Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure
4.9
Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure
By Above & Beyond Alaska
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Ages 8-85, max of 6 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- All paddling and rain gear
- Professional Guide
- Forest Service Permits
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USAThe “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
Pickup details- The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers. Clients staying at major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley may be picked up directly from their hotel. Clients with their own transportation need to contact our office to arrange a meeting location.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal Area, 470 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5043P20- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Please note, this tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation.
- Minimum age 8 years old
- We do not guarantee whale or wildlife sightings: This is wild Alaska!
- Federal regulations require us to maintain a distance of 100 yards from any marine mammals
- All Clients will be outfitted in double kayaks and must know how to swim. Clients should be able to confidently paddle for up to 2 hours.
- Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip. Clients need to disclose any dietary restrictions.
- Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
- This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – We can’t stress enough how important it is to dress appropriately.
- RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted
- NOTE ON KAYAKING SIZE/WEIGHT LIMITATIONS: Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 52 inches (132cm). Maximum weight limits including gear are 300lbs (660kg) for single kayaks and 600lbs (1320kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (198cm) have a hard time operating the rudder because the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance. However, people as tall as 6’6″ have been able to paddle in our kayaks.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5043P20
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per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- I2286JAdawnb0 contributionsGreat Mendenhall Glacier canoeWe had such a fantastic outing with our guides to the Mendenhall Glacier! The guides were fun and cared about our experience with them.Written November 1, 2024
- megankj0 contributionsFantastic, up-close view and an amazing day in Juneau!This was an AMAZING trip! I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to write this review that I forgot our guides' names, but they were fantastic (9/20/2024 at 8:30am if it helps get them the kudos they deserve). The canoeing was enough work to feel like an adventure, but not intimidating at all, and we felt like we were in great hands as we learned how to work together to get about 3 miles down the lake from the launching point. We had fabulous close views of both Nugget Falls and the Mendenhall Glacier from the water. Once we landed, we had time to take photos, eat snacks, and enjoy some hot beverages toted out for us before a short hike to learn the history of glaciation in the area. We got so lucky with weather, and the lake was like glass for our paddle back. Absolutely no regrets about this tour- if you're considering it, do it!Written October 27, 2024
- ShaunDenisTaylor0 contributionsThanks for a great trip Josh!The Glacier was stunning, the scenery was amazing, and our guide Josh was unreal. He was informative, high energy, encouraging, and made our excursion memorable - would book with ABAK again for sure!Written September 15, 2024
- NH_travelers_1300 contributionsFantastic views & great team!Just returned from a great trip with Halle, Kayley, and Dan. The team was well organized, fun, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable. We drove to their shop, suited up with waterproof outfits, boots, and PFDs and drove a short distance to Mendenhall Lake. After a brief safety/paddling instruction we boarded the canoes and paddled out to a beautiful waterfall and Mendenhall glacier. Each member of the team told us about some geology, the trees, and the glacier. Then we paddled back, stored the canoes, and returned. It was a great time and we highly recommend the adventure!Written September 8, 2024
- DavidP20120 contributionsGreat way to spend a day around JuneauThis was a great hike, incredibly scenic and beautiful and we were blessed with excellent weather. Due to the small size of our group, we were able to push on beyond a normal turnaround spot and getting a bit closer to the glacier than might otherwise happen. Our guide Bella was fantastic and the support that I received from Jess at the office in advance was excellent. Highly recommended!Written August 29, 2024
- Dream555649892120 contributionsBest Juneau Excursion!Our day was amazing despite the rain. Our guides, Kaylie and Maggie, were so fun and informative. We learned so much about the glacier eco system. We were truly amazed by Kaylie’s navigational chops. She guided us perfectly through fog so thick we could hear, but not see the canoe next to us or the surrounding mountains. We saw the glacier up close … which was breathtaking. Overall an incredible experience!Written August 20, 2024
- crushmomma30 contributionsHighlight of our Alaska CruiseOur guide Ian was engaging, knowledgeable, and really friendly! He knew so much about Juneau, and Alaska, in general and was great at teaching us the best way to canoe! There were four of us canoeing and Ian took us close out to Nugget Falls and then over to a “beach” right by the Mendenhall Glacier. We hiked around for the absolute best view and had our snacks (provided by them, which were excellent, btw) and rested for a minute. The rocks on the beach were amazing and I could have spent hours just looking at the rocks! This tour is worth every penny and has been a highlight of our cruise so far!Written August 17, 2024
