Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure

Exploring the pristine Alaskan wilderness from a kayak is an unforgettable experience, and Juneau’s shore excursion offers just that. Paddling across the Inside Passage, adventurers can witness the majesty of humpback whales in their natural feeding grounds. With expert guides providing insights into the local ecosystem, you will marvel at stunning glaciers, forests, and snow-capped mountains surrounding them. This immersive tour not only provides the opportunity to encounter these remarkable marine mammals but also immerses visitors in the serene beauty of the region. What secrets might this kayak adventure uncover?

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Juneau.

Key Points

• Small-group kayaking tour from Juneau to the Inside Passage’s rich whale feeding grounds, offering opportunities to spot humpback whales up close.
• Includes necessary paddling and rain gear, as well as professional guides who provide insights into the local ecosystems and wildlife.
• Pickup available near cruise ship docks or major hotels, with a convenient meeting point for a streamlined start to the excursion.
• Participants must maintain a moderate level of physical fitness, with restrictions on age, weight, and pregnancy status for safety reasons.
• Whale and wildlife sightings not guaranteed, but the tour promises breathtaking views of glaciers, forests, and snow-capped mountains.

Tour Overview

Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure

Tour Overview

This small-group kayaking adventure from Juneau takes participants across the Inside Passage to rich feeding grounds where they can spot humpback whales up close.

Gliding silently through the water, kayakers will admire stunning views of glaciers, forests, and snow-capped mountains.

The professional guide provides insight into the local ecosystems and wildlife.

Guests will have the chance to observe whales breaching, lunge feeding, or simply surfacing to breathe, all while learning about these majestic creatures.

It’s an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature and observe humpbacks in their natural habitat during this small-group paddling excursion.

What’s Included

This small-group kayaking adventure includes bottled water and snacks to keep participants hydrated and energized throughout the excursion. Plus, all necessary paddling and rain gear is provided to ensure comfort and safety on the water.

A professional guide accompanies the group, sharing insights about the local ecosystems and wildlife. Forest Service permits are also included, allowing the group to access the pristine wilderness areas.

With everything taken care of, kayakers can focus on the exhilarating experience of paddling alongside the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat, surrounded by the stunning glaciers, forests, and snow-capped mountains of Juneau’s Inside Passage.

Meeting and Pickup

The pickup is available at the ‘C’ Sign near the cruise ship docks or directly from major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley.

Alternatively, the meeting point is at the ‘C’ Sign, near the cruise ship docks. This convenient location makes it easy for cruise ship passengers and hotel guests to access the kayaking adventure.

The guide will be waiting at the meeting point to greet participants and provide any necessary instructions or gear before setting off on the excursion. This streamlined pickup process ensures a smooth start to the day’s paddling journey in search of humpback whales and other wildlife along the Inside Passage.

Requirements and Restrictions

Due to the physical demands of the activity, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues. Participants should maintain a moderate level of physical fitness to confidently paddle for up to 2 hours.

The minimum age is 8 years old, and all guests must know how to swim and be able to paddle comfortably. Single kayaks have a maximum torso diameter of 52 inches and a weight limit of 300 lbs, while double kayaks accommodate up to 600 lbs. Pregnant guests aren’t permitted to participate due to safety concerns.

Participants must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form before the tour.

Whale and Wildlife Sightings

While sightings of whales and other wildlife can’t be guaranteed, guests often spot a variety of marine life during the adventure.

Humpback whales are the primary focus, as the tour travels to their rich feeding grounds in the Inside Passage. Participants may also catch glimpses of seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and a diverse array of seabirds amidst the stunning glacial landscapes.

The tour guides are experts in local ecosystems and wildlife, and they’ll share their knowledge to help guests identify and appreciate the diverse species encountered.

With luck, guests may witness the impressive display of humpback whales breaching the surface, their massive bodies momentarily airborne before crashing back into the waters of the Inside Passage.

Safety Precautions

Safety is a top priority on this whale watching tour. Participants’ wellbeing comes first, so the tour operator has implemented several precautions to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

All kayakers must know how to swim and be able to paddle for up to two hours. There are strict weight and size limits for the kayaks to maintain stability and safety. Pregnant guests aren’t permitted due to the physical demands of the activity.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, heart issues, or other serious medical conditions. Proper attire is essential, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Tour Operation and Capacity

The tour operates with a minimum of 4 participants required for the activity to proceed, ensuring a small-group experience. Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. A maximum of 6 travelers are permitted per tour, allowing the guide to provide personalized attention and facilitate an intimate encounter with the whales and surrounding natural wonders.

Tour Capacity	Minimum Participants	Maximum Participants
Single Kayaks	4	6
Double Kayaks	4	3
Total Group Size	4	6

This intimate group size enables the guide to offer tailored instruction, ensure safety, and provide ample opportunities to observe the majestic humpback whales up close during the kayaking adventure.

Booking and Confirmation

Upon booking this captivating kayak adventure, travelers can expect a confirmation within 48 hours, contingent upon availability.

The tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to proceed, ensuring an intimate small-group experience amidst the wondrous wilderness. Should the minimum not be met, the tour will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.

Guests should be aware that there’s no guarantee of whale or wildlife sightings, as nature can be unpredictable. Nevertheless, the journey itself offers breathtaking views of glaciers, forests, and snow-capped mountains.

Signing a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form is mandatory for all participants, underscoring the importance of safety and responsible exploration in this pristine Alaskan environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel the Tour at Any Time?

Travelers can typically cancel the tour at any time, but they may be subject to cancellation fees. The tour provider’s cancellation policy should be reviewed prior to booking to understand the applicable charges and refund terms.

Is Gratuity for the Guide Included in the Price?

The tour price does not include gratuity for the guide. Guests are expected to tip the guide separately based on their satisfaction with the experience and the guide’s performance.

What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to inclement weather, customers will receive a full refund. The tour operator will contact participants as soon as possible to notify them of the cancellation and provide instructions for obtaining the refund.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The guide will provide guidance on how to safely use cameras while kayaking to capture the whales and scenery. However, participants should be mindful of not interfering with the wildlife.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour offers discounted rates for children 8 years and older, with the minimum age being 8. However, there’s no specific senior discount mentioned in the details provided. Pricing may vary based on group size and other factors.

Recap

Enjoy the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness on this small-group kayaking adventure.

Paddle alongside majestic humpback whales, witness stunning glaciers, and learn about the local ecosystems from your expert guide.

With all the necessary gear and safety precautions provided, this unforgettable experience offers an up-close encounter with the natural wonders of the Inside Passage.