Valdez’s Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour with Motor Boat Ride offers an unforgettable adventure amid Alaska’s stunning natural beauty. For $265, participants embark on a scenic boat journey to Shoup Bay, followed by kayaking through ancient glacial ice. With a knowledgeable guide, the tour promises breathtaking glacier views, wildlife sightings, and a chance to explore the area’s rich history. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or seeking a new outdoor experience, this tour might just be the perfect way to learn about Valdez’s awe-inspiring landscapes.
Key Points
- 8-hour adventure tour limited to 8 participants, conducted in English and costing $265 per person.
- Includes a scenic motor boat ride to Shoup Bay, kayaking, and a short beach walk with glacier views.
- Booking available with no upfront payment, full payment due 30 days before departure, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Tour highlights include a nesting colony of black-legged kittiwakes and an immersive experience in the Alaskan wilderness.
- Kayak equipment, guide services, snacks, and lunch are provided, but the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or those prone to seasickness.
Tour Overview
The Valdez: Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour with Motor Boat Ride is an 8-hour adventure limited to 8 participants.
Conducted in English, the tour costs $265 per person. Guests can book now and pay later, with full payment due 30 days prior to departure.
Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.
The highlights include a scenic motor boat ride to Shoup Bay, kayaking through the bay to experience ancient ice and new beaches, and a short beach walk with glacier views.
Lunch and essential equipment are provided.
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Booking Information
Guests can reserve their spot on the Valdez: Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour and pay nothing today. The booking process offers several benefits:
Reserve your spot on the Valdez: Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour with no upfront costs and enjoy the flexibility of pay later.
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Free cancellation: Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Reserve now, pay later: Full payment is due 30 days prior to departure.
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Flexible scheduling: The tour has limited group sizes, allowing for personalized experiences.
This booking policy provides flexibility and convenience for guests.
With no upfront costs and ample time to finalize plans, the Valdez: Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour is an accessible adventure.
Tour Highlights
A scenic motor boat ride takes guests to the stunning Shoup Bay, where they can then kayak through the ancient ice and newborn beaches.
Paddling up a fjord revealed by the retreating glacier, visitors will witness a nesting colony of black-legged kittiwakes and a lush, waterfall-laden coastline.
After the kayaking, guests can enjoy a short beach walk and lunch with breathtaking glacier views.
The tour provides an immersive experience in this beautiful and dynamic natural environment, allowing participants to fully appreciate the power and grandeur of the Alaskan wilderness.
Included Services
The Valdez: Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour includes essential equipment and services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The tour provides:
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Kayak equipment, including rubber boots, gloves, rain pants, and jackets, to keep participants warm and dry.
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Guide services and motor boat transport to the Shoup Bay starting point.
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State park fees, snacks, hot drinks, and a provided lunch, allowing guests to focus on the adventure.
These included services make the tour a hassle-free and well-rounded experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Shoup Glacier.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or those prone to seasickness.
Participants should bring a camera, water, and binoculars to fully enjoy the tour. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed during the excursion.
Bring a camera, water, and binoculars to fully enjoy the tour. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited during the excursion.
The refund policy is straightforward – a full refund is available for cancellations within 72 hours of departure, and refunds are provided for operator cancellations due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
However, no-shows will be charged the full price. These guidelines ensure a safe and memorable experience for all participants.
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Scenic Motor Boat Ride to Shoup Bay
After being transported by motor boat to Shoup Bay, you will embark on a scenic journey through the pristine waters.
The motorboat ride offers several highlights:
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Stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers that tower over the bay.
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Opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as bald eagles, sea lions, and whales that frequent the area.
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A chance to appreciate the serene and untouched nature of Shoup Bay before setting out to explore it up close in kayaks.
This scenic motor boat ride sets the stage for the kayaking portion of the tour, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Valdez.
Kayaking Through Shoup Bay
Upon arriving at Shoup Bay, participants don the provided kayaking gear and embark on their aquatic adventure.
Gliding across the pristine waters, they’ll paddle through the fjord formed by the retreating Shoup Glacier. Towering ice walls and newborn beaches provide a stunning backdrop as the group explores this glacial landscape.
Participants may spot a nesting colony of black-legged kittiwakes and take in the lush, waterfall-laden coastline.
After kayaking, the group enjoys a short beach walk and lunch with views of the majestic glacier.
Exploring the Retreating Glacier
As participants glide across the bay, they witness the dramatic effects of the retreating Shoup Glacier. The once-mighty ice mass has steadily receded, revealing an ever-changing landscape.
Paddlers can:
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Observe the newly formed beaches, carved by the glacier’s retreat.
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Peer up at the towering, ancient ice cliffs that tower above the water.
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Marvel at the serene fjord, now accessible due to the glacier’s shrinking size.
This intimate encounter with the glacier’s evolution underscores the profound impact of climate change on Alaska’s stunning natural wonders.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Kayak Equipment?
No, you can’t bring your own kayak equipment. The tour provides all necessary kayaking gear, including life jackets, paddles, and wet weather gear. This ensures the safety and consistency of the experience for all participants.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator prohibits bringing animals due to safety and environmental concerns. Only service animals are permitted with prior approval.
How Experienced Do I Need to Be as a Kayaker?
No prior kayaking experience is required. The guided tour provides all necessary equipment and training. Participants simply need to be able to follow instructions and paddle in a safe and responsible manner.
Is There an Age Limit for Participants?
The tour doesn’t have an age limit, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or those prone to seasickness. Participants should be able to get in and out of a kayak safely.
Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?
Yes, private tours can be requested. The tour operator offers a private option with a maximum group size of 8 participants. Booking a private tour requires full payment 30 days prior to the departure date.
Final Words
The Valdez: Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour with Motor Boat Ride offers a unique opportunity to experience Alaska’s natural wonders. From the scenic motorboat journey to the captivating kayaking experience and up-close glacier exploration, this tour provides a well-rounded adventure. With personalized attention and included amenities, it’s an efficient way to discover the breathtaking landscapes of Shoup Bay.
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