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Glacier Bay Whales

A wildlife-focused sea kayaking trip in Glacier Bay National Park!

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Glacier Bay Whales

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Location: Beardslee Islands, Glacier Bay National Park. Trip starts and ends in Gustavus, Alaska.

Duration: 3-Days/2-Nights

Paddle Distance: 5 to 15 miles per day.

Activities: Sea kayaking, whale watching, wildlife observation, wilderness camping.

Highlights: Experience one of Glacier Bay’s most wildlife-rich destinations. Camp, kayak, and hike in a dynamic and beautiful World Heritage Site. Enjoy the Beardslee Islands non-motorized area from the seat of a sea kayak and revel in the wilderness solitude. View and photograph a multitude of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, moose, and bear.

 

Join Spirit Walker Expeditions for a wilderness sea kayaking adventure in the Beardslee Islands of Glacier Bay National Park. This new 3-day adventure is modeled after our popular and long-running 3-day Whales trip. They both take place at wildlife hotspots, but our Glacier Bay Whales trip takes place within a designated non-motorized area – meaning we paddle in and paddle out. This is a 100% human-powered adventure!

 

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Our trip begins on the shores of Bartlett Cove, where we pack our expedition kayaks and gear up for the adventure ahead. After a paddling orientation, we set out, finding our rhythm and scanning the waters and shores for wildlife. Rounding Lester Island, we slip into the Beardslees, a wilderness filled with wildlife. As we paddle on, we watch whales, sea otters, sea lions, bears, moose and birds feasting on the bounty of the Alaskan summer.

Upon reaching our campsite, we unload our kayaks, set up tents and settle in. This is likely to be our camp for the next two nights, and a base from which we come and go, exploring the islands all around. Even from shore, we keep an eye and ear open for the wildlife that abounds. Sea otters float by on the tide, occasionally diving to retrieve a clam or crab from the ocean floor and humpback whales feed on schools of herring and small fish. We also dine on the bounty of Alaska, as guides dive into our food cache (with the grace and beauty of a bald eagles!) producing locally caught halibut for a fish taco feast on the beach!

Our second day of the trip brings a full day of exploration in the non-motorized wilderness. After a hearty breakfast, we launch our kayaks and paddle in the direction of the striking Bear Track mountains, watching for moose and bear on the shores of each island we pass. We listen for the quick breath of a surfacing porpoise and the loud crack of a breaching humpback whale. In these calm, protected waterways, far from any motorized boats, the sounds of Southeast Alaska resonate all around us. After a good lunch and a chance to stretch the legs, we continue our paddle, eventually making our way back to camp. After a hearty dinner, we let the sounds and mysteries of Glacier Bay lull us to sleep.

On the third and final day of the trip, we fuel up our bodies, break camp, load the kayaks and hit the water. The kayaks feel like familiar friends by now, and we paddle with confidence and ease, alert to the wildlife around us. As we round the last point and Bartlett Cove comes into view, we feel a surge of energy and accomplishment. We paddled into the wilderness of Glacier Bay… and paddled out.

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The National Park Service, Department of Interior authorizes Spirit Walker Expeditions as a Concessioner to provide guided overnight kayaking trips within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Our currently scheduled Glacier Bay trips.

Click here to see our full schedule.


Departure Return Trip Name Trip Length Price Availability
06/23/2025 06/25/2025 Glacier Bay Whales Trip 3-Days/2-Nights $1599 Open
08/20/2025 08/22/2025 Glacier Bay Whales Trip 3-Days/2-Nights $1599 Open
  • experienced and professional guides;
  • high quality 2 person kayaks with paddling and safety accessories; emergency communication, signaling and first aid equipment;
  • all cooking gear, utensils and water bottles;
  • 3 excellent meals for each full day plus snacks;
  • camping equipment – 2 and 3 person tents, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses that convert into chairs;
  • rain gear, rubber boots and dry bags.

My trip with Spirit Walker Expeditions was amazing. My experience kayaking among the whales is something I will never forget! Go! You will love it.

Mandy L, visited Sept. 2015

We had a wonderful experience on a Spirit Walker trip this summer. Six nights, seven days in the Myriad Islands Wilderness. The trip was well organized, the gear was top quality and the guides were great! ... an experience I'll always remember.

Walt G, visited July 2016

This experience was absolute perfection, from the initial call through the flawless execution. I can't say enough good things about this operation and I've personally worked in adventure travel. Thank you, Stephen and crew!

Robert B, visited August 2024

We booked the Whales tour to Point Adolphus for our family which includes a 6 year old and 9 year old... Great safety orientation for our boys who don't have a lot of experience kayaking. Thanks for an unforgettable experience.

Jonathan R, visited July 2016

It doesn't get any better than this. If you want to experience the real Alaska you must get out on the water... If we return to Alaska, we will make this expedition again.

Ernie B, visited August 2013

"Magic Family Holiday" I can't say enough about the wonderful trips that Spirit Walker puts together. The safety and equipment is great. The guides are great fun and knowledgeable about the areas we went. The food is incredible.

NIcondit, Visited August 2015

The trip had it all: calving glaciers, breaching humpback whales, grizzlies, moose, bald eagles, harbor seals, and much more. I cannot recommend the Spirit Walker crew and the grandeur of Glacier Bay highly enough. Already thinking about my next return trip to the park.

Mike D, Visited June 2021

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