Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau worth booking?
Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau is a 6-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $494 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 14 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (14)
- 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
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Forest Service Permits
- All paddling and rain gear
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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
Juneau Channel Island State Marine Park
Travel by small boat up the Inside Passage to the Channel Islands State Marine Park, the heart of humpback whale feeding in Southeast Alaska. There we will disembark and jump into kayaks to explore from a new perspective. Join us for the only active whale watching adventure in Juneau!
240 minutes here
Goldbelt Tram
De-gear and return van transport 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 travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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.
- If you have a private trip booked, you are welcome to bring your own beverages in a small cooler on board the motorboat. However, no alcoholic beverages are permitted on the boat nor during the trip.
- 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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Go kayaking with whales in Juneau!
Paddling with Whales tour was great. We had such a good time kayaking and we spotted Humpback whales on our boat ride to & from our kayaking spot! Julia & Matt took good care of us and both were so friendly and helpful! Highly recommended this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time kayaking and were able to enjoy the incredible bonus of spotting humpback whales along the way. We're glad our team helped make the experience fun, comfortable, and memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Alaska for another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Had a wonderful time
Guide and Capitan were great. We were able to view whales from kayaks and also on boat going to and from drop off points. Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! We're glad you had such great whale viewing. We appreciate you making us part of your Alaska vacation.
via Tripadvisor
Totally worth it go see some whales!
It is nearly a full day experience, so worth it though. The tour group will provide for you everything that you need and a very nice stack at the end.
Response from the operator: Michael, thank you for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed our trip, and we hope to see you again soon!
via Viator
Julia and Matt were the absolute best and I will remember this awesome experience forever! Julia and Matt taught us about humpbacks as a species as well as intros to the local whales we saw on our tour! They answered our wide range of questions from recent whale research to how the whale watching guides and captains collaborate either each other. The views from the kayak were BEAUTIFUL. I couldn’t recommend anything more to anyone!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're so glad you had an unforgettable experience with Julia and Matt. Their passion for whales and deep knowledge really shine, and it's great to hear they helped make the tour memorable. We're thrilled you enjoyed the stunning views from the kayak. Thank you for the glowing recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
Greatest Whale Show
From start to finish ABAK took care of us. We were given the gear we needed for our paddling with whales. Captain Caysha got us out on the water and Guide Alex gave us great information on the waters, boats, islands, and wildlife we might encounter. Sightings were weak on the trip out but a stop by the ‘can’ gave us some sea lions sleeping. We put our kayaks in calm waters and enjoyed eating some kelp and paddling around but no whales unfortunately. Back on the boat I soaked up the sun and wondered just how I got to be so lucky to even be out on the water in this way…when the call came in. We showed up to the right spot to see a couple pods of orcas come right at us. It was amazing and a testament to the location ABAK operates in, no wildlife guarantees but there’s always a chance. Plus we got a little meal for the ride back and glad to have the team that I did.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We’re glad to hear you felt well taken care of by Captain Caysha and Guide Alex, and that you enjoyed both the calm kayaking and your unforgettable orca encounter. While sightings can never be guaranteed, moments like that truly make it special. We appreciate you choosing ABAK and are grateful to have shared the experience with you!
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
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau cost?
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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 Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau 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 Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 14 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 Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau?
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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 Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau suitable for kids and families?
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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 Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau?
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Around 5 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?
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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 Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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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