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
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!
Fantastic 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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All 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!(opens in a new tab) 
10/10 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(opens in a new tab) 
