Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

If you’re dreaming of getting up close and personal with Alaska’s iconic humpback whales while surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery, the Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure might just be the trip for you. This tour promises an intimate experience that combines boat travel, wildlife encounters, and kayaking—all in one day. And while it’s highly rated, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you go.

What we love about this experience is its focus on small-group intimacy and the chance to paddle in a renowned humpback feeding ground. Plus, the scenery—glaciers, snow-capped peaks, lush forests—looks almost surreal. On the flip side, the price point of around $494 per person isn’t cheap, but considering the unique wildlife viewing and guided expertise, many find it to be a worthwhile splurge. This adventure appeals most to active travelers who enjoy a mix of boat and kayak time, want a deeper connection with nature, and aren’t afraid of getting wet or cold.

Key Points

• Wildlife focus: The tour is centered around watching humpback whales and other marine creatures in their natural habitat.
• Small-group experience: Limited to six travelers, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Scenic journey: You’ll travel up the Inside Passage, enjoying magnificent views of glaciers, mountains, and forests.
• Physical activity: Requires moderate fitness and comfort with paddling, as you’ll kayak for up to 2 hours.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing insights about local ecosystems and wildlife.
• Weather conditions: This tour runs rain or shine, so be prepared for all weather—dressing appropriately is key.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The trip kicks off at downtown Juneau, with a convenient pickup point at 490 S Franklin St. From there, you’re transported to Auke Bay Harbor for a quick gear orientation. This initial stop is crucial as it sets the tone for safety and equipment familiarity, and it’s where you’ll get outfitted in all the paddling and rain gear supplied.

Once geared up, the group boards a small boat heading up the Inside Passage toward the Channel Islands Marine Park. This journey alone is a highlight—imagine sitting on the deck, taking in sweeping views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and dense forests as the boat glides past. The waters here are known as prime feeding grounds for humpback whales, so the anticipation is high.

The main event begins when you disembark at the Marine Park and hop into your double kayaks. Expect to spend around four hours paddling through this wildlife-rich environment, searching for whales and perhaps other marine life like sea lions or porpoises. The actual kayaking time varies based on marine conditions, wildlife activity, and your paddling ability. Many reviews mention the thrill of seeing whales breach, flukes waving, or spouting just yards from their kayaks—it’s truly a sight to behold.

Finally, after your kayaking adventure, everyone returns to the boat for gear removal and a smooth ride back to Juneau. The entire experience lasts about six hours, balancing active exploration with comfortable transportation.

What Makes This Tour Special

Wildlife Encounters: While sightings are not guaranteed, the guides do a fantastic job of locating whales and other animals. Guests have reported seeing humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, seals, and porpoises. One reviewer described it as “a fantastic whale watching experience,” highlighting the thrill of witnessing a baby humpback and momma breaching.

Experienced Guides and Crew: The guides and captains are repeatedly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to find wildlife. Comments like “Kristen and Lauren made the trip memorable” and “Wade and Chelsea were both knowledgeable and friendly” show how important the guides’ expertise is to the overall experience.

Stunning Scenery: The boat ride up the Inside Passage is a visual feast—think glittering glaciers, lush green forests, and imposing snow-capped mountains. Many reviews mention how gorgeous the landscape is, often describing the scenery as “gorgeous beyond words,” which adds a layer of awe to the wildlife viewing.

Quality Equipment & Safety: All necessary gear—paddling and rain gear—is included, making it easier for travelers to focus on the fun. The double kayaks are stable and suitable for those with basic paddling skills, and the guides ensure safety at all times.

Food and Refreshments: Snacks and bottled water are provided, which many guests appreciate after a few hours of paddling. One reviewer called the lunch “just the right amount,” which is notable because most kayaking adventures don’t include a meal.

Considerations Before Booking

Price Point: At nearly $500 per person, this experience isn’t a bargain, but many see it as a fair price considering the exclusivity, wildlife, and scenery involved. It’s a good value for those wanting a comprehensive, adventure-packed day.

Physical Fitness & Age Restrictions: You should be comfortable paddling a double kayak for up to two hours and have moderate physical fitness. The minimum age is 8, so families with children should plan accordingly. The tour requires knowledge of how to swim and a certain level of agility.

Weather: The tour runs rain or shine, so dress in layers and waterproof gear. Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, and safety regulations require the trip to operate even in less-than-ideal conditions unless deemed unsafe.

Wildlife & Environmental Respect: The guides emphasize maintaining a distance of 100 yards from marine mammals, so your wildlife sightings will be close but respectful. This approach preserves the animals’ natural behaviors and environment.

Group Size: Limited to 6 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate but also means booking well in advance—on average, this tour is booked about 99 days ahead.

Cancellation Policy: It’s non-refundable, so plan carefully. Bad weather can cause cancellations, but in those cases, you’re usually offered a different date or a full refund, which adds some peace of mind.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This adventure is best suited for travelers who crave a handful of active outdoor hours combined with wildlife spotting and scenic beauty. If you enjoy kayaking, don’t mind cold weather, and love the idea of being in a small group led by knowledgeable guides, this is a great choice.

It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a unique perspective—getting in the water to see whales from the same level as the marine life, rather than just from a boat deck. The combination of boat travel and kayaking makes for an engaging, varied experience.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness, dislike cold weather, or prefer relaxing tours without much physical effort, this might not be your best option. The tour’s price reflects its exclusivity and the quality of wildlife viewing, but it’s not ideal for travelers on a tight budget.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a true Alaskan adventure filled with wildlife, stunning vistas, and active exploration, the Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature on a much deeper level. The guides’ expertise and the small group size ensure a personalized, memorable experience that many reviews consider a highlight of their trip to Juneau.

While the price is on the higher side, the combination of boat travel, scenic views, and kayaking with the chance to see humpback whales makes it a compelling choice for those who value immersive outdoor activities. It suits travelers who are physically able, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager for a story-worthy day on Alaska’s waters.

If you’re prepared for weather variability and a bit of physical effort, this tour promises a day of awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable memories in one of the most pristine environments on earth.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll be transported from downtown Juneau to Auke Bay Harbor at the start and back at the end of the day.

What’s the minimum age for participants?
The minimum age is 8 years old, making this suitable for families with children who meet the physical requirements.

How physically demanding is this tour?
You should have moderate fitness and be comfortable paddling for up to 2 hours in double kayaks. Knowledge of swimming is required.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear. Alaska weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for rain, wind, and cold.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, as wildlife is unpredictable in their natural environment. However, guides are skilled at locating animals, and many guests report seeing whales, orcas, sea lions, and more.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour operates in all weather conditions unless unsafe. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

This tour offers a genuine chance to see whales close-up, paddle in beautiful surroundings, and learn about Alaska’s ecosystems from expert guides. It’s a day that nature lovers and adventure seekers will cherish—and it’s well worth considering if you’re in Juneau and ready for an active, wildlife-filled experience.