We had hiked and biked so time to use the arms and get out on the water. We called in the morning... read more
We had hiked and biked so time to use the arms and get out on the water. We called in the morning... read more
We (two couples in our 60's with kayak experience) did the full day Blackstone Bay trip... read more
Everything about our experience was exceptional. Even though we contacted Pete late in the afternoon and requested a next morning trip, they happily accommodated us. Pete met us with a smile on July 29, 2017 under extremely windy conditions. Our tour guide, Ashley, was fantastic fitting us with all the proper gear and providing well-explained instructions. Although the conditions were not ideal, she made the trip extremely enjoyable. The spawning salmon was an incredible sight to behold! I highly recommend that everyone visiting Alaska book a trip with Alaska Sea Kayakers.
We had so looked forward to this adventure kayaking around Blackstone Bay and it turned quickly into a nightmare. It was a rainy day, which we knew, and ASK does their trips rain or shine. We got geared up for rain with appropriate clothing and boots provided by ASK and boarded the boat that would take us out to the bay. The rain continued but seemed to be getting harder as we exited the boat unloading our gear and kayaks. Natalie, our guide, spent the next 35 minutes giving us directions and safety instructions in the pouring rain which she is supposed to do but our boats were quickly filling with water. We finally put kayaks in the water as the rain continued to pour down on us. We paddled to the first glacier and waterfall again in the pouring rain but now the wind had begun to blow making it harder to paddle and move in the water. It was lovely but hard to enjoy as we were trying to keep the water off of us. As we turned the boats to go to the next glacier, the wind and rain were now blowing directly in our faces making us cold, wet, tired and uncomfortable. We had been paddling for about 3 hours in these horrible conditions so Natalie suggested we bypass the usual lunch stop and go directly to the pick up location for lunch (normally they kayak for 2 hours, take a lunch break for an hour, then paddle again to the next glacier for 2 more hours and then paddle to the pick up spot) All we wanted to do was get out of the rain so all 6 of us agreed. We paddled on glancing quickly at the other glaciers. As we landed the boats, again in the pouring rain and wind, we had to unload everything and set up the "shelter" where we would have lunch and wait for pickup. Unfortunately, the "shelter" was a flimsy screened in tent that was probably 10' x 10'. We helped put it up and the 6 of us squished inside hoping to stay dry...unfortunately, a screened shelter is not very protective in a rain storm. Natalie did her best and set up lunch (which was delicious by the way). We had to sit on the ground or our wet life jackets as there was no tarp or covering from the wet grass and rocks We ate briefly and waited and waited and waited for 2 1/2 HOURS until the pick up boat. The "shelter" leaked from the sides as well as the top even though there was a small tarp on top so basically there was not much difference being inside or outside. It was awful as we were all wet, cold and tired. My kayak had somehow taken on water under the skirt so my boots, socks, feet, and pants were all soaking wet as was another gal's on the trip. I completely understand providing rain gear to guests but what is amazing to me is that it rains in Alaska A LOT so why would this company not be prepared with a tent or shelter that would actually provide some shelter from the storm? How easy it would be to replace a sun shelter with a rain shelter. Another thing that concerned me was the lack of communication between the people on the water (us kayakers) and the ASK office...the weather turned ugly, we cut our kayaking short, and we were made to sit and wait in the rain for hours until the boat arrived. And the pickup boat came a half hour early because Natalie had flagged down another boat on the water and asked them to tell the boat we wanted to get out earlier. It was basically a perfect storm for our kayak trip. Plus it cost us each $345 plus tax for this disaster. Just be sure to check the weather and ask questions if you choose to use this company.
We had the most amazing day in Alaska! My Sister's family, me and my Husband were welcomed with warm greetings & big smiles. Our tour guide Victoria got us all dressed in our kayaking outfits and on our way. We took a scenic boat ride to Blackstone Bay. Unloaded the Kayaks and were on our way after a quick safety briefing. I can't even explain how beautiful it was. Victoria took us to all the most scenic areas. We stopped for an almost "gourmet" lunch on a beach that we could watch a Glacier while we ate. Back in the Kayaks after lunch we paddled to a Glacier and watched it calving. A beautiful waterfall was coming off the Glacier. We paddled through an ice flow which was exciting!! Victoria our guide was wonderful and was always checking to make sure we were all doing good. This was truly a tour of a lifetime. Well done Victoria and Peter (the owner). Thank you for a truly unforgettable day!
Alaska Sea Kayakers were extremely helpful from booking until the return from the kayak trip. Pete handled a severe and rare allergy so well and accommodated our family without hesitation to make this trip possible for us. Kevin took a small group of five out on Blackstone Bay for an 8 hour kayak trip that was unforgettable. His knowledge and patience was impeccable. He took time with the guests, trained us on safety and general kayaking and served up a wonderful lunch on the rocky beach. We hugged the shoreline, kayaked near a waterfall, past several glaciers, and even had time for a short hike up to the toe of a glacier before our charter boat picked us up. The company provided us with dry bags, zip locks for our phones, rain suits, and rubber boots. The only thing we needed was an extra layer. Unforgettable experience!
We went with rain gear and extra clothing in waterproof bags, basically everything we thought we might need and they suggested. But they had rain jackets, rain pants, rubber boots, and waterproof bags for everything. So, we didn't need a lot of our gear. They gave us excellent instruction on what to expect kayaking and what to do if we accidentally tipped over. (As I understand it, the demographic that has a problem keeping kayaks upright are usually teenage brothers.) Anyway, we started from Whittier, went down the right side of the bay, across, and up the other side by the kittiwake rookery. I counted 8 bald eagles, a sea otter, a harbor seal, black oystercatchers, jumping minnows, more kittiwakes than I could count, and probably forgot a few more things. We stopped on a rocky beach and had a fabulous lunch provided by our guide. (That's where we had the oystercatchers entertaining us with their mating dance and cries.) I'm glad I was quick enough to pull up the hood of my (their) rain jacket when we got by the rookery because I got "blessed" on my arm. We had an awesome afternoon and great pictures of birds and water falls. I recommend these guys to anybody looking for some outdoor adventure in Whittier.
My friend and I did the Kittiwake Day Tour, which left right from the harbor and led us around the area. Booking was very easy; we did it on the day of. The guides were super nice and helpful; they gave us the option of longer kayak or stopping for a quick hike to a waterfall, which was fun; we chose the latter. It was a few hours of kayaking, which was enough for us (we're in good shape, but hours of kayaking still tires you out! even in a double kayak). Whittier is a pretty strange, unique place, and we were glade that we made the trip and had the experience of getting to Whittier in addition to the fun we had kayaking.