Glacier View Sea Kayak

Launch into open water on the Glacier View Sea Kayak with uninterrupted views of Mendenhall Glacier on this small-group sea kayak tour from Juneau. Designed for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the Glacier View Sea Kayak excursion offers a guided paddling experience through the protected Mendenhall Wetlands, where coastal wildlife and panoramic scenery take center stage. After a short transfer from the cruise ship dock to North Douglas Island, you'll gear up with rain gear and life jackets, meet your guide, and receive a safety briefing before stepping into your stable tandem kayak. As you paddle, take in the sweeping expanse of the Juneau Icefield spilling down toward the water, just six miles in the distance.

Along the way, keep an eye out for bald eagles overhead, harbor seals and sea lions in the shallows, and the occasional porpoise or whale if the waters are calm. Guides group paddlers by ability to ensure a comfortable pace and offer support throughout. The route is scenic but manageable, with plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the views. After returning to shore, enjoy a well-earned snack of wild Alaska salmon spread and reindeer sausage before heading back across the channel.

The Glacier View Sea Kayak runs rain or shine, unless sea conditions are unsafe, and restrooms are available before launch only. There are no hidden fees—gear and round-trip transport are included—and the small group size ensures a relaxed, unhurried experience. Enjoy glacier views without a strenuous hike, paddle through wildlife-rich wetlands even if it’s your first time in a kayak, and get local insight without the crowds of the visitor center. A top pick for families and first-timers, this tour fills quickly during peak season—reserve your seat today.