WHITTIER KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Through Ice: Three Days at Columbia Glacier and Glacier Island
A three-day, two-night guided sea-kayak expedition among Columbia Glacier’s icebergs with island paddles, camping and wildlife viewing.
Paddling Through Ice: Three Days at Columbia Glacier and Glacier Island.
Explore the Columbia Glacier and Glacier Island by sea kayak on a three-day trip that threads between towering icebergs, moves across sheltered bays and rainforest-lined shores, and combines paddling, camping and hikes while seeking seals, sea lions, otters and the occasional orca.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Paddle Among Columbia Glacier’s Icebergs
The route takes you into the floating icefield off the tidewater front of the Columbia Glacier, paddling close to massive bergs and a secluded moraine with glacier views.
Sea Lions, Seals and the Chance of Orcas
Expect encounters with marine mammals as you paddle away from the glacier and around Glacier Island; the trip includes a visit to a sea lion haul-out where the animals can be watched from the water and shore.
Two Nights Under the Alaska Sky
This trip combines guided sea kayaking with two nights of camping—meals prepared by guides and opportunities for shoreline hikes and beach-combing between paddling sessions.
What the day feels like
What the Three Days Feel Like
Each day alternates focused paddling and exploration: a morning briefing and water-taxi run to the glacier leads to sheltered crossings through ice and evenings at coastal camps; the middle day crosses to Glacier Island for rainforest paddles and hikes, and the final morning visits a sea-lion colony before a last bay of exploration and water-taxi pickup.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Avoid cotton. Bring layered synthetic clothing, waterproof outerwear (100% waterproof jacket and rain pants recommended), warm hat and gloves, synthetic base layers, quick-dry shorts and pants, multiple pairs of wool or synthetic socks, sun protection, water bottle, toiletries and a small personal medical kit.
Recommended optional items include binoculars, camera, calf-high rubber boots (available from the operator), extra stuff sacks, and a headlamp (after mid-July).
The operator 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, camp and cooking equipment, chairs, food and non‑alcoholic beverages.
Breathable ‘waterproof’ fabrics should be re-treated with DWR as they may not stay dry in prolonged rain; bring extra clothes for before and after the tour and avoid cotton next to your skin.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The tour runs three days and includes two nights of camping.
Where and when do we meet?
Participants meet in the morning at the operator’s shop in Valdez for a safety briefing and orientation before boarding the water taxi.
What activities are included?
The trip includes sea kayaking, camping, hikes and a scenic motor water taxi ride.
Is previous kayaking experience required?
No—novice and beginner paddlers are welcome on this trip.
What gear does the operator supply?
The operator supplies kayaks, spray skirts, PFDs, paddles, rubber boots, drybags, pogies, tents, sleeping bags and pads, all camp and cooking gear, and food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Are there wildlife viewing opportunities?
Yes—participants may see harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions and possibly orcas, and the itinerary includes a stop at a sea-lion haul-out.