Resurrection Bay Overnight Kayaking Trip

Your day begins with an early morning departure around 8 am, heading toward Caines Head State Recreation Area. Travel along sheer shale cliffs covered in blankets of moss and eagles perched in trees. When you arrive at Caines Head, you’ll set up camp and then continue on to hike or beach comp with your guide.

The Next day, continue onwards to the eastern side of the bay where you’ll find Fox Island, Humpy Cove, or Thumb Cove. It’s here that you may also set up camp for your second night or get picked up by a water taxi on your final day. If you choose, challenge yourself on the Alpine Trail, located at Caines Head, or add an extra day of paddling. Looking to relax on a beach, spend an afternoon reading in your tent, or attempt the steep hike to the porcupine glacier? Let your guide know what you want and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

The water taxi boat picks you up in the late afternoon. On the water taxi, keep your eyes peeled for sea birds and otters, or enjoy a quick nap after a successful trip.

None at all. Your guide handles all logistics — float planning, meal preparation, camp setup, and safety. The trip is fully customized to your group's skill level and preferences, and a brief survey after booking helps the guide plan everything around you.

Camp locations are determined by your guide based on your group's float plan, tides, season, and weather. Possible destinations include Caines Head State Recreation Area, Fox Island Spit, Humpy Cove, and Thumb Cove — all spectacular in their own way. Your guide will work with your group to build the ideal itinerary before departure.

The Kenai Fjords overnight trips head deep into the national park to paddle among tidewater glaciers. The Resurrection Bay Overnight stays in the local bay — which is stunning in its own right, and arguably more diverse. You get lush old-growth rainforest, WWII history at Fort McGilvray, dramatic earthquake geology at the ghost forest, waterfalls, marine wildlife, and the option to hike as well as paddle. It's also more accessible, with no long water taxi ride to the park, making it a great first overnight kayak experience.

Optional hikes depend on your route and float plan, but possibilities include the Alpine Trail and hike to Fort McGilvray at Caines Head, nature walks through old-growth rainforest, beachcombing on Fox Island Spit, and short hikes to hidden waterfalls in Thumb or Humpy Cove. Let your guide know what you're hoping to do and they'll build it into the plan.

During the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake — the second most powerful ever recorded — sections of the Resurrection Bay coastline subsided, submerging the root systems of large stands of Sitka spruce. The trees died in place, and their pale, barkless trunks still line the shore as a striking and haunting reminder of one of Alaska's most powerful geological events.

Resurrection Bay is incredibly rich with wildlife. Bald eagles are a near-constant presence, harbor seals and sea otters regularly appear alongside kayaks, Dall's porpoises surface nearby, Steller sea lions haul out in the area, and mountain goats are often visible on the cliffs above. Humpback whales and orca are occasionally spotted in the bay. In season, salmon are visible spawning in coastal streams.

Yes — tents, sleeping bags, bag liners, inflatable sleeping pads, cookware, bug nets, and all necessary camping equipment are provided. If you'd like to bring your own sleeping bag or personal gear, just let your guide know in advance so they can confirm suitability for the conditions.

Yes. After booking, you'll receive a survey to capture all dietary restrictions and food preferences. The team prepares food fresh in the certified on-site café and does their best to accommodate everyone. If you prefer to bring your own groceries, a $20 refund will be applied to your trip cost. Please communicate any medical or allergy needs clearly.

All overnight guests must meet their guide the evening before departure. You'll go over the float plan, gear, packing, and any last-minute questions at the front office at a time arranged with your guide. This meeting is required and sets the trip up for a smooth early morning departure.

Yes, strictly. Wag bags (human waste disposal bags) are provided and used on all overnight trips to protect the bay's pristine beaches and ecosystems. Campfires are only built in pop-up fire pits. Lightweight stoves are used for all cooking. All Leave No Trace principles are followed throughout the expedition.

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own alcohol. Please drink responsibly — conditions on the water can change, and it's important for everyone to stay safe and aware throughout the trip.

Leave excess cash and valuables secured at your lodging or the office. Bring only what you need in waterproof, unbreakable containers. Bring $40–$50 for any incidental expenses, though you won't need much during the trip itself.