Inside Passage Sea Kayaking from Skagway

Thinking about adding a sea kayaking trip to your Alaska itinerary? This tour promises a day filled with stunning views, wildlife encounters, and a bit of adventure. We haven’t personally paddled the waters ourselves, but based on the details, reviews, and what travelers seem to love—and what to watch out for—we can help you decide if this experience fits your travel style.

What really makes this trip stand out are the opportunity to see native wildlife like bald eagles and whales in their natural habitat, plus the unique combination of kayaking and scenic boat rides. On the flip side, the price point of around $276 per person might seem steep if you’re on a budget, but considering what’s included—the kayak, ferry, lunch, and guided experience—it’s likely worth it for lovers of outdoor adventures and nature.

One thing to keep in mind is that weather and sea conditions can impact the experience, so flexibility might be necessary. This tour would suit anyone comfortable with physical activity, eager to explore Alaska’s rugged coast, and interested in a well-rounded adventure that offers both land and water perspectives of the Inside Passage. If you’re looking for a calm, family-friendly activity, this might require some consideration of age and fitness level, but overall, it’s a trip for those who crave a genuine outdoor experience.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings are common, including eagles, seals, and whales, but not guaranteed.
• All necessary equipment—kayaks, PFDs, spray skirts, and rain gear—are provided, making it easier to just enjoy the experience.
• The trip includes a scenic ferry ride between Skagway and Haines, adding more water-level views of Lynn Fjord.
• The tour duration is around 6.5 hours, with about 2 hours spent on the water kayaking.
• Safety and guidance are prioritized, with professional naturalist guides and thorough instruction.
• Weather dependence means the main ocean trip might be replaced with a freshwater alternative at Chilkoot Lake, which is still scenic and peaceful.

What to Expect on This Alaskan Sea Kayaking Adventure

The day begins with a convenient pickup in Skagway (if you choose). The meeting point is just a short walk from the ferry pier, where your guides will set up your kayaks—two-person craft suited for exploring the dramatic coastlines lined with towering mountains. The guides are experienced naturalists, and they’ll give you a safety briefing and instruction before you start paddling, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

You’ll likely be paddling for roughly two hours, which is a good length for a beginner or intermediate paddler. The guides are on hand to share their knowledge about the local geography, marine wildlife, and natural history, enriching the experience beyond just paddling around. As you glide through the waters, keep your eyes peeled: many travelers have spotted bald eagles soaring above, sea lions sunbathing on rocks, or even humpback whales breaching nearby.

The paddling route depends on weather and sea conditions, so your guides might opt for a different waterway if needed. In the past, they’ve explored the calm waters of Chilkoot Lake, which offers a scenic backdrop of waterfalls, mountains, and salmon spawning beds. That flexibility is good because it means the trip can go ahead even when ocean conditions aren’t ideal.

Midway through, you’ll pause at a remote beach—your “break” from paddling—to stretch your legs, soak in the views, and enjoy the included picnic lunch right on the sands. This is a real highlight, as it combines the serenity of Alaskan wilderness with the simple pleasure of a waterside meal. The lunch is included in the price, which adds good value when you consider all that’s covered.

Returning to land, you’ll reboard the high-speed ferry for the 17-mile trip to Haines. This boat ride alone offers spectacular views of Lynn Fjord and a chance to see more marine wildlife and rugged coastline. Many reviews mention how memorable and scenic this part of the trip is—great for photography or just soaking in the scenery.

Once on land, the entire experience wraps up, leaving you with a true sense of connection to Alaska’s wild, untouched coast.

The Realities and the Reviews

While this tour generally gets positive feedback, some travelers have experienced hiccups. For example, one review recounts a frustrating situation where they arrived early but found no one there, and the tour wasn’t on the schedule, leading to a refund request. This highlights the importance of confirming your booking and the potential for logistical issues, especially with tours that depend on weather and coordination.

On the positive side, many guests praise the knowledgeable guides for their professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm. One reviewer described their guides as “extremely knowledgable and patient,” and said the experience was perfect for disconnecting from screens and enjoying nature—a common theme among those who loved the trip.

The scenery itself often earns rave reviews. People mention seeing “pristine surroundings,” “beautiful ocean paddles,” and “scenic Lynn Fjord,” which shows that the natural setting is truly spectacular. The inclusion of a picnic lunch and all needed gear makes this a relatively hassle-free adventure, especially for those who want a mix of physical activity and sightseeing.

However, a few reviews note cancellations or issues with the booking process, pointing to the importance of booking well in advance (about 49 days on average) and confirming your reservation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who can handle a bit of physical exertion and enjoy being in the outdoors. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see Alaska’s wildlife and scenery from a water perspective and enjoy guided adventures. It’s also a good choice for those who want a comprehensive day that combines kayaking with scenic ferry rides, giving you multiple views of the coast.

Travelers with a moderate to high fitness level will find this trip rewarding. Keep in mind that the tour is mostly suited for ages 8 and up, and paddlers should be comfortable with a physically demanding activity. People over 275 pounds or 68 inches tall might find fitting into the kayaks more challenging.

If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more relaxed, land-based experience, this might feel a bit too active. But if you relish outdoor pursuits and want to see Alaska’s wilderness in an immersive way, it’s a solid choice.

The Bottom Line

This sea kayaking tour from Skagway offers a chance to get close to Alaska’s incredible coastline, spot wildlife, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride—all in one day. While it’s not without its risks of weather-related cancellations, the combination of guided expertise, beautiful scenery, and wildlife sightings makes it a compelling option for adventure-minded travelers.

The inclusion of all equipment, a picnic lunch, and the flexibility to switch to freshwater kayaking if ocean conditions aren’t suitable add to its appeal. The overall rating of 4.0 from 10 reviews suggests that most find it a worthwhile experience, especially if you love outdoor activities and scenic landscapes.

If you’re someone who appreciates active excursions with an emphasis on nature and wildlife, this trip probably fits the bill. Just remember to confirm your booking early, be prepared for weather variability, and bring a sense of adventure—you’re in for a memorable day on Alaska’s stunning coast.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, and the tour includes transportation from a designated meeting point near the ferry pier, plus the ferry ride between Skagway and Haines.

How long does the whole tour last?
The entire experience runs about 6.5 hours, with approximately 2 hours spent kayaking, plus the ferry trip and other activity times.

What equipment is provided?
All necessary gear, including kayak paddles, PFDs, spray skirts, rubber boots, and rain gear if needed, are included so you can focus on having fun.

What should I wear?
Dressing in layers is recommended. Expect to get wet, so waterproof clothing or quick-drying layers are best.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 8 years, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with physical activity and outdoor conditions.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings like eagles or whales are not guaranteed, but many past travelers have enjoyed seeing them.

What happens if the ocean conditions are poor?
If conditions aren’t safe for ocean paddling, the trip will be moved to Chilkoot Lake, which still offers scenic views and wildlife opportunities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Less notice means no refund, so plan accordingly.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of guide attention.

If you’re craving a genuine outdoor experience with chances for wildlife, scenery, and a bit of active adventure, this sea kayaking trip from Skagway might just be the highlight of your Alaskan trip. Just go prepared for weather variability, confirm your booking early, and enjoy the breathtaking views that only Alaska can offer.