Eight Day Meares Glacier to Columbia Glacier Kayak Tour

Guided

Duration: 8 days

Valdez

Features

Locally Owned

Wildlife

Shuttle Included

Small Group Sizes

Free Cancellation

Private

Instant Book

$2,799 Person

$3,199 Person- Private Trip

(Priced per Person)

Description

8-Day Meares-to-Columbia Glacier Tour

The 8-day "Remote Glaciers and Bays Expedition" in Prince William Sound offers a unique exploration of areas with minimal traffic from kayakers or motorboats. With mountainous terrain, rolling hills, two major tidewater glaciers, and numerous pristine bays, this tour is our most remote and rugged kayaking adventure, suitable for paddlers of all skill levels.

The flexible itinerary allows groups to choose between a leisurely pace or a more ambitious journey covering more miles and visiting additional bays. While we don't provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary, our guides adapt the trip to offer a great experience, often varying the paths and campsites.

Explore rarely visited inlets, paddle among sea otters and seals, and camp on quiet beaches beneath towering peaks. With uncrowded, remote locations, this trip is for adventurers looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in Alaska’s untamed coastal wilderness.

Day 1: Journey to Meares Glacier

We’ll travel by water taxi deep into Prince William Sound and set up our first camp near the dramatic face of Meares Glacier. The ride to Meares offers expansive views of Prince William Sound. After unloading, we’ll get in an afternoon paddle to settle into the rhythm of sea kayaking.

Day 2: Paddle the Ice of Meares Glacier

Spend a full day exploring the fjord around Meares Glacier, one of the few advancing tidewater glaciers in the region. Meares is one of the only advancing tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound and has powerful calving ice that sends shock waves across the surrounding peaks and valleys! There are also many seals and pupping sea otters in the area.

Days 3–6: Remote Bays and Hidden Passages

Each day we’ll move camp and paddle through some of our favorite, lesser-known bays and inlets. Expect calm water, stunning coastlines, and wildlife sightings that may include humpbacks and orcas. Weather permitting, we’ll explore Glacier Island, home to puffins, cormorants, and the impressive Bull Head sea lion haul-out.

Day 7: Glacier Views from Heather Bay

We’ll make our way to Heather Bay, where floating ice and emerald waters offer a perfect view of the Columbia Glacier. This area is a known sea otter nursery and a peaceful place to reflect on the journey.

Day 8: Columbia Glacier Finale & Return

On our final morning, we’ll paddle among icebergs at the face of Columbia Glacier. After lunch, our water taxi will pick us up around 4:00 p.m. for the scenic return to Valdez.

Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

Location / Where to Meet

107 N. Harbor Dr. Valdez, AK 99686

Plan to arrive in Valdez the day before departure. We ask that guests arrive the evening before the trip to meet the guides, conduct a gear shakedown, and discuss any last-minute concerns.

We recommend staying the night in Valdez after the trip ends.

What's Included

Experienced guides
All kayaking & safety equipment
Rain gear (both tops and bottoms)
Rubber boots
Pogies (neoprene paddle gloves)
Dry bags
Tents & Sleeping Kit (20-30 degree synthetic sleeping bag)
Group cooking gear & camping equipment
Camp chairs
Meals listed in the itinerary (lunch day 1 through lunch day 6)
Non-alcoholic beverages
Motor Boat Transport
State Park Fees

Not Included

Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

We strongly recommend following our clothing and gear guidelines closely to ensure your comfort and safety on this overnight trip. We emphasize a lightweight, layered approach—perfect for Alaska’s ever-changing weather—and strongly discourage cotton, as it loses its insulating ability when wet. If you need to purchase any of the recommended items, rest assured they’re great investments not only for this adventure but for future trips as well. Valdez has a well-stocked outdoor gear shop for any last-minute needs. For the complete packing list, please refer to the FAQ section.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Pangaea Adventures

