Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour from Seward — 45-Min Scenic Flight to Kenai Fjords
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; able-bodied passengers who can step in and out of a helicopter.
Overview
Rise above Resurrection Bay on a 45-minute helicopter circuit to Bear Glacier and the Harding Icefield. This compact aerial tour packs towering peaks, tidewater icebergs, and shoreline wildlife into an unforgettable hour.
Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour from Seward — 45-Min Scenic Flight to Kenai Fjords
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The helicopter lifts off from a small Seward ramp with the low, insistent thrum of rotors. Below, Resurrection Bay opens like a cold blue throat: stony headlands, black pebble beaches, and a handful of harbor seals dotting the nearshore kelp. In forty-five minutes the aircraft will thread a path over steep coastal mountains, arc across the ragged teeth of Kenai Fjords National Park and drop down to a gravelly margin near Bear Glacier, where ice the color of old china calves into a lagoon dotted with bobbing bergs.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Confirm weight and seating early
FAA limits are strict: 290 lb per seat and overall group limits; call the operator if you or your party approach these numbers to avoid last-minute issues.
Dress in windproof layers
Even in summer the high altitude and open cockpit landing site will feel cold—pack an insulating midlayer and a shell.
Bring a camera with a fast shutter
Snow and ice reflect light; use a fast shutter and keep batteries warm in an inner pocket for best shots.
Plan for weather cancellations
Flights are weather-dependent; build flexibility into your itinerary and book the earliest available slot for the calmest conditions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea otter
- Mountain goat
History
The Kenai coast has long been inhabited by the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) people; later Russian and American periods established Seward as a coastal outpost and gateway to the fjords.
Conservation
Glaciers here are monitored for recession tied to climate change; choose operators that follow Leave No Trace practices and respect wildlife viewing distances.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seward
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered insulating jacket
Keeps you warm during landings near cold ice and in gusty helicopter winds.
Windproof shell
Blocks rotor-driven gusts and light spray when near tidewater glaciers.
Sunglasses with UV protection
Reduces glare off ice and water for clearer viewing and photography.
summer specific
Spare camera battery or power bank
Cold drains batteries quickly—keep spares warm in an inner pocket.