Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure: Sea Otters, Salmon Streams & Glacier Views in Seward
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3.5–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and anyone with basic mobility and the ability to paddle for up to three hours; light-to-moderate endurance recommended.
Overview
Paddle the turquoise arms of Resurrection Bay from a private beach on Lowell Road and meet sea otters, harbor seals and spawning salmon up close. This accessible 3.5–4 hour outing pairs easy paddling with rich natural and cultural context for first-timers and time‑pressed travelers.
Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure: Sea Otters, Salmon Streams & Glacier Views in Seward
Select participants and date
The van eases off the paved street and the world opens: a gravel ribbon of Lowell Road, a coastline of cobalt and turquoise, mountains that descend into water. Guides point out the flats where tide and current fight, and the driver-guide narrates a Seward that is at once maritime village and gateway—homes clinging to the shoreline, a working harbor, and the long sweep of Resurrection Bay daring you to cross it.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures on the water are several degrees cooler than onshore—bring a breathable base layer, fleece, and a waterproof shell even on warm days.
Bring motion-sickness prevention
If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before launch—resurrection bay’s chop can arrive quickly from passing boats.
Heed weight/size limits
Operators have strict weight and waist limits for tandem kayaks—check booking questions and be honest to ensure safe seating and balance.
Park smart
Use the City of Seward pay lot across the street; do not park in the Kenai Fjords Tours lot to avoid tickets.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea otters
- Harbor seals
History
Seward developed as a transportation hub after the late-19th-century railroad and grew with fishing and tourism; the region is also part of the ancestral lands of the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) people.
Conservation
This coastline borders Kenai Fjords National Park—practice Leave No Trace, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and avoid shore-side disturbance of salmon streams.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Seward
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
A breathable shell blocks wind and spray during paddling.
Quick-dry layers
Synthetic midlayers dry fast and retain warmth if you get splashed.
Neoprene booties or waterproof shoes
Protects feet on rocky beaches and keeps you warmer when launching and landing.
Waterproof camera or dry bag for phone
Preserve photos of wildlife and glaciers without risking electronics.