Columbia Glacier Kayak Tour - Four Days

Guided

Duration: 4 days

Valdez

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Wildlife

Shuttle Included

Small Group Sizes

Beginner Friendly

Free Cancellation

Private

Instant Book

$1,575 Person

$1,899 Person- Private Trip

(Priced per Person)

Description

4-Day Columbia Glacier Tour - Sea Kayaking, Hiking, & Camping

Venture deeper into the wild beauty of Prince William Sound on this 4-day sea kayaking expedition, a favorite among our guides. Paddle through towering icebergs, explore hidden coves, hike along rugged coastlines, and camp under the stars with views of tidewater glaciers and remote island shores. Designed for adventurous travelers of all experience levels, this extended tour offers a chance to immerse yourself in the glacial landscapes and marine life of Columbia Bay and Glacier Island.

Day 1: Enter the Ice Kingdom

Meet your guides in Valdez for a safety briefing and gear orientation before boarding our water taxi for a stunning ride into Heather Bay. As we approach the Columbia Glacier—the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound—you’ll begin paddling through an ever-shifting maze of floating ice and massive bergs. We'll explore the area and set up camp in either Heather or Columbia Bay, where a secluded beach and warm campfire await. Guides will prepare a hearty dinner as you settle into life in the Alaskan wilderness.

Day 2: Deep Into Columbia Bay

After breakfast, we’ll paddle deeper into Columbia Bay, aiming to reach the glacier’s awe-inspiring amphitheater, where ice meets the sea. Along the way, scan the shoreline and sea for otters, seals, and—if we’re lucky—transient orcas hunting in the icy waters. With towering peaks in the distance and ice all around, you’ll feel completely immersed in one of Alaska’s most raw and powerful environments. We’ll camp again in Columbia Bay and enjoy another delicious meal in camp.

Day 3: Glacier Island Adventure

We'll pack up camp and paddle toward the wild shoreline of Glacier Island, known for its lush rainforest, quiet coves, and opportunities to see marine mammals. On a clear day, you may catch views of Naked Island and the distant peaks of Montague Island. With time to explore on foot, this day offers paddling, hiking, and relaxation. Camp is set along a scenic stretch of beach, and the guides will once again prepare a memorable backcountry meal.

Day 4: Sea Lions & Return to Valdez

On your final morning, we paddle to Bull Head, home to a raucous colony of Steller Sea Lions. Watch as they bark, brawl, and bask along the rocks, and keep your eyes out for puffins and cormorants nesting nearby. After lunch and a short rainforest hike, we’ll explore the peaceful waters of Chamberlain Bay before our water taxi picks us up for the journey back to Valdez—capping off four days of unforgettable adventure.

Duration

4 Days, 3 Nights

Location / Where to Meet

107 N. Harbor Dr. Valdez, AK 99686

What's Included

Experienced guides
All kayaking & safety equipment
Rain gear (both tops and bottoms)
Rubber boots
Pogies (neoprene paddle gloves)
Dry bags
Tents & Sleeping Kit (20-30 degree synthetic sleeping bag)
Group cooking gear & camping equipment
Camp chairs
Meals listed in the itinerary (lunch day 1 through lunch day 4)
Non-alcoholic beverages
Motor Boat Transport
State Park Fees

Not Included

Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

We strongly recommend following our clothing and gear guidelines closely to ensure your comfort and safety on this overnight trip. We emphasize a lightweight, layered approach—perfect for Alaska’s ever-changing weather—and strongly discourage cotton, as it loses its insulating ability when wet. If you need to purchase any of the recommended items, rest assured they’re great investments not only for this adventure but for future trips as well. Valdez has a well-stocked outdoor gear shop for any last-minute needs. For the complete packing list, please refer to the FAQ section.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Pangaea Adventures

FAQs

Sea Kayaking Overnight Packing List

Travelers are responsible for the following clothing and gear (No Cotton!):

2 synthetic T-shirts
1 pair of shorts (quick dry)
1-2 pairs of long underwear
1-2 lightweight polypro shirts
1 medium-weight polypro/fleece shirt
1 Heavy fleece jacket -3-6 Pairs of wool or other synthetic socks
2 Pairs of pants (1 comfortable light nylon or polyester and 1 medium-weight fleece or polyester)
Underwear (again, avoid cotton. Yes, they do make them!)
1 Rain jacket 100% waterproof, hooded (coated nylon with taped seams or downright rubber is best). See breathable fabric note below!
1 Pair of rain pants 100% waterproof (coated nylon with taped seams or downright rubber are best). See breathable fabric note below!
1 to 2 Pairs of warm gloves (wool or polypro gloves) (1-liner glove and one midweight glove)
Warm hat (fleece or wool) and/or wide-brimmed rain hat
Sun glasses with retaining strap
Baseball or sun hat for sunny days (a rain hat can double as a sun hat)
1 Pair of comfortable sneakers or sandals
Sunscreen & lip protection
Reuseable water bottle
Toiletries & personal medical kit. Personal kit containing the following (insect repellent, anti-bacterial hand gel, a small amount of Ibuprofen or similar OTC medication, a few Band-Aids, a small bag of tissues, Mole-Skin) We bring a group medical kit.

Optional Items:

Full rim rain hat (great to have)
Binoculars
Camera
Calf-high rubber boots (we provide these if you don’t want to bring your own)
Extra stuff sacks (variety of sizes and colors)
Personal tent (we supply tents; However, some people like to bring their own)
Sleeping bag -0 to 20 degrees synthetic (no down). We supply sleeping bags, but you may bring your own.
Sleeping pad (We supply a sleeping pad, but many people bring their own)
Fishing gear
Small flashlight (headlamp) for tours after the 2nd week in July
Personal insulated drinking mug

Important Note About Breathable Fabrics: Gore-tex and other so-called waterproof breathable fabrics are not waterproof enough to stay dry during long rainy days. If you really want to bring a breathable jacket or pants, you MUST re-treat the outside of the garment with a new waterproof coating (DWR). The DWR (durable water repellent) that your garment is treated with new will wear out in a short time. Contact us for more information. Bring extra clothes for before and after the tour. You are welcome to bring any kind of comfortable clothing you wish for around town, but we cannot stress enough the importance of not wearing cotton on our tour. Temperatures in town can range from the mid forties to lower eighties. We will keep all your extra, unneeded items at our office in town while your’e out camping.

What kind of wildlife might we 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 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 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.

Will I get cold or wet?

This is Alaska—chances are you’ll experience both! We provide quality dry gear and rain protection, but dressing in layers and following our gear list will help keep you comfortable.

Are campsites primitive?

Yes, the campsite at Shoup Glacier is remote and rustic. We’ll provide all camping gear and prepare meals, but there are no permanent facilities. We practice Leave No Trace ethics to protect this wild place.

How big are the groups?

Group sizes are small: 2–6 guests with 1–2 guides. The maximum is 8 guests.

Can I book a private trip?

Absolutely - at checkout, select the option for a private trip to have an exclusive experience just for you and your group of up to 8 guests.

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.