Beginner-Friendly

Historical Significance

Wildlife Spotting

Paddle Through Protected Waters and Discover Rich Marine Wildlife

Here’s to all novice kayakers! If you haven’t kayaked before or consider yourself at beginners level, this tour is for you (though kayakers of ALL levels are welcome)! This easy kayak tour has us paddling through Sitka’s pristine and tranquil waters, with plenty of opportunities to spot the beautiful Alaskan wildlife of the area.

On this peaceful 3.5-mile paddling experience, we’ll paddle through the Galankin Island and around the one of Sitka’s historic landmarks, Rockwell Lighthouse, situated on a rocky outcrop that can only be accessed by water. Kayaking around the Rockwell Lighthouse is an unforgettable adventure that combines outdoor exploration with a glimpse into the rich maritime history of the region.

Why Pick This Tour?

Our certified and experienced instructor is a Sitka local, and he’s passionate about kayaking and telling fun stories along the way. Most importantly, he’ll ensure your safety during the trip with a paddle & safety introduction.

Kayaking in Sitka is a rewarding experience that will allow you to discover and observe Alaska’s nature from a whole new perspective. Paddling along the tranquil waters, you’ll observe stunning views and spot an array of animals living their best lives in the wilderness.

You’ll get a taste of Sitka’s history on this easy-going tour as you’ll explore the iconic Rockwell Lighthouse that is only accessible by water, so what better way to get there than by kayak!

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Tour Details

Tour Details

Price

Adults – $175

Kids (12 and under) – $125


Difficulty level

Easy


Departure time

9am, 10am, 1pm and 2pm

*Semi-flexible: start times can be adjusted to accommodate cruise ship arrival times


Meeting point

Harrington Centennial Hall
330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835

Google Map


Availability

May 25th – August 28, Sunday – Thursday

*For weekend bookings please call 817-291-9323


Duration

3 hours (approx. 2 hours in water and 1 hour transition time)


Group size

Minimum 2, maximum 6

If you would like to book more than 6, please call or email us! We can accommodate up to 12.


Included

– Pick-up and drop-off at Harrigan Centennial
– Kayak, paddle, spray deck, PFD, signaling whistle, flashlight and/or headlamp
– Water bottles and snacks


Not included

– Rain gear
– Gratuity for guides


What to bring

– Do bring rain gear as it frequently rains here
– Do bring extra layers as it is often cooler on the water


Participation requirements

The minimum age requirement for this tour is 6 years old


About your guide

ACA-certified kayak instructor

What You'll Do On This Tour

Before setting off on this easy kayaking adventure, you’ll receive a paddle and safety introduction to ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip. We’ll then launch the kayaks from The University of Alaska Southeast and be on our way to the Rockwell Lighthouse. We’ll paddle through the protected waters of the Galankin Islands, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including sea otters, seals, sea lions, salmon, and eagles.

We’ll kayak through the Galankin Islands, where you’ll be immersed in the stunning natural beauty of the Alaskan coastline. The islands offer a range of paddling opportunities, from calm and sheltered bays to more exposed stretches of water. You’ll be awestruck by breathtaking scenery that includes rocky shorelines, and lush forests, all of which provide a stunning backdrop to our kayak adventure.

Arriving at the Rockwell Lighthouse, you’ll be struck by its dramatic location on a rocky outcrop. Your guide will share stories about the rich history and culture of the region, including the Rockwell Lighthouse’s significance, leaving you with a greater appreciation and understanding of the area’s unique heritage.

Check Out The Route Map Below

Please Keep In Mind

This tour is suitable for beginners with little to no previous kayaking experience.

For groups larger than 6 people, please contact us at least one month in advance to make arrangements. We can accommodate up to 12 participants, but require a co-guide to be on the trip with us.

We embrace cold and rainy weather on all our tours, so please be sure to bring appropriate clothing, including extra layers and footwear to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Hear What Our Guests Have to Say!

5 star ratingFantastic beginning kayaker experience Charlie did a great job leading our small inexperienced group on the Rockwell lighthouse kayak tour. Calibrated the pace perfectly, knew to stop when sea lions playfully approached, got us back to the launch site right on time. A scenic and fun experience.
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iamnotanumber_6
9/08/2023
5 star ratingAll Around amazing experience Our 9 year old son is a huge history buff, so this paddle and WW2 bunker exploration trip was what he was most looking forward to on our recent Alaska adventure. This excursion was all we could have hoped for- and more! From start to finish, Charlie was terrific to work with. He is incredibly knowledgable and professional yet down to earth and is the most engaging story teller!!! We truly enjoyed every minute of our time with SEAK and a grateful for the beautiful memories made in Sitka!
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Sherpa789362
9/05/2023
5 star rating10/10 recommend A great way to see Alaska! Charlie was very knowledgeable on the area and just fun to talk to. My boyfriend and I had an amazing time
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veronica z Avatar
veronica z
9/02/2023

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