An Alaska whale watching tour by sea kayak is an unforgettable northern adventure experience. From humpback whales and Stellar Sea Lions to seals and diverse varieties of seabirds, this Alaska sea kayaking trip takes full advantage of the wildlife along this spectacular coastline.
From Hoonah, Alaska we paddle our expedition kayaks to Point Adolphus, Alaska which has the largest congregation of Humpback Whales in the Alaskan Panhandle. Enjoy the best of Alaska whale watching as you witness first-hand full breaches and waving flukes of these intelligent giants. Sea kayaking requires no previous experience although physical fitness and comfort on the water are important of course.
We meet in Whitehorse and travel via van to Skagway Alaska then hop a charter to Hoonah and leisurely kayak by single and double sea kayaks along the coast to Point Adolphus, viewing an increasing number of marine mammals as we go. We kayak back to Hoonah for the return route to Whitehorse.
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Locations visited/nearby
Alaska, United States, North America
Itinerary
Day 0
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
The scheduled flights arrive in Whitehorse through out the day. Aim to arrive by 6 p.m. Please make your way to your hotel and plan to rendezvous with your guides at the High Country Inn at 8 p.m. for an orientation meeting. There will be a chance for last-minute questionsconcerning clothing, gear, packing and other details.
Whitehorse is a great place to spend a few extra days.We will send you a visitor's booklet. The historic sites are interesting and there are local day hikes, gold panning float trips through Miles Canyon and 4x4 outings in the region.
Day 1 (L/D)
We will meet at the lobby of the High Country Inn at 8 a.m. (after breakfast - not covered by us). Once the van is loaded we will leisurely make our way to Skagway and then on to Hoonah by Cessna aircraft. In Skagway we will have time to look around this historic town and purchase Alaskan Fishing Licenses for those intending to fish. At the Hoonah Marina, we will have a picnic lunch and review the equipment and kayaks. When the kayaks are loaded we will spend time with an introduction to basic paddling and rescue skills before heading off on our tour.Our destination for that day is across Port Frederick to a small cove on Hoonah Island, a few miles west along this spectacular coastline.
Day 2 (B/L/D)
This day leaves us with time to explore the immense shoreline. Our short paddle, depending on weather and seas, takes us to the coastline around Flynn Cove and Eagle Point. Here we may begin to encounter seals, Stellar Sea Lions, Oyster Catchers and Marbled Murlets.
Day 3 (B/L/D)
From this point we embark on to Pinta Cove, a short distance from Point Adolphus. Here the wild life show truly begins. Humpbacks travel back and forth through the straight, diving, spouting, rolling and breach ing. We will be close enough for the next three days to voyage off the shore to visit with these creatures of wonder. We will have many opportunities to stop, relax and photograph these giants in their own environment.
Day 4 & 5 (B/L/D)
A short paddle around Point Adolphus itself brings us to a beautiful cobble beach that will be our home for two nights. From our camp, we look directly across the Straight to the entrance to Glacier Bay. If the weather cooperates, we will see Mt. Fairweather (15, 300’) towering about the Fairweather Range. We will spend our time traveling the shoreline constantly turning our heads to locate the sound of whales. If we are lucky, we may see a pod of humpbacks traveling together and sounding off to one another. Orca’s and harbour porpoises frequent this stretch of water as well. Stellar Sea Lions might play behind our touring kayaks, and seals could be seen popping their heads up amongst the kelp forests. Don’t forget to watch the land as well! The islands in the Straight are home to deer, grizzly, and bald eagles to name but a few. Anglers can be well rewarded with salmon as well!
Day 6 & 7 (B/L/D)
We will then head back south along the coastline making our way toward Hoonah, always watchful for the next whale.
Day 8 (B/L)
Our last day has us heading back down Port Frederick to catch our flight from Hoonah. In Skagway our van will be waiting for us. A short drive; we plan on arriving back inWhitehorse around 6:00 PM. Our plans are to meet for dinner later on in the evening at one of the local restaurants (not covered by us). A great way to share a few laughs and fond memories before you head back home!
Day 9
After good-byes and a last look around Whitehorse, we will head for home with a cargo of fond and spectacular memories.
More information from Canadian River Expeditions and Nahanni River Adventures:
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