SEWARD FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Humpy Cove: Waterfalls, Cliffs and Coastal Wildlife on Resurrection Bay
A 4-hour outing by Miller’s Landing that combines a water-taxi crossing of Resurrection Bay with an easy guided paddle among waterfalls, rock gardens and frequent marine wildlife — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Paddling Humpy Cove: Waterfalls, Cliffs and Coastal Wildlife on Resurrection Bay.
Embark from Seward on a short water taxi across Resurrection Bay to Humpy Cove, then trade the engine’s hum for the hush of paddles as you explore a protected cove ringed with cliffs, waterfalls and crystalline tidepools. Along the way expect porpoises, seals and seabirds; once ashore, paddle beneath cascades, pick your way around pillow-basalt formations, and search rock gardens for sea stars and urchins in a landscape that feels both wild and intimate.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Marine Encounters from the Water Taxi to the Cove
The water-taxi crossing is part of the experience: guides and guests watch for porpoises, harbor seals and bald eagles en route, and on the return leg whales, Dall’s porpoises, sea otters and sea lions are commonly scanned for.
Cliffs, Waterfalls and Rock Gardens
Humpy Cove sits near the mouth of Resurrection Bay and is notable for cliffs that become curtains of waterfalls in the rain, crystal-clear water, pillow-basalt rock formations and tide pools alive with sea stars and urchins.
Guides, Small Groups and a Family Operation
Trips are led by specially trained kayaking guides with decades of local knowledge; small groups and family-owned operation since 1982 make this an accessible, personalized paddle that requires no prior kayaking experience.
What the day feels like
What the Paddle Feels Like
Over roughly four hours you check in at Miller’s Landing, hop a water taxi across Resurrection Bay while scanning for marine mammals, then set out on an easy guided paddle inside a sheltered cove — exploring waterfalls, rock gardens and calm kelp-lined water before returning by water taxi with more wildlife watching on the passage back.
WILDLIFE
Marine Encounters from the Water Taxi to the Cove
The water-taxi crossing is part of the experience: guides and guests watch for porpoises, harbor seals and bald eagles en route, and on the return leg whales, Dall’s porpoises, sea otters and sea lions are commonly scanned for.
THE LANDSCAPE
Cliffs, Waterfalls and Rock Gardens
Humpy Cove sits near the mouth of Resurrection Bay and is notable for cliffs that become curtains of waterfalls in the rain, crystal-clear water, pillow-basalt rock formations and tide pools alive with sea stars and urchins.
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Guides, Small Groups and a Family Operation
Trips are led by specially trained kayaking guides with decades of local knowledge; small groups and family-owned operation since 1982 make this an accessible, personalized paddle that requires no prior kayaking experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this paddle suits — and when you might request a guide or alternate arrangements.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a roughly 4-hour outing that includes water-taxi transit, guided paddling, and return to Miller’s Landing.
Check in at Miller’s Landing (13890 Beach Drive, Seward, AK 99664) 30–15 minutes before departure for gear fitting and a briefing.
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and kayak launches, a water bottle, rain gear, synthetic or wool layers, lunch/snacks, and weather-appropriate extras such as gloves, a beanie, sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Trips are run by Miller’s Landing, a family-owned operator; small groups and trained guides are part of the experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Humpy Cove Paddle?
The outing is approximately 4 hours in total.
Where do I meet for the trip?
Meet at Miller’s Landing, 13890 Beach Drive, Seward, AK 99664; arrive 30–15 minutes early for check-in and gear fitting.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No experience is needed; specially trained guides lead the trip and provide instruction.
What wildlife might we see?
Participants commonly see porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles and occasionally whales and Dall’s porpoises during the water-taxi legs.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes — the paddle is great for kids, though the operator recommends booking the guide option if you have small children for the best experience.
Will I need to step into the water to launch?
No — kayaks are pulled and launched from shore so you should not be stepping into water.