Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure

Juneau’s ‘Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure‘ offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. This guided tour takes adventurers deep into the feeding grounds, allowing them to paddle alongside these gentle giants as they glide through the waters. Beyond the whales, the tour explores Juneau’s picturesque coastline, revealing hidden coves and tide pools that few visitors ever get to experience. With professional guides, top-notch equipment, and safety protocols, this adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with Alaska’s breathtaking wildlife and scenery. Those seeking a truly immersive experience in the heart of Juneau’s wilderness won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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

Key Points

• Opportunity to observe humpback whales up close while kayaking in Juneau’s Inside Passage.
• Guided tour includes boat ride, tide pool exploration, and beach snacks for an immersive nature experience.
• Suitable for moderately fit individuals, with specific kayak size limitations and age requirements.
• Tour includes essential gear and transportation, with a non-refundable cancellation policy.
• Emphasis on safety protocols and environmental preservation during the whale watching adventure.

Overview of the Tour

The ‘Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure‘ is a captivating two-part tour that allows participants to kayak alongside humpback whales in the pristine Inside Passage near Juneau, USA.

With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 9 reviews, this unforgettable experience immerses adventurers in a prime whale feeding ground.

After a boat ride, guests will have the chance to explore tide pools and enjoy snacks on an island beach before launching their kayaks to paddle alongside the majestic marine mammals.

This tour caters to those with moderate physical fitness, offering a chance to connect with nature in an up-close and personal way.

Tour Details

This two-part adventure starts with a hassle-free pickup from select hotels and central meeting points in Juneau, Alaska. Participants then gather at the ‘C’ Sign near the cruise ship docks, located at 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, before embarking on their kayak excursion.

The tour includes bottled water, snacks, a professional guide, paddling gear, rain gear, and Forest Service permits.

After the boat ride, guests will have the opportunity to kayak alongside humpback whales in a prime feeding ground and explore tide pools on an island beach.

The adventure returns to the original meeting point at the end of the tour.

Inclusion and Requirements

Included in the tour are bottled water, snacks, a professional guide, paddling gear, rain gear, and Forest Service permits, ensuring participants are well-equipped for their kayaking adventure.

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 8 years old, and a moderate level of physical fitness is needed as you will be kayaking for up to 2 hours.

Some key fitness requirements include:

• Must be able to swim
• Must be able to paddle for extended periods
• Not recommended for those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions

Plus, there are specific size limitations for the kayaks, including a maximum torso diameter of 52 inches and weight limits of 300 lbs for single kayaks and 600 lbs for double kayaks.

Safety and Regulations

Whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, so participants must maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards from any marine mammals.

Participants are also required to sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form before the tour.

Plus, the kayaking activity has specific limitations, including a maximum torso diameter of 52 inches and weight limits of 300 lbs for single kayaks and 600 lbs for double kayaks. Height restrictions also apply.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, barring any unsafe conditions.

The cancellation policy is non-refundable, and a minimum group size of 4 participants is required for the tour to run.

Private trips are allowed, but no alcohol is permitted.

Paddle Alongside Whales

Participants can paddle alongside humpback whales in a prime feeding ground, marveling at their majestic presence during this two-part adventure of boat and kayaking.

As they glide through the calm waters of the Inside Passage, they’ll have the chance to:

• Observe these gentle giants breach and feed up close

• Explore a nearby island beach, where they can discover tide pools and enjoy snacks

• Paddle at a leisurely pace, taking in the stunning scenery of the Alaskan wilderness

With the guidance of experienced professionals, participants can safely navigate the waters and learn about the whales’ behaviors and habitats, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Exploring Juneau’s Coastline

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Juneau, the kayaking adventure offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the region’s pristine natural beauty.

As paddlers glide across the calm waters of the Inside Passage, they’ll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and diverse wildlife.

Along the way, the guided tour will make stops at hidden coves and secluded beaches, where explorers can stretch their legs and discover the wonders of the intertidal zone.

With the expert knowledge of the professional guides, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystem and the importance of preserving these magnificent landscapes.

The kayaking adventure provides an unforgettable way to take in the stunning natural beauty of Juneau’s coastline.

Preparing for the Adventure

Preparing for the adventure begins with gathering the necessary gear and ensuring participants are ready for the outdoor expedition. Kayakers should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sun protection and snacks to fuel the excursion. A quick briefing from the experienced guides will cover safety protocols and paddling techniques, equipping adventurers with the knowledge to navigate the waters confidently.

Key considerations for the tour include:

• Signing a liability waiver to acknowledge the inherent risks of the activity

• Disclosing any medical conditions that may impact participation

• Bringing a water-resistant bag or dry bag to store personal items

With the proper preparation, participants can focus on the exhilaration of paddling alongside majestic humpback whales in one of nature’s most captivating settings.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking the ‘Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure’ tour requires a non-refundable commitment, as the company doesn’t offer refunds for cancellations made by participants. This policy is in place to ensure the tour can operate efficiently and without last-minute changes.

Clients should carefully consider their schedule and availability before booking, as the tour has a minimum group size requirement of 4 participants. If the minimum isn’t met, the company may need to make changes or even cancel the tour.

Private trips are available, but clients can’t bring alcohol and must provide their own non-alcoholic beverages in a small cooler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are no restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants should plan accordingly before the start of the excursion, as the tour takes place in a remote natural setting with limited amenities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Participants can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in a small cooler, but alcohol is not permitted on the tour. The tour provides bottled water and snacks as part of the experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Double Kayaks?

The double kayaks have a weight limit of 600 lbs. Participants must meet this requirement to ensure the safety and stability of the vessels during the tour.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Whale Watching Portion?

Participants can take photos and videos during the whale watching portion, but must maintain a minimum 100-yard distance from the marine mammals as per regulations. Camera use should not interfere with the tour experience or safety.

Are Visitors Allowed to Feed the Whales or Other Wildlife?

Visitors are not allowed to feed the whales or other wildlife. Feeding wild animals is generally prohibited as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and ecosystem. The tour operators strictly enforce this policy for the safety of both the wildlife and participants.

Recap

The ‘Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure‘ offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Juneau’s breathtaking wilderness.

Paddle alongside majestic humpback whales, explore hidden coves and tide pools, and create lasting memories in Alaska’s stunning natural beauty.

With professional guides, quality gear, and convenient booking, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience.