Top Alaska Kayaking Tours

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and try your luck spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and birds. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

The opportunities for adventure in Alaska are endless, so visitors on tight schedules might have difficulty fitting in everything. You'll paddle around icebergs in Spencer Glacier Lake and enjoy views of hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and more on a train ride through Grandview, the most scenic section of the Alaska Railroad.

Have the special opportunity to see the Mendenhall Glacier up close—and make the most of your limited time ashore in Juneau—on this immersive, half-day shore excursion. Travel across the waters of Mendenhall Lake in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe that permits unobstructed viewing of the glacier, icebergs, Nugget Falls, and perhaps some Alaskan wildlife. This tour includes all equipment, snacks, and port pickup and drop-off for your ease.

Explore the waters of Resurrection Bay from aboard a kayak with this guided tour, suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. You can expect to see all sorts of wildlife, from sea otters and harbor seals to bald eagles. If you visit during the late summer, you may also get the chance to stop for a walk along Tonsina Creek to see fish spawning.

Experience up-close views of glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this cruise. Enjoy 100 miles (round-trip) of jaw-dropping scenery as the captain and crew explain the surrounding geology and wildlife. Sail past the majestic Holgate Glacier and witness chunks of glaciers break off and crash into the water. Get your camera out near Chiswell Islands, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. In addition to the sights, enjoy a complimentary brunch or deli lunch.

Explore Juneau’s incredible coastline on this small-group kayaking adventure through the beautiful Mendenhall Wetlands. Keep your camera ready as you glide past eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and maybe even a curious sea lion or porpoise swimming nearby. From your kayak, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, visible from six miles away as it winds through mountain peaks. This tour is intentionally limited to no more than 8 guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience. Unlike other tours, each guest paddles their own single kayak , allowing for better control, comfort, and opportunity to explore. (Double kayaks available on request) You’ll be fully outfitted with a high-quality dry suit, keeping you warm and dry in all weather conditions. Our experienced local guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the tour, making this adventure ideal for first-time kayakers as well as those with prior experience.

Wilderness areas near Ketchikan are ideal locations to see the wildlife and old growth rain forests of south eastern Alaska. With this tour, take a short boat ride to the Orcas Cove launch point, get in a kayak, and spend a few hours exploring the shoreline and spotting wildlife—bears, whales, eagles, and more—waterside. Finish the tour with a snack of local smoked salmon.

Swap the big city for the natural beauty of Alaska’s wild backcountry on this full-day combination off-road driving and glacier kayaking adventure. Start with a scenic drive to Palmer, then board a 4WD vehicle to tackle rugged off-road trails along Jim Creek with stunning mountain views. After reaching the glacier area, gear up and paddle for two hours across a remote, iceberg-filled lake.

Hit the Alaskan waters on this 3.5-hour Mendenhall Lake kayak tour in Tongass National Forest. Journey across the lake in a kayak with group members in your same expertise level. Maneuver around glaciers as you take in stunning sights of the lake’s natural beauty, and catch sight of wildlife as you go. Paddle by Nugget Falls and the 3,000-year-old Mendenhall Glacier.

Kayak on TWO amazing glacial lakes! This adventure begins with a paddle across Trail Lake in Historic Moose Pass. Our guides bring this small Alaskan town’s history to life. The stories of locals like Alaska Nellie, the ghost of gold miner Al and the famed Iditarod Trail provide plenty to ponder as you paddle along the shores of Trail Lake. After a short paddle south, glide to shore for a hike along a section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail as we head up and over the ridge to the stunning, emerald waters of Grant Lake. While moderately rated in regard to the terrain, there's no denying we're in wild Alaska along this route due to the rapid growth of the vegetation in the spring and summer along the trail. The feelings while staring out across Grant Lake are hard to describe and the views are breathtaking. We'll take some time to have lunch here, then we'll set out on kayaks once again to experience this area from the water before hiking back down the trail toward Moose Pass.

Explore the Alaskan wilderness by ATV from Denali. View Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife including moose. Ride either an automatic single or double ATV through rugged terrain, splashing through water (weather permitting) and traversing rocky creek beds at speeds of up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour. Hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels is included for convenience.

Kayak in the waters around Mendenhall Glacier safely and without needing to haul your own gear with you on this guided tour from Juneau. Get a paddling primer, then follow your guide through Fritz Cove and the protected Mendenhall Wetlands for possible views of all sorts of wildlife, including bald eagles and humpback whales.

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and increase your chances of spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, salmon, and even whales as you explore in a quiet, eco-friendly vessel. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron.

Experience Alaska’s forests and tundra from the only zipline course in the Denali National Park region. Soar over the trees during a half-day ziplining experience just outside the national park. Guides lead you along a course with six suspension bridges and seven ziplines. Remember to pause and admire the landscape on this memorable tour that promises exhilarating thrills, incredible scenery, and a fun challenge.

Spend a day immersed in Alaska’s stunning nature during this kayak trip on Chilkoot Lake. Depart the town of Haines with your private guide and enjoy a leisurely few hours of kayaking on the uncrowded lake. While you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as salmon, bald eagles, and even brown bears.

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Kick up your adrenaline with this guided ATV adventure in the backcountry of Denali National Park. Hop aboard a Polaris Side by Side ATV, accommodating two passengers, and rev off along the Alaska Range, speeding through stunning mountain scenery up to 25 miles per hour. On Black Diamond Peak, marvel at views of Healy Valley. After the ride, enjoy a full-service backcountry meal. Hotel transport is available for this 3.5-hour outing.

Discover Alaska’s natural beauty from the water—and find scenic spots you’d otherwise miss—on this small-group kayak tour. Glide past rugged landscapes, paddle around the Rockwell Lighthouse landmark, and look out for wildlife including sea lions. Along the way, learn about history and culture and hear stories about the region from a local guide. For your convenience, snacks and bottled water are also included.

Every tour is catered to each individual groups abilities, as well as the weather conditions we are experiencing for the day. We launch our tours from an ideal location where the guides can take you on a comfortable and fun kayaking experience.

The turquoise waters of Eklutna Lake, fed by Eklutna Glacier, are surrounded by towering peaks and a rich forest ecosystem. Make the most of your time at Eklutna Lake by choosing two of the following guided outdoor adventures: biking, hiking, or kayaking. We'll take you beyond the basics of the valley's flora and fauna. You'll get a history of the valley, it's use as Anchorage's water source, the Alaska natives that have called the valley home, and their fight to protect and restore their ancestral lands.

This Juneau small-group shore excursion combines Mendenhall Glacier viewing from Brotherhood Bridge, amazing scenic kayaking and wildlife viewing, and a guided hike into one flexible, cruise-friendly adventure. Perfect for cruise ship passengers, families, and adventure seekers, it offers a more personal and active alternative to crowded tours, with knowledgeable local guides who live in Juneau, small groups, hearty snacks, round-trip dock transportation, and a guaranteed return to your ship on time.