Kayaking with the Whales
Imagine an uninhabited island landscape of lush and vibrant temperate rainforest, exquisite snow-capped peaks and flowing glaciers. You may be feeding humpbacks, curious sea lions, playful porpoise, soaring eagles or other wildlife. Composed of over a dozen uninhabited islands, the Channel Islands provide unique recreational opportunities as well as a refuge for marine, terrestrial, and bird life.
Water taxi transport will take take you out of the harbor into the waters of the Inside Passage. You will disembark on one of the islands and get into your kayaks. The next two hours will be spent paddling along the forested shore-line searching for whales and other wildlife, and enjoying the scenery.
While on the water you may see humpback whales see harbor seals, steller sea lions, dall porpoise, harbor porpoise, orca, numerous bird species including bald eagles, and deer or river otters along the shore. Throughout this trip our expert guides and boat captain will share their local knowledge of the area and interesting information about the wildlife and their behavior.
Following your kayak adventure you will enjoy a healthy snack while taking in the magnificent scenery, spending some time beach combing, or exploring the intertidal zone until your water taxi arrives to whisk you back to the mainland. Be prepared to take in the beauty of glaciers in the distance and the majestic mountains of the Chilkat and Coast Ranges along the way.
Family friendly and suitable for all experience levels. This eco-adventure is sure to provide a new perspective on the world of remote Southeast Alaska!
Requirements
- Moderate fitness level with no experience necessary.
- Minimum age 8. Younger children OK if booking a private trip.
- Height, weight, shoe and clothing sizes, and various allergy/medical information will need to be provided.
Other Information
Trip Activities: Boating, kayaking, light hiking
Duration: About 8 hours
Tour Operator Provides: Transportation from/to cruise ship harbor, Professional Guide, Licensed Boat Captain, Gourmet lunch, Double Sit-in Kayak with Paddling Gear (paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, paddling mitts), Rain Gear (Jacket/Pants), Rubber Boots, Hearty Snack/Bottled Water, State Marine Park permits.
You Bring: We recommend you prepare for rain and hope for sunshine in regards to the weather. Due to the cool, damp climate it is best NOT to wear cotton and instead, wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene, and/or capilene.
TOP LAYERS
- T-Shirt
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Insulating Layer (i.e. Fleece Jacket)
- Gloves (fleece liner type)
- Warm Hat
- Sunglasses
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Long Underwear (weather dependent)
- Comfortable Pants
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- A pair of socks for wearing in the rubber boots
OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug Repellent
- Camera
- Extra Snacks
- Rain Jacket
- Rain Pants
- Binoculars
- Reusable Water Bottle (Pre-Filled)
- Guide Gratuities
Special Notes
- Minimum age of 8, unless booking a private trip.
- Children 6 to 8 years old, shorter than 57 inches, or weighing less than 65lbs must have a booster seat (not provided)
- **WAIVER** Each individual on the trip must sign a waiver form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
- This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – please stress to your clients the importance of dressing appropriately.
- We outfit all clients in sit-in double kayaks with spray skirts.
- Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (132cm). Maximum weight limits including gear are 300lbs (136kg) for single kayaks and 600lbs (272kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (188cm) have a hard time operating the rudder because the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance. However, people as tall as 6’8″ have been able to paddle in our kayaks.
- Peak months to have a chance to see whales by kayak: July-September
- Peak months to have a chance to see sea lions by kayak: May-June.
- The Marine Mammal regulations require us to remain at least a 100 yards from wildlife.
- Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee whale or wildlife sightings by kayak. This is Wild Alaska! Please do not book this trip if you want guaranteed whales or wildlife by kayak. Our goal on this trip is to guarantee you an awesome time packed with adventure, great guides, and fantastic food.