Kayaking In the Southeastern Region of Alaska

Alaska is a huge state, with five distinct regions of varying topography and climate. The Southeastern region of Alaska, known as the Alaskan Panhandle or the Inside Passage, stretches 500 miles from the base of Mt. Fairweather to Misty Fjords National Monument. The northeast part of the region shares a border with Canada, while the southwest runs into the ocean! One of the most popular outdoor activities in this area is kayaking, especially around the islands that run adjacent to the mainland - where tourists can explore glaciers and paddle alongside whales and other marine animals.

Where Can I Kayak in Southeast Alaska?

Southeast Alaska is one of the most remote areas in the United States and is accessible only by air or boat. As a result of its remote location, the area has less than 70,000 people living in a handful of scattered towns, villages, and communities. Still, visitors flock to this region of the state to experience its beauty and explore its vast outdoor wilderness, both on land and by sea. Juneau and Sitka are two of the most popular towns that offer kayaking excursions for visitors. Keep reading to learn more!

Sea Kayaking in Juneau, Alaska

Alaska’s state capital is also one of its most beautiful cities and one of the most visited communities in the state. Most summer visitors reach Juneau by cruise ship – in fact, it is one of the most popular ports of call in Alaska! But you can also reach it year-round by plane, as well as by the state’s ferry system. This gem of a city stands on one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, glacier hiking, or kayaking!

• Kayaking with whales – take a motorboat from Juneau up the Inside Passage to Channel Islands State Marine Park, one of the best places to go sea kayaking in Juneau, Alaska! The park is in the heart of humpback whale feeding grounds, so a whale sighting is almost guaranteed. Launch your kayak from a remote beach and paddle across the channel looking for whales and other marine life with snow-capped peaks and glaciers in the distant landscape. This trip is a full-day excursion and includes a kayak guide and boat captain who will facilitate this active natural history adventure while sharing their local knowledge of the area and seeking out the best wildlife viewing opportunities for you.
• Glacier view sea kayaking in Juneau – this 3 ½ hour tour leaves from Auke Bay, right across from Juneau’s main docks. After a brief introduction to sea kayaking, you’ll get outfitted with rain gear and life jackets and be regaled with stories of the area’s colorful history. Once you launch, the guide will lead you around the bay past Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Wetlands, and landmarks like Smuggler’s Cove, where illegal booze was hidden during the Prohibition years. After your adventure is done, enjoy a dinner of local Alaskan delicacies with your group!
• Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary – venture to Admiralty Island, where the park rangers can take you on a brown bear viewing excursion by land and by sea! Fly from Juneau to Pack Creek, the premier coastal brown bear viewing area in the Southeastern region of Alaska. Walk the shoreline and forest trails to the brown bear viewing locations, or – from mid-June to mid-July – opt for a kayak adventure along the coastline that will allow you to see the bears from the water.

Kayaking in Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is located on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage. It is accessible only by air and by sea and is a popular port of call for many cruise lines that sail the Inside Passage. It is also a year-round port of call for the Alaska Marine Highway System, a state-operated ferry system that allows travelers to navigate the Inside Passage at their own pace. This remote town is also a great place for outdoor adventures. In fact, kayaking in Sitka, Alaska is a big draw for visitors looking for a unique experience!

• Wilderness sea kayaking – paddle through the serene inlets surrounding Crescent Harbor near Sitka. Explore the protected bays and inlets near Sitka with an experienced guide who will point out the sights and explain the ecosystem of the local rainforest, all while you glide through breathtaking scenery. Search for eagles, brown bears, whales, harbor seals, or Sitka black-tailed deer along the way!
• Sitka Sound Adventure – located in the southeastern region of Alaska, Sitka is surrounded by sheltered waterways, harbors, and coves. Book a 2 ½ hour excursion to paddle along the city’s coastline and enjoy views of Mount Edgecumbe and the town’s photogenic skyline along the way.
• Sitka immersive kayak experience – enjoy kayaking in Sitka, Alaska with this unique, immersive tour. Join a tour of this incredible region of the state. Cruise in style by yacht to different locations, which you will explore by kayak each day. Leave the yacht behind each morning to explore the passages, islets, and waters surrounding Sitka, then enjoy lunch at a remote wilderness site along the way! Explore the rugged coastline of the Tongass National Rainforest while enjoying the diversity, beauty, and bounty of this incredible treasure.

Adventure On The High Seas

The Southeastern region of Alaska is full of adventure. Whether you choose to go kayaking in Sitka, Alaska, or enjoy the diversity of ocean life by sea kayaking in Juneau, Alaska, it will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, gear up and get ready to see Alaska in a new way – by sea!