Kayaking in Juneau

Question

A few of us would like to kayak with a private guide, not a 3 hour tour, due to time restraints. Does anyone know of where I can find a private guide. The Local Tour guide site has an individual but he does not do kayaking. Thanks, Nancy

Answer

Hi Nancy — great question. Here are some suggestions and thoughts for finding a *private kayaking guide* around Juneau, plus what to expect. True private-only (guide + kayak for just your group) tours are less common than shared small-group ones, but there are several operators and strategies you can try.

Here are a number of options to explore, plus tips on how to set up a more custom/private outing:

Alaska Boat & Kayak (Juneau Kayak Rentals) — Based in Auke Bay, this is one of the primary kayak rental & guiding companies in Juneau. They offer guided tours around Auke Bay and also support more independent-style kayaking.
- Rely on their “Get a Guide” option — you can email or call to request a private guide.
- They also provide *private kayak classes*, which could be adapted into a guided paddle if arranged ahead.
- If you're okay with paddling yourself but want someone to drop off the kayak or advise on a route, they might be flexible — ask them when you contact.
Above & Beyond Alaska via Juneau Kayak Rentals — The same kayak shop lists a partner “Above and Beyond Alaska” for more wilderness-type guided kayaking adventures. For example, in their specials they mention “wilderness adventures featuring glaciers, bears, and whales.”
- They offer a “Fortress of the Bears” kayak + floatplane trip to Admiralty Island.
- They may be willing to craft a private trip for a small group, depending on your dates and how many people you are — reach out early to ask.
Paddle Juneau — They run kayak (and paddleboard) tours in Juneau, including trips with glacier views and wildlife. Their tours are fairly small (max 8 people) and guided by experienced instructors.
- While their website mostly advertises set tours, you could contact them directly and ask whether they would do a *custom private kayak tour* for your group. With smaller capacity, they might be more open to tailoring something.
Alaska Shore Tours (“Paddle With Whales” Adventure) — This is a 6-hour kayak + boat combo offered by Alaska Shore Tours. You paddle for about 2 hours in sea kayaks in a marine park, after a private charter boat drop-off.
- Max of 6 guests, which is still quite small — almost like a private group if your party is comfortable sharing.
- They provide all gear, transport from the Juneau dock, and experienced guides.
- You could ask whether they’ll run that tour just for your group (or at least charge you “private group” rate) if their schedule allows.
Alaska Travel Adventures (Glacier View Sea Kayaking) — They run a 3.5-hour kayaking trip with glacier views, wildlife, and interpretive guiding.
- The standard tour is shared, but if you contact them, they might be able to make a private/charter version just for your party (especially in a smaller shoulder-season group).
- The tour covers the Mendenhall Wetlands and gives a very scenic, quieter perspective from the water.

Tips for arranging a private guide:

Reach out by email or phone well in advance. Explain your group size, how long you want to kayak, and that you prefer a “private guide only for our group.” Many tour companies are small and seasonal, so the more specific you are, the better.
Be flexible on timing. If you can go early in the morning or late afternoon, there may be more flexibility for private or semi-private arrangements.
Ask for a “custom quote” — rather than a fixed shared-tour rate, they might give you a rate that accounts for just your group + guide.
Clarify gear: make sure dry suits, life jackets, and other safety gear are included. Some guiding companies provide everything, others may not.
Mention your fitness / kayak experience — guides will appreciate knowing whether you’re beginners, or have paddled before. This helps them plan a safe, enjoyable route for your skill level.

Things to be aware of in Juneau kayaking:

Sea conditions can change. Some launches (especially for sea kayaking) may be more exposed. Make sure your guide monitors tides, wind, and weather. The kayak rental shop’s safety packet emphasizes planning, float plans, and being near shore when possible.
Wildlife is abundant — seals, sea lions, eagles, perhaps whales — so having a guide is really valuable (for safety and for spotting).
Because you’re overseas, confirm logistics like where you’ll meet the guide, how to get to the launch point (Auke Bay or another), and transport (some tour companies pick up at the dock, others don't). For example, Shore Tours will pick you up at the cruise dock.