- I5713RGdianew0 contributionsFun adventureThis was a great adventure for us. The canoe trip across the lake was 3 miles each way. It was work but totally worth it. We were so close to Nugget Falls we could feel the mist and we were able to get close enough to Mendenhall Glacier to get great pictures.Dan and Ian were great guides and the group we were with was fun. Highly recommend!Written August 17, 2024
- Txtraveler9610 contributionsCanoe, Paddle & HIke: Fabulous Excursion!Our party of 4 thoroughly enjoyed the Mendenhall Glacier canoe, paddle and hike trip with our guides Dan and Hallie. The paddle portion was totally doable. We saw Nugget Falls up close and personal -- any closer and we would have been caught in the falls! The hike near Mendenhall was informative and provided plenty of time for photos. Our group is so pleased that we chose this trip rather than just going to the visitor's center since we got to see so much more of the receding glacier.Written July 29, 2024
- Sherpa354082696170 contributionsAmazing Experience!We chose this excursion when we were in Juneau based on friends having done it and loving it. And we agree! It was an amazing experience! Hiking through the rainforest to get to the lake was super cool, the canoeing was definitely work but WELL worth it, seeing Nugget Falls from so close was way better than a peak from the visitor's center and having a private viewing and experience at Mendenhall Glacier was amazing. The pictures we got as a family were super special. My 16 yr old daughter and 12 year old son were able to canoe even though it was hard work. The guides were great and had such a love for the glacier and what they do. We learned so much and would do this excursion again in a heart beat! Also, the gear they give you is great!Written July 26, 2024
- kypilgrim20180 contributionsRain doesn't wash away the funWe had a marvelous time, and that was with pouring rain the whole time! Jake was a great guide, and made the rainy day fun with some surprise hot chocolate during our kayaking trip. We couldn't see the glacier because of the fog, but we learned a lot about its history, and we were able to go back and see it later in the week thanks to the great introduction.Written July 22, 2024
- Tour406124545190 contributionsfun, excitingTaylor was awesome. We had a lot of fun. You hike up to see the glacier, but you dont get to go on the glacier. But it was a cool hike overall and I enjoyed it.Written July 21, 2024
- cassandrat4970 contributionsExperience glacier up closeFantast Experience! Josh our tour guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable and clearly passionate on the local wildlife and glacier, making it an absolutely fabulous experience. It does get quite windy and cold once you’re near the glacier so do bring gloves and beanies. We were provided with gear (pants, jackets and boots) as well as snacks which you’ll need after working out to spectacular views.Written July 4, 2024
- MarlaW370 contributionsBest excursion to actually see the Mendenhall glacierThis was an amazing day from our 3 guides including Kendall they were informative helpful and just made the day a delight for everyone in our group. The canoe trip was work but the destination made it worth every paddle . Getting up close to the glacier, learning about the changes in the last few years made it an exceptional experience. I would recommend this trip to anyone who does not mind some work paddling in the canoe since the experience of being up close to the glacier you cannot get anywhere else . I would come back and use this tour group over and over versus any tours the cruise lines sellWritten July 3, 2024
- tracyel20240 contributionsBest views!Dan and Hallie were incredible tour guides! This tour was the most amazing experience. We were so close to the glacier and got to take in the amazing views. The canoe paddle was a great time to spend soaking in all that Alaska has to offer!Written June 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
15 reviews
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Melissa S
New York City, NY55 contributions
Jul 2021
The tour itself was good. Kristen our guide was knowledgeable and we saw plenty of whales in action on our trip. The guide gets 5 stars. However, management looses a star for me from not providing transportation to and from hotels. Rental cars are almost impossible to come by in Juneau and the cost to get a taxi from downtown to to office where all tours meet is ~$30 each way + tip. I was traveling solo so having spend an additional $70 bucks on taxi fare for a tour I had already shelled out over $400 to take was annoying. And there is really no reason. They have plenty of vans, Juneau is tiny, most of ABAK's trips are small - I don't expect them to come to the door of my hotel but they could at least offer a pickup somewhere in downtown and by the airport where the majority of the passengers stay. The website says they are not providing transportation because of COVID which seems ridiculous - I did 2 tours with the company and in their boats, small planes and transports vans, no one wears masks. They only require masks inside the main office any regardless, I'm sure people would be happy to wear one and not have to track down a taxi.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Melissa for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate you leaving this feedback and providing us an opportunity to address your concerns. It's great to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Kristin and saw plenty of whales on this trip. She is a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable.
