Skagway Kayaking — Lynn Canal Sea Kayak Tours

For a truly immersive Alaskan experience, trade the crowds for a paddle and see Skagway from the water. A sea kayaking tour on the Lynn Canal offers a perspective that few cruise passengers get to see. Paddling silently along the shore, you’ll be surrounded by the immense scale of one of North America’s longest and deepest fjords, with dramatic 7,000-foot peaks rising directly from the sea on both sides.

This excursion is a chance to actively engage with the stunning landscape, providing an excellent contrast to vehicle-based tours. It’s a peaceful yet invigorating way to spend a few hours, with high chances of seeing iconic Alaskan wildlife.

What to Expect

Your kayaking adventure begins at the Skagway Small Boat Harbor, an easy and scenic half-mile walk from the cruise ship docks. Here, you’ll meet your professional guides from a local operator. They will get you properly outfitted with all necessary gear, including a life jacket, a spray skirt (which fits around the cockpit to keep you dry), waterproof gloves, and a dry bag for your camera and personal items.

Once you’re geared up, the guides will provide a comprehensive safety briefing and paddling lesson on the shore. No prior kayaking experience is needed; they will teach you the basic strokes and how to work with your partner in the stable, two-person touring kayak.

You’ll then launch into the chilly, turquoise waters of Lynn Canal. Your guide will lead the small group along the shoreline, typically paddling towards the historic Dyea Flats or the Chilkoot River estuary—a well-known nesting area for bald eagles. As you paddle, your guide will share stories about Skagway’s Gold Rush history and point out features of the temperate rainforest ecosystem.

The main draw is the scenery and potential for wildlife. Bald eagles are a very common sight, often seen perched in the treetops or soaring overhead. Keep your eyes on the water for harbor seals and, if you’re lucky, the occasional Dall’s porpoise. After about two to three hours of paddling at a relaxed pace, you’ll return to the boat harbor.

Who This Is For

A Skagway kayaking tour is ideal for the active cruiser who wants to get away from the crowds and experience Alaska’s natural beauty up close. It’s perfect for:

• Beginners: No prior experience is necessary. The guides are excellent instructors and the tandem kayaks are very stable.
• Families: This is a great activity for families with older children who can contribute to paddling and follow safety instructions.
• Nature Lovers: If your goal is to see wildlife and experience the grandeur of the landscape on its own terms, this is an excellent choice.
• Photographers: The water-level perspective offers unique photo opportunities of the mountains, coastline, and wildlife.

While the paddling is not overly strenuous, participants should have a moderate level of fitness and be able to sit comfortably in a kayak for a few hours.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

For this particular excursion, booking directly with an independent, local operator in Skagway is highly recommended. You can expect to save 30-40% compared to the prices offered through the cruise line for a nearly identical tour.

The primary benefit of a ship-booked tour is the guarantee that the ship will wait for you if the tour runs late. However, kayaking operators in Skagway are highly experienced with cruise ship schedules. Their tours are designed to finish with plenty of time to spare, and the meeting point is a short walk from the pier. Given the significant cost savings and the reliability of local companies, independent booking is the clear winner here.

What to Bring

Dressing in layers is key for comfort. The weather in Southeast Alaska can change quickly.

• Clothing: Wear synthetic layers (like fleece or polyester) and avoid cotton, which stays cold when wet. A waterproof rain jacket is a must.
• Pants: Quick-dry hiking pants are ideal. Avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold when wet.
• Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting a little damp, like sneakers or water shoes.
• Sun Protection: Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun’s reflection off the water can be intense, even on cloudy days.
• Hat: A warm beanie or a brimmed hat for sun, depending on the weather.
• Camera: A waterproof camera or a phone in a waterproof case is perfect for capturing the moments.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your paddle.

How to Book

There are a couple of excellent, locally-owned operators in Skagway offering sea kayaking tours. It’s best to book directly through their websites.

• Sockeye Cycle & Kayak: A long-standing Skagway outfitter, they offer a variety of bike and kayak tours. Their kayaking trips are well-regarded and cater directly to cruise passengers.
• Alaska Mountain Guides: This company runs a “Wilderness Kayak Adventure” that often involves a scenic ferry ride to nearby Haines to paddle on the calmer waters of Chilkoot Lake, a location known for salmon and potential bear sightings.

It’s recommended to book at least a month in advance to secure your spot, especially for morning departures when the waters of Lynn Canal are typically at their calmest.