Sitka Half Day Sound Paddle & Cruise

4.9
11 reviews

Excursion Overview

Discover areas of the Sitka Sound that are only accessible by kayak!

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 crabs, sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, jellyfish, 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, porpoises, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds.

We'll step ashore on a seldom-visited island to stretch our legs, do a little beach-combing, and enjoy a hearty snack while soaking in the majestic wildness and amazing views of the Sound. Our guide will explain some of the ecologies 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.

Please note: This adventure is also conducted in reverse order, with the cruise outbound, followed by a paddle return to Sitka. Tours will be canceled if conditions are unsafe. A full refund shall be made if the tour is canceled.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Waterproof outerwear, paddle gear, and dry bags for cameras
  • Light snacks and bottled water

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 2 passengers required to book
  • Minimum weight: 40 lbs
  • Maximum weight: 275 lbs
  • Minimum age: 6 years old
  • Maximum height: 6 feet 6 inches
  • Guests must be comfortable climbing steps and able to get in and out of the kayak
  • Layered clothing or rain gear, Sunglasses, camera, binoculars, gloves, warm hat and comfortable shoes are recommended

Duration: 4.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

  • 20~30 minutes - safety orientation, equipment orientation, and instruction
  • 2.5~3 hours - kayaking tour
  • 45 minutes - on a remote island beach with lunch prepared by guide
  • 30 minutes - boat ride to Sitka
  • This adventure could also be conducted in reverse order, with the boat ride outbound, followed by a paddle return to Sitka.

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in the Crescent Harbor parking garage. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

No experience is necessary to participate in this tour. Every tour begins with an equipment orientation and paddle lesson to make sure you are comfortable and safe during the tour.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour, however, this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Fortunately, rain doesn't diminish the fun or safety of sea kayaking. We will outfit you with fully-rainproof gear if it looks certain to be a wet day.

It is possible to tip over, however it's a very rare occurrence. Our professional guides will provide good instruction on the basic paddling and bracing techniques, and you'll find out for yourself that the double kayaks are far more stable than you might imagine. You don't need to know how to swim. You'll be wearing a PFD (life vest) at all times while in the kayak.

All bags must be stored prior to kayaking and are not allowed while on tour.

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

Bottled water is included.

There is a minimum age of 6 years old to participate. Additionally, guests taller than 6 feet 6 inches or weighing over 275 lbs cannot be accommodated.

Guests must be comfortable climbing steps and able to get in and out of the kayak. Please inform the guides about any other physical limitations.

Layered clothing that will fit underneath a waterproof paddle jacket and sneakers or waterproof boots. Sunglasses and gloves are also recommended.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

11 total

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Holly W

On Jun 2023

We had an amazing time on our kayak trip. Our guides were three young women who were terrific at keeping a very large group on track. My only complaint was, as a newbie, feeling very rushed trying to understand all the instructions, get into our gear, and determine what we weren't going to take with us. I know cruisers are on a time crunch during excursions, but it was just a lot. Otherwise, we had a wonderful time on the water, including my 70-year-old mother!

James D

On Sep 2022

Unbelievable!!! Great tour with great, knowledgeable guides. Good value for the money - would definitely take this tour again.

Jennifer D

On Sep 2022

Our guide, Katie, took us on a fun and energetic kayak trip. The surroundings were incredibly beautiful, and we were well taken care of as we paddled for more than 2 hours. Would love to do it again!

Samantha P

On Jul 2022

This was a highlight of our time in Alaska. Definitely recommend the half day over the 2 hour. You get more remote and the scenery is beautiful.

Angela A

On Jul 2022

Enjoyed every minute of the trip, Gail was an amazing tour guide and was very sensitive to the schedule for our ship and to our needs as older folks.

$198.75

Best Price Guarantee!

$198.75

Duration: 4.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4.5 hours



Max of 6

Adult: $198.75

Child (6-12): $149.06