Q: Do I need to have prior kayaking experience?

No! Sunny Cove provides kayaking instruction as part of all of our tours. Our attention to safety and knowledge of local waters allows even first time paddlers a comfortable, rewarding experience. The first part of our outings are spent learning about the kayak, how to efficiently get in and out, how to use the rudder, basic paddle strokes, and safety procedures. Our guides are expert instructors who know how to make learning a fun and rewarding experience. So come join us and learn a new skill!

Q: What kind of shape do I need to be in?

You do not have to be an athlete to be a sea kayaker; paddling is a low level aerobic exercise that relies more on technique than brute strength. Sunny Cove's day tours are designed to accommodate a wide variety of people and skill levels. Our tours are open to people from 12 years old to 82 years young (contact us directly about children under 12).

Q: Will I tip over? Do I need to be a swimmer?

Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking Company uses a fleet of very stable and comfortable double (2 person) sea kayaks, in fact we pride ourselves on having the best boats and safety equipment available. While it is possible to capsize any boat, it is extremely unlikely that you would tip over this very seaworthy craft, especially while under the supervision of our experienced guides. You will of course be fitted with one of our quality life vests, a spray skirt, and other gear to provide a safe as well as fun experience. We aim to stay high and dry! And no, you do not need to be a swimmer.

Q; What is the weather like?

Coastal Alaska's summer season brings a wide variety of weather and seems to change year to year. Temperatures in the upper 50's to lower 60's are typical in the Seward area during the summer paddling season, with the occasional "heat wave" into the 70's. Sunny days, rainy days, overcast days are all part of our mix of weather. Sometimes morning fog hangs over the cooler ocean water, creating an eerily beautiful scene that usually burns off by early afternoon. We are a couple miles within 60 deg. N (the line runs right through the middle of Resurrection Bay), which means that we enjoy the long summer days of northern latitudes; in other words, the Midnight Sun.

Q: What should I wear?

The word for the day, and for most of your Alaskan trip, should be LAYERING. Synthetic fabrics or wool are best as they retain warmth when damp and are also breathable. A warm jacket is recommended if you will be taking advantage of the Kenai Fjords Tours cruise through Resurrection Bay. Sunny Cove has a limited number of raincoats available for day use (if you are travelling with rain gear, bring it along, as well as a cap and sunglasses). We provide you with rubber boots to help keep your feet dry, but an extra pair of socks always comes in handy. Dry bags are available for storing an extra layer, your camera, and binoculars while you are kayaking. A complete clothing and gear list is sent to all of our camping clients.

Q: Will I see wildlife?

Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park are home to abundant wildlife on land, sea, and air. Sea otters, sea lions, seals, humpback and orca whales, bald eagles and many different species of sea birds (some as entertaining as unusual looking) are commonly seen in the areas that we paddle. Our silent kayaks afford a wonderful opportunity to have intimate wildlife encounters without disrupting the animals, and can provide you with once in a lifetime chance to photograph these animals in their natural habitat - so have your cameras loaded!. Wild animals are unpredictable however, and we never chase or harangue these residents.

Q: What about gratuities?