Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure
GuidedDuration: 6 hours
Features
Description
Channel Islands Kayak Tour - Paddle with Whales in Juneau
- Kayak through the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska
- Scenic boat cruise with a variety of marine life, including whales, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, porpoises, and birds
- Explore the stunning land and seascape of Southeast Alaska
- Enjoy an intimate wildlife viewing experience
- Experience a fun and challenging kayaking adventure with experienced and knowledgeable guides, suitable for all experience levels
Duration
- 45 min - Pick up from Downtown
- 1.5 Hours - Scenic Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise
- 1-2 Hours - Land on a remote island, have a snack, and launch your kayak!
- 1 Hour - Cruise Back to the Harbor
- 45 minutes De-Gear and Transport back Downtown
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
What's Included
- Professional guides and boat captain
- Roundtrip van transportation & water taxi
- State Marine Park permits
- Double Kayaks, Paddling Gear, and Dry Bags
- Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots and pants)
- Hearty Snacks
- 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
- Professional Photography
- 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
- Dress in layers to stay warm and adaptable to changing weather
- Avoid cotton or denim — instead wear quick-drying synthetic or wool materials.
- Waterproof or water-resistant outer layer (jacket and pants recommended)
- Warm hat or beanie, especially for cooler days
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can get wet
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks or small personal food items
- Sunglasses with retention strap and sunscreen (yes, even in Alaska!)
- 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
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
490 South Franklin St
Juneau, AK, 99801
US
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