WHITTIER KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Sea Kayak the Wild Spine of Prince William Sound: Meares Glacier to Columbia Glacier
An eight-day, small-group sea kayak camping route that traces advancing and calving ice from Meares to Columbia Glacier and is a practical guide to what to expect on this remote Pangaea Adventures trip.
Sea Kayak the Wild Spine of Prince William Sound: Meares Glacier to Columbia Glacier.
This is Pangaea Adventures’ most remote sea-kayak camping route: eight days of island-dotted bays, emerald fjord water, drift ice and booming glacier calving as you move from Meares Glacier to the towering face of Columbia Glacier, with nightly camps on secluded beaches and hikes into ancient rainforest.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up close with advancing and calving tidewater ice
Meares Glacier and the floating ice of Columbia Glacier are focal points of the route — expect intense calving events at Meares and a morning paddle through Columbia’s icebergs on the final day.
Seals, sea otters and potential whales
The route travels prime marine habitat: seals and pupping sea otters are common, and groups have had success spotting humpback whales and orca along the paddle.
Remote beach camps and rainforest hikes
Each night is spent at a secluded beach campsite; days include short hikes into ancient temperate rainforest, tidepooling and coastal exploration between moving camps.
What the day feels like
What the eight days feel like
The trip unfolds as a sequence of powered transfers and paddling days: a motorboat ride to Meares sets your first camp and an afternoon paddle breaks you in; successive days are steady coastal paddles between bays and narrow passages with daily camp moves; you’ll approach Glacier Island and its sea lion and bird life, spend a night with a view of Columbia Glacier at Heather Bay, then paddle through floating ice to be picked up for the water taxi home.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip runs eight days and seven nights.
The operator’s listed meeting location is 107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686.
Pangaea Adventures supplies sea kayaks, spray skirts, PFDs, paddles, rubber boots, drybags, pogies, tents, sleeping bags (20–30°F synthetic), sleeping pads, group first aid kit, VHF radio, maps, cooking gear, camp chairs and group camp equipment plus food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Avoid cotton; bring layered synthetic and wool garments, waterproof rain jacket and pants (100% waterproof recommended), warm hat and gloves, insulated socks, quick-dry shorts and pants, sun protection, water bottle and personal medical items. Optional items include binoculars, camera and calf-high rubber boots (the operator supplies boots if needed).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is eight days and seven nights.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag or tent?
The operator supplies tents, sleeping bags (20–30°F synthetic) and sleeping pads, though participants may bring their own if preferred.
Can I wear cotton clothing on this trip?
No — the operator strongly advises avoiding cotton and recommends layered synthetic and wool garments to stay warm when wet.
Is there a place to buy last‑minute gear?
Yes — there is a decent outdoor gear store in Valdez for last-second purchases, and the operator provides a link for online purchases.
What wildlife might we see?
Expect seals and pupping sea otters in several bays, possible humpback whales and orca along the route, sea lions at Glacier Island and nesting seabirds such as puffins and cormorants.
How and when do we finish the trip?
On the final day you paddle through Columbia Glacier’s ice in the morning and are picked up by water taxi at about 4:00 p.m. for the return ride to Valdez.