True North Kayak Adventures
True North Kayak Adventures
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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
4.5
397 reviews
Excellent
346
Very good
28
Average
7
Poor
6
Terrible
10
timjstark
Shorewood, WI688 contributions
Jun 2021
This was part of a group trip (Backroads) that included this kayak adventure. The lead person was very professional and had two assistants that were amazing. As our kayak day included possible bad weather, the trip was (slightly( altered to keep us safe and close to shore. All of these aspects are wonderful, however one small drawback to the day was that the True North Lead guide only spoke to the one or two kayaks that were near to her. The rest of us heard little or none of what she ever said. She seemed completely unaware that she was speaking to a fraction of our group.
Written July 6, 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.
Ryan Solberg 2007
3 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
The moment we checked in, we were greeted by a very kind lady who checked us in and showed us how to prepare for the ride. The instructions were very simple, and the lady was very patient when we asked questions. As we waited for the boat to arrive, (we were early) we met our guide, who introduced himself and gave a quick brief explanation of what we would be doing. Once it was time to leave, we entered the boat, which was surprisingly cozy, and began the trip to the island we would be kayaking around. During the trip, we talked to our guide and he was very friendly and talkative. Once we reach the land, we hopped off the boat and begin to grab our safety equipment. Our guy showed us how to put the equipment on, and helped us drag our kayaks into the water. They had many kayaks, each one being different and able to help certain people kayak at their own skill level and ability. My family, being semi skilled, took the single kayaks. We were given a brief but thorough safety inspection and talk through, and our guide helped us into the water. Along the trip, he showed us interesting rock formations and how they were created. We also met some animals like sea otters, sea anemones, and starfish, some with multiple species. We also saw some harmless jellyfish of multiple species, one of them being very rare and beautiful. As we went around the island, our guide told us about the history of the island and the places around it. The whole time our guide was very talkative in a good way, and he was able to make us laugh several times. we stopped for lunch in one of the three possible locations, and we ate lunch there. It was awesome because we were able to be on the island and watch the birds fly around. We then went around the rest of the island, which was just as good as the beginning. On the way back we saw several more sea otters and all in all it was a very good experience. I personally would go there again and whoever is reading this probably should too!
-Ryan A. S.
-Ryan A. S.
Written June 10, 2020
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.
lrobak1
Anchorage, AK7 contributions
Sep 2020
I recently had the pleasure of taking the 6 hour Elephant Rock kayaking trip with True North Kayak Adventures. As a long time Alaskan, I wanted to take the opportunity to get out and see more of this state that I love with the guidance of professionals who could show me new things and keep me safe in the process. We totally lucked out with incredible weather on this trip that included sunny skies and glassy calm water. Our guide, Jacob was knowledgable and competent. Nothing felt rushed and I really felt like we always had the time to take in our surrounding and enjoy the beauty. We got to see tons of jellyfish (my favorite!), sea otters, bald eagles, and even watched a mama black bear and two cubs on the shore trying to scale a rock wall. An epic day indeed! I would love to do more trips with True North in the future!
Written September 8, 2020
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.
Mark M
5 contributions
Aug 2020
Was looking for a special adventure to share with my wife while visiting the beautiful, sea-side community of Homer, Alaska. We opted for the "Ultimate Tour" with True North and had an incredible time. After a short ride across the inlet to Petersen Bay we were dropped off on a beautiful beach to kayak along the coast and through the picturesque community of Halibut Cove. After several hours of navigating through striking rock formations, around cliff walls, and along pristine coastland, we ended the kayaking portion of our trip along a gravel beach. After a quick lunch we enjoyed a 3 mile, round trip hike to a gorgeous, glacier-fed lake. I would highly recommend this trip for older kids and grownups of all ages. My wife and I were 30 years older than our tour guide and travelling companions and we had no problems keeping up!
Written August 17, 2020
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.
2muchfun_12
San Luis Obispo, CA52 contributions
Jul 2021
First let me say that all staff deserve a 5 star. They are friendly and helpful.
The pricing to take a water taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park is $75 rt. per person for a half hour each way water taxi ride. Which we found to be unreasonable. But unfortunately the other 3 taxis I called all charged the same amount. Hmmm - makes you wonder.
True North offers a half day kayak trip for $125 which includes the same rt water taxi ride plus a half day rental of kayak and a guide. So its only $50 to get a half day guided kayak tour and $75 to be dropped off and picked up for a hike?
They know and told us that it takes 4 hours to complete Glacier trail with a stop at the lake for lunch and then only offered a 8:00 departure with a 12:00 pick up. There was a delay at the dock in the morning and we did not leave the dock until 8:20. I asked if we could have an extra 20 minutes for our hike due to the delay and was told no as they were on a tight schedule. This meant we were going to be on a relatively fast pace without the desired time enjoy the beautiful scenery. We ate our lunch in a hurry at the gorgeous lake where we would have preferred to spend more time. But we had to reach the saddle pick up at 12.
Hiking the last part of the saddle trail is steep and should not be taken at a fast pace.
IMO the pricing is not fairly representative of the service and the schedule should accurately reflect the time needed to complete and enjoy the hike, rather than being rushed.
The pricing to take a water taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park is $75 rt. per person for a half hour each way water taxi ride. Which we found to be unreasonable. But unfortunately the other 3 taxis I called all charged the same amount. Hmmm - makes you wonder.
True North offers a half day kayak trip for $125 which includes the same rt water taxi ride plus a half day rental of kayak and a guide. So its only $50 to get a half day guided kayak tour and $75 to be dropped off and picked up for a hike?
They know and told us that it takes 4 hours to complete Glacier trail with a stop at the lake for lunch and then only offered a 8:00 departure with a 12:00 pick up. There was a delay at the dock in the morning and we did not leave the dock until 8:20. I asked if we could have an extra 20 minutes for our hike due to the delay and was told no as they were on a tight schedule. This meant we were going to be on a relatively fast pace without the desired time enjoy the beautiful scenery. We ate our lunch in a hurry at the gorgeous lake where we would have preferred to spend more time. But we had to reach the saddle pick up at 12.
Hiking the last part of the saddle trail is steep and should not be taken at a fast pace.
IMO the pricing is not fairly representative of the service and the schedule should accurately reflect the time needed to complete and enjoy the hike, rather than being rushed.
Written August 2, 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.
Jaime B
Oceanside, CA38 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I hate to even give this a 1 but I have to. Where do I begin.
We took the water taxi to drop our parents and our friends off on the hike, we decided to take the 1 hour wildlife tour instead.
Upon dropping off our group we asked the driver of the water taxi when they should report to the pick up point and she said she has no idea. 🤦🏻♀️ maybe 4 maybe 430
We then asked about bear spray, which was told to us when they booked the hike, it would be provided, she had no bear spray, we were also told we be provided with water, nothing. So seems the frills that would set a company apart where all just said to bring you in.
Once dropping off the group we thought we were starting our $200.00 1 hour wildlife tour… it was 10 minutes. We saw a whale which we were excited about but instead of trying to follow it, our driver went in the opposite direction. She said we should be happy to see it.
They didn’t tell us the drive to drop the group off was also part of our tour. So in total we had a 10 minute tour and a 50 minute drive out and back.
Upon return we asked Peggy about 1. The 10 minute wildlife tour and about dropping our family off with nothing. No bear spray, no direction, no water, no map. Her responses all very sarcastic. Did they ask for bear spray? We would never tell you water is included! And the ride out to drop off the tour is part of your hour. Sorry your unhappy but it’s not my business.
We explained to her that they just dropped off to senior citizens with no direction and she said they should’ve booked a guided tour. 😳
Hopefully the time the driver told them is correct and it’s not earlier or later and our family is left.
If it would’ve been explained the boat ride to drop off at the island was going to eat into our 1 hour long wildlife tour we would’ve booked something different.
Completely ripped off on that tour… but hey we should be lucky we saw a whale.
Sooooooo do not waste your time and money on this company, they only care about getting your money and then service is extremely poor!!!!!!! We’ve done plenty of tours here and this is by far the worst company we have ever felt with
We took the water taxi to drop our parents and our friends off on the hike, we decided to take the 1 hour wildlife tour instead.
Upon dropping off our group we asked the driver of the water taxi when they should report to the pick up point and she said she has no idea. 🤦🏻♀️ maybe 4 maybe 430
We then asked about bear spray, which was told to us when they booked the hike, it would be provided, she had no bear spray, we were also told we be provided with water, nothing. So seems the frills that would set a company apart where all just said to bring you in.
Once dropping off the group we thought we were starting our $200.00 1 hour wildlife tour… it was 10 minutes. We saw a whale which we were excited about but instead of trying to follow it, our driver went in the opposite direction. She said we should be happy to see it.
They didn’t tell us the drive to drop the group off was also part of our tour. So in total we had a 10 minute tour and a 50 minute drive out and back.
Upon return we asked Peggy about 1. The 10 minute wildlife tour and about dropping our family off with nothing. No bear spray, no direction, no water, no map. Her responses all very sarcastic. Did they ask for bear spray? We would never tell you water is included! And the ride out to drop off the tour is part of your hour. Sorry your unhappy but it’s not my business.
We explained to her that they just dropped off to senior citizens with no direction and she said they should’ve booked a guided tour. 😳
Hopefully the time the driver told them is correct and it’s not earlier or later and our family is left.
If it would’ve been explained the boat ride to drop off at the island was going to eat into our 1 hour long wildlife tour we would’ve booked something different.
Completely ripped off on that tour… but hey we should be lucky we saw a whale.
Sooooooo do not waste your time and money on this company, they only care about getting your money and then service is extremely poor!!!!!!! We’ve done plenty of tours here and this is by far the worst company we have ever felt with
Written August 1, 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.
RandyBanjo
Bishopville, SC63 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
For an unbelievable price, we went on a 1 hour tour of Gull Island and Peterson Bay to be rewarded by seeing, 20+ sea otters, dozens of common murre, dozens of commorants, 6+ puffins, 3 harbor seals, 2 bald eagles and thousand+ gulls (juvenile and adult). The guide was enthusiastic, informative, and responsive to our questions. The staff were very friendly and focused on satisfying the customer!
Written September 4, 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.
Julie M
Mount Prospect, IL12 contributions
Jun 2022
We showed up at the kiosk in hopes that we could book a hike at the last minute. The girl working there worked hard to fit us in to the boat for a quick trip to Kachemak.
We had to wait a few hours but caught the 12:30 boat over and had the best hike on a beautiful sunny day. We were able to hike to the glacier lake, relax, view the floating iceberg, admire the outstanding views and hike back. I believe we hiked 5 miles and returned for the boat ride back about 4:30. The boat ride back was quite rough but the captain took his time and we arrived safely. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
We had to wait a few hours but caught the 12:30 boat over and had the best hike on a beautiful sunny day. We were able to hike to the glacier lake, relax, view the floating iceberg, admire the outstanding views and hike back. I believe we hiked 5 miles and returned for the boat ride back about 4:30. The boat ride back was quite rough but the captain took his time and we arrived safely. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
Written July 12, 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.
Stephanie M
5 contributions
Jun 2021
Can't say enough about this amazing adventure. Our family did the Glacier Lake Kayak & Hike. Our guide Tyler was outstanding, and was very patient with us and our various levels of fitness. This company supplied all the pack raft gear and outfitted us for the weather. This was a highlight of our Alaska trip, not many can say they've kayaked with glaciers! I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone visiting Homer.
Written July 6, 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.
David S
3 contributions
Aug 2023
The town of Homer is a great destination, but a kayak adventure will really put you in touch with nature. After a brief water taxi ride, we were dropped off at an island across the bay where our guide and 2-person kayak were awaiting us. We geared up for our first ever kayaking experience and it was wonderful. We were treated to some interesting history of the area and kind of hit the animal sightings jackpot: Whales, sea otters, harbor seals and various birds. We sat for nearly 45 minutes and just watched a mama and her calf playing together as she seemingly demonstrated to her calf how to jump out of the water. Then a friendly old sea otter proceeded to much on some shells 20 feet away from us - adorable! Please make time to spend a half day doing this adventure... it was one of the highlights of out 2 weeks in Alsaka.
Written August 21, 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.
Visiting in early July. Will I be warm enough if I wear leggings/yoga pants under waterproof pants for kayaking?
Written June 28, 2017
Those two layers should be fine. If you are the type of person that is chilled easily, you might feel a little cool early in the morning, but if it's a sunny day and gets into high 50s or low 60s for temps you should be good. It's always good to carry along an extra set of underwear, pants and shirt in a dry bag in case you get a little wet from rain or from getting in and out of the kayak. Have fun! True North is a great outfitter.
Written June 29, 2017
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