Things to do / Travel Guide
There are few places in the world that can compete with the Alaska Panhandle when it comes to kayaking. The scenery alone is worth the effort, but when you add in the abundant wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas that you will not only see, but also kayak alongside, it becomes a memory that will last a lifetime. If your idea of seeing views and vistas means strapping yourself into a float-craft of some type, then the Alaska Panhandle will deliver the goods. This region is generally rugged and wild, covering a huge area. With the right guide and equipment, even the most novice paddlers can have a fantastic experience.
Since the coastline is so vast, there are many different potential difficulties that you may encounter along the way, such as submerged obstacles, strong currents, tidal changes, and large marine animals. Outfitters are thus unanimous in suggesting that the minimum age for kayaking is 13, and that participants should be reasonably fit and good swimmers.
Here are some suggestions for places to kayak in the Alaska Panhandle:
Pelican
Pelican is an epicenter for some of the best sea kayaking anywhere in the world. Visitors will find almost 40 miles of smooth, protected waters easily accessible from Lisianski Inlet, Stag Bay, and Lisianski Straits. The outer coastal waters of Yakobi Island and Chichagof Island provide hundreds of miles of pristine coastline speckled by protected estuaries, bays, and channels.
West Chichagof Area
West Chichagof is a protected shoreline, known as a kayaker's dream because of its maze of barrier islands, reefs, passageways, and saltwater lakes. Kayakers can also check out the magnificent Lituya Bay along with other great routes along Glacier Bay National Park, all while having the beautiful Fairweather mountain range as a personal backdrop. This area is for intermediate-level to advanced kayakers.
Mainland Glacier Route
This route takes visitors past fantastic scenic waterways between Sitka and Petersburg, with the option of crossing Icy Strait or Frederick Sound, each with unusual and beautiful stops. This route includes Tracy Arm, Ford's Terror, and the tidewater glaciers of Holkham Bay, where abundant wildlife and spectacular glaciers and costal cliffs can be seen. This route is for intermediate-level to advanced kayakers.
The Baranoff Island Route
Kayakers will circumnavigate this gorgeous island, with its snow-capped mountains and unique headlands. The island's southern coast offers isolated and protected paddling inside many inlets, and beneath spectacular waterfalls. This route is for beginner-level to intermediate-level kayakers.
Hoonah to Point Adolphus
Whales, stellar sea lions, seals, and many other sea creatures and birds will tag along on this spectacular coastline kayaking adventure for beginners. The route runs from Hoonah to Point Adolphus, in Glacier Bay, running near the largest congregation of humpback whales in the Alaska Panhandle, as well as orcas. You can witness full breaches and flapping flukes from these intelligent and amazing giants on a daily basis from May-September. Previous kayaking experience is not required, but you should be in good physical condition and comfortable on the water.
Knight Island to Icy Bay
Nothing quite compares to the beauty and adventure of a week-long Knight Island to Icy Bay sea kayaking trip. Visitors are dropped off at Knight Island by a company van and paddle for seven days to some spectacular tidewater glaciers inside the beautiful Icy Bay. This trip provides visitors with outstanding whale watching opportunities as well. This is a fully-guided for kayakers of all levels.
Prices can vary from place to place, so be sure to check out your options when it comes to kayaking outfitter/guides before you get on the water.
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