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  • Great for Families!

Caines Head 3/4-Day with Water Taxi

Quick Details

Person

$300

$ 275

Book the Guide!

Private tour up to 6 People

$ 1650

Paddle & Hike Caines Head with a Water Taxi Back!

Prefer to skip the kayak both ways? No problem! Enjoy a scenic water taxi ride one way and still experience the beauty of Caines Head, without the full paddle. This leisurely option lets you soak in the sights on both water and land, with extra time to explore.

This popular tour combines kayaking, hiking, and a relaxing water taxi ride back to Miller’s Landing. Morning trips depart early to avoid afternoon winds, while afternoon trips start with a water taxi ride, allowing you to kayak back after the winds have died down.

Paddle from Lowell Point to Caines Head State Park, spotting wildlife like eagles, sea otters, and sea lions along the way. The one-way water taxi offers more wildlife watching and a chance to unwind.

Explore Tonsina Creek (salmon spawning, seasonal), the “ghost forest” from the 1964 earthquake, and Bridal Veil Falls (time permitting). Hike 4 miles to historic Fort McGilvray, with stunning Gulf of Alaska views. The hike is moderate, with a 650-foot ascent. Ideal for ages 12+.

Tip: Bring your own food or purchase a meal package from our café (available at checkout).

Essential Details

DIFFICULTY

This trip is rated as moderate but easier than the Full-day paddle because you ride the water taxi back instead of kayaking back. On this trip you travel by kayak 5 miles to Caines Head North Beach, which takes roughly an hour to hour and a half depending on your group. After you land and your guide stashes your boats, you begin hiking to Fort McGilvray. It’s just over 2 miles to the top (5 miles round trip). With a 650-foot elevation gain.  The trail is well maintained and is set in the stunning Chugach Forest.

TIPS FOR A GREAT TRIP

Clothing and shoes: Be sure to pack comfortable shoes that could get wet, and good layers. It’s never a bad idea to pack extra socks too, and to avoid cotton for longer kayaking trips, especially if it’s raining.

Packing: There is plenty of storage in the boats for spare layers, and other items if packed into small bags around 25 oz. Each guest also gets a dry bag to use during the trip if needed. Reach out if you have questions about gear.

Bringing a Camera? We use sit-in kayaks for this trip, you can have your camera around your neck or in a dry bag. Which can sit in front of you, on the kayak, under bungie cords.

WHAT TO BRING

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and kayaking, lunch or snacks to enjoy after the hike, and comfortable layers for being outdoors.

  • Water bottle
  • Rain gear
  • Synthetic or wool layers
  • Comfortable shoes for hiking, we pull and launch your kayaks from shore so you should not be stepping into any water.
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Depending on the weather consider bringing gloves, beanie, sun hat, extra socks, sunglasses, sunscreen.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Our sit-inside tandem kayaks are stable and well maintained. They come with a rudder for steering, spray skirts, life vests and paddles. Your guide is also fitted with necessary safety and first aid equipment.

Let your guide know before the trip if you need:

  • Extra rain gear
  • Pogies to protect your hands (paddling mittens)
  • Neoprene Booties
  • A dry bag
  • A butt pad

Before each trip we provide a short orientation on sea kayaking and safety, so everyone is comfortable before we hit the water!

THE WATER TAXI RIDE

The water taxi ride takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on the weather, tides, and if we see any wildlife. While the water is usually calm, it can sometimes get bumpy if the weather comes in. We always do our best to make the ride comfortable, but we can’t control the weather!

We make a couple other stops during the water taxi ride to pick up or drop off other kayak groups, which does not take long. It’s always best when we have a full schedule, you get to see more parts of the bay!

More Information

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