kayaking in Valdez

Question

We will be in Valdez for two full days in the beginning of June and would like advise on kayaking to the Columbia glacier. Which company would you recommend. Pangea Adventures or Anadyr.

Will I get to see the Columbia glacier calve? Or should I kayak on Valdez Lake instead? Will also consider Lulu Bella Columbia glacier wildlife boat ride. Will i see Columbia glacier then?

Thanks

Answer

Valdez is a fantastic destination for kayaking and glacier viewing, and early June is a good time to see the area’s wildlife and ice formations. The Columbia Glacier is accessible for both kayaking and boat tours, though each option provides a different experience.

Regarding kayaking companies:

Pangea Adventures: Known for smaller, guided kayaking trips, emphasizing close-up experiences with glaciers and wildlife. Guides are experienced, and trips are often personalized for skill level. You’ll likely get close to icebergs and the glacier terminus, but calving is never guaranteed—it depends on glacier activity on the day.
Anadyr Kayaking: Offers guided sea kayaking tours, sometimes including Columbia Glacier excursions. Their trips are also well-regarded, with strong focus on safety and wildlife observation. They may cover slightly longer distances and can offer different vantage points of the glacier compared to Pangea.

Kayaking to the Columbia Glacier vs. Valdez Lake:

Columbia Glacier kayaking: Provides an unforgettable Arctic experience with icebergs, glacier views, and the chance to spot seals, sea otters, and seabirds. However, paddling near the glacier can be physically demanding and weather-dependent. Seeing calving is possible but rare—it’s unpredictable, and you may just see small chunks of ice breaking off.
Valdez Lake kayaking: Much calmer, less physically demanding, and safer for beginners. It’s scenic, but you won’t see glaciers or large icebergs. Better for a relaxed paddle and wildlife spotting in a low-stress setting.

Lulu Bella Columbia Glacier wildlife boat ride:

This is a larger vessel tour that gets you very close to the glacier without paddling. You can see icebergs, the glacier face, and local wildlife such as seals, puffins, and sometimes whales. Calving may occur, though it’s still not guaranteed. This option is ideal if you want a glacier-focused experience with less physical effort than kayaking.

Summary recommendations:

If you want a true kayaking adventure and don’t mind exertion: either Pangea Adventures or Anadyr will give you a memorable glacier experience, keeping in mind calving is unlikely.
If you prefer a more comfortable way to see the glacier and wildlife: Lulu Bella boat tour is the better choice. You’ll get closer to the glacier with easier access and more consistent wildlife viewing.
For a more relaxed or backup option: Valdez Lake kayaking is scenic and safe, but does not offer glacier views.

Overall, for your first visit, a combination of a glacier boat tour with perhaps a shorter local kayak session would give the best mix of adventure, scenery, and wildlife viewing without overextending your time or energy.

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