A work week at sea that will have you experiencing the true spirit of SE Alaska. Departing from Haines – a sleepy little fishing town where the Lynn Fjord (Lynn Canal), the deepest in North America, meets the mighty Chilkat River. We will spend this week exploring the area where the river meets the sea and the unique ecosystem that is created by the convergence of these two very different water bodies.

We will begin our adventure just south of Haines, Alaska, first traveling by van with all the equipment we will need for the next week. This short but scenic journey overland will take us along the base of towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks, past historic canneries, and along black gravel beaches, giving us a view of the seascape that will be our home for the next 5 days.

Starting in a little cove on the western shore of the Chilkat Peninsula, we can get our sea legs, practicing paddling techniques and getting comfortable in the kayaks that will make our journey possible. Once we are feeling confident, we can head north toward the mighty Chilkat River or south along the shores of Chilkat State Park. Whichever direction we decide to travel, we will use the wind and tide to help us on our trip.

Wildlife is abundant in this part of the fjord and we are always looking for marine life. In these waters porpoise and Stellar sea lions are very common along with Harbor Seals but if we have just a little luck we will see the spout of a humpback whale or the 6-foot tall dorsel fin of an Orca, both of which spend their summers in these waters. As we cruise close to the shore we’ll keep our eyes peeled for all manner of wildlife cruising the beaches for a snack – maybe a brown bear grazing on beach grasses or shell fish? Bears are just one of many species that frequent the shorelines in the area around Haines.

Under blue skies, our eyes may spy the brilliant blue of the Rainbow Glacier hanging high above the fjord with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water pouring from waterfalls to the sea below. The Davidson Glacier is just to our south now and, if we choose, may be a great terrestrial adventure if the winds kick up and we decide to stay ashore.

Each day will see us traveling along rocky shores, sandy beaches or towering cliffs, never staying the same with new surprises around each point. SEAK expedition guides work and live in this fjord and whether we are on the sea or on its shores, they are with you to make your adventure a safe and enjoyable one. We will tread lightly and use Leave No Trace camping practices not only to maintain the wildness of this place but to keep us safe from harm.

We will use expedition style kayaks ranging from 17 to 21 feet in length, designed to travel great distances. This sea kayak adventure will have us traveling along the shores of the Lynn Fjord, but we will have time to stretch our legs and explore the coastline on hikes in the evenings or on a rest day. Physical fitness will be a factor more than time spent sea kayaking. Extensive paddling experience is not required.

Sea kayaks have a long history in the waters of Alaska and are a great way to enjoy the fjord around Haines. Traveling by sea kayak lets us move almost as one with the environment around us, allowing us to experience this seascape in a truly unique fashion.