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Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure

Guided

Duration: 6 hours

Features

Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Shuttle Included
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Private
Instant Book
$449 Person
(Ages 8+)
$2,687 Private
$449 Adult - Juneau

Description

Channel Islands Kayak Tour - Paddle with Whales in Juneau

Get ready for an unforgettable day on Alaska’s waters with our Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure — a one-of-a-kind experience that combines whale watching, island exploration, and sea kayaking in the heart of the Inside Passage. On this adventure, you'll experience:
  1. Kayak through the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska
  2. Scenic boat cruise with a variety of marine life, including whales, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, porpoises, and birds
  3. Explore the stunning land and seascape of Southeast Alaska
  4. Enjoy an intimate wildlife viewing experience
  5. Experience a fun and challenging kayaking adventure with experienced and knowledgeable guides, suitable for all experience levels
Your journey begins with downtown pickup and a scenic van ride to the harbor, where you'll gear up and board our comfortable 6-passenger motorboat. From there, cruise through the breathtaking Channel Islands State Marine Park — a hotspot for humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Along the way, keep watch for eagles overhead, porpoises slicing through the water, and sea lions basking on the rocky shorelines.
Upon landing on a remote island, enjoy a light snack before launching your tandem kayak into the heart of the whales' feeding grounds. With your experienced guide leading the way, paddle through nutrient-rich waters that attract humpbacks, all while surrounded by Alaska’s stunning coastal scenery. The amount of time spent kayaking varies based on conditions, wildlife location, and group ability, but no matter the route, this trip promises awe-inspiring moments. After your paddle, cruise back to the harbor with more chances to spot wildlife, then return downtown full of stories and memories from an epic Alaskan day.

Duration

6 hours total
  1. 45 min - Pick up from Downtown
  2. 1.5 Hours - Scenic Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise
  3. 1-2 Hours - Land on a remote island, have a snack, and launch your kayak!
  4. 1 Hour - Cruise Back to the Harbor
  5. 45 minutes De-Gear and Transport back Downtown

Location / Where to Meet

Standard Client Pickup Location
Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.
Clients arriving at AJ Dock:
Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.
Clients Staying Locally:
Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley.
Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.
ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation should contact us after booking to arrange a meeting location.

Ages & Requirements

Minimum age: 8 years old for group trips, 7 years old for private trips
Maximum group size: 12 guests
Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (140cm). Maximum weight limit is 600 lbs (272kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (188cm) find operating the rudder challenging, as the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance; however, people as tall as 6’8″ have been able to paddle our kayaks.
Participants must be able to confidently paddle tandem kayaks for up to 2 hours.

What's Included

  1. Professional guides and boat captain
  2. Roundtrip van transportation & water taxi
  3. State Marine Park permits
  4. Double Kayaks, Paddling Gear, and Dry Bags
  5. Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots and pants)
  6. Hearty Snacks
  7. Water: While we do provide a souvenir water bottle on our trips, we strongly encourage all guests to bring their own reusable water bottle to help minimize waste.

Not Included

  1. Professional Photography
  2. Gratuity for your Guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.

What to Bring / Wear

We provide all the kayaking gear on our trips. We recommend you prepare for rain and hope for sunshine. Due to the cool, damp climate, it is best NOT to wear cotton or denim and instead, wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene, and/or capilene. You are more than welcome to bring personal items on any of our tours (Camera, reusable water bottle, food, layers, etc.).
  1. Dress in layers to stay warm and adaptable to changing weather
  2. Avoid cotton or denim — instead wear quick-drying synthetic or wool materials.
  3. Waterproof or water-resistant outer layer (jacket and pants recommended)
  4. Warm hat or beanie, especially for cooler days
  5. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can get wet
  6. Reusable water bottle
  7. Snacks or small personal food items
  8. Sunglasses with retention strap and sunscreen (yes, even in Alaska!)
  9. Camera or phone (in a waterproof case or dry bag if possible)

Channel Islands Whale Kayaking Tour

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Above & Beyond Alaska

FAQs

Are we guaranteed to see whales?

Humpback whales are wild animals, and as such, we cannot guarantee sightings of them. However, the Juneau area is renowned as a fertile feeding ground for whales and other marine life, increasing the likelihood of encountering these magnificent creatures during our tours.

How long are we kayaking for?

Kayaking duration depends on a variety of factors, including marine conditions and the ability level of the group. We aim for 1.5 hours of paddling time.

What is the best time of day to view whales?

We have found that the time of day does not influence whale viewing.

What is the best time of year to view whales?

Juneau is widely regarded as one of the premier whale watching destinations in Alaska. The humpback whales of the Pacific migrate to these waters after wintering in Hawai’i. They are drawn to the nutrient-rich waters around Juneau, which serve as their feeding grounds. The optimal time for whale viewing is during the peak summer months of June to August. Nevertheless, May and September also offer excellent opportunities for whale watching. In late July, you begin to see Bubble Net Feeding, when 10-12 whales jump out of the water at once.

Do I need prior kayaking experience?

Not at all! This tour is perfect for beginners. Your guide will give you all the instruction you need before you get on the water.

What is the weather like in Juneau?

“Plan for rain, pray for sun!” is our motto in Southeast Alaska. We are surrounded by the Tongass National Rainforest, part of the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Juneau receives approximately 60-100 inches annually. Average temperatures in the summer are in the 50s and 60s. April, May, and June are Juneau’s driest months. July and August are the warmest. In September it becomes cooler and wetter.

What wildlife might I see?

Keep an eye out for harbor seals, bald eagles, salmon, sea stars, and occasionally jellyfish or anemones. Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed.

Will the tour be canceled if it's raining?

We operate our tours rain or shine. Juneau is situated in the world’s largest temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest. Rain is a common occurrence in Juneau, and we embrace it as part of the experience. To ensure your comfort, we provide each guest with a rain jacket, rain pants, and rain boots.

Should ABAK determine that weather conditions present a safety concern, we will regretfully cancel the tour. In such instances, a full refund will be issued to our guests. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding in this regard.

What sizes do you have for rental gear?

For all tours we provide rain gear to protect from the changing elements. This gear can be used or stowed in your backpack or dry bag.

Rain Gear is waterproof and will go over your personal gear. It is sized more like a poncho than a standard jacket. So if you wear Women’s Medium mostly, a Women’s Medium Jacket and Pants will easily fit over your clothes.

  • Rain Gear Sizes: Men and Women’s XS – XXL, Youth S-L

For the tours involving paddling, we provide neoprene rubber boots made by Bogs or Grundens. These boots will be in place of your shoes and you are welcome to store your personal shoes at our warehouse facility.

  • Rubber boots sizes: Men’s 6 – 14, Women’s 6-11, Youth 2-5

Where can I go to the bathroom during the trip?

On our day trips we recommend you use the restroom before the trip starts. Our warehouse facility has two restrooms for your use. Once you are out in the field, there are no restrooms besides the great outdoors. ABAK follows Leave No Trace Principles and if you need to use the bathroom during this time we request that you pack out any trash – this includes toilet paper.

How many people are in a group?

Our tour group sizes range from 2 – 12 people with 1 guide for every 8 people on group departures. So if you book a tour that has the maximum number of 12 people, then you will have 2 professional guides with you all day.

Can I book a private tour?

Absolutely! At checkout, select the private tour option for you and your group.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to a scheduled tour will be refunded in full.
Cancellations made under 72 hours of a scheduled tour are non-refundable.
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Availability

July 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

490 South Franklin St

Juneau, AK, 99801

US

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