Columbia Glacier Kayak Tour - Day Trip

Guided

Duration: 10 hours

Valdez

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Wildlife

Shuttle Included

Beginner Friendly

Free Cancellation

Instant Book

$375 Adult

(Ages 14+)

$335 Child

(Ages 13 & under)

Description

Guided Columbia Glacier Sea Kayak Tour

Experience one of Alaska’s most iconic adventures on this full-day sea kayaking trip through the awe-inspiring Columbia Glacier region. Paddling through the upper reaches of Columbia Bay, you’ll encounter a landscape shaped by time and ice—where towering icebergs drift silently in a 12-mile fjord carved by the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound.

The Columbia Glacier has been retreating rapidly since the 1980s, creating a constantly evolving seascape of newly calved ice, exposed fjord walls, and surreal glacial features. This tour brings you right into the heart of this ever-changing environment. You’ll navigate among massive icebergs near the glacier’s outer terminal moraine and explore the raw, rugged coastline by kayak, with opportunities to land on remote beaches and soak in the scale of your surroundings.

Unlike typical iceberg tours, this adventure offers a more immersive experience—combining paddling, exploration, and the chance to witness the glacier’s power up close. With shifting tides, calving events, and wildlife often nearby, every trip is different—making this our most popular day tour for good reason.

Duration

10 hours

Location / Where to Meet

107 N. Harbor Dr. Valdez, AK 99686

Ages & Requirements

Ages 5+

What's Included

Experienced guides
All kayaking & safety equipment
Rain gear (both tops and bottoms)
Rubber duckie boots
Pogies (neoprene paddle gloves)
Boat transportation
Hot drinks and trail-mix/pretzel snacks

Not Included

Lunch (please bring your own)
Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

Lunch
Reusable water bottle
Long pants
Lightweight shirt
Medium/heavy weight polypro sweatshirt/fleece
A warm, wind-cutting outer layer that can go underneath a raincoat
Warm socks (wool or polypro)
Your preferred warm gloves and/or liners (more for the boat ride and/or time spent on shore)
Warm hat (or rain hat if you have one!)
Sun glasses
Sun screen
Camera
Binoculars

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Pangaea Adventures

FAQs

Columbia Glacier Kayak Tour Itinerary

8am: Meet at our office (return to town approx 6pm)
8:30: Gear outfitting and tour overview
8:30-11am: Boat ride to Columbia Bay & wildlife viewing
11am-1pm: Paddle among the icebergs
1-2pm: Lunch break
2-3:30pm: Further paddle exploration in the fjord
3:30-5:30pm: Boat ride back to town & wildlife viewing
5:30-6pm: Gear check out and goodbyes

How much time do we spend kayaking?

The time spent paddling can vary depending on how much wildlife we encounter and slow down while on board the water taxi.

Do I need previous experience?

No prior experience is necessary. This tour is suitable for adventurous beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Your guide will provide a thorough orientation before launching.

What kind of kayaks will we use?

We use stable, double (tandem) sea kayaks for this trip. These are ideal for long distances, variable conditions, and accommodating paddlers of all experience levels.

Will I see the glacier up close?

You’ll paddle among the icebergs at the glacier’s outer moraine and get impressive views of the glacier face, but due to safety concerns, we maintain a safe distance from actively calving ice.

What wildlife might I see?

This area is rich in marine life. You may see harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, bald eagles, and occasionally whales or porpoises.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours operate rain or shine, and Alaska’s coastal weather can be unpredictable. Your guides will assess conditions for safety and adjust the itinerary if needed. In rare cases of severe weather, the trip may be rescheduled or refunded.

How cold is the water?

Prince William Sound’s water is very cold year-round, usually around 40–50°F (4–10°C). That’s why we provide all necessary gear, including splash skirts and PFDs (life jackets), to keep you safe and comfortable.

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund for reservations cancelled within 72 hours of 8 am on the date of departure. For cancellations received within 72 hours of 8 am on the date of departure, customers will forfeit their deposit.

Customers will receive a full refund or credit in the event of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.