Northwestern Fjord Extended Overnight Kayak Trip

Northwestern Fjord Extended Overnight Kayak Trip – Guided Kayak Camping in Kenai Fjords National Park

This trip is one of the most remote and geologically extraordinary overnight expeditions available in Alaska — a fully guided, all-inclusive kayak camping adventure into Northwestern Fjord, one of Kenai Fjords National Park's best-kept secrets. Northwestern is a young fjord, its glaciers having retreated so recently that much of it wasn't even charted until 2002. What you'll find in their wake is raw, exposed geology unlike anywhere else in the park: five rugged tidewater glaciers rising steeply to the Harding Icefield, sheer cliff walls bearing fresh scars from retreating ice, striking pink granite from mineral oxidation, cascading waterfalls tumbling into emerald-green water, and beaches so newly uncovered that vegetation hasn't yet had time to take hold.

The adventure begins with a scenic ~2 to 2.5-hour water taxi ride aboard a private US Coast Guard-inspected 36-foot landing craft, crossing the Gulf of Alaska and passing through the Chiswell Islands — some of the most prolific seabird rookeries in the region. En route, watch for Steller sea lions hauled out on exposed rocky outcroppings, tufted and horned puffins skipping across the waves, Dall's porpoises, humpback whales, orca, bald eagles, and sea otters. The crossing itself is an adventure, traversing the submerged terminal moraine of Northwestern Glacier — a formation that stretches a full 8.75 miles (14 km) from the current glacier face, where ocean depths plunge from 400 feet on the outside to just 24 feet at the crossing before dropping to 600 feet on the other side.

Once in the fjord, days on the water cover 8–15 miles (13–24 km) at a comfortable, unhurried pace, moving from place to place — circumnavigating Striation Island, crossing in front of tidewater glaciers, exploring nesting seabird colonies on towering cliff faces, and beachcombing on newly exposed gravel shores. Unlike the lush temperate rainforest of Aialik Bay, Northwestern has no time for trees. The landscape here is raw, primal, and constantly surprising. Avalanche debris, alpine calving events, and rock slides are all part of the scenery. Evenings are spent relaxing at camp with a hot meal prepared by your guide, falling asleep to the sound of calving glaciers and the calls of seabirds.

Everything is taken care of: your guide, all meals freshly prepared in the on-site certified café and in the field, all camping gear, all kayaking equipment, and a fully customized float plan built around your group. The camping system travels with you in the kayaks each day — no fixed base camp required — allowing you to explore new terrain, new beaches, and new corners of the fjord throughout your expedition. 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 fjord.

Available May 13 – 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 5:00 a.m. arrival on departure day; $25/person additional fee 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.