kayak tour from Seward delivers dramatic glacial scenery and an accessible taste of Kenai Fjords in about four hours.
Bear Glacier Flight and Kayak Adventure: Helicopter Landing, Icebergs & Alaskan Lunch
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The helicopter drops away from the coast and the world narrows to white and blue: jagged glacier ice, a scatter of bergy bits, and a lagoon that hums with meltwater. Guests step from the rotor wash onto gravel at the edge of Bear Glacier Lagoon, where the silence of the field of ice is only broken by gulls and the distant calving that sounds like a hollow drum. It’s an abrupt, excellent removal from pavement and crowds — a few hours that stitch flight, paddle and a picnic into a single, clear morning.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer aggressively
Temperatures can shift quickly; wear a wicking base layer, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell for the helicopter landing and paddle.
Bring a dry bag
Protect phones, extra layers, and a camera from spray and unexpected moisture while kayaking.
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure to complete waivers and get fitted for PFDs.
Mind the scales
Tours require passenger weight for safe helicopter loading—provide accurate weights when booking.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- harbor seals
- bald eagles
History
The Kenai Fjords area has been inhabited by Indigenous Alutiiq and Dena’ina communities for thousands of years, who relied on marine resources and seasonal movements.
Conservation
Kenai Fjords faces warming-driven glacial retreat; operators emphasize Leave No Trace practices and brief guests on minimizing disturbance to wildlife and shorelines.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seward
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Shields you from spray and wind during the landing and paddle.
Synthetic or wool base layer
Retains warmth when damp and dries faster than cotton.
Waterproof booties or grippy shoes
Useful for moving on wet gravel at the landing and for secure footing in the kayak.
Camera with spare batteries
Cold drains batteries quickly; bring spares or a power bank to capture ice formations.