Kayaking/Camp in the Kenai Fjords National Park

There are a couple of options for getting you and your kayak and gear out to the National Park. You can either kayak from Lowell Point outside of Seward, which would turn this adventure into a weeklong expedition, or you can book a water taxi ride from Seward out to any drop-off point in the National Park you wish. My favorite route while guiding out in Aialik Bay (the main fjord of the National Park) was to start in Quicksand Cove and contour my way along the shore until reaching Holgate Glacier, making sure to explore all the caves and coves along the way.

Then, you can camp on the small beach situated between Holgate Glacier and Surprise Glacier. Definitely the most wicked place I've ever camped! You get to hear calving in the middle of the night and can go walk up to Surprise Glacier and explore some ice caves. The next day I would usually leave the Holgate arm of the bay, contouring the opposite shore, and enter into the main arm of the fjord. By again contouring the shore, you will pass by Pederson Lagoon, which is only accessible during high tide. Make sure to plan your trip according to the tides, because this spot is a must see! It's always teeming with a ridiculous amount of seals and since it's a freshwater lagoon the icebergs are massive and gorgeous! The final must see on this trip is Aialik Glacier, which is indescribably amazing! You can paddle up fairly close, and even visit a beach on the left hand side and swim in glacier water! The total trip, depending on what you want to see and how long you will be there for, can range from 10 miles to 36 miles (with water taxi transportation).