Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure in Juneau
Juneau, United States

Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

Outty Ranking 53 4.7 · 24 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $494

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure worth booking?

Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure is a 6-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $494 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 24 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (24)
Duration
6 hours
From
$494 per person

Jump on our small intimate boat and travel up the Inside Passage to the richest Humpback Whale feeding ground in Alaska. See the lush and vibrant temperate rainforest, exquisite snow-capped peaks and flowing glaciers, wh

What you get

    About this experience

    Jump on our small intimate boat and travel up the Inside Passage to the richest Humpback Whale feeding ground in Alaska. See the lush and vibrant temperate rainforest, exquisite snow-capped peaks and flowing glaciers, where your only neighbors are the feeding humpbacks, curious sea lions, playful porpoise, and soaring eagles! We will launch in the small boat and head up into the State Marine Park, there we will pull up to a remote island where we will gear up and start paddling! We will kayak paddle through the humpback whale feeding ground, looking for signs of wildlife and whales. Once you have completed your kayak exploration, be treated to a high quality delicious snack on the private island beach. Stretch your legs, grab a snack, and explore the island's tide pools! Suitable for all experience levels, this eco-adventure is sure to provide a new perspective on what’s possible in the world of remote Alaskan island exploration and is the preeminent paddling and island adventure.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Snacks
    • Forest Service Permits
    • Professional Guide
    • All paddling and rain gear

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Goldbelt Tram

      Guests will be transported from downtown to Auke Bay Harbor for gear orientation and outfitting. All guests will board the motor boat from here.

      60 minutes here

    2. Inside Passage

      Travel by small boat up the Inside Passage to the Channel Islands State Marine Park, the heart of humpback whale feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. There we will disembark and jump into kayaks to explore from a new perspective. Actual Kayak Time dependent on marine conditions, wildlife location, and client ability.

      240 minutes here

    3. Goldbelt Tram

      De-gear and return transport back downtown

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Juneau

    The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Above and Beyond Alaska

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Please note, this tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation.
    • Minimum age 8 years old
    • We do not guarantee whale or wildlife sightings: This is wild Alaska!
    • Federal regulations require us to maintain a distance of 100 yards from any marine mammals
    • All Clients will be outfitted in double kayaks and must know how to swim. Clients should be able to confidently paddle for up to 2 hours.
    • Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip. Clients need to disclose any dietary restrictions.
    • Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.
    • This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – We can’t stress enough how important it is to dress appropriately.
    • RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted
    • NOTE ON KAYAKING SIZE/WEIGHT LIMITATIONS: Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 52 inches (132cm). Maximum weight limits including gear are 300lbs (660kg) for single kayaks and 600lbs (1320kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2″ (198cm) have a hard time operating the rudder because the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance. However, people as tall as 6’6″ have been able to paddle in our kayaks.

    Photos

    View whales from a new perspective!Paddle with Whales in Juneau, AlaskaPaddle with Whales in Juneau, AlaskaPaddle with Whales in Juneau, AlaskaPaddle with Whales in Juneau, AlaskaPaddle with Whales in Juneau, Alaska

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    24 verified traveler reviews for Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    20
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    codyo670 · August 2026

    So fun I fell in luv!

    My group was so fortunate to have Reina and Mike as our guides on our whale watch and paddle adventure. Firstly, they were so friendly. My group with Reina learned so much, and she was more excited to see the Orcas than most of us, and that felt really really fun. It reaffirmed my love for whales. Thanks for an awesome trip ABAK!

    via Tripadvisor

    matzpg · August 2026

    Kayak and Humpback sighting

    Mike and Captain Matt were terrific; educational and wonderful kayak tour and whale sightings.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the kayak tour and had some wonderful whale sightings. We’re glad our team made the experience both fun and educational. We hope to see you again for another Alaska adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    BrennyLee · August 2026

    Once in a lifetime whale experience!

    Julia and Kirstin made this a day we will never forget!!! We had a beautiful day and three up close sightings of Bubble netting. We had never even heard of this phenomenon before let alone hope to see it so up close!!! Once in a lifetime! It was cool for your guides to be as excited as you are!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an unforgettable day and got to witness bubble-net feeding up close---what an incredible experience! We love sharing those special moments with our guests and are so glad our guides’ excitement added to the adventure. We hope to see you again in Alaska!

    via Tripadvisor

    avmorris · July 2026

    Best whale adventure

    This excursion was incredible! Our captain Kristin found us an amazing spot to view whales playing and we saw several breaches and other fun activity! Then we were able to kayak and get so close to whales and other wildlife with Mike and Reina. I felt safe the whole time (you are close but not too close) and it was one of the best adventures I’ve ever had!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that your whale adventure was such a memorable one, and that you felt safe the whole time. We appreciate you sharing your experience and hope to welcome you back to Alaska for another unforgettable adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    B3638HEdianah · August 2025

    Not worth the price

    Our guides were great but if you don’t see whales while kayaking you will definitely feel like you overpaid. I know I did. $500 per person is just too much for a regular kayaking trip.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We appreciate and value all feedback we receive, as it gives us the ability to make adjustments and improve our operations. We are sorry to hear the kayaking portion did not meet your expectations. Due to the unpredictability of wildlife and the fluctuating marine conditions, we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, particularly while in the kayaks. However, we are happy to hear that the guides were great and we hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your time in Juneau.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)36
    Booking momentum (14% weight)28
    Value for money (12% weight)47
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)46
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.

    How much does Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure cost?

    +

    Prices start at $494 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.

    Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure?

    +

    Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Juneau?

    +

    Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whales and Wilderness Exploration. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Juneau?

    +

    May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Juneau?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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