Kayaking in Haines: Inside Passage paddling from the ferry pier

Four hours paddling Southeast Alaska's fjords, wildlife, and remote beaches

Kayak the Inside Passage from Haines with a professional guide in a two-person kayak, paddling through fjords while watching for eagles, sea lions and seals. Your guide outfits you with all gear and teaches paddling technique suited to your level. The day includes a stop at a remote beach and a waterside picnic lunch with mountain views. If ocean conditions aren't suitable, you paddle Chilkoot Lake instead, a scenic freshwater lake ringed by alpine waterfalls.

The experience

You meet your guide at the beach a short walk from the ferry pier in Haines. The guide outfits your two-person kayak with spray skirt, paddle, PFD and rubber boots, then walks you through the basics before you push off. Once on the water, you're paddling through the fjords of Southeast Alaska: the guide shares knowledge about the landscape, marine wildlife and local geography as you watch for eagles, sea lions, seals and other animals moving through the water. The pace is built for mixed ability levels, so whether you've paddled before or this is your first time, the guide adjusts the rhythm to match the group.

Weather decides the route. Most days you paddle the ocean, stopping at a remote beach to stretch and take in the scenery before heading to lunch. If conditions aren't suitable for the ocean, the guide drives you 30 minutes along the Chilkoot River to Chilkoot Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by mountains with alpine waterfalls and salmon spawning beds visible from the water. Either way, the day ends with a picnic-style lunch on the water's edge, with mountain and ocean views behind you.

What’s included

• All kayak equipment (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, rubber boots and rain gear if needed).
• professional guide instruction for all ability levels.
• a remote beach stop.
• waterside picnic-style lunch.
• driver and guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

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

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself in a shared group, so this suits anyone who wants to be on the water doing the work rather than watching from a boat. The four-hour commitment and moderate fitness level the activity asks for are what make the remote beaches and wildlife watching possible. You're far enough from the ferry pier to see the fjords without the crowds.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What's the kayak like if I've never paddled before?

The two-person kayak is stable and built for beginners. Your guide gives instruction suited to your level before you leave the beach, and stays with you the whole time to adjust pace and technique as needed.

What happens if the ocean is too rough to paddle?

Chilkoot Lake, a 30-minute van ride inland along the Chilkoot River, is your backup location. It's a calm freshwater lake ringed by mountains, alpine waterfalls and salmon spawning beds, so the scenery and wildlife watching are still strong even if the route changes.

What gear do I need to bring?

Dress in layers and wear comfortable clothes. The guide provides kayak, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, rubber boots and rain gear if needed, so you only bring yourself and a willingness to get wet.

How long is the whole day?

The activity runs four hours from start to finish, including paddling, the beach stop, and lunch on the water.