Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

An exclusive tour, explore the uninhabited Channel Islands by stunning kayak paddle and private charter boat, quietly taking in the grandeur of the scenery and observing an abundance of wildlife (including whales!) on the Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure. This is easily one of the best Juneau shore excursions for a true Alaskan eco-adventure. As your knowledgeable guide leads your group on a paddle through the Channel Islands State Marine Park, just a short distance from Juneau, you will experience temperate rainforest and stunning snow-capped peaks, while accompanied by the amazing wildlife that calls this refuge home, including humpback whales, porpoises, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Gliding quietly in a sea kayak with just your small group of six or fewer allows for a remarkable opportunity to experience the wonders of nature up-close in a pristine wilderness environment. To truly experience wild Alaska in a custom, intimate way, the Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure is among the Juneau shore excursions you surely won’t want to miss.

As with other Juneau shore excursions, your eco-adventure begins with pick-up right at the cruise docks and transportation to the nearby boat harbor. Here you’ll be fitted with kayaking gear and receive safety instructions before boarding a private charter boat for a stunning ride along the Inside Passage out to Channel Islands State Marine Park, with wildlife viewing opportunities beginning right from the start. From here, it’s into the sea kayaks for about 2 hours of paddling in the pristine Marine Park, including time for exploring uninhabited beaches and lush rainforest by foot. After your time in the Kayaks, you will de-gear for your trip back to Juneau, but be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife in the inter-tidal zones! The Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure is a family-friendly eco-adventure suitable for all guests 8 and older, with no previous kayaking experience required. It’s sure to be an outing you won’t forget! Note: As it’s of the most exclusive Juneau shore excursions, this trip has very limited spaces, so book early to guarantee your spot!

For stunning whale watching opportunities that don’t require a paddle, you might consider the Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour. Or, to learn more about why Juneau is perfect for Whale Watching, check out this article on Juneau Whale Watching, part of our Nature & History series.