Seward Bridal Veil Falls & Exit Glacier: An Honest Review
Alright, planning a trip to Seward, Alaska, too, is something a lot of people do, that it seems like everyone and their brother recommends, so, let’s chat about one of the most talked-about combo tours. This combo tour, I’d say, is basically the “Seward starter pack”—the Bridal Veil Falls kayaking plus the Exit Glacier hike. I mean, who visits Seward and doesn’t want to glide across the water next to breathtaking falls and then get up close with a giant river of ice, after all? Sounds unreal, almost too good to be true? I’m going to give you the lowdown from start to finish, you know, that includes what makes it worthwhile and what could, perhaps, be better, if that makes sense.
Why This Seward Combo Tour Is On Everyone’s List
First thing’s first, so, the sheer popularity of this combo? Is, arguably, for great reason, I suppose. To be perfectly honest, I feel like it hits a sweet spot for plenty of visitors, and it is likely yourself too. You actually get, like, a taste of two very unique Alaskan experiences in just a single day: serene kayaking and invigorating hiking, and all in one location, I guess. It’s quite convenient that the Bridal Veil Falls are actually right there by Resurrection Bay, that in itself is quite stunning too. As I was saying, you paddle in waters, seemingly untouched, with mountain views, that, like, feel straight out of a postcard, and then you hike towards Exit Glacier, I guess that it is a chilling, if you will, reminder of nature’s amazing strength and a melting world all at once. I will have to admit though, the combo really makes the most of your time in Seward. I suppose this is important especially when you might be trying to cram everything possible into your visit.
Kayaking to Bridal Veil Falls: A Water-Level View
So, the kayaking part? Really is pretty awesome. The water is normally super calm, mostly it is very glass-like, that’s what allows you, kind of, to just glide smoothly across the bay, just how I wanted, actually. Now, of course, it’s almost an activity level is needed that, is mostly for everybody from newbies to experienced paddlers, more or less anyone who is moderately in shape can likely handle this I suppose. The guides? Are just great I thought, that they give a quick safety rundown and a paddling 101 before sending you on the waters to enjoy yourself, right? Also, it is likely good to note that the view of Bridal Veil Falls from the kayak? Quite spectacular I find; the water plummets down the rocks from above in a way that creates a vision. I felt this cool mist on my face as I got closer to the falls. You are free to take amazing photographs too while you take it all in.
Hiking Exit Glacier: Stepping on Ancient Ice
Following the serenity of the kayak, and depending on if you chose to do the kayak first or the hike, then it’s time, seemingly, to conquer Exit Glacier. To be honest, this hike isn’t too stressful as well, I feel the trail? Is reasonably maintained and graded for everyday hikers, I mean, I could do it. That, I guess, is great. Of course I want to emphasize, though, I am just speaking from my experiences. The hike basically lets you get as close as, arguably, safely possible to the glacier, that gives you, well, an up-close look at this astounding force of nature. As a matter of fact, you can almost listen to the creaks and groans of the ice, so it tells you that it really is alive, basically. Too, it’s almost educational because there are display markers all the way that tell you about the glacier’s retreat, so, in a way, it sort of brings home the impact of our climate’s changing, even, as it is something to think about as you take it all in, after all.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
What I appreciate here with the combo is really the variety it brings you. One part offers you tranquil waters; then, basically, the other plants you smack dab, kind of, on an out-of-this-world glacial terrain, almost. I mean that this switch of pace, or rather of place, gives a comprehensive glance into the beauty of the Kenai Fjords. So, to be exact, the tour planners certainly made a great use of locations and, as a matter of fact, have made it possible to dive, at least momentarily, deep into these different Alaskan ecosystems. Oh and did I mention the views? All of them? Like mountain backdrops to the pure aquamarine waters—the camera pretty much never gets a break from picture taking is how amazing this is!
The Good and The Could-Be-Better
Okay, let’s keep it real, mostly no tour is perfect, and that applies here. A big plus? Basically, the knowledgeable and friendly guides make you feel very welcomed. That makes me very at ease and excited about the tour. Also the company’s commitment to sustainability? Basically pretty notable, and shows they take their impact seriously. A “could-be-better”? Maybe time management could, just slightly, improve, I feel. It seemed, kind of, hurried between transitions, which, I’m just saying, detracts a bit from fully soaking in each location. So, you’ll need a moderate fitness level as the kayaking isn’t tough, it definitely works some of your muscles a little bit. Too, you’ll need proper layering of clothes as the weather in Alaska? That is, usually, well, what can I say other than— unpredictable.
Essential Tips for the Seward Bridal Veil Falls and Exit Glacier Tour
Alright, before you head out on this outing, here’s, seemingly, a heads-up to increase your enjoyment factor of this tour. A huge point? That means layer up like an onion, if you ask me. That it could be sunny one minute and drizzling the next is really why layering clothing is super important. As a matter of fact I did notice that wearing waterproof outer layers could certainly save your day too. So, go for sturdy footwear— the hike up to Exit Glacier is on a well-beaten trail, there could be loose gravel areas so decent hiking boots, typically, will serve you well. I’d have to add sunglasses too for sure and sunscreen! So you’ll want to protect yourself from the reflected glare off the water and ice too. Finally, that is to maximize this visual feast—bring your camera with lots of space or charge for your phone as this provides the kind of background pictures that you might love looking at again and again!
So Is It Worth It? My Overall Opinion
When I pause to think overall, the Seward Bridal Veil Falls Kayak and Exit Glacier Hike combo, you see that the tour brings excellent value to vacationers and I hope that the trip, if you decided to purchase it, is very worth your time. Very much, I mean, this tour manages well to encapsulate what’s stunning, very beautiful, quite awe-inspiring in Seward. The slight juggling act with the scheduling? That might well be improved and can be a stress to manage for yourself a little, it’s true—however, it is mostly shadowed by the singular opportunities and pure scenes, that you might encounter during this journey of just one day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for the tour?
Layers are really important here, just like I said; include thermal layers, and waterproof jackets, pants, and decent hiking boots for best warmth and protection during the activities.
Is the kayaking portion difficult?
Too, almost the kayaking section is usually beginner-friendly; still you will need a certain standard of fitness but for nearly everybody else the current in the water is usually very calm, in addition there are knowledgeable instructions given so there are clear tips about the equipment needed.
How close do you get to the glacier?
So the path goes close enough to view a majestic scene concerning this particular marvel in addition to really appreciate its vastness from many vantage aspects to give you some fantastic photographic potential.
Are meals provided on the tour?
The trip does not usually provide any dinner however it means you would need bring ones snack foods including waters, to preserve ones stamina, basically during these routines.
Important Points To Remember
- Bundle Appropriately: This could be key. The circumstances are prone to alter; put on your clothes, that would let someone adjust and then manage kinds ease.
- Have Reliable Footwear: Sturdy running footwear could guarantee someone’s health but ease though mountain, specially just near the actual glacier region.
- Cameras Mustn’t Be Omitted: The gorgeous aspects merit acquiring consequently never neglect taking this specific gadget besides supplemental space.
So, there you have it! I’d argue the Seward Bridal Veil Falls Kayak and Exit Glacier Hike Combo is really great if you are hoping that you are doing several tours without doing too much logistical works and can easily encapsulate just many of what the place is great at displaying!. With the right attitude to adventure along, well proper settings, that you’d be in to discover just why many adore that distinct Alaskan voyage! Safe tour to your journey.
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