ALASKA Inside Passage – Expedition Paddler

JUNEAU TO HAINES

Inside Passage // 16.6. - 22.6.2025

"The mountains were clear. Each needle, each scent, each pebble was sharp and singular. Across the inlet a glacier spilled over a high ridge, its crevasses an electric blue."

Audrey Sutherland, descpiption of the Lynn Canal near Haines on her expedition from Ketchikan to Skagway, from her book "Paddling North".

Alaska, often known as ”The Last Frontier,“ is a must-visit for any outdoors enthusiast. Known as the birthplace of the kayak—or Iqyax by the Aleutian peoples—Alaska’s maritime heritage and dramatic landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable journey. With a history stretching back 5,000 years, these traditional vessels played a crucial role in the lives of Alaska‘s Native communities, enabling transportation, hunting, and survival in challenging coastal waters. Today, Alaska’s coastal wilderness offers paddlers the chance to connect deeply with this unique heritage and its untamed environment.

Our adventure begins in Juneau, Alaska. Though situated on the mainland, Juneau is accessible only by air or sea, making it a remote yet perfect starting point for our expedition. From here, we’ll paddle north alongside the Coast and below the magnificent Chilkat mountain range, with an opportunity to observe both humpback and orca whales, Stellar sea lions, and harbor seals. As we move into more secluded waters, fishing boats become rare, and wildlife such as black and brown bears, wolves, and moose roam the shores. Guided by our "Leave No Trace" principles, we’ll navigate this wild terrain responsibly. Our expedition kayaks, crafted for long distances, will help us take advantage of southern winds on our journey to Haines. Here, the journey ends in this quaint fishing town surrounded by natural beauty and local charm.

Spanning 80 miles over seven days, the journey offers opportunities to refine paddling skills, enhance safety practices, and immerse ourselves fully in Alaska’s vast wilderness. Coastal hikes in the evenings allow us to unwind and explore on foot, making this an ideal adventure for those with moderate paddling experience and a desire for discovery.

DETAILS

SKILL LEVEL

Expedition team members need to be at a ‘Sea Kayak Proficient’ level of paddling ability equal to BCU 3*/ BC Sea Kayak Award, EPP 3, ISKGA Fundamental Skills 3, or ACA 3.
You need to be comfortable paddling in force 3-4 winds, 3-4 foot / 0,9-1,2 m waves and happy in an exposed open water environment under a skilled and qualified guide/leader. Team members have to be reasonably fit and capable of paddling between 11-16 NM / 20 -30 km per day over a five day period.

REMITS

We work within National Governing Body recommended guidelines in terms of student/client ratio, weather conditions and sea state.

For most of our expeditions we try to work on a 1 guide to 6 group member ratio, this ensures that you, the client - experience the most from the adventure and that we create a minimal impact on the environment.

EQUIPMENT

Supplied Paddling Equipment: Kayak, PFD/buoyancy aid, pogies/paddling gloves, spray skirt, two paddles, pump.

Additionally, we recommend that paddlers bring the following equipment. This is not an exhaustive list, as individual needs may vary, but it can serve as a guideline for you.

Paddling Equipment: Dry suit or cag & salopettes, two sets of base layers (preferably wool), fleece top (if you tend to get cold), helmet (optional), throw-tow or contact tow (if you have one), sunglasses, woolly/sun hat, buff, lip balm/sun protection, storm cag (if you have one).

Camp Clothes: Walking shoes/boots, trousers, puffer jacket, base layers (including one additional wool shirt), gloves, woolly hat, socks, underwear, rain jacket and trousers (depending on paddling clothes).

Camping Kit: Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tarp (optional), camp stove & cooking/eating kit, fuel (can be purchased in Tromsø), water bags (2 x 6 liters), water bottle/thermos, torch/headlamp.

Personal First Aid Kit: An "ouch pouch," including any personal medications and allergy considerations.

