Context Matters
As with all things outdoors, there are very few hard and fast rules to do with sea kayaking in Alaska. The wilderness is a very subjective world and when we try to place square objective guidelines in the fluid and shifting holes of subjectivity we typically fail.
The dos and don’ts are much more contextual than rigid and ironclad. What works best on a sea kayaking trip for one couple might be a complete disaster for another. How best to respond to situation A in location B might not be a wise choice in location C.
This concept applies to all the sections that follow and I recommend bearing that in mind as you read over the various topics.
What type of sea kayaking trip will work best for you depends on a host of factors that may very well not apply to someone else, or even to you a month later. The paddling gear you consider for Alaska sea kayaking will very likely not be the same gear you’d want sea kayaking in Baja, California—even sea kayaking in another region of Alaska. The gear you want to bring will depend on your skillset, your group, the type of trip you take, and on and on. The reverse is also true.
The type of sea kayaking trip you consider should also take into account the type of gear you have. The safety gear you want will depend on the group you have, their experience level, the type of trip you undertake, the location of your sea kayaking trip, your level of wilderness first aid training, and on and on. You get the picture.
What you want to do is build a good solid understanding of various basics and apply that knowledge to your decision making. We break things into categories or topics when they’re often so interrelated and connected that these divisions are entirely arbitrary. In reality we can’t separate sea kayaking from sea kayaking gear. We can’t separate sea kayaking gear from locations, or skills. Each are intrinsically tied to the others.
Understanding that is important.
So paddle on.
Getting Started
Generally, Alaska sea kayaking trips base out of southeast and south central Alaska.
The western and north coasts can be home to some rugged and particularly nefarious weather patterns. Paddling here is for the extremely hardy. Most folks enjoy the calmer and more protected waters of the inner coastal passages in southeast Alaska and south central Alaska. But if you’re an experienced paddler and outdoors person, there are countless more places you can explore.
Some of the locations are more accessible than others. Many require a floatplane and/or water taxi just to approach, while others begin right from a parking lot on the side of a road. Expect accessibility to mirror cost—the more inaccessible it is, the higher the costs involved in getting there. Easier access generally will drive down the cost of your trip, and usually very significantly.
Other factors to consider include the type of trip you’re looking for: a point-to-point trip, a loop, a day trip, a basecamp with day trips, a multi-day trip, and so on. In Icy Bay, Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, it’s possible to do both multi-day adventures—moving camp each day to a new location—but equally fun, and a lot easier, to ferry to our basecamp location and do a number of day trips from there.
Best Time to Go
Alaska’s sea kayaking season runs late May through early September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather and warmest water temperatures (still only 45-50°F). Each period offers distinct advantages.
Late May and June bring longer daylight hours—up to 20 hours in southern Alaska—and spring wildlife activity. Migratory birds arrive, seals pup, and coastal bears emerge. However, weather remains unpredictable, and some areas retain ice until mid-June.
July and August provide peak conditions: calmer seas, the most stable weather windows, and active wildlife. Humpback whales feed along the coast, salmon runs attract bears to shorelines, and glaciers calve most actively in warmer temperatures. These months also bring crowds to accessible locations like Kenai Fjords and Glacier Bay. Book guided trips 6-12 months ahead.
September offers solitude and stunning fall colors but requires flexibility. Weather systems intensify, daylight decreases rapidly, and marine conditions become less predictable. Only experienced paddlers should attempt September expeditions. Remote areas like Icy Bay become increasingly difficult to access as flight services wind down operations after Labor Day.
Consider your target wildlife: whales peak June-August, bears feeding on salmon peak July-September, and seabird nesting activity peaks June-July.
Costs & Budgeting
Alaska sea kayaking costs vary widely depending on trip type and location accessibility. Day trips with local outfitters in easily-accessed areas like Resurrection Bay or Kachemak Bay typically run $150-300 per person, including gear and guide. Multi-day guided expeditions range from $400-600 per day, with remote destinations commanding premium prices due to transportation costs.
DIY trips require significant upfront investment in quality gear—expect $2,000-4,000 for a complete setup including kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt, and dry bags. However, transportation often becomes the biggest expense. Float plane access to remote locations like Icy Bay or Russell Fjord runs $800-1,500 per person round-trip. Water taxis to closer destinations cost $100-300 per person.
Budget for hidden costs: camping permits (typically free in Alaska’s national parks but sometimes required; check your NPS regs), food resupply drops ($300-500), and emergency evacuation insurance (highly recommended, $50-150). A week-long DIY expedition in a remote area typically costs $3,500-5,500 per person when transportation, food, and incidentals are included.
Prices will vary with group size, as your transportation costs are often per trip, not per person. Accessible locations like Whittier or Homer can cut these costs in half.
Fitness & Skill Requirements
Sea kayaking in Alaska demands honest assessment of your physical capabilities and paddling experience. Alaska’s cold water, remote locations, and unpredictable weather create consequences for overestimating your abilities.
For day trips in protected waters with guides, basic fitness suffices—ability to paddle 3-5 hours with breaks, comfortable getting in and out of a kayak, and swimming ability. No prior kayaking experience required, though any time in boats helps. Age range: kids 12+ to active seniors.
Multi-day basecamp trips require moderate fitness: paddling 4-6 hours daily, carrying gear from kayak to campsite, and managing on uneven terrain. Prior kayaking experience strongly recommended. You should be comfortable in boats and not prone to seasickness.
Expedition trips demand higher standards: strong paddling technique, experience in open water and rougher conditions, solid navigation skills with map and compass, and backcountry camping proficiency. Physical demands include paddling 5-8 hours daily while loaded, lifting and loading heavy kayaks, and maintaining energy over multiple days. Cold water immersion survival training is highly valuable.
Critical non-negotiables across all trip types: ability to swim, comfort with cold and wet conditions, and mental preparedness for wilderness isolation. Medical conditions requiring immediate care or regular medication access aren’t compatible with remote expeditions. If you have concerns about fitness levels, start with guided day trips in accessible areas.
