A beginner-friendly paddle with chances to spot eagles and sea otters
3 hours
Kayak gear, guide, boat transport
Discover a beginner-friendly introduction to sea kayaking, with opportunities to watch for bald eagles and sea otters. Prepare for changing coastal conditions with warm, non-cotton layers.
This 3 hour paddle includes on-land instruction and guided sea kayaking. From our dock in the small boat harbor, the group will sea kayak into the calm, protected waters of Duck Flats.
The path of the tour will head out past the new harbor to follow a chain of small islands recognized for their nesting birds and sun-bathing seals.
Enjoy the discussions of natural history as well as the history of Valdez.
This is a wonderful sea kayak tour for first-time paddlers having a short time frame. Please note, on sunny days the wind can kick up a bit in the afternoons!
Cancel more than 72 hours before 8:00 AM on your departure date for a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours forfeit the deposit. No-shows are charged the full trip price. If the operator cancels due to weather, conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, receive a full refund.
Product ID: EHD45F
Avoid cotton. Wear synthetic or wool layers, and bring an extra layer, long pants, a lightweight shirt, a warm sweatshirt or fleece, a wind-cutting outer layer, warm socks, gloves, and a warm or rain hat. Bring lunch, water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and optional camera or binoculars.
Departure times for the Duck Flats tour vary by day and weather. Your exact departure time is confirmed before your trip.
107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686
We did a Columbia Glacier kayak trip on August 24th with Nick, Logan and Eleanor on the Mayflower Star. We had great weather for the trip to the bay but on arrival we encountered an unprecedented amount of ice blocking the bay and threatening our access to the landing beach. At this point Nick would have been entirely justified in cancelling the landing and kayak launch, but using a drone he was able to determine an entry route and got us in for a wonderful kayaking experience. Logan did an awesome job getting all of us on and off the water safely and getting great pictures to share with the group. Nick did a masterful job getting us out of the ice-choked bay and back to Valdez to cap a wonderful Alaska adventure. This was the best kayak excursion I have ever experienced and this crew made it happen. Unforgettable!
Michael Bury
August 31, 2026
We did a Columbia Glacier kayak trip on August 24th with Nick, Logan and Eleanor on the Mayflower Star. We had great weather for the trip to the bay but on arrival we encountered an unprecedented amount of ice blocking the bay and threatening our access to the landing beach. At this point Nick would have been entirely justified in cancelling the landing and kayak launch, but using a drone he was able to determine an entry route and got us in for a wonderful kayaking experience. Logan did an awesome job getting all of us on and off the water safely and getting great pictures to share with the group. Nick did a masterful job getting us out of the ice-choked bay and back to Valdez to cap a wonderful Alaska adventure. This was the best kayak excursion I have ever experienced and this crew made it happen. Unforgettable!
Michael Bury
August 31, 2026
Paddle among calved ice beneath Columbia Glacier
Paddle independently among floating icebergs, waterfalls, and mountain scenery
Ride at your own pace through Valdez’s harbor, downtown, and glacier views
Paddle Class III rapids and pause at Bridal Veil Falls
Explore a More Remote Side of Port Valdez by Kayak