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  - Please email us at [email protected] or call 1-888-586-8489In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. If you have further questions please email [email protected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489
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Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure

Photo of harbor and islands guided paddle tour

Explore Sitka's sheltered waterways, harbors, and picturesque coves during the Sitka Sond Kayak Adventure!

Your adventure begins the moment you step off your cruise ship and are greeted by your friendly kayaking staff, who will outfit you in everything you need to stay warm and safe on your kayaking adventure. Your guides will present a fun and informative kayak skills and safety orientation. They will help you get situated in your kayak and make sure everything is adjusted correctly before launching you and your paddle partner. Your guides will choose the best route for the tour based on weather and sea conditions and will lead you on the perfect adventure for the day. All routes include beautiful coastline views and scenic vistas out into the Sitka Sound wilderness. On clear days enjoy views of Mount Edgecumbe, SitkaÃs stunning stratovolcano, the crown jewel of SitkaÃs photogenic skyline.

Please note: You need a minimum of 2 passengers to book this excursion. Bring layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and a warm hat. Guides, kayaks, paddle gear, and bottled water are included. The minimum age to participate in this tour is 6 years old, minimum weight is 50 pounds and maximum weight is 275 pounds with a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches. Maximum of 16 passengers.

Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal. Paddle Time: 2 hours.)

Inclusions:

Paddle gear, equipment, life vests, and dry bags for cameras
Bottled water

Recommended:

Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and a warm hat
Sunglasses, camera, binoculars, gloves and rain gear

Requirements:

Minimum of 2 passengers required to book
Minimum weight: 50lbs (to properly fit child-size PFD's life vests)
Maximum weight: 275lbs
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.

Duration: 2.5 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

20~30 minutes - safety orientation, equipment orientation, and instruction
2 hours - kayaking tour
Plus an additional 0.5-hour transfer time if ship tenders downtown

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests need to be able to get in and out of double kayak cockpits independently (good balance required) and paddle for approximately 2 hours. Guests also must be able to sit upright during paddling with legs extended out. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. There is no storage available for motorized scooters. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

Do we need prior kayaking experience?

No experience is necessary to participate in this tour.

Will I see any wildlife or bears on this 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.

Is it possible that I will tip over and do I have to know how to swim?

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.

Can I bring a backpack?

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

Can I bring my own food or drink?

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

Are food and drink included?

Bottled water is included.

Are there any age restrictions?

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

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

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.

What type of clothing should I wear?

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

Not seeing answers to your questions?

Check out other frequently asked questions here!

Customer Reviews

Jul 2023 - Mark S.

We had an incredible experience on our kayak excursion! The guides were fun and engaging, the scenery was beautiful, and we tracked a humpback whale up close and personal. The whale spouted about a hundred yards away from us and we waited to see where it was going. We followed and watched it come up for air 4-5 times before returning to shore. It was a great experience and my children are still talking about it being the highlight of their vacation.

Jun 2023 - Victoria V.

Guide was knowledgeable and patient and we had a lot of fun and saw cool stuff in the ocean.

Jun 2023 - Kleiman N.

My whole family had a wonderful time. The guides were fun and knowledgeable and I definitely recommend this excursion!

Jul 2022 - Kevin V.

This was a great tour in Sitka. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and my family with 2 teenagers enjoyed the trip and all the nature and exploration. Bailey was our guide and she was fantastic. I highly recommend this tour.

Jun 2022 - Zach B.

Amazing! Katie was a great guide! Great location, instruction was superb. We saw tons of eagles, sea stars, abalone, sea lions, etc. the scenery was stunning. Not too difficult for a family of 5 with a 7 year old. Would definitely recommend!

Jun 2022 - Kendall D.

Kate was an outstanding guide. Safety minded, friendly and knowledgeable.

May 2022 - Autumn G.

EXCELLENT excursion!! Devon was an amazing guide. We couldn't believe we were his first group of the season - he was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. We had a great time and would definitely do the excursion again!

Aug 2021 - James T.

Enjoyable paddle in Sitka Harbor and surrounding islandsâour guide - Bree was a delight! The entire staff were very friendly and helpful.

Jun 2019 - Dale R.

I took my family of 7 sea kayaking with guide Ella. We all had a fantastic time many thanks to the tour operator and Ella for the fantastic experience. We were able to see Bald Eagles, Star fish, Anemones during the tour. I would absolutely recommend this tour and way cheaper then the Cruise ship offerings.

Sep 2018 - Stephanie T.

Everything went smoothly, was worried about booking an off the cruise ship excursion. It was great and our guide was very nice and knowledgeable! Will be recommending this to others!