Aialik Bay Ultimate Overnight Expedition

Aialik Bay Ultimate Overnight Expedition – Guided Kayak Camping in Kenai Fjords National Park

This trip is all-inclusive, fully guided, and truly unforgettable — and once you experience it, it's easy to understand why. The Aialik Bay Ultimate Overnight Expedition takes you deep into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park for one or more nights of guided kayak camping among tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs, and some of the most dramatic coastal wilderness in Alaska. Everything is taken care of: your guide, all meals freshly prepared in the on-site certified café, all camping gear, all kayaking equipment, and a fully customized float plan built around your group.

The adventure begins with a scenic ~2-hour water taxi ride aboard a private US Coast Guard-inspected 36-foot landing craft from Lowell Point into the fjords, passing Steller sea lion rookeries, tufted and horned puffins, Dall's porpoises, and regularly stopping for humpback whales and orca. Once in Aialik Bay, you'll paddle among the massive Aialik and Holgate glaciers — two of the largest tidewater glaciers in the park — watching immense blocks of ice calve thunderously into the water as harbor seals bob on ice floes just offshore. Black bears are regularly spotted along the forest edges, and the entire fjord coastline is rich with birdlife, waterfalls, and hidden sea caves to explore.

Days on the water cover 8–15 miles (13–24 km) at a comfortable, unhurried pace, with frequent breaks for beach walks, snacks, and photography. Evenings are spent around a campfire or tucked into a warm sleeping bag after a hearty guide-cooked meal, listening to the sound of glacier calving echoing across the water. Trips can be run as a light-and-fast moving camp — exploring new ground each day — or from a comfortable base camp, entirely based on what your group prefers. A brief survey after booking captures your food preferences, kayaking experience, and trip goals so your guide can build the ideal experience for you.

Duration

Available as 1-night/2-day through 6-night/7-day expeditions. An optional early 6 a.m. departure can be arranged for an additional fee per person for those wanting maximum time in the park.

Available May 4 – September 10.

Important: All overnight guests must meet their guide the evening before departure to review the float plan, gear, and logistics.

Standard schedule: Arrive at 11 a.m.–12 p.m. for lunch, guide meeting, and gear check. Water taxi departs at 2 p.m. Water taxi pickup on the final day at approximately 4 p.m., returning to base around 6 p.m.

Optional early departure: 6 a.m. water taxi (requires guide meeting the evening before and 5:30 a.m. arrival on departure day; additional fee per person applies).

Location / Where to Meet

13880 Beach Drive, Seward, AK 99664 

Ages & Requirements

• Best for ages 12 and up
  
• Tandem kayak maximum capacity: about 400–600 lbs (181–272 kg). Maximum 250 lbs (113 kg) per person.
  
• The spray skirts used on the kayaks fit waist sizes roughly up to 50 inches.
  
• This trip is moderately easy and fully customized to your group. Paddling takes place on calm, protected fjord waters covering approximately 8–15 miles (13–24 km) per day at a comfortable pace with frequent breaks. No prior kayaking or camping experience is required.
  
• Group Tour: Join up to 6 other guests on a shared expedition
  
• Private Tour: Exclusive group bookings available for up to 6 guests
  

What's Included

• Experienced, WFR-certified kayak guide for the full duration
  
• Private 36-foot US Coast Guard-inspected water taxi (heated cabin, comfortable seating)
  
• Sit-inside tandem kayaks with spray skirts, life vests, paddles, and pogies
  
• All camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, bag liners, inflatable sleeping pads, cookware, bug nets, and more
  
• All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks — freshly prepared in the certified on-site café and in the field
  
• 2 dry bags per person (15–25 oz each; additional bags provided for longer trips)
  
• Safety and first aid equipment
  

Not Included

• Transportation to the meeting point
  
• Dry suit rental (available for an additional flat fee of $400, including 2mm neoprene booties)
  
• Optional early 6 a.m. departure fee ($25/person)
  
• Guide gratuity — a suggested 20% tip ($50–$100 per person) is greatly appreciated; your guide works hard to make your expedition exceptional
  

What to Bring / Wear

• Warm synthetic or wool layers — no cotton
  
• Rain jacket and rain pants
  
• Water-resistant or waterproof shoes plus extra socks
  
• Warm hat and lightweight gloves
  
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
  
• Water bottle (full!)
  
• Personal medications (in a waterproof, unbreakable container; bring double the amount needed with dosage instructions)
  
• Camera with waterproof housing or dry bag
  
• Small personal items (journal, binoculars, etc.) packed in resealable plastic bags
  

A detailed packing list and a brief survey about food preferences and trip goals will be sent after booking.

Note: All gear must fit into circular kayak hatches. Bulky backpacks will not fit — pack in smaller bags or dry bags.