Kayaking with Whales

Included In The Price

• 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
• Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)

Not Included In Price

• Hot shower at the end of the day, but you can book your unique stay here.
• 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.

Pick up for Downtown

Van transportation to the harbor for gear outfitting and boarding motorboat.

Scenic Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise

Board our 6-passenger cabin cruiser and head to the Channel Islands State Marine Park.

Land on a remote island, have a snack, and launch your kayak!

Explore Humpback whale feeding grounds in tandem kayaks.

**Actual kayak time is dependent on marine conditions, wildlife location, and client ability

Cruise Back to the Harbor

Keep your eyes open for sea lions, seals, eagles, and whales!

De-Gear and Transport back Downtown

Thanks joining us!

Client Pickup Information

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 please contact our office for meeting location information at 907-290-2318 or info@beyondak.com.

• We do not guarantee whale or wildlife sightings: This is wild Alaska! Federal regulations require us to maintain a distance of 100 yards from any marine mammal.
• Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (140cm). Maximum weight limit is 600lbs (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.
• Due to inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
• If you have a private trip booked, you are welcome to bring your own beverages in a small cooler on board the motorboat. However, no alcoholic beverages are permitted on the boat nor during the trip
• This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet.
• 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.
• Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
• Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not to schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if your clients have another excursion booked on the same day.

The prime whale-watching season in Alaska spans from May to September, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-June and mid-August. During these months, humpback whales migrate to Alaska’s coastal waters to feed and mate, offering the breathtaking experience of seeing them thrive in their natural habitat.

The Channel Islands Marine Park is one of Alaska’s premier whale-feeding areas, making it an excellent destination for kayaking and wildlife viewing. Humpback and orca whales are the most common sightings and your knowledgeable kayak guide and boat captain will use their expertise to maximize your chances of witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Our Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure provides a truly unique and immersive experience, setting it apart from traditional whale-watching tours. Rather than observing from a boat, you’ll be right on the water in a kayak, offering a quieter, more intimate connection with marine wildlife.

We keep our group sizes small to ensure a personalized and low-impact experience, enhancing wildlife encounters while allowing our expert guides to provide tailored insights into the local ecosystem.

Additionally, we are honored to be recognized as a Top 10 Kayak Tour Company by USA Today. Our dedication to offering exceptional, eco-friendly adventures has made us a top-rated choice for visitors seeking to explore Alaska’s waters in a truly sustainable and unforgettable way.

Juneau is renowned for its unforgettable whale-watching adventures. One of the premier locations is the Channel Islands State Marine Park, where Above & Beyond Alaska’s tours guide you through the heart of humpback whale feeding grounds. Especially during late spring to early fall, this thriving ecosystem flourishes with migrating whales and diverse marine life, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

The “Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure” is approximately 6 hours in duration. This includes van transportation, a scenic wildlife and whale-watching cruise, kayaking time, and return transit.

To prepare for your trip, we advise participants to dress in layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer (jacket and pants), to stay comfortable and prepared for changing weather and the possibility of getting wet. Comfortable, non-slip shoes with good traction are also recommended, along with sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. For the best experience, consider bringing personal items like snacks, a reusable water bottle, binoculars, and a camera or smartphone with a good zoom lens to capture the moment.

Above & Beyond Alaska provides kayaking equipment, rain gear (including a hooded jacket, rubber boots, and pants), dry bags, hearty snacks, and a souvenir water bottle.

Yes! The Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure is family-friendly. The public tour welcomes participants aged 8 and above, while private tours can accommodate children as young as 7. It’s important that children are able to swim and can confidently paddle a tandem kayak with an adult for up to 2 hours.

Yes, our tours run rain or shine, as marine wildlife remains active regardless of the weather. In fact, misty conditions can add to the wild, dramatic beauty of the experience. We provide high-quality rain gear to keep you comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying the incredible scenery and wildlife encounters.

While it’s possible to catch a glimpse of whales from certain shorelines around Juneau, nothing compares to the experience of a guided tour. Tours take you to the heart of prime whale-feeding areas, offering you a much higher chance of seeing these majestic creatures up close.

Beyond the location, what truly elevates the experience is our team of passionate guides, who bring extensive personal experience and expert training to every tour. With deep knowledge of Alaska’s wilderness and a commitment to safety and adventure, they’ll ensure you have an unforgettable journey through this pristine landscape.

Yes—when done responsibly! As a locally founded, employee-owned company our commitment to the environment is central to all that we do. Our whale-watching tours are designed to be as gentle on the environment as they are unforgettable. We follow Leave No Trace principles, keep group sizes small, and provide reusable supplies to minimize waste. Our expert guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge about Juneau to foster a deeper appreciation for both our community and conservation. As proud members of Whale SENSE and Adventure Green Alaska, we uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship, ensuring that every adventure respects and protects Southeast Alaska’s delicate ecosystems.

Our eco-conscious mindset extends beyond tours. We were the first tourism company to partner with the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund, helping fund clean energy solutions for local communities. Also, we make continuous improvements to our operations like installing energy-efficient heat pumps, building a LEED-certified office and eliminating single-use plastics.

By choosing Above & Beyond Alaska, you’re not just embarking on an awe-inspiring adventure—you’re joining us in preserving the magnificent beauty of Alaska for generations to come.

Yes! We offer private whale-watching tours for groups of up to six guests. These exclusive experiences provide personalized attention and flexibility, allowing us to tailor the adventure to your group’s interests while exploring the stunning waters of Southeast Alaska.

Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season from mid-June to mid-August. Tours fill up quickly, and securing your spot early ensures availability and allows us to prepare for the best possible experience.

Federal regulations require staying at least 100 yards away from marine mammals to ensure their safety and minimize disturbance. However, even from this distance, kayaking provides a unique and intimate perspective, allowing you to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Feel free to bring binoculars to enhance your experience!

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain, with temperatures ranging from cool to mild. It’s important to dress in layers, such as a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer (jacket and pants), to stay comfortable and prepared for wet conditions. Additionally, we recommend wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes with good traction, as well as sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Having the right clothing will ensure you enjoy the experience, no matter what the weather brings!

While we can’t guarantee whale sightings, there’s a high likelihood of encountering them, especially with our experienced guides who know these waters and whale behaviors well. Regardless, the areas we explore on our Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure are rich with birds and marine life—harbor seals, sea lions, and porpoises are common companions along the way. And with forested islands, snow-capped mountain peaks, and pristine glacially-fed waters surrounding you, every paddle is an unforgettable journey into the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska.

The Channel Islands State Marine Park is a vibrant and thriving ecosystem, home to a wide range of wildlife. Along with humpback whales and orcas, you may encounter Steller sea lions, porpoises, seals and a variety of seabirds, all of which thrive in these rich, nutrient-filled waters. The park’s wide array of marine life make it an exciting and dynamic destination, offering a unique opportunity to witness nature in its most pristine form. Your expert guides will share their local expertise about the area and actively search for the best wildlife encounters possible!

Whales in Alaska are active throughout the day, with their behaviors influenced more by tides and food availability than specific times. Our Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure tour is scheduled to align with these natural patterns, maximizing your chances of an incredible encounter.