FAQs

Sea Kayaking Overnight Packing List

2 synthetic T-shirts
1 pair of shorts (quick dry)
1-2 pairs of long underwear
1-2 lightweight polypro shirts
1 medium weight polypro/fleece shirt
1 Heavy fleece jacket -3-6 Pairs of wool or other synthetic socks
2 Pairs of pants (1 comfortable light nylon or polyester and 1 medium weight fleece or polyester)
Underwear (again, avoid cotton. Yes, they do make them!)
1 Rain jacket 100% waterproof, hooded (coated nylon with taped seems or downright rubber are best). See breathable fabric note below!
1 Pair of rain pants 100% waterproof (coated nylon with taped seems or downright rubber are best). See breathable fabric note below!
1 to 2 Pairs warm gloves (wool or polypro gloves) (1-liner glove and one midweight glove)
Warm hat (fleece or wool) and/or wide-brimmed rain hat
Sun glasses
Baseball or sun hat for sunny days (a rain hat can double as a sun hat)
1 Pair of comfortable sneakers or sandals
Sunscreen & lip protection
Water bottle
Toiletries & personal medical kit. Personal kit containing the following (insect repellent, anti-bacterial hand gel, small amount of Ibuprofen or similar OTC medication, a few Band-Aids, a small bag of tissues, Mole-Skin)

Optional Items:

Full rim rain hat (great to have)
Binoculars
Camera
Calf high rubber boots (we provide these if you don’t want to bring your own)
Extra stuff sacks (variety of sizes and colors)
Personal tent (we supply tents; However, some people like to bring their own)
Sleeping bag -0 to 20 degree synthetic (no down). We supply sleeping bags, but you may bring your own.
Sleeping pad (We supply a sleeping pad, but many people bring their own)
Fishing gear
Small flashlight (headlamp) for tours after the 2nd week in July
Personal insulated drinking mug

Important Note About Breathable Fabrics: Gore-tex and other so-called waterproof breathable fabrics are not waterproof enough to stay dry during long rainy days. If you really want to bring a breathable jacket or pants, you MUST re-treat the outside of the garment with a new waterproof coating (DWR). The DWR (durable water repellent) that your garment is treated with new will wear out in a short time. Contact us for more information. Bring extra clothes for before and after the tour. You are welcome to bring any kind of comfortable clothing you wish for around town, but we cannot stress enough the importance of not wearing cotton on our tour. Temperatures in town can range from the mid forties to lower eighties. We will keep all your extra, unneeded items at our office in town while your’e out camping.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, black bears, bald eagles, puffins, and a variety of seabirds. Whale sightings (especially humpbacks and orcas) are possible, particularly near Columbia Glacier and Glacier Island.

Where do we sleep and go to the bathroom?

You’ll sleep in tents at remote beach campsites selected by your guides. There are no developed facilities, but your guides will set up a Leave No Trace-style backcountry toilet system. Expect rustic but beautiful wilderness camping!

What's the weather like?

Prince William Sound weather can change quickly. Expect a mix of sun, clouds, rain, and possibly wind. Highs in summer range from the upper 40s to mid 60s°F. Proper layering and waterproof outerwear will keep you comfortable in any condition.

What kind of kayaks will we use?

We use stable, double (tandem) sea kayaks for this trip. These are ideal for long distances, variable conditions, and accommodating paddlers of all experience levels.

Will I see the glaciers up close?

You’ll paddle among the icebergs at the glacier’s outer moraine and get impressive views of the glacier face, but due to safety concerns, we maintain a safe distance from actively calving ice.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours operate rain or shine, and Alaska’s coastal weather can be unpredictable. Your guides will assess conditions for safety and adjust the itinerary if needed. In rare cases of severe weather, the trip may be rescheduled or refunded.

How cold is the water?

Prince William Sound’s water is very cold year-round, usually around 40–50°F (4–10°C). That’s why we provide all necessary gear, including splash skirts and PFDs (life jackets), to keep you safe and comfortable.

Will I get cold or wet?

This is Alaska—chances are you’ll experience both! We provide quality dry gear and rain protection, but dressing in layers and following our gear list will help keep you comfortable.

How big are the groups?

Group sizes are small: 2–6 guests with 1–2 guides. The maximum is 8 guests.

Can I book a private trip?

Absolutely - at checkout, select the option for a private trip to have an exclusive experience just for you and your group of up to 8 guests.

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund for reservations cancelled within 72 hours of 8 am on the date of departure. For cancellations received within 72 hours of 8 am on the date of departure, customers will forfeit their deposit.

Customers will receive a full refund or credit in the event of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.