WHITTIER KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Into the Ice: A Three-Day Sea‑Kayak Camping Circuit to Shoup Glacier
A 3-day, two-night sea‑kayak camping expedition from Valdez that combines coastal paddling, glacier views and wilderness camping.
Paddle Into the Ice: A Three-Day Sea‑Kayak Camping Circuit to Shoup Glacier.
From Valdez you’ll step into a compact wilderness loop that pairs rigorous sea‑kayaking with close views of an alpine tidewater glacier. Over three days you move from Sawmill Bay’s mountain‑lined coast into the fjord around Shoup Glacier, camp two nights with the glacier and waterfalls as your backdrop, then paddle back to Valdez with a break at Gold Creek State Park.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Glacier‑framed campsites and fjord paddling
Two nights are spent at a campsite in the Shoup Glacier area, where the glacier, waterfalls and steep coastal mountains form a cinematic basecamp for paddling and hikes.
Marine mammals and seabirds along the route
Exploration of the upper bay around Shoup Glacier offers frequent sightings of sea otters, seals, eagles and a broad array of seabirds while paddling and from camp.
A mix of guided paddling, hikes and a scenic boat taxi
The itinerary blends an introductory sea‑kayak lesson and a motor‑boat taxi to Sawmill Bay with daylong paddles, optional glacier‑side hikes and a scenic return paddle that stops at Gold Creek State Park for lunch.
What the day feels like
What the three days feel like
The trip unfolds as a small mobile loop: an introductory morning in Valdez, a boat taxi out to Sawmill Bay and a long coastal paddle into Shoup Bay on day one; a day of exploration at the head of the fjord with the face of Shoup Glacier and optional hikes on day two; and a return paddle toward Valdez on day three with a midday stop at Gold Creek State Park before arriving back in town that afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Three days, two nights. Meeting location is 107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686; the operator provides a morning briefing and kayak lesson before departure.
Follow the operator’s non‑cotton clothing list and layering advice: synthetic shirts, rain jacket/pants (100% waterproof recommended), warm midlayers, wool or synthetic socks, gloves and warm hat. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle and toiletries; the operator supplies tents, sleeping bags (20–30°F synthetic), sleeping pads and group camp gear.
Pangaea Adventures supplies sea kayaks, spray skirts, PFDs, paddles, rubber boots, drybags, pogies, tents, sleeping bags and pads, cooking gear, food and non‑alcoholic beverages.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is three days and two nights.
Where and when do we meet?
The meeting location is 107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686; guides hold a morning briefing and introductory sea‑kayak lesson before departure.
What activities are included?
The tour includes sea kayaking, camping, hikes, wildlife viewing and a scenic motor boat ride/taxi as part of the route.
What equipment does the operator supply?
Operator‑provided items include sea kayaks, spray skirts, PFDs, paddles, rubber boots, drybags, pogies, tents, sleeping bags (20–30°F synthetic), sleeping pads, group first aid kit and all cooking gear, food and non‑alcoholic beverages.
What should I bring — any clothing rules?
Do not bring cotton. Bring layered synthetic and wool clothing, 100% waterproof rain jacket and pants, warm hat and gloves, sun protection, comfortable shoes, water bottle and personal toiletries/medication.
Is there an opportunity to hike near the glacier?
Yes — at the head of the fjord near the face of Shoup Glacier there is an option to hike alongside the glacier for elevated views.