Have questions? We're here.
Kayaking Valdez

Kayak Alaska

Example 6 Day Tour
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Alaska trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Travel south to Valdez, Alaska for this remote kayaking and camping adventure. Explore Prince William Sound and Heather Bay as you paddle around some pristine scenery filled with wildlife. Paddle up to the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound, the Columbia Glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for sea otter and seal sightings. You may even get lucky and spot an orca whale in these waters! Spend two nights camping in this remote area and paddle around exploring at your leisure each day. This Alaska kayaking trip is easily combined with other backcountry camping experiences and time in Anchorage. Or opt to travel the Alaska railway north to visit Denali National Park. 
Witness calving glaciers up closeExplore Alaska's wilderness by kayakExplore glaciers by kayakMarvel at the striking icebergsWaterfall kayakingKayaking along stunning cliffsStunning Alaska sceneryKayaking near icebergsCamping siteKayak near icebergs calving from the glaciersViews of the soundKayaking Valdez
Highlights
  • Kayak up to the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound
  • Explore Heather Bay and Columbia Glacier as you camp out along the shore
  • Spot wildlife in the bay including sea otters, seals, and orca whales!
  • See the sea lion colony at Glacier Island
Places Visited
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Fly Valdez

Fly from Anchorage or another connecting town with Ravn Air to Valdez. Settle into your hotel this evening.

Day 2: Heather Bay | Columbia Glacier

  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Meet up with your guide in town this morning for a safety briefing and orientation. From here board the water taxi for a cruise out to Heather Bay, the access point to the majestic Columbia Glacier.  This glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound. Embark on your multi-day kayaking tour today, paddling first through the massive floating icefield among towering icebergs to the island overlooking the glacier. Paddle away from Columbia Glacier keeping watch for a variety of marine mammals including harbor seals, sea otters, and maybe a rare glimpse of an orca! Tonight camp in Heather Bay and settle in for some tasty camp cuisine prepared by the guides.

Day 3: Columbia Bay

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set out from Heather Bay again this morning to explore Columbia Bay in more depth. Cross the main channel of ice escaping over the glacier's moraine. Keep your eyes open for wildlife throughout the day, as it is common to see large groups of sea otters or harbor seals hauled out on the ice in this area or spot an orca trying to find his next meal! Paddle the western coastline of Columbia Bay with a visit to Granite Cove. Camp here if conditions allow.

Day 4: Glacier Island

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy breakfast this morning and a short hike in the area before setting out on kayaks towards Glacier Island.  Explore the bays located along the north side of the island and take advantage of the numerous short hike and beach-combing locations. You can opt to climb one of the ridges for an impressive view of Naked Island, Columbia Glacier, and possibly the snowy peaks of Montague Island.  Your guides will prepare a delicious hot meal before camping for the night.

Day 5: Bull Head Wildlife

Get an early start today paddling around the corner of Glacier Island to Bull Head. Here you will find a colony of Stellar Sea Lions which can be seen feeding, sleeping and swimming. These great mammals were once thought to be extinct. Also, be on the lookout for puffins and cormorants along the rugged coastline. Stop at one of the beaches for lunch and a hike up through the rainforest. After this break to stretch your legs, paddle off to Chamberlain Bay for more kayaking before your water taxi picks you up to take you back to Valdez this evening. Settle back into Valdez Harbor Inn for the evening. 

Day 6: Fly Anchorage | Return Home

Take a local flight this morning to Anchorage. Connect with your flight home or continue with your independent Alaska travels. We would suggest a Denali Backcountry trip to top off your adventures!

Accommodations

Valdez Harbor Inn

Valdez Harbor Inn, Alaska
Valdez Harbor Inn, Alaska
Valdez Harbor Inn, Alaska

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,012 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Rates based on pooled small group tour, max 8 people.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • 4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Round-trip Water Taxi: To/From Heather Bay
  • Airport Taxi Transfers
  • Internal Flights: Anchorage - Valdez - Anchorage

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

Alaska Travel Guide

Top Alaska Travel Destinations

Alaska Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Alaska

Alaska Trips by Duration

Alaska Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By