The largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound and the second largest in the entire state of Alaska, Columbia Glacier is 25 miles from Valdez and covers more than 400 square miles. The face is more than 3 miles wide and is rapidly moving backward at a rate of 4 feet per Day in the summer! Keep a close lookout for sea lions, bears and, quite often, whales! Hike on recently uncovered landscape and in the adjacent old growth forest. This trip was pioneered by us.
Your Itinerary:
Meet at our office for a pre-trip safety briefing, equipment fitting and kayaking lesson. After loading kayaks relax and enjoy the transport ride to Columbia, enjoying the views offered through the Port, Narrows and Valdez Arm. Speeding into Heather Bay, you may catch your first glimpses of Columbia Glacier, the sounds largest. Marvel at the surrounding beauty as we launch into our boats in the tranquil and protected waters of Heather Bay. We begin our tour with a relaxing paddle, exploring the small bays and inlets leading up toward Columbia Glacier. This is a perfect time to spot playful otters rolling around icebergs and watchful eagles high in the trees overhead. Arriving at the terminal moraine of the glacier, which is the deposit Columbia left behind upon its retreat, we prepare to explore. Don’t forget your camera because this is the land of photo opportunities. Walking around giant icebergs stranded on the moraine with the tallest mountains in the Chugach range as a backdrop is not a sight you will soon forget. This is a perfect time to eat lunch and enjoy the scenery. After lunch prepare for a breath-taking paddle in "the land of ice." Perhaps this is the experience that lured you to Alaska in the first place … paddling among floating ice in a bay so tranquil you can see your own reflection on the water. Weave your way among the ancient forms as you progress deeper and deeper into the bay. Get your photo taken in front of bergs or just relax and enjoy the splendor. Whatever your taste is, this is an experience that should not be missed. After this enchanting experience, we will continue to follow the coast line toward Jade Harbor, our pick-up point. On the way we encounter a river, which depending upon tides, we paddle up, and a beautiful waterfall tumbling from a rugged gorge. All the while we keep our eyes open for wildlife. Potential sightings of bird species include the Common and Red-Throated Loon, Harlequin Ducks, Murrelettes, Scoters, Canada Geese, Eagles, and Oystercatchers among others. Also seals, otters, sea lions, black bears, river otters, mink and the occasional wolverine may present themselves. Upon reaching our water taxi, we load up the boats and begin our journey back to Valdez.
We recommend: 2 sets warm clothing to bring with you. Be ready for rain or shine!
First Set:
- Base Layer or Undergarments: top and bottom layer, made preferably of wool, silk, capelin or polypropylene. They are excellent sources of warmth even when wet. This thin layer wicks moisture away from skin, keeping you warm and dry!
- Upper Body: midweight insulation layer of wool, capelin, or fleece.
- Lower Body: base layer should be sufficient under rain pants, however a pair of fleece, or nylon travel pants are always a good option. Leave those jeans at home!
- Feet: wool, smart wool, synthetic, or neoprene socks. We provide high top rubber boots for all participants, however, if you have your own, we suggest you bring them to insure proper fit and maximum comfort.
- Hands: wool, synthetic or neoprene gloves. Neoprene is always preferred in rainy conditions. "Pogies", which are coverall mittens that attach to the paddle, are also good.
- Head: 80% of your body heat escapes from your head. Be sure to bring adequate headwear. A wool or synthetic hat is recommended. A wide brimmed hat is also nice to protect you from the rain or sun.
- Rain Gear: There is no substitute for quality rain gear. We do provide basic rain gear if yours is inadequate.
Second Set:
This can be any additional clothes in case you get cold or wet. Also bring:
- Sack Lunch Water Bottle;
- Sun glasses (and holders such as croakies or chums) Sun screen;
- Insect repellent; Toilet paper.
Warning: Cotton is inappropriate for paddling. It holds water and will keep you cold! Optional: camera, film and binoculars (preferably water proof).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- No kayaking experience is necessary.
- Easy, minimum age 6
- Group size: 4-8 participants
- Total tour time - 10hrs
- Time on the water - 6 hrs kayaking, wildlife watching lunch and an optional hike.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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