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Kayaking with Whales

Best Kayak Tour USA Today Readers Choice badge

Kayak in the heart of Humpback Whale Feeding Grounds

on this Exclusive Tour

Duration
Day Trip
6 Hours

Activity
Kayak, Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing, Boat Ride

Highlight
Active Eco-Kayak Adventure

Price
From $439 per person + tax

Difficulty
Easy to Moderate

Transportation
Meet at "C" Sign by the Mount Roberts Tramway

Experience The Trip

Step aboard our comfortable 6-passenger motorboat for an extraordinary journey through the Inside Passage, heading to the most abundant humpback whale feeding area and one of Alaska’s prime kayaking destinations. As we set sail towards the Channel Islands State Marine Park, your seasoned captain and kayak guide will lead you on an incredible wildlife viewing adventure within this vibrant and diverse ecosystem while you kayak with whales.

The Channel Islands serve as a thriving habitat for an array of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, steller sea lions, porpoises, various bird species, and seals. Your knowledgeable kayak guide and boat captain will lead you through this dynamic natural history experience, sharing their local expertise about the area while actively searching for the best wildlife encounters.

Kayaking in Southeast Alaska with Above & Beyond Alaska, the premiere wilderness and wildlife excursion provider in Juneau.
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pon arriving at a secluded beach, your guide will acquaint you with the kayaks and provide a brief introduction to this unique mode of exploration. In no time, you’ll glide across the serene waters in double kayaks, embarking on a quest for more intimate wildlife interactions. As you paddle, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks and meandering glaciers that adorn the distant horizon.

This active eco-adventure was voted as one of the top 10 Best Kayak Tours by USA Today in 2023. It is designed to accommodate participants of all experience levels, granting you a remarkable opportunity to witness the grandeur of Southeast Alaska’s landscapes and seascapes while immersing yourself in the captivating world of its wildlife from a fresh and unforgettable perspective.

Book your tour to kayak with whales today and embark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure!

The Trip Itinerary

About 6 hours – approximate itinerary is below

45 min

Pick up for Downtown

Van transportation to harbor for gear outfitting and boardimg motorboat

1.5 Hours

Scenic Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise

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

1-2 Hours

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

Explore Humpback whale feeding grounds in tandem kayaks.

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

1 Hour

Cruise Back to the Harbor

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

45 minutes

De-Gear and Transport back Downtown

Thanks joining us!


Practical Info

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 907-364-2333 or info@beyondak.com. 

downtown juneau dock c
This is the "C" sign. Right by the tram.

Price

Public: From $439

Private Tour: From $2,634.00 (can include 1 – 6 guests)

Group Size: Minimum of 4, Maximum of 6

Minimum Age Public Tour: 8 years old

Minimum Age Private Tour: 7 years old

Children must be able to swim and confidently paddle a double kayak with an adult.

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.

Important Notes

  • 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 schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if your clients have another excursion booked on the same day.

Private Departures: Private tours are available by contacting the office.

Departure Times: Please click on the Book Your Trip tab for updated departure times

Dates of Operation: May 1st – Sept. 30th, 2024

Group Size: Minimum of 4, Maximum of 6

Minimum Age: 8 years old – public tour, 7 years old – private tour. Children must be able to confidently paddle a tandem kayak with an adult.

Activity Level: Moderate

Information Needed:

  • Name of client(s)
  • Cell phone contact number of client
  • Desired trip date and departure time
  • Name of cruise ship or hotel
  • Clients’ ages, especially anyone under the age of 18
  • Rain gear & shoe sizes (please specify male or female)
  • Any pertinent medical issues, allergies or dietary restrictions
  • Primary language spoken, if other than English
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