Water Sports in Alaska

The Chilkat Preserve is one of the best places in the world to find American bald eagles"”thousands congregate there to feed on salmon during the fall and winter. This tour takes you on a scenic rafting trip along the Chilkat River"”where the eagles put up residence during the summer"”and provides the wilderness knowhow to spot the birds and other animals while navigating the river's channels.

Kayak along the coast of Resurrection Bay and enjoy scenic hikes on this full-day tour from Seward. Dock at a cove and follow a knowledgeable guide through a forest to a waterfall and North Beach. Time permitting, discover underground passages in an abandoned WWII bunker. Refuel with a country-style gourmet lunch and snacks, and throughout your day, admire alpine glaciers and watch for seabirds, puffins, Steller sea lions and jumping salmon. This small-group tour is limited to just 12 paddlers to ensure a more memorable experience.

Hit the Alaskan waters on this 3.5-hour Mendenhall Lake kayak tour in Tongass National Forest. Journey across the lake in a kayak with group members in your same expertise level. Maneuver around glaciers as you take in stunning sights of the lake's natural beauty, and catch sight of wildlife as you go. Paddle by Nugget Falls and the 3,000-year-old Mendenhall Glacier.

Experience the wildlife of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on a half-day tour from Haines that features a 1.5-hour float trip aboard a sturdy raft. The preserve is known to have the world's largest concentration of bald eagles, and other native animals such as moose, otters, and bears. Learn about Alaska's pristine wilderness from your guide, and stop for lunch at a scenic spot before returning to Haines. Your tour includes lunch, guide, raft tour, and port pickup and drop-off.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group of no more than eight people for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Float the Colorado River through spectacular Glen Canyon on a full-day trip from Sedona, and see towering cliffs and ancient petroglyphs from the water. Enjoy an easy going day on a smooth stretch of the river, floating all the way from Page to Lee's Ferry, and make a bonus stop at the Cameron Trading Post to shop for Native American artwork. This 12-hour Colorado River trip includes pickup and drop-off in Sedona, lunch, and all activities.

There are quite a few scenic float trips down the Snake River from Jackson. This one stands out by offering a morning trip that departs from the historic Heart Six Ranch, and an afternoon route on the upper, peaceful part of the river. During the morning, arrive early for a western breakfast with cowboy coffee (own expense) and watch ranch hands round up horses, before heading into the heart of Grand Teton.

Admire views of the Grand Tetons on a 3-hour scenic float down the Snake River. A guide does all the paddling so you can just relax and watch for wildlife along the water. When booking, you have the option to upgrade to include lunch.

Float past the ice-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and lush forests of the Taiya River on this 2.5-hour scenic rafting cruise. Along the way, learn about the region's Gold Rush history, spot wildlife in the Dyea Valley, and see the starting point of the historic Chilkoot Trail.

Plan the perfect desert adventure during this 10-hour excursion combining sightseeing and a scenic boating trip on the Colorado River. Tour the Painted Desert and shop for Native American crafts at Cameron Trading Post. Then board a boat for a 3.5-hour trip, passing below the 1,000-foot (300-meter) tall walls of Glen Canyon, the famous "Balancing Rocks," and much more.

Kayak around large chunks of ice floes in a calm lagoon on this 5-hour Bear Glacier adventure from Seward. A jet boat first speeds you near Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, where you'll board a kayak. Admire the stunning winter wonderland as you paddle through the icy labyrinth. Spot wildlife such as sea otters and seals, and enjoy snacks along the way. This small-group tour is limited to just six people, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention.

Hold on for an exhilarating river-rafting ride along Mendenhall Glacier. During this half-day adventure, drive through Mendenhall Valley before climbing aboard a raft rowed by an experienced guide. Float along for six miles around the foot of the glacier, through winding stretches of Class II and III whitewater rapids. Soak up gorgeous mountain scenery, and wrap up the day with a delicious snack. Families, beginners and the more experienced are all welcome! Hotel transport from Juneau included.

Explore the Grand Canyon from the land, air, and water on this full-day sightseeing adventure. Experience a 1-hour flight over the Grand Canyon's East Rim, the Colorado River, and Lake Powell en route to Page, Arizona. Then take a 1.5-hour tour of Antelope Canyon with an American Indian guide, followed by a leisurely, 4.5-hour, motorized rafting trip along the Colorado River, including a scenic 30-minute hike. The return drive back to the Grand Canyon features a stop to shop for Navajo crafts. Continental breakfast and lunch included.

Skim across the waters of Coconut Grove on a guided jet ski tour along the coast of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach and downtown Miami. Learn to steer your two-person jet ski, then follow your guide past the city's most glamorous houses and hot spots. Get the inside scoop on the city's most famous - and infamous - residents, and enjoy picture-perfect views of sandy beaches, elegant yachts and downtown's glittering skyscrapers as you escape the crowded city streets for cool, ocean breezes.

Explore the Chilkoot Trail, Taiya River, and White Pass Summit on a 6-hour tour from Skagway. Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush during a short hike on the Chilkoot Trail, then float on the Taiya River aboard a stable raft. Finally, take a scenic drive north to White Pass Summit for sweeping views of the mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes of the Yukon and British Columbia. Make a photo stop at the 'Welcome to Alaska' sign then pass through U.S. customs to return to Skagway.

Discover the tranquil beauty of Tongass National Forest on this 3.5-hour guided tour from Ketchikan. Paddle with a group of up to 20 passengers in a Native American-style canoe across a secluded lake, and then enjoy a nature walk through a rain forest. Gain insight into local Native American history, as well as the wildlife and plants you see along the way. A riverside snack and hotel transport are included.

Experience Mendenhall Glacier by land and water on this 6.5-hour combo-adventure tour from Juneau. First, hop into a canoe at Mendenhall Lake and paddle around luminescent blue icebergs and past cliffs and waterfalls toward Mendenhall Glacier. Step onto the glacier and explore the area with trekking poles. No matter what level of paddling or glacial-trekking experience you have, a guide is there to prepare you for each step of the journey. Look for wildlife sightings and expect personalized attention on this small-group tour limited to 14 people.

See the Mendenhall Glacier up close on a 3.5-hour tour from Juneau. You'll ride across the waters of Mendenhall Lake in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe that permits unobstructed viewing of the glacier, icebergs, Nugget Falls, and perhaps some Alaskan wildlife. Includes all equipment, snacks, and port pickup and drop-off.