Spirit Walker Expeditions - Day Tours
Spirit Walker Expeditions - Day Tours
4.5
Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
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Spirit Walker Expeditions is a unique facilitator of Alaskan travel and wilderness experience. The leader in premium guided sea kayaking trips since 1987.
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Spirit Walker Expeditions - Day Tours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
46 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Jean
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Highest recommendation for this amazing, world class ocean and whale watching adventure company: Spirit Walker Expeditions! This is a fully supported and guided kayak trip in a stunning ocean natural setting with an experienced, reliable, thoughtful kayak guide. Stephen, Spirit Walker owner, a kind, caring expert with over 20 years of experience, was our guide for our group of 5 in 3 very stable double kayaks.
This is pristine ocean and shore wilderness adventure, allowing whale, sea lion, otter, eagle, bird watching encounters from a safe distance. We could see and hear whales breathing as they breached the surface. We saw whale fins and the continuous, gentle movement of whales through the water. Many sea lions seemed curious and occasionally came close enough for us to get a good look, though far enough to know we were not disrupting them.
This trip provided a close encounter to be a witness the ocean and shore ecosystem in a unique and moving way. The marine environment was very personal on our kayaks. Surrounding us, the ocean was alive with small waves, the tides and gentle wind moving us along in our kayaks, under both clouds and sun.
From beginning to end, the leaders inspired confidence and support to beginner and novice kayaker adventurers to allow for a safe and otherworldly experience.
Spirit Walker Expeditions is a well equipped, experienced, expert, kind, caring. From beginning to end, every detail was managed from providing boots, rain gear, transportation to the shore. They hired a taxi service to take the 3 double kayaks 25 minutes across Icy Straight to Point Aldolphus a well known rich feeding area for humpback whales. After kayaks were unloaded to the shore from the taxi, care was taken by Stephen to train participants in getting in and out of the kayaks, paddling, and safety. Our 3 boats kept close to each other and the shore, and were given a panoramic view on the water of whales breathing, and the surrounding heavenly beauty of this pristine area.
We were allowed every assistance needed, given breaks, so we could fully enjoy and participate in this once in a lifetime experience.
Stephen provided an amazing lunch, including salmon, bagels, meat, cheese, bagels and dessert in a natural, beautiful, primitive rocky beach setting. Every minute we were held in the care of Spirit Walker Expeditions was a valued opportunity to experience ocean, marine, shore, and human kindness. Highest recommendation!
This is pristine ocean and shore wilderness adventure, allowing whale, sea lion, otter, eagle, bird watching encounters from a safe distance. We could see and hear whales breathing as they breached the surface. We saw whale fins and the continuous, gentle movement of whales through the water. Many sea lions seemed curious and occasionally came close enough for us to get a good look, though far enough to know we were not disrupting them.
This trip provided a close encounter to be a witness the ocean and shore ecosystem in a unique and moving way. The marine environment was very personal on our kayaks. Surrounding us, the ocean was alive with small waves, the tides and gentle wind moving us along in our kayaks, under both clouds and sun.
From beginning to end, the leaders inspired confidence and support to beginner and novice kayaker adventurers to allow for a safe and otherworldly experience.
Spirit Walker Expeditions is a well equipped, experienced, expert, kind, caring. From beginning to end, every detail was managed from providing boots, rain gear, transportation to the shore. They hired a taxi service to take the 3 double kayaks 25 minutes across Icy Straight to Point Aldolphus a well known rich feeding area for humpback whales. After kayaks were unloaded to the shore from the taxi, care was taken by Stephen to train participants in getting in and out of the kayaks, paddling, and safety. Our 3 boats kept close to each other and the shore, and were given a panoramic view on the water of whales breathing, and the surrounding heavenly beauty of this pristine area.
We were allowed every assistance needed, given breaks, so we could fully enjoy and participate in this once in a lifetime experience.
Stephen provided an amazing lunch, including salmon, bagels, meat, cheese, bagels and dessert in a natural, beautiful, primitive rocky beach setting. Every minute we were held in the care of Spirit Walker Expeditions was a valued opportunity to experience ocean, marine, shore, and human kindness. Highest recommendation!
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ReenPA
Warrington, PA546 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
This kayaking experience was the most amazing trip! To begin with, Spirit Walker expeditions had a safety survival pack in each kayak that included a warming blanket, flares of some sort and a communication device if we were ever separated from the group. We’ve kayaked often in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska and this is the first time we’ve experienced a company include this in each kayak.
Next was our guide Liz. To experience being in her presence is a gift indeed-experienced, clever and funny, full of information and tailored the experience to your needs as well. She also makes a great salmon spread lunch!
