Kayaking Juneau: Paddle the Humpback Whale Feeding Ground

Glide past glaciers and eagles to a private island with tide pools and snacks.

Kayak the Inside Passage near Juneau in a small group with a professional guide, traveling by motorboat to Channel Islands State Marine Park and paddling double kayaks through the heart of humpback whale habitat. The trip includes all paddling and rain gear, a snack on a private island beach, and runs six hours total. It requires moderate fitness and the ability to paddle for up to two hours, and operates in all weather conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak with whales and island exploration

• Transport to Auke Bay Harbor
• Board motor boat and travel Inside Passage
• Disembark and kayak in whale feeding ground
• Enjoy snack and explore island tide pools
• Return transport downtown

The experience

The day starts with gear orientation at Auke Bay Harbor, where you'll be outfitted in a double kayak with all the rain gear and paddling equipment included. A small motorboat carries your group up the Inside Passage to Channel Islands State Marine Park, the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Southeast Alaska. Once there, you launch the kayaks and paddle through the feeding zone looking for signs of whales, sea lions, porpoises and eagles. This is the only active whale-watching adventure in Juneau, meaning you're operating the kayak instead of watching from a boat.

After your paddle, you'll return to a remote island beach for a high-quality snack and time to stretch your legs. The tide pools there are worth exploring if the timing works. A professional guide leads the whole trip and handles the route. A van brings you back downtown to finish the day. The whole outing takes six hours, and you'll need to be comfortable paddling for up to two hours at a stretch and confident in the water. All clients must know how to swim.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• double kayak and all paddling and rain gear.
• bottled water and snacks.
• Forest Service permits.
• motorboat transport up the Inside Passage.
• island beach time with tide pool exploration.
• van transport from downtown Juneau to Auke Bay Harbor and back.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (8 to 85 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Above and Beyond Alaska

Is this one for you?The motorboat leg is what gets you to the feeding ground itself (paddling from a remote island into the zone where whales actually gather) rather than watching from a larger vessel. You need moderate fitness and the ability to paddle for up to two hours. The operator requires swimmers only, and a minimum age of 8.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the humpback whale feeding ground like when you get there?

Channel Islands State Marine Park is where humpbacks concentrate to feed in Southeast Alaska. You'll paddle through the zone looking for signs of them, though the operator does not guarantee sightings. This is wild Alaska, and federal regulations require a 100-yard distance from any marine mammals you do encounter.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No, the trip is suitable for all experience levels. You'll paddle a double kayak with a professional guide leading the group, and the operator will outfit you with all paddling and rain gear. You do need to be able to paddle for up to two hours and be confident in the water.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip operates in all weather conditions, barring unsafe conditions as determined by the operator. Dressing appropriately for the conditions is essential. The operator stresses this strongly.

What's included in the price?

The professional guide, all paddling and rain gear, bottled water, snacks, and Forest Service permits are included. Transport from downtown Juneau to Auke Bay Harbor and back is also included.

Are there weight or size limits for the kayaks?

Double kayaks accommodate a maximum torso diameter of 52 inches and a combined weight limit of 600 pounds including gear. People taller than 6'2" may find the rudder pedals limiting, though paddlers as tall as 6'6" have successfully used the kayaks.