Kayak, Qayak, Iqyax – The Hunter’s Boat
One of the most popular activities at Shearwater Cove is sea kayaking. The Shearwater Cove property can only be reached by boat from Seward. Once at Shearwater Cove, kayaking is a staple means of exploring the rugged coastline of Resurrection Bay. Built to maximize accessibility on the water without sacrificing safety, a sea kayak is surprisingly stable and a wonderful way to connect with the waterways and marine wildlife of Alaska’s Kenai Fjords.
The vessels we know as kayaks originated in Alaska and around other indigenous Arctic cultures several thousand years ago. The Yup'ik, Sugpiaq (Alutiiq, Aleut) People developed the kayak, known as the qayaq in Yup'ik, and Iqyax in Aleut. The word kayak means "hunter's boat" in Canadian Inuktitut languages. Throughout the tribes, a kayak was primarily used for hunting waterfowl, seals, walruses, and whales.
Want to give it a try? Self-guided sea kayaking is included in all Shearwater Cove stays, and guests may choose to embark on a guided kayaking session for an additional fee. Otherwise, climb into the cockpit, grab your paddle, and venture out to explore like the hunters of centuries ago!
How to prepare for sea kayaking adventures
All sea kayaking gear and safety equipment is provided at Shearwater Cove:
personal flotation devices (PFDs)
spray skirts
Paddles
bilge pumps
VHF radios
To have the best possible kayaking experience, we recommend that guests bring:
a full set of rain gear
a pair of outdoor shoes that can get wet and muddy
dress in layers: both a lightweight and midweight top layer as you head out kayaking, and bring one additional warm layer along
snacks
Sea kayaking from Shearwater Cove
All guests receive a kayak orientation from our on-site host before heading out for their first kayaking adventure. If you would like additional assistance as you gear up to go paddling, or if you would like to request a last-minute guided kayak session, check in with the on-site host. We recommend booking a guided kayak session no less than one week before your check-in day to ensure that the host will be available.
Shearwater Cove is home to several stunning kayak destinations, all reachable within a one-mile radius of the yurts. We are fortunate to be situated in a naturally protected area of Resurrection Bay, so all of our kayaking sites are accessible by nearly every paddler, from beginner to expert.
Humpy Cove hidden waterfall
Paddling time, one-way: 35 minutes
Natural features: See towering cliffs, protected waters, and a waterfall over 80 feet in height! From July through August, a wild salmon population swims into the pool at the base of the waterfall to spawn.
Commonly seen wildlife: Look for an abundance of bird species (pigeon guillemots, bald eagles, marbled murrelets, kittiwakes), river otters, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, jellyfish, and intertidal life. From late July through August, there is a greater chance of seeing black bears and river otters feeding on the abundance of wild salmon!
Tips & Suggestions: Paddle to the hidden waterfall at a high tide for the easiest access. Beach your kayak and follow the stream less than 100 feet to the base of the waterfall. For an extra adventure, find a trail hidden in the salmonberry bushes at the base of the waterfall leading up to the top of the falls. Pick some delectable wild salmon berries while you watch thousands of salmon work their way up the stream to the pool at the base of the waterfall (late July through August). Keep an eye out for black bears and playful river otters who may be feeding on the salmon.
Fox Island Spit
Paddling time, one-way: 45 minutes
Natural features: Discover multiple small coves along the way to explore, jutting mountain peaks of pillow basalt, a mile-long beach perfect for beachcombing, campfires and picnics, a ghost forest, and a tidal lagoon in the middle of the Fox Island Spit created following the 9.2 earthquake of 1964.
Commonly seen wildlife: Explore the vast diversity of intertidal life at low tide, watch for sea lions, harbor seals, sea and river otters, and an abundance of bird species, including rare oystercatchers nesting on the Fox Island Spit. In June there is a greater chance of seeing humpback whales.
Tips & Suggestions: Pack a lunch and plan to hang out for a while on the Fox Island spit! This mile-long beach is an old glacial moraine with beautifully rounded stones, perfect for rock skipping contests. The spit is an amazing location for wild beachcombing, so take time to walk around the spit to the bouldery south shore where waves from the open ocean often crash onto the rocks in stark contrast to the calm and protected waters on the northern shore. Check out the tidal lagoon that separates the north and south shores: This lagoon and the ghost forest within it were created in a matter of minutes during the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that struck Alaska in 1964.
Hat Island
Paddling time one-way: 20 minutes
Natural features: This picturesque island lies very close to our property and is small enough to circumnavigate, making it a great paddle for those wanting something short and sweet.
Commonly seen wildlife: The shallow northern shoreline of Hat Island is a favorite hunting and haul-out spot for harbor seals. Bald eagles and a variety of bird species also use the island for nesting.
Tips & Suggestions: Circumnavigating Hat Island is perfect for a mellow sunset paddle. Head out in the evening around 7 p.m. for the calmest and quietest waters.