ocean kayak in juneau

Tour

OVERVIEW

Travel in the style of Native Alaskans and explore the spectacular coastal waterways and Mendenhall wetlands by kayak.

Glide through the water, get an up-close look at wildlife, and enjoy majestic views of the Mendenhall Glacier.

  • PRICE: $154 adult /  $112 child
  • DURATION: 3.5 HOURS (1.75 HOURS ON WATER)
  • ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE
  • LOCATION: JUNEAU

Tour

DETAILS

Explore Juneau by sea and get views of the Mendenhall Glacier that you can’t find anywhere else on this exciting tour! The Glacier View Sea Kayak begins as you hop a shuttle at the Mt. Roberts Tramway, on the cruise ship docks. You will be taken to North Douglas Island, a place where no other tours go.

Enjoy the peace and quiet away from the crowds, as you will be able to see more of the famous Mendenhall Glacier than on any other tour, as it winds it’s way down from the Juneau Icefield to Mendenhall Lake. Enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier that most visitors do not get to see.

Upon arrival, your guide will help you with life jackets and rain gear before teaching you kayaking techniques. Then you will board the two-person kayaks for your Alaska nature adventure.

This breathtaking trip is designed to give you a sense of how the famed Aleut Indians traveled the coastal waterways of Alaska, in search of pelts for the Russian fur trading companies.

The kayaks will allow you to silently approach any wildlife in the area, including porpoise, seals, sea lions, eagles, herons, or even whales.

Your view of the glacier is from about 6 miles away, so you’ll see how the massive river of ice flows down from the Juneau Icefield. It’s truly one of the best views of the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. Along the way, your guide and naturalist will entertain you with stories about Smugglers Cove, the history of the surrounding area, and point out any local flora and fauna.

This kayak trip is perfect for all levels of experience. Your experienced guide and safety boat captain will ensure that your experience is safe, yet fun. Your guides will group you into like abilities so that you can travel at a comfortable pace for you. If you’ve never paddled before, don’t worry! Your experienced guide will take complete care to make sure you are comfortable.

Back at the kayak base, you will enjoy a tasty Alaska style snack before the bus journey back to the pier.

  • INCLUDED: Tour includes round trip transfer from the dock; raingear and life jackets; snack consisting of reindeer sausage, cheese, crackers, salmon spread, and water. Complimentary souvenir button. T-shirts are available for purchase.

  • RESTRICTIONS: We recommend guests to wear warm comfortable layers and bring gloves and an extra pair of socks. No prior experience necessary. Children must weigh at least 40 pounds to fit into required life jackets. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian.  Maximum weight limits including gear are 300lbs (660kg) for single kayaks and 600lbs (1320kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (198cm) have a hard time operating the rudder because the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance. However, people as tall as 6’6″ have been able to paddle in our kayaks.

  • CANCELLATION: Any changes or cancellations made more than 14 days before the tour departure will not be charged a fee and will receive a full refund.  Any cancellations within 14 days of the tour departure will be non-refundable.  Any cancellations due to weather or late arrival of your cruise ship will result in a full refund.

  • WHAT TO WEAR: Due to the possibility of inclement weather, it is recommended that you wear warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable slip-proof shoes.

  • MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: All Glacier View Sea Kayak trips begin at the Mt. Roberts Tramway, at the cruise ship docks. Try to meet 15 minutes before departure time.