Kayak Adventures Worldwide — Attraction in Seward

Even by Alaskan standards, our trip with kayak adventures worldwide was pretty extraordinary.

We had planned to start with the Aialik Bay tour, but rough seas led to a water taxi cancellation. Ryan graciously offered us the Resurrection Bay day paddle instead, and we rebooked Aialik for the next day. (A benefit, I’m guessing, of visiting in shoulder season.)

We set out in the misty fjord with our guide Lexi, a natural outdoor educator who delighted in sharing edible plants and had a keen eye for the otters that sleep on their backs, tails and heads popping out of the water. A couple of short hikes brought us to a waterfall and a picnicking spot, and we ended the day feeling we had really gotten to know Resurrection Bay.

The next day the waves had calmed (mostly) and we were able to set out for the Aialik. The boat ride was not so bumpy if you sat in the back, but of course I ran to the front deck and was soon shrieking delightedly with each big wave. We saw puffins and murres, their wings just grazing the water’s surface, and bald eagles, hunting far above them. Then the boat slowed and our captain pointed and I saw it, the tell-tale spray followed by the bony dark ridges of a humpback whale.

At the glacier, our guides Blueberry and Abi gave us a short safety spiel and then had us out on the water. Earlier they had asked us to think about our values as we paddled — our first clue that this would be a little deeper than your usual tourist jaunt. Now, Blueberry shared his perspective on the Aialik, how she is like a grandmother to this place — feeding everything, but also willing to humble you if she feels you need it.

We followed closely behind guide Abi, who wiggled her hips to clear the way of ice floes, and talked softly to avoid scaring a newborn seal pup. In the quiet we could hear the crackle of the glacier as she calved into the sea. A short crossing took us to a mossy cave that concealed a dazzling waterfall. When we finished our paddle, the trip was still far from over: on the boat ride back, there would be an orca pod, the matriarch teaching a new generation the best hunting spots; sea spires; and even a mountain goat stepping gingerly along the high cliffs, a tiny baby between its hooves.

I finished the trip so grateful for our caring guides and in awe of the sights, but also with a decided case of solastagia, the soul-deep sadness of seeing our planetary home changing around us. It is one thing to know, intellectually, that the humpbacks passing through my home in Seattle are coming up to Alaska, and another thing entirely to paddle through waves made milky by the glacial flour that feeds the phytoplankton on which all life here depends and to realize that your home depends on it, too. I’d known the oceans were warming, but I didn’t know they were warming 4-fold faster in Alaska than the world average and in my temperature-controlled house I had been able, somehow, to remain ignorant of how devastating even a few degrees can be for the cold-blooded fish that are the foundation of the food web on which the puffins and orcas depend. I left Seward feeling a deeper sense of connection to this glorious wild place, but also a deeper sense of responsibility for my own place in it.

A few other notes, for fellow travelers: I was happy to have had a down jacket and a couple of layers under it in the chilly, late-May air, and though my sneakers were waterproof you might be a little happier with proper hiking boots. They have pogies for your hands while you paddle but it’s helpful to bring your own gloves as well. We also opted to use KAW’s rain paints and jackets, which kept me dry for both the paddles and boat ride even though I stood outside in the rain and saltwater spray the...

Book with KAW! You will not be disappointed! We have kayaked many many places in the world and Kayak Adventures is far and away one of the best outfitters we have encountered. The glaciers won't be here much longer so don't miss out on what might be a once in a lifetime chance. You won't regret it later. There's no better way to experience the water, the glaciers, the wildlife than from a kayak. It is a pretty magical feeling to be sitting right on the water taking in all the majesty ...the sounds of wildlife and the calving glacier and breathing that fresh air. Its a pretty good bonding experience with family too! ....Sure, another option is to take a motorized "cruise" and that will be a far different experience...motoring around with 30+ ppl on boat angling for a photo while someone talks to you over a microphone....to each their own. My first impression while thinking of KAW is "Safety"...the transport boat / the equipment / the safety demonstration...all were top notch and I felt really comfortable paddling with them. I can speak from experience that not all outfitters are as conscientious. All of their guides are professionals and I was really impressed by the people hired as staff. The people in the office to the boat driver to the paddling guides....all of them were knowledgable about the area; personable; unassuming and engaging and went above and beyond in every detail. Our boat driver made it his mission to locate wildlife and spent ample time when there was wildlife to be seen. Our guide gave interesting information along the paddling route but didn't talk incessantly. I thought he was just a perfect guide...very attentive informative willing to take photos for us and very keyed into what we wanted to experience for the day. I thought it was worth every penny we paid and I would book again in a heartbeat! Just do it because memories don't just...

The highlight of our trip to Seward was the Aialik Glacier day tour with Kayak Adventure Worldwide. The staff at KAW went above and beyond in helping decide which tour to book and how to prepare in regards to appropriate clothing for the day. They were generous with their knowledge of Seward, other activities and hiking trails. The guides were organized, enthusiastic, professional and knowledgeable about the landscape, wildlife, and Seward in general. They all were very attentive to our enjoyment and safety. On the water taxi the guides were involved and engaging with everyone. When there was wildlife to see they made sure everyone had the opportunity to view it and would share their knowledge with everyone, in their group or not.

Given the early start to the day, onboard coffee, tea, and locally made snacks were appreciated. The provided sandwich lunch was generous in size and delicious. Possibly one of my favorite meals in Seward. I really appreciated that KAW seems to have teamed up with other local businesses to provide quality food.

The water taxi company KAW worked with for our tour added so much unexpected value to our day. They were as committed to our experience as the KAW guides were. The boat captain and deckhand kept a close eye out for wildlife, slowing down and usually stopping so we could all see the Humpback whales, Orcas, Puffins, Mountain Goats, Otters, etc. I appreciate that KAW partnered with a water taxi company with quality employees and equipment.

The Aialik Glacier tour with KAW was the highlight of our trip to Alaska and an experience I will look back on fondly. I'm already planning my next trip to AK and a tour with KAW will definitely be a part of it. Two thumbs up, 10 gold stars, I recommend Kayak Adventures Worldwide to anyone looking for an experience...