Duck Flats Sea Kayak Tour, Valdez
About This Experience
Three hours on the flat, protected water of Duck Flats, immediately east of Valdez - the shortest guided paddle in town and the easiest thing to slot into a day that already has a glacier cruise in it.
You launch from the small boat harbour, cross past the new harbour and follow a chain of small islands that nesting birds and hauled-out harbour seals have to themselves. Bald eagles are close to guaranteed; arctic terns, sea otters and sea lions turn up regularly. The guide talks through the natural history of the flats and the history of Valdez itself - a town that was moved four miles to its present site after the 1964 earthquake.
Groups are capped small, all the waterproof gear is provided, and no experience is needed. It is the tour to book on an arrival afternoon or a weather day.
Highlights
- Three hours on sheltered water - the gentlest guided paddle out of Valdez
- Nesting bald eagles, harbour seals and sea otters at close range
- Local natural and human history from a Valdez guide
- Small groups, capped at eight paddlers
- Rain gear, rubber boots and gloves all provided
What's Included
- ✓ Guided sea kayaking with all equipment and instruction
- ✓ Rain jacket and trousers, rubber boots and gloves
- ✓ Motor boat transport where the route requires it
- ✓ State park fees
- ✓ Snacks and hot drinks
Not Included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Bring
- Warm non-cotton layers - avoid cotton entirely, it holds cold water
- One extra layer more than you think you need
- Long trousers to wear under the supplied rain gear
- Camera, water and binoculars
Good to Know & Caveats
- Three hours door to door, which makes it easy to pair with a same-day arrival or a half-day elsewhere.
- Groups are limited to eight paddlers, so it books out in high summer earlier than its length suggests.
- Avoid cotton next to the skin - the guides say this on every trip and they are right.
- Payment is due in full 30 days before departure; cancellations more than 72 hours before 8am on the day of departure are fully refunded.
Not Suitable For
- People prone to seasickness
Meeting Point
Meet at the small boat harbour in Valdez, 107 N Harbor Drive. Gear, a safety briefing and basic instruction all happen on land before you launch.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.4/5 by 15 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Loved that we saw bald eagles. arctic terns, sea lions, and harbor seals. Rose and Logan expertly guided us and narrated with interesting anecdotes and history.
— Nicole Janeway, July 16
We were called by the tour operator the morning of the tour for complimentary pick up at our ship. Kenny was our guide. very safety conscious, capable and knowledgeable. We had a fabulous time and saw many birds and harbour seals. highly recommend Kenny and this tour
— Linda, May 13,
Just been on a morning sea kayak trip with Kenny. They rented out a tandem kayak for myself and wife and Kenny accompanied us talking through the highlights. The kayaking was easy and exactly the right level for me as a beginner. The equipment kept us dry and warm in spite of low temperatures and some light drizzle. We saw plenty of wildlife the highlight being a harbour seal popping it's head out very close to us. Great fun and would highly recommend.
— Richard, May 13,
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a glacier tour?
No. Duck Flats is a sheltered estuary on the edge of Valdez, and the tour is about birds, seals and the town's own story. If you want ice, book the Columbia Glacier cruise or the Columbia Glacier kayak day.
Can complete beginners do it?
Yes - it is designed for them. Instruction is given on land, the water is protected, and three hours is short enough that nobody's arms give out.
What will I see?
Nesting bald eagles are close to a certainty, and harbour seals hauled out on the islands are very likely. Sea otters, arctic terns and sea lions are common. It is a birdwatcher's paddle more than a big-mammal one.
Why does it matter that groups are capped at eight?
Because it keeps the paddle quiet enough for the wildlife to stay put, and because one guide can actually talk to eight people. It also means the tour fills faster than its price suggests - book ahead in July and August.
Is it worth doing if I am already taking a glacier cruise?
If you have a spare half-day, yes. It is a completely different register - quiet, close-up and small-scale - and it costs a fraction of the glacier trips.
