“What’s better than kayaking?”, you may ask. I’ll tell you…Kayaking calm waters! Believe me, I’m speaking from personal experience. For all my fellow readers prone to sea sickness, calm waters when kayaking is your best friend. And to all my fellow less fit readers, kayaking towards glaciers is the way to go. Otherwise, prepare yourself to become more exhausted knowing that you’re just aimlessly paddling around.
Kayaking in Alaska is without a doubt one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature. Let’s have a look at some magical and calm spots to kayak in Alaska.
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1. Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound is a sound of the Gulf of Alaska. This magical kayaking spot is located east of the Kenai Peninsula. Fortunately, Lazy Otter Charters takes you on a guided kayak tour around Price William Sound. You’re probably wondering what’s so special about this kayaking spot. Well, this sound has the most tidewater glaciers in the world. And it only takes an hour to get to two different tidewater glaciers.
Also, as promised, the waters are perfectly calm for kayaking. Take it easy while looking at the stunning Chugach Mountains’ snow-capped peaks. Also, around Prince William Sound, there is an abundance of marine and coastal life. Look out for orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bears, just to name a few.
Start your journey with a water taxi to Blackstone Bay. Then once you reach the beach, get into your kayak. Prepare to paddle around icebergs and glaciers for a few hours. Next up is lunch. Paddle back to the beach and enjoy a relaxing picnic. Lastly, head back to the kayaks for a final ride to the Blackstone Glacier. End off the adventure by getting back to town in the water taxi. I know this sounds too good to be true but trust me it’s true. Just remember your sense of adventure and a waterproof camera.
2. Seward and Kenai Fjords
The Seward Harbour is filled with boats and vessels ready to transport you to magical locations. Seward is a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield into the Kenai Fjords. This makes the park a perfect place to see beautiful glaciers. Expect breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife.
Kayaking just adds more excitement to visiting the glacial wonderland of Alaska. In order to reach the launching spot, climb aboard an intimate and custom-built vessel. Then, paddle out on Alaska’s waters in a sea kayak. While kayaking, you get close and personal with tidewater glaciers.
Experienced guides will show you the ropes for kayaking, Alaskan style. The guides aim to take you to wild and remote regions of Alaska. Liquid Adventures are equipped and excited to take you out on the Seward. Safety and quality come first. So, there is no reason for you to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience
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3. Spenser Glacier
The Spencer Glacier is located just south of Portage Valley in Kenai Mountains and Chugach National Forest. The glacier is so remote that it takes an “off the road” travel. First, use the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Spencer Lake. The railroad already offers spectacular views of glaciers and alpine peaks. Second, start your kayak tour at Spencer Lake.
For several hours, you can paddle around glaciers and get so close with your kayak that you can touch them. Why not get off your kayak during your tour for a quick hike to the face of the Spencer Glacier? This magical glacier rises 1 kilometre as a royal blue natural ramp from Spencer Lake.
Don’t worry, as soon as you get a bit puffed, your guide gives you a chance to take a break and indulge in complimentary snacks. Equally important, the water is 1˚ C but as I told you before, we’re only kayaking in calm and still waters today. Luckily, there are no tides and the icebergs are very reliable. So don’t hesitate to book your Spencer Glacier kayak tour today.
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4. Bear Glacier Lagoon
You can find Bear Glacier Lagoon on the southern edge of Alaska. The only way to reach the Bear Glacier is by water transportation. For this reason, Bear Glacier Lagoon is a great option for kayaking. Being the largest glacier in the Harding Icefield, this spot is a must-see! Although the lagoon is calm, with big floating chunks of ice around, you need help navigating your way to the glacier. Of course, the chunks of ice float around daily, trust your guide to follow the perfect path to reach the glacier safely.
Start your excursion in Seward Alaska. From there, a 40-minute jet boat takes you out to the glacier. On the ride, there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. Look out for whales, sea otters, seals, and more. When you reach the glacier, hop in your sea kayak to get as close as possible. Finally, the trip in total lasts about five hours. However, there is so much to see and explore, it will feel like less.
Time to Hop Off the Kayak
There’s just something about hearing the gentle swoosh of the boat and splash of the oars that relaxes you. So, allow yourself to be transported to a tranquil environment and headspace on your kayak in Alaska. Breathe in the clean fresh air and embrace the chilly breeze on your face. I can’t think of anything better. But if you can, feel free to have a look at wellness activities in Denali National Park, Alaska. And as the Alaskans say, noosoonee Alaska (I love you Alaska).