We apologize that the transportation did not meet your standards. We did not operate tours in 2020 due to COVID-19 and with the pandemic still ongoing, we had to make changes to our services provided for the 2021 season to ensure we opened cautiously and safely. One of those changes was our complimentary transportation pick up service. For the 2021 season only, we are requiring all trips to meet at our main office location in order to conduct temperature checks and have a COVID-19 waiver signed before participating in the tour. We also require masks to be worn while indoors. Once at our office location, we do provide transport to the various locations where we operate our tours. In addition, we offer complimentary transportation after the tour back to all major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley and in downtown Juneau. Before booking any tour with us, it is stated on our website and on the individual trip pages that the meeting location is our main office. In addition, the confirmation and reminder emails that you received clearly state the meeting location is at our office. We apologize that these changes for the 2021 season did not meet your standards, but we had to make this adjustment to our operations to ensure we could safely operate this season.
Please know that your feedback is of tremendous value as we continue to strive to offer customer service and wilderness adventures of the highest quality and caliber. Please feel free to get in touch with any other questions, comments or concerns. Thanks again for coming out with us and we hope you had a wonderful time in Juneau.
Written July 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex L
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
Julia was so kind and positive, she made the experience so memorable. The little lunch provided was also just the right amount. Overall we would definitely go back and we saw the rare sight of two humpback whales jumping synchronously too!
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the positive feedback. Julia is a wonderful guide! We would love to see you again in the future!
Written August 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne G
New York City, NY166 contributions
I am so impressed by this tour company. Matt, our captain, was friendly and expertly put us in position to get the best views of the whales. I also felt safe and well cared for by both Matt and Julia. Julia was knowledgeable and fun. We saw lots of whales and learned about bubble net feeding which we witnessed.
The following day we learned about bears from Mateus. The weather canceled our excursion but Mateus made the time we waited to see if the cloud cover dissipated was well spent. I can’t wait to come back and do more adventures with this company
The following day we learned about bears from Mateus. The weather canceled our excursion but Mateus made the time we waited to see if the cloud cover dissipated was well spent. I can’t wait to come back and do more adventures with this company
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your lovely review! We had so much fun adventuring with you and we hope to see you again in the future!
Written July 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sasha
7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
What a great time! We saw lots of whales from our boat and had a great time paddling down the coastline. Brooke was our guide and wow- she really knows her stuff. Best guide ever! Wade was our captain and he very carefully chose the best spot for us to disembark and jump into our kayaks. Such a fun adventure!
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! Sounds like an amazing day on the water! I will definitely pass this along to Wade and Brooked. Thank you for making us a part of your Alaskan vacation.
Written June 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lexmiller
Burlington, MA1,163 contributions
Jun 2022
We loved this excursion, even though the weather was not very cooperative, intermittent rain, windy, cold! We booked the outing through Celebrity Cruises. There were three ship passengers (including us) and the two other guests on the adventure happened to be local guides from other Alaskan tour companies, doing this kayak trip as part of a reciprocity agreement the guides from the various companies have with each other - making for a total of 5 guests, plus our actual guide, the amazing Brooke, comprising a total of 3 kayaks in the water, 2 passengers in each. We had an amazing time as we essentially had 4 guides! The captain of the whale watching boat, Wade, which also carried our kayaks to a far off beach where the kayaking portion of the trip began, our actual guide, Brooke, and the two “extra” guides who were here as guests but couldn’t help their nature and guided on this trip as well - so we had loads of information and stories throughout the entire trip! Brooke and Wade were both so enthusiastic and clearly love what they do. We saw many humpback whales exhibiting many different behaviors, lots of sea lions, eagles, wow! Loads of snacks are provided including a light lunch, and water in complimentary steel branded beverage bottles for us to keep. Before the adventure begins, we were taken to company headquarters to be outfitted with serious gear - Bogs boots, rubber pants and jacket and a kayak skirt. We were given an overview of the map, showing exactly where we were going, etc. Most of the whales and wildlife were seen on our sailing to our destination where we were put out with the kayaks. While kayaking, we didn’t actually observe much wildlife but haha, for us personally, that’s because it was a bit wavy and cold, so we were focused on paddling and keeping water out! We had such a memorable adventure, and we are so grateful to the official and unofficial guides, for all that they shared with us! Highly recommend ABAK Wilderness Trips!
