Kayaking from Skagway: Inside Passage paddling with catamaran

Six and a half hours on the water, from catamaran to paddle to lunch

Kayak the Inside Passage from Skagway: take a high-speed catamaran 17 miles down Lynn Fjord to Haines, paddle a two-person kayak for about two hours with a naturalist guide, stop at a remote beach midway through, and finish with lunch on the sand overlooking mountains and ocean. Instruction and all gear are included. The guide chooses the route based on sea conditions and weather.

The experience

The day starts with a catamaran ride down Lynn Fjord to Haines. A short 17-mile crossing that gets you to the water without a long drive. Once you arrive, your guide outfits you with a PFD, spray skirt, and rubber boots, then walks you through a safety briefing and equipment fitting. Two people share each kayak, and the guide is an expert naturalist who knows the fjord's marine life and local geography well enough to explain what you're seeing as you paddle.

You'll be on the water for about two hours, paddling a route the guide picks based on that day's sea conditions and weather. The guide stops at a remote beach midway through so you can stretch and take in the scenery of Southeast Alaska. Eagles, sea lions, seals, Dall porpoise, and humpback whales have been spotted along the route, though sightings are never guaranteed. After paddling, you stay on the beach for a waterside picnic-style lunch with mountain and ocean views behind it.

If ocean conditions aren't suitable on the day you go, the trip moves to Chilkoot Lake instead: a freshwater lake surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and salmon spawning beds. Either way, you're paddling a two-person kayak with instruction tailored to your ability level and a guide who handles the route decisions so you focus on the paddle.

What’s included

• Kayaking instruction and a professional guide.
• catamaran transport to and from Haines.
• two-person kayak with paddles.
• PFD, spray skirt, and rubber boots.
• rain gear if necessary.
• lunch on a remote beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 24 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by Alaska Mountain Guides Adventures, inc. Chilkat Guides Ltd

Is this one for you?You operate the kayak yourself with a partner, so this suits anyone who wants to paddle rather than watch, with instruction built in for all ability levels. The fixed route and timing (catamaran departure, two-hour paddle, beach lunch) mean the day is structured for you, so you don't plan the stops or the pace.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the paddle itself like if I've never kayaked before?

Your guide provides instruction for all ability levels before you leave the beach, covering safety and equipment fitting. You'll paddle a two-person kayak for about two hours total, with a midway beach stop to rest. The guide chooses the route based on sea conditions that day, so the paddle is matched to what's safe and manageable.

How does the catamaran ride work? Is it part of the kayaking or separate?

The catamaran is your transport to and from Haines. It's a high-speed boat that covers the 17 miles down Lynn Fjord in a short crossing, so you spend most of the day on the water in your kayak, not on the ferry.

What wildlife might I see while paddling?

Eagles, sea lions, seals, Dall porpoise, and humpback whales have been spotted along Lynn Fjord, and your guide is trained to identify and explain the marine life and geography of the area. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the guide's knowledge makes the paddle educational either way.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I book?

If ocean conditions aren't suitable for paddling Lynn Fjord, the trip moves to Chilkoot Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and salmon spawning beds. You still paddle a two-person kayak with the same guide and instruction. The location changes to keep you safe.

What do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Your guide provides a PFD, spray skirt, rubber boots, kayak paddles, and rain gear if needed. Bring layers: the operator recommends dressing in layers because Southeast Alaska weather changes through the day. Lunch is included and served on the beach after paddling.