You just can’t beat the Point Adolphus location, providing enough nutrients to feed the smallest creatures that feed the bigger ones. The Stellar sea lions and humpbacks were as curious about us as we were about them. We even spent time with a sleeping whale enough to time his sleeping breaths to every 3 minutes.
We have great memories from our trip, thank you Liz and Spirit Walker expeditions!
Next was our guide Liz. To experience being in her presence is a gift indeed-experienced, clever and funny, full of information and tailored the experience to your needs as well. She also makes a great salmon spread lunch!
You just can’t beat the Point Adolphus location, providing enough nutrients to feed the smallest creatures that feed the bigger ones. The Stellar sea lions and humpbacks were as curious about us as we were about them. We even spent time with a sleeping whale enough to time his sleeping breaths to every 3 minutes.
We have great memories from our trip, thank you Liz and Spirit Walker expeditions!
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pat
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
I have spent years working and enjoying the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska. So when our family had the chance to travel together on a guided kayak trip with Spirit Walker Expeditions we jumped at opportunity. Our family loved every minute of it, from the quiet of a kayak expedition around Point Adolphus to falling asleep in tents to the sounds of Humpback Whales breathing nearby offshore. The equipment, staff, and food were excellent! I recommend Spirit Walker Expeditions for anyone interested in getting an up close experience with a very special part of Southeast Alaska.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rebecca J
Chanhassen, MN7 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We took the four day /three night Glacier Tour in the West arm. It was amazing. We ate awesome food cooked by our guide Zak, learned about the animals in the region and our guide Keith taught us so much about the geology of the area. We walked up to glaciers And saw blue ice and a icy river running under the glacier, saw a bald eagle swimming I sure with its fish caught in its talent and a whale came and fed in the bay where we were camping. We Kayaked through glacial ice and then made glacieritas that were so yummy After a day of kayaking. We loved our experience!
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard R
1 contribution
Jul 2019
Spirit Walker Expeditions provided an excellent experience for a group of families traveling together to explore Southeast Alaska. We were able to enjoy the charm and beauty of Juneau, the peaceful welcome and community of the small town of Gustavus, and the adventure of kayaking among whales and sea life near Adolphus Point. Spirit Walkers made it easy for us to spend time together and encounter sea life and Alaskan wilderness in a new and personal way. Our children were immersed in nature as we kayaked, camped, and encountered whales, sea lions, fish, tide pools, and other creatures. Equipment, food and supplies, as well as information and guidance, was exceptional. We highly recommend this experience.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Monica P
1 contribution
Jul 2019
Spirit Walker designed a 5 day trip for us that included 3 days kayaking (Adolphus Point), 1 day exploring Gustavus, and 1 day taking a charter cruise up Glacier Bay. The whole thing was well planned and we didn't need to take care of a single detail. They coordinated the pickup at the airport, everything needed for the kayaking trip (including very yummy food), and then accommodations at a local Inn once we were back in Gustavus. Stephen was great to work with and took care of any questions and concerns that we had. The kayaking guides were terrific ... friendly, knowledgable, and experienced.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walt G
Denver, CO3 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
We had a wonderful experience on a Spirit Walker trip this summer. Six nights, seven days in the Myriad Islands Wilderness. The trip was well organized, the gear was top quality and the guides were great! Land and sea wildlife, beautiful mountains and great paddling made this an experience I'll always remember.
Written October 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for kayaking with Spirit Walker! The Myriad Islands are at the top of my favorite paddling destinations. While I've been there more than a time or two, each trip is a unique adventure and I remember each experience vividly. I'm sure you will too! I'm glad the organization, gear, guides, wildlife, scenery and paddling all contributed to a wonderful overall experience. Thank you!
Written August 9, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mandy L
6 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
My trip with Spirit Walker Expeditions was amazing. The guides were knowledgeable, considerate and accommodating of everyone's expectations in the group, and incredible cooks. My experience kayaking among the whales is something I will never forget! I hope to get to do another trip with them some day. I would absolute recommend SWE to anyone! Go! You will love it.
Written August 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review! Our guides really pride themselves on preparing delicious meals for their guests. I sometimes borrow their "camping" recipes to serve for special dinners at home. We hope to cook for you again on another Spirit Walker trip!
Best,
Sybil Van Derhoff
Owner, Spirit Walker Expeditions
Written August 31, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ernie B
Christiansburg, VA648 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
I took a day tour across the bay from Gustavus. Everything was provided including a picnic lunch, kayaks and equipment. Part of our group stayed behind for an overnight camping trip and returned the following day b
We saw seals, whales and millions of birds! Our tour leader had to continually remind us to not paddle to the seals so we wouldn't disturb gem, but we were close enough to get excellent pictures.
