SEWARD KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle to Tonsina Point, Then Hike to Exit Glacier: A Seward Day That Pairs Calm Waterways with Glacial Overlook
A combined sea-kayak route from Lowell Point to Tonsina Point and a shuttle-access hike to the Exit Glacier overlook — useful for planning timing, fitness needs, and what to expect on the water and trail.
Paddle to Tonsina Point, Then Hike to Exit Glacier: A Seward Day That Pairs Calm Waterways with Glacial Overlook.
This combo tour in Seward pairs a sheltered sea-kayak outing along the western coastline of Resurrection Bay with a guided visit to the Exit Glacier Overlook Loop Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, and is ideal for first-time paddlers, families, or groups eager to combine coastal wildlife viewing with a short glacier hike.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lowell Point to Tonsina Point
The paddling portion launches from Lowell Point and follows the western coastline of Resurrection Bay to Tonsina Creek, giving guests an opportunity to explore calm coastal waters and the shoreline from sea level.
Birds, Marine Mammals and Shorelife
As paddlers navigate the bay keep an eye out for sea ducks, diving birds, eagles, porpoises, harbor seals, and sea lions that frequent the area.
Exit Glacier Overlook & Nature Center
After returning to Lowell Point guests shuttle to Kenai Fjords National Park for a 2.2-mile round trip on the Exit Glacier Overlook Loop Trail, which leads to the lower glacier overlook and a visit to the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
What the day feels like
How the Day Unfolds
This full-day combo moves from shore to sea and back ashore: a brief check-in and gear-up is followed by a short transfer to Lowell Point and a safety briefing, then roughly an hour paddling each way to and from Tonsina Point with time to explore the coastline from the water; return to the office precedes a shuttle to Exit Glacier for a 1–1.5 hour, 2.2-mile round-trip hike to the lower glacier overlook and the nature center.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this combo suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a day of 6+ hours combining paddling and hiking; the itinerary allocates roughly an hour each way paddling plus a 2-hour round-trip hike at Exit Glacier.
Expect about 15 minutes to check in and gear up, a short transfer to Lowell Point, paddling to Tonsina Point with time to explore, then a return to the office and shuttle to Exit Glacier before the hike.
The Exit Glacier Overlook Loop is a 2.2-mile route that typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on pace and leads to the lower glacier overlook and the Exit Glacier Nature Center; trail surfaces vary from partially blacktop to gravel and rocky slopes.
Trips run rain or shine; the operator’s cancellation policy remains in effect unless you receive specific notification otherwise.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need any previous kayaking experience?
No—most of these trips are designed for first-timers; every trip begins with paddling instruction and a basic kayak safety demonstration.
Will my trip be cancelled if it rains?
No—trips run rain or shine; cancellations only occur per the operator’s cancellation policy or if you receive specific notification.
Is the tour accessible for guests with limited mobility?
No—the tour is not limited-mobility accessible; guests must be comfortable loading and unloading into kayaks and walking on gravel beaches and trail sections.
Are there size limits for the kayaks?
Yes—tandem sea kayaks accommodate a maximum kayaker waist diameter of 44 inches; the kayak cockpit is 17.3 inches wide by 35.5 inches long; height is typically not an issue.
How long is the Exit Glacier hike and what will we see?
The Exit Glacier Overlook Loop is a 2.2-mile hike that typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the lower glacier overlook and includes a stop at the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
What kind of trail conditions should I expect on the hike?
The trail is partially blacktop before turning into an undeveloped hiking trail with gravel, slightly steep rocky slopes and potentially slippery sections that can be challenging for those not used to nature trails.