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Magical Spencer Double - Iceberg Kayak & Raft Tour

Guided

Duration: 1 day

Features

Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Beginner Friendly
Instant Book
$546 Adult • Anchorage
(Ages 12+)
$499 Adult • Girdwood
(Ages 12+)
$546 Child • Anchorage
(Ages 8-11)
$499 Child • Girdwood
(Ages 8-11)

Description

Magical Spencer Double – Iceberg Kayak & Glacier Raft Combo

Experience twice the adventure in one unforgettable day at Spencer Glacier. The Magical Spencer Double combines iceberg kayaking and glacier river rafting into a single seamless adventure, only possible in this stunning corner of Alaska.
Start your morning on Spencer Lake, paddling through a maze of glistening icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by time, water, and sun. As you kayak toward the towering blue face of Spencer Glacier, your guide will share insights into glacial dynamics and the surrounding Chugach backcountry. Morning is the calmest and most beautiful time to paddle—the lake often turns to glass, reflecting the surreal landscape in perfect symmetry.
In the afternoon, trade your kayak for a paddle raft and embark on a scenic float down the Placer River. This 7-mile stretch is mellow, relaxing, and packed with views—towering mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and wide glacial valleys unfold around each bend. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, eagles, and salmon in season. You’ll ride the current through one of Alaska’s wildest and most remote river corridors, ending with a unique pick-up: the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train, which stops right along the riverbank to carry you back to civilization.
This trip offers a relaxed and family-friendly way to experience the grandeur of Alaska’s backcountry. Suitable for guests of all ages and abilities, the mellow river float (Class I–II) provides a peaceful and unforgettable encounter with Alaska’s natural wonders. Keep your camera ready for stunning photo opportunities as you glide past massive icebergs and beneath sweeping mountain vistas.

Duration

  • Anchorage Departure: 12 hours and 45 minutes
  • Girdwood Departure: 10 hours and 15 minutes

Location / Where to Meet

Anchorage Departure: 
  1. 6:45 AM – Coastal Classic departs Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Girdwood Departure:
  1. 8:05 AM – Coastal Classed departs Girdwood Depot: Brudine Road, Girdwood, AK

Ages & Requirements

Age Requirements: 
The minimum age for this kayak tour is 8 years old.  All children will participate in tandem kayaks with a parent or the most experienced paddler in your group.  
Weight Requirements:
The approximate maximum weight is 240 lbs.
The approximate maximum height is 6’3”.

What's Included

  1. Experienced and knowledgeable guides
  2. All kayak equipment, including splash tops, spray skirts, and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests)
  3. For rafting, we provide rubber boots, a PFD (life jacket), and a rain poncho if needed. If you have your own rain gear & rubber boots, please bring them.
  4. Catered sack lunch, drinks, and snacks 
  5. Alaska Railroad train tickets
  6. Return transportation to Girdwood

Not Included

  1. Guide Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

Bring warm clothes & layers, extra socks, a hat & gloves. These are more important in August & September, but nice to have in June & July with AK's unpredictable weather. We recommend having a few layers to wear.
  • Warm clothes (synthetic or layers)
  • Rain Jacket
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
Cameras are highly recommended. We can’t guarantee that they won’t get wet, although most guests do bring their cameras. We recommend putting them away during the rapid section if you are concerned about getting wet.

Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking & Placer River Rafting

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Chugach Adventures

FAQs

Spencer Double Iceberg Kayak + Raft Tour Itinerary:

  • 6:45 AM – Coastal Classic departs Anchorage (Breakfast & Coffee is available on the train, but please let the onboard supervisor know that you will be getting off at Spencer Glacier and need to eat early.)
  • 8:05 AM – Coastal Classic departs Girdwood (Chugach Adventures’ guide will board the train here in Girdwood)
  • 9 AM – Arrive at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop
  • 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM – KAYAK Tour on Spencer Glacier Lake
  • 2 – 5 PM – RAFTING – 7 Mile River Float Down the Placer River
  • 5:15 PM – Arrive in Portage and board the motorcoach back to Anchorage or Chugach Adventures’ van Shuttle to Girdwood
  • 5:45 PM – Arrival at Girdwood
  • 6:45 PM – Arrival in Anchorage

How many miles do we kayak on Spencer Lake?

Spencer Lake Distances: The paddle across the lake is approximately 2 miles one way. It takes anywhere between 20 Minutes (With Calm Perfect weather) to 1 hour to paddle across the lake

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions at lunch?

Yes, please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available). There is a space at checkout to let us know.

What if the weather is bad?

Water levels, wind, and other natural factors beyond our control may cause us to alter your trip for your safety & enjoyment.

For example on windy days, if you have booked a Kayak trip, we reserve the right to have you join us on a rafting trip. With our Spencer Glacier Float trip, the river portion is based on water levels in the river. We reserve the right to modify your rafting trip to a Spencer Glacier Float lake tour going closer to the glacier if the water levels are not sufficient for a safe/enjoyable trip down the Placer River.

Landing zone locations and the extent of our glacier hiking & moraine treks are dictated mostly by the weather of the day and the group’s activity level & speed.

Chugach Adventures does not cancel trips due to inclement weather, nor provide refunds when adventures are adjusted based on weather.

Should I tip my guide?

Our guides are expected to go above and beyond for this trip and greatly appreciate any & all gratuities.

Where should we leave our bags?

Personal baggage can be left on the train while you go on your adventure. (The Alaska Railroad & Chugach Adventures can not guarantee the safety of your bags, but in over ten years of operations we have had no problems with belongings on the train). Space is available for small bags in the raft that can either sit on your lap or get wet, waterproof bags are recommended.

Are there restrooms available?

There are restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. There are no restrooms once we are on the water, backcountry options only.

Will we get wet while rafting?

Placer River is a Class I to II, mellow braided river, with no big rapids. Most guests will not get splashed with water. If you are concerned about getting splashed you can request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide.

How many guests fit in a raft?

Families and booking parties are put on the same raft. If you have a request to be with a friend, please let us know on the train. The maximum capacity is 8 adults in each raft.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable.
Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
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Availability

July 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

1553 Alyeska Hwy

Girdwood, AK, 99587

US

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