Suggested Itineraries
We highly recommend staying for 2 or more nights to take advantage of the full value of a stay at Shearwater Cove. A 2+ night stay allows for more sea kayaking and hiking time (both activities are included in your nightly rate), and gives you the chance to take an extended break from the hustle and bustle of modern life to enjoy your cozy yurt and the communal spaces on the property.
Check out our 2 night and 3 night suggested itineraries below to envision your stay with us!
2 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Check-In, Boat Transport to Shearwater Cove, Guided Kayaking
Start your trip by meeting us in the Seward Small Boat Harbor at your designated check-in time to take your scenic boat ride out to Shearwater Cove. Book our Meal Kit Service ahead of time and we’ll have all of your food packaged and ready for you at check-in so you don’t have to worry about food shopping on vacation.
Pro Tip: We recommend staying in Seward the night before your stay with us for a hassle-free check-in the next morning, but you can also travel to Seward on the morning of check-in. If traveling on the morning of your check-in, be wary of potential construction or traffic delays. The best ways to get to Seward include driving the Seward Highway, taking the Coastal Classic Train (link to a page where we tell them more about it and that we can book for them?), or taking a bus.
[PHOTOS of boat ride, meeting us the harbor]
Upon arrival at Shearwater Cove, our on-site host will greet you and provide an orientation to your yurt and the property. Include our Guided Kayak Session in your reservation, and you’ll decide with our host what time to go out that afternoon. Our Guided Kayak Sessions are 2.5 - 3 hours long and are a great introduction to the local landscape and our kayaking gear. You’ll explore one of our nearby kayaking destinations, and gain confidence to continue paddling on your own for the remainder of your stay!
Later, after a hot shower, pull out your Meal Kit and make a delicious meal - salmon tacos anyone? Unwind during the evening on your yurt’s deck, or in one of our two communal spaces: the Waterfront Pavilion or The Perch. Don’t forget to pack some special drinks to enjoy!
[combined photos of kayaking and arrival, cooking/kitchen, The Perch or Waterfront Pavilion]
Day 2: Explore Shearwater Cove by Foot and Kayak
Spend your morning cooking up the pancakes, eggs, and bacon in your Meal Kit, while packing for a kayak outing. Paddle your way from Shearwater Cove to the Fox Island Spit and enjoy walking the beach, eating lunch, and even a bonfire! On the way there and back be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.
Back at Shearwater Cove, spend your afternoon exploring our Alpine Trail. A short but steep hike, the Alpine Trail has sweeping views of Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. If it’s rainy or low-tide, opt instead for our South Beach Trail - a great spot for tide pooling or happy hour. End your day cooking the halibut, vegetables, and couscous from your Meal Kit and sipping your beverage of choice on your yurt deck.
[combined PHOTOS of kayaking, fox island spit, cooking, Alpine Trail, deck hang]
Day 3: Departure with Full Day Boat Tour
The best way to enjoy all the Kenai Fjords has to offer with only a two night stay is to add a full day boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to your check-out day. We partner with a local company to offer small boat tours directly from our dock! You’ll check out of your yurt by 9am and board your boat tour.
The full day tour is about 7 hours long and takes you deep into Kenai Fjords National Park. You'll travel the length of Resurrection Bay, and then go out and around Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay. You will see magnificent tidewater glaciers and have ample opportunity for viewing wildlife including whales, seabirds, sea lions, harbor seals, and much more. You’ll return to the Seward Small Boat Harbor around 4pm. Perfect timing to catch the 6:00pm Coastal Classic Train back to Anchorage!
[PHOTOS of wildlife and Anthony’s boat]
3 Night Itinerary
A 3 night stay offers a second full day at Shearwater Cove to deepen your experience. This is where your body has a chance to really settle into relaxation without the confines of a strict timeline. A third night also offers more time to explore the world class sea kayaking destinations that surround Shearwater Cove without being in a rush to see it all. Some guests choose to book a full day boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park during their second full day which also works well, or you can book the boat tour for your check-out day.
