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Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

6 Hours Duration

From pick-up to drop-off

Beginners Welcome

No kayaking experience required

Small Group

Maximum of 6 guests

Whale Watching

Bald eagles and sea lions also common

Description

For the active traveler looking for wildlife opportunities in an exclusive small-group setting, the Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure can provide both the wildlife Alaska is known for and the mellow exercise you want after a few days aboard the cruise ship. The Channel Islands, where this intimate tour takes place, are comprised of over a dozen uninhabited islands bursting with diverse marine wildlife and lush temperate rainforest. This full-day, small-group excursion delivers superb wildlife opportunities such as humpback whales, fresh Alaskan air, panoramic views of distant glaciers, and a sea-kayaking experience with guaranteed smiles!

Your Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure begins with a pick-up right at the cruise docks and transportation to the kayak base, which allows an opportunity for gear fitting and safety instructions for the day. Launch the 6-person charter, meandering out to the Inside Passage and exploring for whales and other marine wildlife along the way. In addition to humpbacks, the Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure also provides possible opportunities for harbor seals, sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor porpoise, orca, numerous bird species including bald eagles, and bears or deer along the shore. Your professional guide provides an informative narrative which serves to complement the views and offer some insight into wildlife behavior.

Trade the 6-passenger motor boat for sea kayaks to continue this adventure in a more intimate way. Paddle together, accompanied by your guide, for a 2 hour tour along the islands. Settle into the rhythmic sounds of paddle and water, and peacefully enjoy views of the Chilkat and Coast Ranges surrounding the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife! Then, head ashore to de-gear and catch your ride back to Juneau, taking a minute to check out the wildlife around the coast. The intertidal zone is constantly refreshed with curiosities being washed in from the surrounding Alaskan waters. The Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure is a uniquely Alaskan experience that balances several great features on many bucket lists.

What's Included

Roundtrip Transportation

Knowledgeable Guides

Hearty Snacks & Bottled Water

Rain Gear (Hooded Jacket, Rubber Boots and Rain Pants)

Double Kayaks, Paddling Gear, and Dry Bags

State Marine Park permits

Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the tour still operate if it's raining?

Because much of SE Alaska is a rainforest, these Juneau tours do operate rain or shine. Rain jackets and pants are provided on this trip. If weather conditions are unsafe, the trip will be canceled and we will provide a refund (minus non-refundable fees).

What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?

We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.

Are we guaranteed to see whales?

We don't guarantee whale sightings on this tour. Because this is wild Alaska and you will be traveling by kayak, we cannot guarantee sightings.

How many guests are on this tour?

This small-group tour allows for parties of 2-6

What about restroom facilities along the way?

You'll have a chance at the gear base to use the restroom but after that we will be entering the great outdoors. We recommend all guests follow 'Leave No Trace Principles' and should the need arise, we request packing all trash from the trip including toilet paper. If this is of concern for you, we recommend bringing toilet paper and a ziploc bag for easy packing.

Do I need previous kayaking experience?

Nope! This trip is rated as 'Easy' or 'Moderate' and we can accommodate even beginner kayakers. There is a recommended fitness level with the ability to paddle 4 miles and to be seated in a kayak for about 2 hours.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 8 years old • Maximum Weight: 300 lbs

Wildlife in Alaska is unpredictable, so we cannot guarantee whale or wildlife sightings.

Everyone must be in good enough physical condition to paddle for 4 miles and be able to sit in a kayak for up to 2 hours.

Children must be able to swim and paddle in a double kayak with an adult.

This tour involves inherent risks, and for their safety, pregnant guests are not allowed on this tour.

Because of the activities involved, this is not a wheelchair accessible tour.

Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.

The kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 52 inches (132cm). Maximum weight limits including gear are 600lbs (1320kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2" (198cm) may have a hard time operating the rudder because the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance. However, people as tall as 6’6" have been able to paddle in the kayaks.

A rescue fee of $250 per client will be charged for any rescue based on the client’s inability to complete the tour due to undisclosed medical conditions/limitations or an insufficient level of physical fitness that significantly inhibits the group’s pace. Clients that require a rescue due to an injury incurred on the trek will not be charged rescue fees, nor will those who have disclosed information regarding medical conditions (and have been approved to participate) prior to the trip date.

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Juneau

Itinerary • 6h 00min • 5 activities

Guides will meet you at your cruise pier for transport to the trailhead and launch site.

Duration

15 minutes

Transfer to the warehouse for outfitting, then meet your captain at the boat harbor.

Duration

30 minutes

Board your vessel for a ride out to Channel Island State Marine Park and keep an eye out for whale sightings along the way.

Duration

1 hour 30 minutes

Spend 2 hours kayaking in beautiful Alaskan waters and get up close and personal with the marine life. Stop for a snackon a remote island beach.

Duration

2 hours

Make your way back to the harbor before loading the van for the return trip to the cruise ship docks.

Duration

1 hour 30 minutes