This is our most popular small-group kayak adventure. By combining an ample half-day of paddling with one-way boat transportation, you’ll be able to explore a variety of Sitka Sound’s countless islands and seldom-traveled passages.
Tour Details
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Duration4.5 Hours
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Season DatesMay 8 - September 21
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Tour PriceAdults $184.18 (tax included)
Children $131.18 (tax included) -
Tour Highlights• For new and experienced paddlers alike, this is the perfect introduction to the wild side of Sitka Sound, beginning with a fun and informative kayak skills & safety orientation.
• Paddle through mazes of reef and kelp forest to observe wildlife, including: sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, sea lions, colorful inter-tidal fauna and marine birds.
• Step ashore on a seldom-visited island to stretch your legs, do a little beachcombing, and enjoy a hearty snack while soaking in the majestic views of the Sound -
Activity LevelEasy to Moderate - All paddling is done at a leisurely pace with exertion equivalent to walking on a gently sloping nature trail. Actual paddling time is approximately 2.5 hours. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Participants must be at least 6 years of age and weigh at least 40 lbs. Max height: 6'6" Max weight: 275 lbs -
Special NotesTour is not recommended for persons who have chronic lower back pain
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InclusionsSmoked salmon quiche, fresh fruit, gourmet crackers & dip, homemade cookies, bottled water, kayaks, all paddle & safety gear, waterproof gloves, dry bags. On days with steady rain, full rubber rain gear will be provided
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What to BringLayered clothing, comfortable soft-soled shoes, warm hat, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, and light weight rain gear
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CancellationCancellation Policy – If you do have to cancel:
8+ days advance notice - Full Refund
1-7 days advance notice - 50% Refund
24 hours or less advance notice - No Refund
Our half-day paddle & cruise adventure is the perfect introduction to the wild side of Sitka Sound, beginning with a fun and informative kayak skills & safety orientation. The Guide will explain the variables to be considered in designing the day’s unique float plan, and, once afloat, you’ll have some time to dabble about in the crystal clear shallows, getting comfortable with your craft, before we set out to explore our first group of islands.
While paddling through mazes of reef and kelp forest – areas accessible only by kayak – your interpreter/guide will help identify the colorful marine life visible below, including: crab, sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, jelly fish and more. At the surface, in addition to the star of the show – the ever amusing sea otter – we also frequently sight harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds.
We’ll step ashore on a seldom-visited island to stretch our legs, do a little beachcombing, and enjoy a hearty snack while soaking in the majestic wildness and amazing views of the Sound. Our guide will explain some of the ecology of the area, and also tell you about the Tlingit people, who still harvest the ocean’s bounty using knowledge passed down since the last ice age. This half-day wilderness exploration concludes with an exciting 30-minute boat cruise to Sitka.
This adventure is sometimes conducted in reverse order, with the cruise outbound, followed by a paddle return to Sitka.