Wash Kit & Towel: You may wish to include scissors or nail clippers, as well as face and hand creams.

Our outfitter has various equipment available for hire if required, such as tents, sleeping pads, camp stoves, and dry suits.

FOOD

Food is required for seven days of sea kayaking, and meals can be a combination of rehydrated food packs and fresh ingredients. Be sure to bring enough snacks (such as energy bars, fruit, and nuts) for refuelling on the go. You can bring your own food from home or purchase it in Juneau.

ACCOMMODATION

The Sea kayaking expedition involves wild camping. Please bring your own camping equipment or contact us if you need rental gear.

Accommodation before and after the expeditions is your responsibility. You will find hotels in Juneau and Haines or can arrange a shared Airbnb if preferred.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Flights to Juneau typically connect through Seattle, so be sure to allow sufficient layover time for customs and immigration clearance, as delays are common. If travelling from Europe, Dublin is now a Hub-Airport and will avoid delays in the USA. Once in Juneau, there are convenient options for reaching your accommodations: courtesy shuttles, taxis, and ride-share services. Juneau offers a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Since the expedition concludes in Haines, you’ll need to arrange a ferry back to Juneau. Ferry tickets can be booked via the Alaska Marine Highway System, where you’ll find schedules and ticketing information.

INSURANCES

We recommend that you insure your travel arrangements, as flight delays and cancellations can often occur. If possible, you should also obtain coverage for your experience, including unforeseen events beyond your or our control (such as Force Majeure Events), for which Expedition Paddler Ltd cannot be held responsible.

Additionally, accident insurance, travel health insurance, and rescue and recovery insurance are the responsibility of participants. We strongly advise securing coverage for personal accident and liability, as well as for loss or damage to personal belongings. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal items while on one of our trips.

Expedition Paddler Ltd holds public liability insurance, activity insurance and professional indemnity insurance, details of which can be provided upon request.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Expedition Paddler's service is limited to the organization and implementation of the advertised program, including our role as highly trained guides and coaches.

Following equipment is included in the price: Sea kayak with paddle, spray deck, and PFD (personal flotation device), Safety equipment including a pump, Ursack (Kevlar Bear resistant bags), and bear spray for wildlife encounters.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Expedition Paddler's service is limited to the organization and implementation of the advertised program, including our role as highly trained guides and coaches. No additional services—such as assistance with arrival and departure, accommodation, meals, or local transport—are provided unless explicitly stated in the "Included Services" section. Any extra services or modifications requested by participants fall outside our standard scope and must be arranged separately. Furthermore, Expedition Paddler is not liable for any expenses or disruptions resulting from services not covered under the program.

Please note that the price does not include the journey to and from Juneau, accommodation in Juneau, any equipment other than that specified in the "Included Services" section, or food for the Sea Kayaking Expedition.

If you need additional equipment for your expedition, our local outfitter has the following items available for rental: Camping Gear: Tents, synthetic sleeping bags (rated to 20°F), inflatable sleeping pads, and tarps. Water Equipment: Water bags and filters to ensure safe hydration. Cooking Equipment: Complete camp kitchens with pots, skillets, utensils, plates, cups, bowls, camp stoves with fuel, and coffee-making options (French press or gravity filter).

EXTRAS

If you require additional equipment, such as tents, camp stoves, dry suits, or neoprene boots, these can be hired from our local outfitter.

During this course, you can obtain the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award. Please let us know in advance if you are interested. Registration and administrative costs for the certification have to be payed to Paddle UK.

During the expedition we shall cover the ISKGA Expedition Skills module including the following subjects: Camp selection, tarpology and shelter building, rescues & evacuation, water sourcing, treatment and toiletry requirements, fire skills, for cooking, signalling and warmth, foraging and equipment.

PRICE £ 2159

A minimum of six participants is required to confirm this booking. With seven participants we will reduce the price to £ 1975, with eight participants we will recuce it to £ 1800.