This itinerary builds on the same Day 1 suggestions from the 2 night itinerary above, with additional second and third night suggestions.
Day 1: Check-In, Boat Transport to Shearwater Cove, Guided Kayaking
Start your trip by meeting us in the Seward Small Boat Harbor at your designated check-in time to take your scenic boat ride out to Shearwater Cove. Book our Meal Kit Service ahead of time and we’ll have all of your food packaged and ready for you at check-in so you don’t have to worry about food shopping on vacation.
Pro Tip: We recommend staying in Seward the night before your stay with us for a hassle-free check-in the next morning, but you can also travel to Seward on the morning of check-in. If traveling on the morning of your check-in, be wary of potential construction or traffic delays. The best ways to get to Seward include driving the Seward Highway, taking the Coastal Classic Train (link to a page where we tell them more about it and that we can book for them?), or taking a bus.
[PHOTOS of boat ride, meeting us the harbor]
Upon arrival at Shearwater Cove, our on-site host will greet you and provide an orientation to your yurt and the property. Include our Guided Kayak Session in your reservation, and you’ll decide with our host what time to go out that afternoon. Our Guided Kayak Sessions are 2.5 - 3 hours long and are a great introduction to the local landscape and our kayaking gear. You’ll explore one of our nearby kayaking destinations, and gain confidence to continue paddling on your own for the remainder of your stay!
Later, after a hot shower, pull out your Meal Kit and make a delicious meal - salmon tacos anyone? Unwind during the evening on your yurt’s deck, or in one of our two communal spaces: the Waterfront Pavilion or The Perch. Don’t forget to pack some special drinks to enjoy!
[PHOTOS]
Day 2: Explore Shearwater Cove by Foot and Kayak
Spend your morning cooking up the pancakes, eggs, and bacon in your Meal Kit, while packing for a kayak outing. Paddle your way from Shearwater Cove to the Fox Island Spit and enjoy walking the beach, eating lunch, and even a bonfire! On the way there and back be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.
Back at Shearwater Cove, spend your afternoon relaxing after your morning paddle. Wander down the South Beach Trail for some tidepooling and a happy hour beverage. Walk the Forest Trail and experience the grandeur of the old growth forest. Do yoga with sweeping views at The Perch.
End your day cooking the halibut, vegetables, and couscous in your Meal Kit and having your beverage of choice on your yurt deck.
[combined photos]
Day 3: Relax and Settle In
Have a slow morning in your yurt with coffee and breakfast burritos made from your Meal Kit. Enjoy a leisurely paddle circumnavigating Hat Island. Look for seals and sea lions!
Back at Shearwater Cove, spend your afternoon exploring our Alpine Trail. A short but steep hike, the Alpine Trail has sweeping views of Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. Bring a book and stay awhile, listening for whale spouts and enjoying the big mountain scenery.
Spend the evening cooking spaghetti from your Meal Kit and playing games together in your yurt. Each yurt has an assortment of card and board games! Or wander down to the Waterfront Pavilion to enjoy the fire pit with a view, or play corn hole in The Perch.
[combined photos]
Day 4: Departure with Full Day Boat Tour
The best way to enjoy all the Kenai Fjords has to offer with only a two night stay is to add a full day boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to your check-out day. We partner with a local company to offer small boat tours directly from our dock! You’ll check out of your yurt by 9am and board your boat tour.
The full day tour is about 7 hours long and takes you deep into Kenai Fjords National Park. You'll travel the length of Resurrection Bay, and then go out and around Cape Aialik into Aialik Bay. You will see magnificent tidewater glaciers and have ample opportunity for viewing wildlife including whales, seabirds, sea lions, harbor seals, and much more. You’ll return to the Seward Small Boat Harbor around 4pm. Perfect timing to catch the 6:00pm Coastal Classic Train back to Anchorage!
[PHOTOS of wildlife and Anthony’s boat]