WHITTIER KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling the Blue Giants: Four Days Among the Columbia Glacier’s Icefield
A four‑day sea‑kayaking and camping trip that threads Heather Bay, Columbia Bay and Glacier Island for close encounters with icebergs and marine wildlife—this guide orients you to the route, logistics and what to pack.
Paddling the Blue Giants: Four Days Among the Columbia Glacier’s Icefield.
This four‑day expedition takes you into Prince William Sound to paddle among towering icebergs, explore Glacier Island and its remote bays, and watch sea lions, humpback whales and other marine life from a kayak and the shore. Expert guides handle navigation and camp cuisine, making the route accessible to novice and beginner paddlers while maximizing time in Columbia Bay’s moving icefield.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Among Towering Icebergs in Columbia Bay
Paddle into the massive floating icefield of the Columbia Glacier, searching for photo‑ops with deep‑blue bergs and setting camp on a moraine with glacier views—the defining landscape moment of the trip.
Bull Head and Sea Lion Haul‑outs
The route brings you to Bull Head on Glacier Island, a hotspot for stellar sea lions; along the way guides watch for harbor seals, sea otters, humpback whales and transient orcas around Columbia Bay and the island’s bays.
Backcountry Camping and Guide‑Cooked Meals
Nights are spent at sheltered sites in Heather or Columbia Bay and on Glacier Island, where guides prepare camp meals and the team can hike ridges or beach‑comb between paddling days.
What the day feels like
What Four Days on the Water Feels Like
Expect a steady rhythm of sea kayaking punctuated by motor‑taxi crossings, shoreline hikes and evening camp rituals: morning briefings, paddles through floating ice and coastal bays, guided hikes on Glacier Island, wildlife watching and guide‑prepared meals under wide Alaskan skies. The extra day compared with shorter itineraries opens more of Columbia Bay as the ice purges and expands the area available for exploration.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Four days and three nights on the water and in camp.
Meet at the operator’s Valdez shop for a morning safety briefing and orientation before boarding the water taxi to Heather Bay.
Follow the operator’s strict no‑cotton rule and bring layered synthetic and wool clothing, waterproof outer layers, warm gloves and hat, and personal items listed; the operator supplies kayaks, PFDs, spray skirts, paddles, drybags, tents, sleeping bags and cooking gear.
Guides provide sea kayaks, spray skirts, PFDs, paddles, rubber boots, drybags, pogies, tents, sleeping bags and pads, group first aid kit, VHF radio, maps, camp equipment, food and non‑alcoholic beverages.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The Four Day Columbia Glacier Tour is four days long and includes three nights of camping.
Where do I meet the group?
Meet in Valdez at the operator’s shop for the morning safety briefing and orientation before boarding the water taxi.
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
No prior experience is required: novice and beginner paddlers are welcome, and guides provide instruction and leadership on the water.
What activities are included?
The trip includes sea kayaking, camping, hikes and a scenic motor boat ride (water taxi transfers).
What does the operator supply versus what should I bring?
The operator supplies boats, safety gear, tents, sleeping bags and pads, group cooking gear and food; travelers must bring layered synthetic/wool clothing (no cotton), waterproof jacket and pants, warm gloves and hat, footwear, toiletries and personal medical items.
Will we see wildlife?
Yes—participants often see stellar sea lions at Bull Head, harbor seals, sea otters, humpback whales and occasionally transient orcas while exploring Columbia Bay and Glacier Island.