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for you review! Sounds like an amazing wildlife viewing day with Brooke and Wade. Thank you for making us a part of your Alaskan adventure.
Written July 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
happykaren
California60 contributions
May 2024 • Family
A fantastic whale watching experience as we started out by boat and the guides immediately discovered a baby humpback and momma, which gave us terrific viewing including the calf's flukes, spoutings and breaches, We beached the motor boat and switched to tandem kayaks. We found the momma and baby again nursing. Amazing! Boat captain Marina and the guides were careful to keep a very respectful distance, something several of the larger whale watching ships did not copy. Although deep down we all want the "National Graphic" photo shoot experience, I truly appreciated Above & Beyond Alaska for considering the animals' comfort. By watching from a distance, we protected the whales' sense of security and I felt more like a fellow creature floating in this watery environment, not an intrusive tourist. Even if we hadn't spotted the whales, the ocean and mountain scenery surrounding us would have made the trip perfect. I went with my daughter and her boyfriend; my daughter could not stop smiling! Excellent equipment and the guides were friendly and shared great info on whales. Delicious lunch and snacks. You don't have to be a skilled kayaker to do this tour.
Written June 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for highlighting the importance of respecting our wildlife! We are thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience and appreciated our efforts to maintain a harmonious environment for all creatures. Our team is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and integrity of our surroundings, and it’s heartwarming to know that our guests value this as much as we do.
Written June 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John K
33 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We had an extremely good time on our Tour. We were picked up on time and equipped with everything that we needed. We boarded the boat and were taken to the Channel Island Marine Park. We spent a couple of hours looking for and viewing many humpback whales. They took us to a small island where we launched the kayaks. We paddled to Douglas Island. We were very fortunate to have a mother and baby humpback whale come up very close to use while we were kayaking. We then landed on a small beach up boarded the boat for the return trip. Our guides Julia and Miles were very knowledgeable, professional, and fun to spend time with. We highly recommend this excursion.
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this positive feedback! We are so happy to hear you had a wonderful time. Our paddle with whales tour is definitely a magical experience. It's one of the best ways to intimately view Juneau's marine life!
Written May 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brandie F
New Hampshire Lakes Region, NH8 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We just had the best time with our guide Julia and Captain Matt!!!
Thank you for helping us to see so many whales (and ORCAS!) and sea lions!!!!! What a fun crew and great experience ❤️ thank you
Thank you for helping us to see so many whales (and ORCAS!) and sea lions!!!!! What a fun crew and great experience ❤️ thank you
Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy R
24 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Chris & Matt were wonderful! We did the whale watching/kayaking combo which was perfect for our teenage boys because it was more adventurous than just whale watching. They provided all the gear we needed and a wonderful snack! Highly recommend.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So happy your teenage boys had fun! It isn't every day that you are able to whale watch from kayaks! Thanks for joining us out there!
Written August 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mekd2015
Decatur, GA54 contributions
Aug 2022
We were a small group of five...all family. Never expected this excursion/adventure to be so intimate, fun, informative, gorgeous beyond my words and imagination. Yet, no doubt, it was our kayak guide, and boat captain, Kristen, and Lauren, which truly made our experience so very extraordinary. Both Kristen and Lauren were so full of knowledge, & more importantly, wonder, and joy to share what they know, and invite us to experience the magnificent waters, the magnificent sea animals, i.e., mother & baby humbacks...togerher! Sea lions...gorgeous birds...beautiful rough stone beaches. What a gift & joy to experience this part of Alaska, through the eyes, & experience of our guides, Kristen & Lauren.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! Sounds like an amazing time with Kristen and Lauren and wildlife viewing. We will share this with Kristen and Lauren. Thank you for making us a part of your Alaskan adventure!
Written August 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lorna S
Celbridge, Ireland
What level of fitness do you need to have foe this trip please?
Written October 24, 2024
Hi, I’m on a flight to Juneau right now and was curious if there was a way I could do this tour during my layover? Not sure if it is even possible, but thought I’d ask and see just in case!
Written May 20, 2019
Is there a minimum age? Do you offer tours on Sunday for cruise passengers?
Written March 20, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.