About this tour
When Jake from our team paddled out from Lowell Point into Resurrection Bay, it was clear why this seven-hour Seward kayak trip draws people back. You're in a two-person kayak exploring a dramatic stretch of Alaska's coast—sea otters, bald eagles, and salmon jumping are regular sightings here. The day mixes paddling along forested shoreline with a walk through temperate rainforest and time at Tonsina Point, where a ghost forest and mountain backdrop make for proper scenery. Lunch is a picnic on the beach, and if conditions align, a waterfall visit rounds it out. It's a full day on the water in one of Alaska's most scenic corners.
Highlights
- Sea otters, eagles, and leaping salmon sightings along the shoreline
- Ghost forest at Tonsina Point with mountain views across the bay
- Paddle through rainforest-lined coast with minimal crowds
- Temperate rainforest walk between paddling stretches
- Beach picnic lunch included, waterfall visit weather permitting
- All gear supplied: PFD, spray skirt, dry bag, neoprene mitts
What to expect
The day starts at Lowell Point where you'll get fitted into a two-person kayak and briefed on paddling basics. From there, you're on the water for most of the morning and early afternoon, working your way along the Resurrection Bay shoreline. The pace is steady but not punishing—Jake found the guides patient with different paddling speeds, and there's plenty of opportunity to pause and watch wildlife without feeling rushed. Midway through, you'll beach the kayaks and walk into the temperate rainforest, which is thick with moss-draped trees and creates a real sense of being in wild Alaska. The highlight for our team was reaching Tonsina Point itself: the 'ghost forest' (dead standing trees) against the beach and mountains is striking, and if salmon are running, you'll see them. A picnic lunch happens on the beach, which beats eating from a cooler in the kayak.
Good to know
This is genuinely well-organised. All paddling and weather gear is included—waterproof boots, neoprene gloves, splash jacket and pants if you need them. The guides know the bay well and understand pacing. Sea life sightings are legitimate (not guaranteed, but common). It suits families with kids aged 8+, and the guide team scales instruction to fitness levels, so you don't need kayaking experience.
Seven hours on the water is a long day—your shoulders and lower back will feel it. You need decent core fitness and must be comfortable holding a paddle for extended periods. The bay can be choppy; motion-sensitive stomachs should eat light before starting. Size limits are strict: maximum 6'4", 250 lb, and 44" waist. Not suitable if you have spinal injury, pregnancy, or compromised cardiovascular health. Parking fees at Lowell Point are separate. Check tide times—some beach sections are tide-dependent. Peak season (June–August) gets busier. Bring sunscreen and a hat; glare off the water is real.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.