Helicopter Scenic Flight to Bear Glacier — 30-Minute Seward Aerial Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—must be able to step into a helicopter and sit for 30 minutes.
Overview
In 30 minutes you’ll go from seaside town to soaring over ice: a helicopter flight out of Seward that delivers Harding Icefield panoramas, Bear Glacier’s moraines, and floating icebergs. Perfect for travelers short on time who want a dramatic aerial overview of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Helicopter Scenic Flight to Bear Glacier — 30-Minute Seward Aerial Tour
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The rotors kick up a spray of cold air and the world below shrinks: jagged coastal spires, the blue-black shoulders of fjords, and a string of icebergs drifting like slow ships in a silver lagoon. In thirty minutes from a small airstrip just outside Seward, a helicopter threads Resurrection Bay, climbs past waterfalls that seem to pour off the mountains, and drops its gaze onto Bear Glacier — a broad tongue of ice carving its way from the Harding Icefield to a moraine-dotted lagoon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to be at the office 20 minutes before departure to complete weight checks and safety briefing.
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop with altitude; a windproof outer layer and sunglasses improve comfort and visibility.
Mind the weight limits
FAA rules enforce a 290 lb per-seat limit and group weight maximums—be honest on booking forms to avoid last-minute issues.
Protect your camera
Bring a small strap and a fast-shutter setting; vibration and glare require secure gear and quick exposures.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback whales
- Steller sea lions
History
Seward’s harbor developed as a strategic supply and transport point; WWII coastal defenses and early fishing infrastructure shaped settlement patterns along Resurrection Bay.
Conservation
Kenai Fjords is managed to balance tourism and habitat protection—visitors are urged to avoid disturbing wildlife and to follow guidance on noise and waste to reduce impacts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seward
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks rotor gusts and the chill at altitude.
summer specific
Sunglasses with polarized lenses
Reduces glare from ice and water for clearer views and photos.
summer specific
Compact camera or smartphone
Fast shutter speeds capture moving wildlife and ice details from the air.
Small daypack
Holds extra layers, ID, and any required paperwork during check-in.