Hoonah Alaska: Kayak Tour with Wildlife & Harbor Pickup

Summary

Kayak calm Alaskan waters from Hoonah with local stories and wildlife

You’ll paddle gentle waters outside Hoonah with a local guide who knows all the stories behind those mossy shorelines and old logging camps. Expect easy harbor pickup (don’t wander to the wrong kayak shop!), all your gear ready, maybe some rain in the air — but also laughter and those moments when Alaska feels huge and close at once.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the paddle a little too tight at first — that was me, watching our guide (I think her name was Tasha?) wave us over by the green gondola near the zipline. She had this easy smile, like she’d seen every kind of weather and wasn’t fazed by any of it. We got our life jackets sorted (mine was a bit snug but honestly, I didn’t mind — it felt safe), and she made sure nobody wandered off toward the other kayak place. Apparently that happens a lot. The air smelled like wet cedar and salt, which hit me right as we stepped closer to the harbor.

We set out from Hoonah’s little harbor, paddles dipping in sync for maybe two strokes before I lost rhythm. Didn’t matter — water here is so calm you could almost drift. Tasha pointed out where sea lions sometimes pop up (none today, but a bald eagle glided overhead and everyone just went quiet). The shoreline looked rugged, mossy logs piled up from old days when this was a logging camp. There’s something about hearing those stories while you’re actually floating past them — I don’t know, it sticks more than reading a signpost ever would.

I kept waiting for my arms to burn but honestly? It was just peaceful. Even when rain started spitting down halfway through (they handed out these light ponchos that crinkled every time I moved), it felt right — like this is how southeast Alaska wants to be experienced. We laughed about soggy sleeves and tried to guess what kind of bird was calling from the trees. Someone asked if locals ever get tired of this view; Tasha just grinned and said she still finds new things every week. I still think about that quiet stretch of water, how it made everything else feel far away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak from Hoonah to logging camp

• Leave town of Hoonah
• Exit the harbor
• Travel along shoreline
• Paddle toward old logging camp

Top questions

Where does the kayak tour in Hoonah start?

The tour starts at the excursion hub by the bottom of the zipline near the green gondola in Hoonah’s harbor area.

Is pickup included for this kayak tour?

Yes, pickup is included at the excursion hub; do not go directly to any kayak center.

What should I wear for kayaking in Hoonah?

Dress for cool weather; light rain ponchos are provided if needed.

Are there chances to see wildlife on this kayak tour?

Yes, there’s always a chance to see wildlife such as sea lions or eagles along the shoreline.

Is this kayak tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and takes place in calm waters.

What equipment is provided on the tour?

You’ll get life jackets, paddles, kayaks, spray skirts, and rain ponchos if it rains.

How long does it take to reach the old logging camp by kayak?

The route follows the shoreline from Hoonah harbor toward an old logging camp; timing may vary based on group pace.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Hoonah’s excursion hub by the green gondola, all kayaking equipment like life jackets and paddles, spray skirts for comfort on the water, plus light rain ponchos if clouds roll in while you’re out paddling toward those old logging camps along Alaska’s shoreline.