Kayak Holgate Glacier n Aialik Glacier

Question

We will be in Seward at the beginning of June and would like to do an all day kayak trip to either Holgate or Aialik Glacier. If we did Holgate we would go with Liquid Adventure, if we did Aialik we would do Kayak Adventures WW. We are having a hard time deciding. We want a nice kayak experience with seeing hopefully calving. WHhch one calves more? I know that Holgate is less crowded which we like, but that Aialik is bigger and more impressive. Thanks

Answer

Both Holgate and Aialik Glaciers offer stunning kayaking experiences near Seward, and your choice depends on the type of experience you prioritize: more solitude and a quieter trip versus dramatic scenery and potential for calving.

Holgate Glacier:

Located in Holgate Arm, part of the larger Resurrection Bay area.
Generally less crowded, giving a more intimate and peaceful kayaking experience.
Calving occurs but is less frequent than at Aialik; the glacier is smaller and retreating, so the dramatic calving events are rarer.
Ideal if you prefer fewer people around and a more relaxed, scenic paddle with chances of wildlife spotting such as sea otters, seals, and occasionally whales.

Aialik Glacier:

Situated in Aialik Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park.
Larger, more dramatic glacier with towering ice walls, offering striking photo opportunities.
More active in terms of calving—larger chunks of ice fall more frequently, making it better for witnessing the dramatic ice events.
Kayaking here can be more challenging due to currents, floating ice, and wind, but the experience is more awe-inspiring.
Tends to have more traffic from other kayak tours, but the glacier itself is large enough to still feel remote.

Decision considerations:

If your priority is a quieter, less crowded day with beautiful surroundings and moderate chance of calving: choose Holgate.
If your priority is dramatic scenery, higher likelihood of seeing significant calving, and don’t mind more people around: choose Aialik.
Both tours usually include options for lunch on shore, wildlife spotting, and a full day on the water, so the overall kayaking experience is excellent either way.

In summary, for an “Instagram-worthy” dramatic glacier and higher calving chances, Aialik wins. For peace, calm, and fewer crowds, Holgate is ideal. Either choice will offer a memorable Alaska kayaking experience in early June.

Kayak Holgate Glacier n Aialik Glacier

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