Located on Alaska’s south coast lies Prince William Sound, a dreamy place teeming with glaciers cascading into the ocean, abundant wildlife, and surreal Alaskan vistas. The sea here is so glassy that it looks like a giant mirror, meaning it’s ideal for a sea kayaking adventure. Dip your paddle into the water and slice through the ocean as your guide takes you from the Meares Glacier to Columbia Bay. Listen to the sounds of air releasing from icebergs of all sizes, animals calling to their young, and whales making their bellowing calls which echo down valleys. You’ll explore secret tidal passageways, paddle up tidal rivers, explore glacial faces, and marvel at the wealth of wildlife. Camp in hidden coves like the ones from Lord of the Rings and indulge in freshly prepared meals to regain your energy. Discover the moss-lined coastline and lush rainforests as you let your guide take you through this massive Alaskan wilderness.
Paddle in a far-flung and untouched corner of the world
Witness incredible density of wildlife in this beautiful sound
Take in the dramatic Alaskan landscapes as you glide over glass-like water
Get ready for 8 thrilling days in Prince William Sound! Explore Alaska’s diverse landscapes from Meares Glacier to Columbia Bay as you listen to the popping sounds of ancient air escaping the icebergs, observe animals in their natural habitat, and admire glaciers cascading from 12,000 ft into the ocean. Set up campsites in secluded coves, re-energize with delicious meals, drink water as old as the last ice age, and appreciate nature in its most pristine state.
This adventure is organized on a private, custom basis, so the cost will be determined depending on the number of participants, dates, and other possible conditions.
Meet your guide in Valdez at 8 am and go through the gear and route. Do any last minute packing and at 11 am, you’ll load your kayaks into a water taxi. A 3-hour ride to the Meares Glacier up Unakwik Inlet on the south coast of Alaska is ahead of you. Once the boat drops you off on a secluded beach, you’ll unpack and set up a campsite. Today you’ll settle into the atmosphere and get to some paddling in the evening to discover some waterfalls or you might just stay in the camp. The air here teems with popping sounds of air releasing from icebergs and animals calling to their young. You may even see your first orcas on this day. Wrap up the day with a freshly cooked meal and get ready for the next day.
Kick off the day by breaking down the camp and paddling up Unakwik Inlet to witness the incredible Meares Glacier. Come face to face with harbor seals who steer clear of predators on icebergs while you avoid icebergs that can flip and roll out of the blue. You’ll have to paddle patiently as you kayak on waters filled with icebergs the size of a basketball called growlers and slightly bigger icebergs called bergy bits. Have lunch on the shore and paddle back out of Unakwik Inlet to make a camp in a hidden cove.
Over the next five days, you’ll wake up and start the day off with some hot drinks before indulging in a brunch-style breakfast. Pack up the boats, hike to the top of the ridgelines to witness some mesmerizing views of the Pacific, paddle up tidal rivers, discover glacier faces, cook delicious meals, play with the sea lions on Glacier Island, watch orcas roam for food, and much more! Share laughs over desserts and fires, listen to the sounds of humpbacks snoring, and paddle for miles each day. You’ll have more than enough time for exploring as well!
Pack up camp for one last time and take in the last sounds of the ocean as you head towards the shore. Wait for the sounds of your water taxi in the distance and, after a 2-hour boar tide, you’ll be back in Valdez. Here you’ll have a final lunch at The Fat Mermaid before exchanging contact info and saying final goodbyes to your fellow kayakers.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Prince William Sound, Alaska,please refer to The State of Alaska website and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to participate in this kayaking trip, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. If you want to experience the wild nature of Alaska by paddling up to 40 miles per day, you’re more than welcome to join this trip. Your guide will adjust the trip according to your needs and fitness level, meaning that both beginners and experienced paddlers can join.
If you’ve never sea kayaked before, you can get all the training and coaching needed to have a successful trip. While it is useful to have at least one day of sea kayaking under your belt, this is a custom expedition so the trip can be adjusted to accommodate beginners and advanced paddlers alike. No matter who you are, there’s something for you.
Sea kayaks, personal flotation devices, spray skirts, paddles, drybags, pogies, radios, tents, maps, camp chairs, group camp equipment, cooking supplies, and first aid kits will be provided by your guide. Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Reserve your spot on this trip with a $1000 deposit. Full payment is due 120 days prior to the trip’s scheduled departure date. If you make a deposit for a trip departing in fewer than 180 days, the balance of payment is due either 30 days from the date your deposit is received, or 60 days prior to your trip’s departure date, whichever is sooner. Please note that a higher deposit amount may be required for some selected trips.
If full payment is not received when due, IAG reserves the right to cancel your reservation and apply a 100% cancelation fee.
Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
IAG is not responsible for expenses incurred by Participants in preparing for a trip (eg. nonrefundable advance purchase air tickets, equipment, etc.) or for any additional arrangements pre- or post-departure date.
The term applies whether the tour is altered, modified, or cancelled by your guiding service or by you for any reason.
To get to Prince William Sound, most people fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, about 5.5 hours away from Valdez, AK, by car, where you’ll meet your guide. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or fly into Valdez Airport to get to Valdez.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you’ll meet your guide in Valdez, AK, at 8 am. At 11 am you’ll load the kayaks into a water taxi and go for a 3 hour ride to Unakwik Inlet. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
At the end of your adventure, a 2-hour boat ride will land you back in Valdez for a closing lunch before parting ways.
