WHITTIER KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Two Days at Shoup Glacier: Kayak the waterfall‑laced fjord and sleep with the glacier at your tent flap
A two-day, one-night sea-kayak and camping trip from Valdez to Shoup Glacier that pairs guided paddling, wildlife viewing and an optional glacier hike—this guide explains what to expect and how to pack.
Two Days at Shoup Glacier: Kayak the waterfall‑laced fjord and sleep with the glacier at your tent flap.
This is a short, intense immersion into the coastal Alaska you read about: a guided, one‑night sea kayak tour that threads a waterfall‑cut coastline to a glacier’s face, with wildlife encounters, an optional hike for high views, and a campsite pitched with the glacier in sight.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Waterfalls, fjord walls and a glacier-front campsite
Paddle along a coastline ringed with cascading waterfalls to a campsite set with a prime view of Shoup Glacier—the tour places you within sight and sound of ice and moving water.
Sea otters, seals and a kittiwake rookery
Guided paddling through the upper bay focuses on wildlife: searching for sea otters and seals and viewing a spectacular rookery of Black‑Legged Kittiwakes along the fjord.
One night of guided camping with meals provided
The trip includes an overnight kayak camp at Shoup Glacier where guides set tents, prepare dinner, and provide group camp equipment—your night is spent at a memorable glacier‑facing site.
What the day feels like
The rhythm: instruction, paddle days, and glacier nights
On day one guides brief the group and provide introductory sea kayak instruction before a short water taxi ride into Shoup Bay Marine State Park. Once on the water you paddle the upper bay—scanning for marine life and approaching the face of Shoup Glacier, with the option to hike alongside the ice for elevated views—then make camp with the glacier and waterfalls nearby. A casual morning of exploration on day two gives way to a paddling return toward Valdez, a lunch and waterfall walk at Gold Creek State Park, and an early‑afternoon return to town.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two‑day, one‑night trip. The meeting point is in Valdez at 107 N. Harbor Dr. (Valdez, AK 99686).
Pangaea supplies sea kayaks, spray skirts, PFDs, paddles, rubber boots, drybags, pogies, tents, sleeping bags (20–30°F synthetic), sleeping pads, cooking gear, camp chairs, group first aid kit and food/non‑alcoholic beverages.
Follow the operator’s strict guidance to avoid cotton: bring layered synthetic and wool clothing, waterproof jacket and rain pants, warm gloves and hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable footwear, water bottle and personal toiletries/medications. Optional items include binoculars, camera and a headlamp (season dependent).
The trip includes group meals—lunch on day one, dinner at camp, breakfast and lunch on day two—and camping at the kayak camp on Shoup Glacier.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Two Day Shoup Glacier Tour?
The tour runs two days and includes one night of camping.
Where and when do we meet?
The meeting location is 107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686; meet there on the morning the tour departs.
What level of kayaking experience do I need?
Guides give introductory sea kayak instruction in the morning, but the itinerary involves open‑water paddling; participants should be prepared for a day of paddling and shore camping.
What does Pangaea Adventures supply?
The operator supplies sea kayaks and paddling gear, rubber boots, drybags and pogies, tents, sleeping bags (20–30°F synthetic), sleeping pads, cooking gear, group first aid kit and all food and non‑alcoholic beverages.
What clothing and personal gear should I bring?
Bring layered synthetic and wool clothing, waterproof jacket and rain pants (100% waterproof), warm gloves and hat, sunglasses, sun hat, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, water bottle and personal medical kit—avoid cotton.
Will we hike during the trip?
Yes—there is an option to hike alongside the glacier for elevated views during day one, and a walk to waterfalls at Gold Creek State Park on day two.