Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding in Alaska: Private

Paddle in a glacier pool thousands of feet below the peaks you just flew over.

A 3-hour private helicopter and paddle boarding adventure on Knik Glacier Pools in Alaska combines aerial views of mountains, glacial rivers and waterfalls with stand-up paddle boarding in massive ancient glacier pools. You'll wear a dry suit and personal flotation device, practice water entry and exit with your guide, and paddle out across the glacial lake. The experience includes an experienced guide, lunch, and all necessary gear; check in one hour before departure at Alaska Glacier Lodge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter and paddle boarding adventure

• Check in at Alaska Glacier Lodge
• Wear dry suit and receive safety briefing
• Practice jumps into glacial lake
• Learn drysuit and flotation device use
• Start paddle boarding on glacier pools
• Paddle out and back on the lake

The Experience

Three and a half hours takes you from the lodge to the air and into the water. The helicopter flight gives you unobstructed views of the Knik Glacier and the mountains and waterfalls surrounding it — no wings blocking the sight lines. Once you land on the glacier, your guide walks you through the dry suit and personal flotation device system, then leads you through a few practice jumps into the glacial lake so you understand how the gear works if you slip off the board. The water is freezing, and the suit keeps you warm and dry while you learn to trust it.

When you're ready, you'll connect your leash and paddle out across the glacier pool. The paddle is serene — you're floating on water that sits in a landscape most people see only from above. Your guide stays with you, and the route takes you out and back to the end of the lake. Lunch is included, and the experience works in almost any weather.

You'll need moderate physical fitness and proper outerwear: warm layers, a hat, thin gloves, waterproof outer wear and comfortable walking shoes. Hats and gloves are available to buy on site if you don't have them. The tour is for ages 13 and up. Transfers from Anchorage are not included, so you'll arrange your own way to Alaska Glacier Lodge; call directly to book, as the tour fills months in advance.

What’s included

• Experienced guide.
• dry suit and personal flotation device.
• paddle board and paddle.
• micro-spikes.
• lunch.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Alaska Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?The 3-hour time frame means you can fit this into a day trip from Anchorage if you arrange transport separately, but it's a full morning or afternoon commitment — book this if you want a complete helicopter and water experience without splitting it across two separate outings.

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Top questions

What's the helicopter flight like on this tour?

The helicopter gives you bird's-eye views of the mountains, glacial rivers and waterfalls around Knik Glacier Pools. There are no wings to obstruct the view, and the flight is part of the 3-hour adventure before you land on the glacier to paddle.

How cold is the glacial water, and what keeps me warm?

The glacial water is freezing, which is why you wear a dry suit that keeps you warm and dry while you paddle. Your guide walks you through how the dry suit and personal flotation device work during practice jumps before you paddle, so you'll feel prepared if you slip off the board.

Do I need paddle boarding experience to book this?

No prior experience is required, but you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Your guide will teach you how to paddle and stay balanced on the board in the glacier pool.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a dry suit, experienced guide, paddle board and paddle, personal flotation device, micro-spikes, lunch and all fees and taxes. You do not need to arrange transportation to Alaska Glacier Lodge separately.

When should I arrive, and how far in advance do I need to book?

Check in is one hour before departure at Alaska Glacier Lodge; arriving late may result in a shortened or cancelled tour with no refund. The tour books up months in advance, so contact the operator directly for availability and waitlist options.