I was he oldest (68) member of our small group. There were also 2 middle school kids with us.
We saw seals, whales and millions of birds! Our tour leader had to continually remind us to not paddle to the seals so we wouldn't disturb gem, but we were close enough to get excellent pictures.
I was he oldest (68) member of our small group. There were also 2 middle school kids with us.
Written August 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your excellent review! We are happy that you got some great pictures of the abundant wildlife of southeast Alaska. We hope to see you again on another Spirit Walker Trip!
Warm Regards,
Stephen & Sybil
Owners, Spirit Walker Expedition
Written August 31, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob S
Issaquah, WA2 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Thrilling, relaxing, fun, and memorable are the first words that come to mind whenever I think of Spirit Walker. They set a very high standard for other outfitters.
- The trips we've taken -
Our family with two kids (ages 6-9) has taken two Spirit Walker guided tours and both trips have been beyond amazing. In the summer of 2014 we went to Pt Adolphus for their three-day Whales trip. In July 2015 we went on a custom five-day trip that combined two nights of camping with two nights at a lodge (paddling every day).
- Trip planning with Spirit Walker -
Spirit Walker was very patient and responsive while we were planning our trip. They were forthright about the tradeoffs for the various locations and helped guide us to an adventure appropriate for our family. They were always very responsive in communications and made the planning very enjoyable.
- Experience -
Incredible wildlife viewing, the paddling, fun hikes, beach exploring, delicious meals (including thoughtful Gluten-Free options), campfires with s'mores on the beach, nice tents and comfy sleeping bags and pads... the list of things we were happy with could go on and on. Both of our trips with Spirit Walker have felt like once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We've had such positive experiences that even though we just returned from a trip with them, we are already planning the next one!
- Guides -
We had different guides for each trip and both demonstrated the utmost in professionalism, client service, knowledge and friendliness. Not only did we feel safe and well taken care of, both guides went above and beyond what we would expect. They were engaged, patient and playful with our kids and always took time to make sure we were all enjoying our experience.
Kayaking is one of the best ways to really get to know Southeast Alaska. Spirit Walker makes it easy by beautifully handling all the logistics (trip planning, gear, food, and all the necessary safety precautions) and by hiring remarkable guides.
- The trips we've taken -
Our family with two kids (ages 6-9) has taken two Spirit Walker guided tours and both trips have been beyond amazing. In the summer of 2014 we went to Pt Adolphus for their three-day Whales trip. In July 2015 we went on a custom five-day trip that combined two nights of camping with two nights at a lodge (paddling every day).
- Trip planning with Spirit Walker -
Spirit Walker was very patient and responsive while we were planning our trip. They were forthright about the tradeoffs for the various locations and helped guide us to an adventure appropriate for our family. They were always very responsive in communications and made the planning very enjoyable.
- Experience -
Incredible wildlife viewing, the paddling, fun hikes, beach exploring, delicious meals (including thoughtful Gluten-Free options), campfires with s'mores on the beach, nice tents and comfy sleeping bags and pads... the list of things we were happy with could go on and on. Both of our trips with Spirit Walker have felt like once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We've had such positive experiences that even though we just returned from a trip with them, we are already planning the next one!
- Guides -
We had different guides for each trip and both demonstrated the utmost in professionalism, client service, knowledge and friendliness. Not only did we feel safe and well taken care of, both guides went above and beyond what we would expect. They were engaged, patient and playful with our kids and always took time to make sure we were all enjoying our experience.
Kayaking is one of the best ways to really get to know Southeast Alaska. Spirit Walker makes it easy by beautifully handling all the logistics (trip planning, gear, food, and all the necessary safety precautions) and by hiring remarkable guides.
Written July 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much taking the time to write such a thoughtful, detailed and kind review of your two kayaking trips with Spirit Walker. We are all thrilled to hear that you're already thinking about your next adventure with Spirit Walker, especially your guides... both of whom absolutely raved about how much fun they had kayaking, hiking, and camping with your family! We agree that kayaking is the best way to really get to know Southeast Alaska, and we look forward to doing more paddling with your wonderful family in the future!
Written July 8, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mdmazzenga
Sterling Heights, MI
For the five day whale excursion - camping areas - bathrooms? showers?
SWE_Alaska
Gustavus, AK
There are no facilities at the camping locations - no bathrooms or showers. You would be camping in an undeveloped setting at the edge of the forest, near the beach. A true, rustic, Alaskan experience!