Seward: Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Beach Landing

If you’re dreaming of soaring over icy fjords and landing on a pristine Alaskan beach, the Seward: Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour with Beach Landing offers an unforgettable adventure. This tour promises breathtaking views, close encounters with glaciers, and the chance to explore a remote shoreline—an experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? Firstly, it’s the personalized small-group setting with a limit of four participants, ensuring you get plenty of attention from your knowledgeable pilot and guide. Secondly, the combination of scenic flyovers and the opportunity to walk on a glacier-fed beach gives you a diverse, immersive experience. Lastly, the chance to see marine wildlife feeding in Resurrection Bay adds an authentic touch of Alaskan wilderness.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the weight and comfort surcharge for guests over 250 lbs, which can add to the cost. For travelers expecting a more budget-friendly or large-group experience, this could be a consideration.

This tour is best suited for those who value stunning scenery and expert-led exploration in an intimate setting—ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Good To Know

• Small group size guarantees a more personal experience.
• Fly over Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords for spectacular views.
• Land on a remote beach to explore glaciers and icebergs up close.
• Wildlife sightings are common during the flight, especially feeding marine animals.
• Expert pilot and guide provide insightful commentary and safety.
• Duration of around 1 hour offers a comprehensive experience without overwhelming your schedule.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins with hotel pickup from select Seward hotels, with a fixed pickup time around 7:15 am from the Hotel Edgewater (or nearby accommodations). This early start is perfect for catching the best light and avoiding crowds. The shuttle service ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics, and arriving five minutes early helps ensure a smooth start.

The Scenic Flight over Resurrection Bay

Once aboard, you’ll take off from Seward Airport and immediately be treated to spectacular aerial views of Resurrection Bay. Flying over these calm waters, you’ll get a glimpse of the rugged coastline, snow-capped peaks, and maybe even some wildlife like moose or Dall sheep, as one reviewer mentioned. The pilot/guide, Trevor, is praised for being professional, knowledgeable, and friendly, making the flight both educational and fun.

Into Kenai Fjords National Park

After about 15 minutes of cruising, your aircraft will enter Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its massive glaciers and rugged fjords. You’ll get a close look at Bear Glacier, a highlight for many travelers. The glacier’s massive crevasses and floating icebergs are spectacular in person, and the flight offers plenty of opportunities to photograph these icy giants. The guide explains the glacier’s features, adding context to the stunning visuals.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Landing on the Remote Beach

The real thrill of this tour is the landing on a remote Alaskan shoreline, where you have around 35 minutes to explore. The beach is a scene straight out of a postcard—icebergs scattered along a rugged, quiet coast, with the glacier looming nearby. Here, you can hear the glacier calving, a thunderous, awe-inspiring sound that underscores the power of nature.

The guide takes time to point out icebergs and explain glacier behavior, giving you an immersive understanding of this active environment. Visitors often comment on how peaceful yet dramatic it feels to walk among the ice and listen to the crackling of calving glaciers.

Wildlife and Marine Life

During the return flight, the pilot maintains a low altitude over Resurrection Bay, offering a chance to spot feeding marine wildlife. Seagulls, sea otters, and perhaps even a whale or black bear might make an appearance. One reviewer, Karen, shared that the guides are knowledgeable about local wildlife, which makes spotting animals an even more rewarding part of the experience.

The Return and Reflection

After exploring the shoreline, you’ll hop back into the helicopter for the flight back to Seward. The scenic route offers more photo opportunities and a different perspective of the landscape. The small group setting means you can ask questions and get personalized insights from your pilot, enhancing the educational value of the trip.

The Practicalities: Is It Worth the Price?

At $479 per person, this tour isn’t exactly cheap but can be seen as a worthwhile investment in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Flying over glaciers, walking on a remote beach, and spotting wildlife from the sky provide a multi-sensory connection to Alaska’s wilderness. The small group size adds to the sense of exclusivity and comfort.

However, be aware that additional charges apply if you weigh 250 lbs or more, with a $150 comfort surcharge, and guests over 300 lbs need to contact the provider for special arrangements. Also, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you’re planning to spend the day exploring afterward.

What to Bring

We recommend packing comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on uneven, icy terrain; warm clothing, because even summer mornings can be chilly; and your camera, to capture the stunning vistas.

Final Thoughts on Value

This tour delivers excellent value through stunning views, expert narration, and a unique opportunity to explore a glacier-fed beach. The personalized, small-group approach ensures you get plenty of attention and room to ask questions, making the experience more meaningful.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to adventure seekers wanting an authentic, hands-on glacier experience. It’s perfect for photographers eager for breathtaking shots, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a luxury, intimate tour in Alaska’s wilderness. It’s less suited for travelers on a tight budget or those with mobility concerns due to the walking involved on the beach.

The Sum Up

The Seward Bear Glacier Helicopter Tour combines spectacular aerial views with the thrill of landing on a glacier-fed shoreline. It offers a genuinely immersive way to experience Alaska’s icy wilderness, with the guidance of knowledgeable pilots and guides who know how to make the experience both safe and engaging.

While it comes with a premium price, the combination of scenic flyovers, up-close glacier exploration, and wildlife sightings makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable, authentic Alaskan adventure. If you’re after a mix of awe-inspiring scenery and personal interaction in a small-group setting, this tour will likely meet—and possibly exceed—your expectations.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from select Seward hotels is included, with a scheduled time around 7:15 am at the Hotel Edgewater. Be sure to arrive early and confirm your pickup time.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 1 hour, including the flight, beach exploration, and return journey.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera are recommended to make the most of the experience.

Are there any restrictions based on weight?
Yes, guests over 250 lbs must pay a $150 comfort surcharge, and those over 300 lbs need to contact the provider for larger helicopter arrangements. Accurate weight information is required at booking.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 3 days in advance.

Will I see wildlife?
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the flight route over Resurrection Bay is known for marine animals feeding, and guides are skilled at pointing out possible sightings.

This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive way to experience some of Alaska’s most iconic landscapes, delivered in an intimate, guided setting that ensures your adventure is both safe and memorable.

You can check if your dates are available here: