Paddlers' Realm
Paddlers' Realm
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5.0
79 reviews
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79
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Mary N
15 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Fabulous experience from start to finish with Ryan, from Paddler's Realm. During our planning phase, Ryan was super responsive (and patient as I asked an hundred questions!) and helpful in planning our families private kayak tour of Blackstone Bay. He coordinated with Lazy Otter tours for taxi service to the kayak launch as well as coordinated a more extensive boat tour after we finished kayaking that afternoon. His preparedness and equipment (kayaks, rain pants, rain jackets, spray skirts, life preservers, and hand mitts) were top notch. All along the trip he shared his knowledge of the glaciers, the Bay, animal life we saw along the way, and history of the area. The weather, unfortunately was gray and rainy but was still a spectacular trip as we got to kayak among the ice floats and saw calving of the glacier up close (safe distance!!)
Written September 6, 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.
Cristian F
Lican Ray, Chile17 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I don’t always review tour agencies, but when I do, it’s because I think you should rethink your entire itinerary to include kayaking. It was a cold rainy summer morning in Whittier. We loaded the kayaks in a boat, wondering if it was foolish to go chasing glaciers in a kayak while the rain showed no signs of stopping. I looked at Ryan, our guide, as he smiled with a “we got this” smirk that can only be achieved after years of hard earned experience. By the end of the trip, the rain was just background white noise that made the whole experience even more relaxing. That’s the hallmark of a good guide, they can refocus your attention in such a way that even the cold and the rain are things you enjoy. If you’re looking for a kayak trip, book here. If you’re not, also book here and thank me later when you find yourself in the middle of the Sound, surrounded by wild life and admiring how the glacier has polished the walls of rock over millions of years.
Written July 10, 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.
Pam H
11 contributions
Jul 2022
Ryan took me and three other guests on a "never to forget" kayak adventure on Blackstone Bay! I am so lucky that I came across his business as he is extremely knowledgeable about Alaska and the Prince William Sound area. He made our trip run so smoothly and had every kind of gear needed to make it a safe and memorable day. Thank you also to Portia, a guide who joined us and who helped us to enjoy the experience. Both Ryan and Portia share their joy in being part of nature. We went up close to three separate glaciers and many waterfalls, saw sea otters playing, seals peeking at us from the water, and many birds including Kittiwakes and a pair of Eagles! Ryan provided a delicious lunch, after which we walked to a nearby glacier then more wonderful time paddling on the Bay. It was the best way ever to celebrate my 70th birthday! Thank you Ryan!!!
Written July 14, 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.
geminisu
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Ryan was excellent. It was pouring rain but he got us all outfitted and did a great job making the whole day fun. Scenery is amazing even in the fog and rain and Gabe the boat taxi captain was highly entertaining.
Written July 21, 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.
Borja U
Bilbao, Spain6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I rented a kayak and some gear to paddle for a few days in Prince William Sound. Both kayak and paddles were top class. The best you can find in town and at a very reasonable price. Ryan is great and gave me a lot of valuable tips around where to camp and other practical details. The kind of information and service that makes your kayaking experience much more enjoyable. Definitely a must go if you want to paddle the area.
Written July 13, 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.
DrBooBoo
Anchorage, AK177 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
I’m new to kayaking and have always been afraid of it after a bad first experience years ago. After looking and asking around for recommendations, Ryan was recommended to teach a beginner’s course for my husband and I. He met us where we were at and he covered all the things I set out to learn. I felt safe throughout the course. He’s a calm, assuring presence on the water and safety is his obvious first priority. Ryan is very observant and we were impressed with his risk management. He’s particular about his equipment and that is reassuring. Great experience and I highly recommend!
Written June 11, 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.
Mary W
Denver, CO225 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
Ryan was very professional and safety conscious. He had a complete set of good gear for everyone. I stayed warm and dry for the whole day.
Our trip started with a water taxi out to Blackstone Bay. The scenery was majestic. Ryan paced the trip to fit the ability of the participants. He also offered a nice lunch with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and smoked salmon.
I couldn’t have asked for more.
Our trip started with a water taxi out to Blackstone Bay. The scenery was majestic. Ryan paced the trip to fit the ability of the participants. He also offered a nice lunch with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and smoked salmon.
I couldn’t have asked for more.
Written July 11, 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.
Travel Bug
London, UK57 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
My friend and I were eager to go sea kayaking after a long mountaineering trip up Denali. We came across Paddlers' Realm and weren't disappointed! We contacted Ryan, the owner the day before and he was able to sort out a full day paddling trip for us without a hitch. There was one other guest, me, my friend and Ryan that set out to paddle. Safety is certainly paramount to Ryan and you could tell he was experienced and knowledgable. We never felt unsafe. We spent the day paddling down the coast of Prince William Sound- it was breathtaking. It was windy and very choppy but we were comfortable we could handle it. Ryan was in constant contact with a water taxi in case we didn't want to battle the wind and tide on the way back. We took him up on it! Midday we stopped in one of the beautiful coves and ate a spectacular lunch! Ryan's wife is a nutritionist and also a VERY good cook! We had an amazing picnic! Homemade Rhubarb/Raspberry jam (to die for), smoked salmon, pasta salad, reindeer sausage, cheese, crackers, cookies, bagels with cream cheese, peanut butter- I ate too much! The views along the way were breathtaking. I think if you're looking to paddle in Alaska, this is your guy. I get the sense he can customise whatever it is you're looking to do. We all had mixed abilities and it's clear he can guide the inexperienced and if you wanted to kick it up a notch- he's certainly a hardcore paddler! Check out his website and definitely don't hesitate to call him- he's super friendly and clearly very accommodating! We had a blast! http://www.paddlersrealm.com/
Written June 8, 2012
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.
Wonderlusting
24 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
Brian and Ryan were amazing leading up to the trip accurately preparing is and day of. They prepared for everything! So hospitable and knowledgable about the area. Novice kayakers felt good being with Brian and experienced kayakers had fun. Lunch was amazing as was the entire tour route. Highly recommend.
Written June 9, 2015
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.
beth b
1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Friends
In July 2014 I had the true pleasure of joining Ryan and 3 others for a trip of a lifetime. We paddled in Prince William Sound from Valdez to Whittier--140 plus miles. The trip could not have better. Ryan, the company owner, is a fantastic guide. He knows the sound well and obviously loves it. His affection for it is infectious. He is an excellent paddler and teacher. He will teach you as much as you want to learn. If you want to just do your own thing, he is happy with that too and does not force learning on you. He has excellent equipment available to rent but is also ok if you want to bring your own. He let us do as much of the trip planning and navigation as we could do but gracefully stepped in where our knowledge and decision making was lacking. Ryan has a fun sense of humor and is a joy to spend time with rain or shine. He even picks up any little bits of trash he finds that others may have left. We saw lots of otters, sea lion, sea birds, and coastal flowers. The cedar trees in East PWN are lovely and grace the temperate rainforest landscape so beautifully. I literally can not think of a thing to criticize re Paddler's Realm. I highly recommend Ryan to you for a day paddle or if you are lucky a more extended trip.
Written July 23, 2014
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.
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